On Sunday Cailin received the pictures of the flat from Susan and all the rental information paperwork that she needed to complete and fax back to Ireland to finalized the rental. She talked to Darren for a long while and he assured her that the flat was exactly what she needed and would work out well for her. It was surprising to her how well she and Darren got along this far apart. He constantly reminded her how much she was missed, and she did the same for him. They took the time to share everything that was going on in their lives, Darren with his hospital and fund-raising projects and Cailin with her plans to move. Even while they were so far apart she felt they were going closer together. One thing Cailin did not share with Darren was what had happened with Nick. As far as she was concerned it was over. She had not heard from Nick since Friday when he was planted on her stoop, and felt she had handled that situation. No reason to worry Darren about something that was a non-issue.
Sunday also brought another visit to her parents to share all her information on her move and the new flat. Everyone thought that the flat was perfect and kept asking if there was any help that Cailin needed to get moved. Cailin couldn't think of anything except for continued support in this venture. Her dad would help with moving all her stuff to a storage facility the next weekend and Cailin would move home to her old room for a few days as she made her final preparations to fly back to Ireland. That would give her time to pack up and ship some things over before she left.
Now she was looking forward to getting back to work on Monday and hoping that Rob would support her decision to work remotely. All it would take was a week of catching up on current research and seeing what needed to be done to organize her work from Ireland. The time difference was a concern, but Cailin figured she could always get up extra early to accommodate the difference so that work could be completed. Between email, phone, and web conversations for meetings, it should all work out. She had to keep emphasizing that this was a 3 month experiment, with hopes of a longer time to come.
All in all it had been a good weekend and Cailin felt things were moving along without too much trouble. Why did she still have this gnawing feeling that this was too easy? Did things really happen like this?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Travels in Eire #38
Cailin was checking off those things that she needed to do to complete her move to Ireland and insure she still could work. She now felt that the biggest obstacle for her, Nick, was taken care of. Her family was very supportive in this venture and she had high hopes for Rob allowing her to work remotely.
She was glad it was the weekend, so she could spend more time talking to Darren on the phone. Weekdays were more difficult with his work schedule. They used Skype so not only could they talk, but they could see each other also. Even though there was a 5 hour time difference, they worked out times to call when they would both be at the computer, so it was strange that Darren was not there when Cailin called this Saturday. She left a message on Skype and just figured he got held up for a while and would return the call in a few minutes. Cailin went about organizing her apartment to prepare to move out.
Two hours had passed when she realized that she had not heard back from Darren. She wasn't sure if she should be concerned or not. Cailin thought she's try to call again, even though it was passed their agreed calling time. This time the call rang through and a woman answered, “Hello?” Cailin was so shocked she disconnected the call immediately before the video image came up. She had never considered that Darrren might find someone else to see while she was in New York. She felt they were in a committed relationship, but then they had not really known each other that well or for that long. From their discussions Cailin knew that Darren only had a brother, so this was not a sister. Who was the woman? Cailin was dismayed. Had she vested too much into this relationship?
Before Cailin had too much time to think about all of this, her computer rang with a Skpe call. It was Darren.
“HI, my American Lass. How are you doing?” Darren was upbeat and happy. She could easily see this through the video on her computer.
“Darren...I....I...I called a while ago and some woman answered,” Cailin was beyond beating around the bush with men any more. It was straightforward or nothing at all from now on.
“Cailin, no worries, that was Susan the rental agent. She thought it was strange that you hung up. I was next door dealing with a noisy neighbor when you called. We had just returned from seeing the rental.”
“But Darren we have a pre-arranged call time. Where were you?” Cailin wanted to get to the bottom of this mystery.
“Cailin, take a breath here. I was with Susan looking at a place for you and we were detained. I haven't had a minute to call you until now. I'm just so glad you are home and can talk. I'm really sorry we missed our call time. Can you talk now? Susan is here and she'd like to talk to you about the rental. I think we found a perfect place.” Susan stepped into the web cam view and Cailin could see that there was nothing to worry about. Susan was more mature and business like. Not some young girl.
