Travels in Eire #30

Darren and Cailin arrived back in Derry early enough to have a last dinner together, at least last for a while, and get Cailin settled back the in the same B&B as she had stayed in before. It was getting late and they were struggling with their good-byes.
“Darren, I'll just be a phone call away, and can keep in touch easily for the next few days, and I promise I'll call before I get on the plane for New York.” Cailin tried to make sure Darren knew she was serious.

“Cailin, I know and understand all that but it doesn't make it easier. I really care for you but I won't come running to New York to bring you back. I just can't do that to my parents and won't do that to myself. Ireland is my home and my heart. I hope someday you will feel that way too.” Darren felt like he was baring his soul here.

Cailin moved close to Darren and reached her arms around his waist in a firm hug putting her head on his chest. He wrapped her in the grasp of his arms and they stood there is silence for what seemed like a lifetime.

Cailin looked up to Darren, “I promise I will be back. I can't imagine not returning. Ireland has a hold on me that I just can't explain.”

And with that Cailin and Darren said goodbye with a long lingering kiss.

It was a restless night for Cailin. Images of the last two weeks running through her head. All the discoveries in Mullaghmore and Ardmore, meeting Darren, and then everything that had happened between herself and Darren. She knew she needed time to decompress and digest all this. But without question, she did know she wanted to come back to Ireland, to work here and spend more time with Darren. This was not a decision she made lightly, but still she had concerns about it. Was she being foolish? Was this all a flight of fancy?

Before Cailin realized it, morning had arrived. She needed to get breakfast and head out for Mullaghmore and find Rorey. As she checked out and pulled her backpack over her shoulder and headed out the door she noticed Darren leaning on he hood of the car. He was smiling at her and she couldn't help grinning back.

“What???” Cailin shouted as she approached Darren.

“I couldn't let you leave without a last goodbye,” and Darren pulled Cailin close to him for a great morning hug.

“I'm going to miss this, you know?” Cailin looked up to Darren.

After one last kiss, Cailin climbed into the car, winked at Darren and pulled out into traffic. She wouldn't look back at Darren as she knew, she would stop the car and never get going.