Cailin's blood pressure seemed to return to normal. She was very cautious after her relationship with Nick. Things seemed normal and talking to a rental agent was something she could easily handle.
The conversation with Susan went smoothly after the very awkward start. It seemed that Darren had known Susan for a while through fund raising at the hospital and she had even helped Darren find his current place. Susan was friendly and seemed enthusiastic about meeting Cailin and helping her make a smooth move to Derry. She found a flat that was halfway between the hospital and Darren's current location that was right on the bus route to Derry proper. Everything was within easy walking distance and there had been an upgrade of broadband services in the building, so Internet would be readily available.
Susan agreed to sent some photos of the flat to Cailin and fax over a rental agreement. The price was a little more than Cailin had planned, but if the flat was everything Susan was promising, it would be perfect. Darren was excited because he knew that he could always stop by on his way home from work. Cailin realized this might mean less take-out and more cooking for her. She smiled at the thought of cooking for someone special in her life.
The flat would be available the first of the month which fit into Cailin's time frame perfectly. It was fully furnished with dishes and linens included which was a big help. Less to ship over, or purchase while she was there.
Cailin finished talking with Susan and told Darren they could catch up on Sunday once she had a chance to see the pictures of the flat and got the agreement from Susan. After a shaky start to the conversation, Cailin felt all things were going smoothly. But it was just this feeling that gave her made her uneasy deep down in her thoughts. Should this all have been so easy?
She was glad it was the weekend, so she could spend more time talking to Darren on the phone. Weekdays were more difficult with his work schedule. They used Skype so not only could they talk, but they could see each other also. Even though there was a 5 hour time difference, they worked out times to call when they would both be at the computer, so it was strange that Darren was not there when Cailin called this Saturday. She left a message on Skype and just figured he got held up for a while and would return the call in a few minutes. Cailin went about organizing her apartment to prepare to move out.
Two hours had passed when she realized that she had not heard back from Darren. She wasn't sure if she should be concerned or not. Cailin thought she's try to call again, even though it was passed their agreed calling time. This time the call rang through and a woman answered, “Hello?” Cailin was so shocked she disconnected the call immediately before the video image came up. She had never considered that Darrren might find someone else to see while she was in New York. She felt they were in a committed relationship, but then they had not really known each other that well or for that long. From their discussions Cailin knew that Darren only had a brother, so this was not a sister. Who was the woman? Cailin was dismayed. Had she vested too much into this relationship?
Before Cailin had too much time to think about all of this, her computer rang with a Skpe call. It was Darren.
“HI, my American Lass. How are you doing?” Darren was upbeat and happy. She could easily see this through the video on her computer.
“Darren...I....I...I called a while ago and some woman answered,” Cailin was beyond beating around the bush with men any more. It was straightforward or nothing at all from now on.
“Cailin, no worries, that was Susan the rental agent. She thought it was strange that you hung up. I was next door dealing with a noisy neighbor when you called. We had just returned from seeing the rental.”
“But Darren we have a pre-arranged call time. Where were you?” Cailin wanted to get to the bottom of this mystery.
“Cailin, take a breath here. I was with Susan looking at a place for you and we were detained. I haven't had a minute to call you until now. I'm just so glad you are home and can talk. I'm really sorry we missed our call time. Can you talk now? Susan is here and she'd like to talk to you about the rental. I think we found a perfect place.” Susan stepped into the web cam view and Cailin could see that there was nothing to worry about. Susan was more mature and business like. Not some young girl.
Cailin's blood pressure seemed to return to normal. She was very cautious after her relationship with Nick. Things seemed normal and talking to a rental agent was something she could easily handle.
The conversation with Susan went smoothly after the very awkward start. It seemed that Darren had known Susan for a while through fund raising at the hospital and she had even helped Darren find his current place. Susan was friendly and seemed enthusiastic about meeting Cailin and helping her make a smooth move to Derry. She found a flat that was halfway between the hospital and Darren's current location that was right on the bus route to Derry proper. Everything was within easy walking distance and there had been an upgrade of broadband services in the building, so Internet would be readily available.
Susan agreed to sent some photos of the flat to Cailin and fax over a rental agreement. The price was a little more than Cailin had planned, but if the flat was everything Susan was promising, it would be perfect. Darren was excited because he knew that he could always stop by on his way home from work. Cailin realized this might mean less take-out and more cooking for her. She smiled at the thought of cooking for someone special in her life.
The flat would be available the first of the month which fit into Cailin's time frame perfectly. It was fully furnished with dishes and linens included which was a big help. Less to ship over, or purchase while she was there.
Cailin finished talking with Susan and told Darren they could catch up on Sunday once she had a chance to see the pictures of the flat and got the agreement from Susan. After a shaky start to the conversation, Cailin felt all things were going smoothly. But it was just this feeling that gave her made her uneasy deep down in her thoughts. Should this all have been so easy?
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Travels in Eire #37
Knots were building up in Cailin's stomach as she approached the stoop of her apartment. There was no getting away from this now. It had to be addressed head on, but she had had no time to prepare for this.
“So Sweetie, how are you? Did you miss me?” Nick said as he stood to greet her, leaning toward her to give her a kiss. Cailin quickly turned her face to avoid as much as possible. Nick chuckled at her attempt to avoid his kiss.
“Nick, there is nothing funny here. You obviously are not getting my message. We're through. Done. There is nothing to discuss. I'm not interested in seeing you, I don't want you to bother me anymore. Are you getting this?”
“Babe, I know you are just saying that because you are a little upset with me.”
“UPSET!!! You are kidding. And I'm not your babe. Save that for some other sucker. I'm done with you. And if I have to get a restraining order, I will. Again I ask, are you getting this?”
“Cailin, I didn't realize I hurt you so much. You do understand that I'm very sorry for my indiscretions, right? We are meant for each other. Everyone knows that.”
“Nick, I'm going into my apartment now. Do not call me. Do not try to contact me. Do not bother me, ever again. We are not meant for each other. I'm in love with someone else.” Cailin was not sure she should have said that last information, but was hoping that was something that could get through to Nick.
Suddenly Nick was frozen in his tracks. He said nothing. The look on his face was one of disbelief. Jaw open with no words being uttered. And suddenly all he could muster was, “So you were the one cheating on me. Typical. And I'm the last to find out Who is this new sucker of yours. That's it, I'm done here.” Obviously Nick was trying to save face. He turned and walked away without another word.
Cailin was sure that by tomorrow Nick will have slammed her to all their friends. If they believed him, she knew they were not really friends. Those who knew her, knew that she wanted out of the relationship and also knew Nick's reputation. But for now she drew a breath of relief hoping this was finally over.
What surprised Cailin was that her statement about being in love with someone else came out so easily. It was the first time she had said it out loud. As she climbed the stairs to her apartment she smiled at the thought. Now all she needed was approval from her boss for her move and she could make moving plans.
“So Sweetie, how are you? Did you miss me?” Nick said as he stood to greet her, leaning toward her to give her a kiss. Cailin quickly turned her face to avoid as much as possible. Nick chuckled at her attempt to avoid his kiss.
“Nick, there is nothing funny here. You obviously are not getting my message. We're through. Done. There is nothing to discuss. I'm not interested in seeing you, I don't want you to bother me anymore. Are you getting this?”
“Babe, I know you are just saying that because you are a little upset with me.”
“UPSET!!! You are kidding. And I'm not your babe. Save that for some other sucker. I'm done with you. And if I have to get a restraining order, I will. Again I ask, are you getting this?”
“Cailin, I didn't realize I hurt you so much. You do understand that I'm very sorry for my indiscretions, right? We are meant for each other. Everyone knows that.”
“Nick, I'm going into my apartment now. Do not call me. Do not try to contact me. Do not bother me, ever again. We are not meant for each other. I'm in love with someone else.” Cailin was not sure she should have said that last information, but was hoping that was something that could get through to Nick.
Suddenly Nick was frozen in his tracks. He said nothing. The look on his face was one of disbelief. Jaw open with no words being uttered. And suddenly all he could muster was, “So you were the one cheating on me. Typical. And I'm the last to find out Who is this new sucker of yours. That's it, I'm done here.” Obviously Nick was trying to save face. He turned and walked away without another word.
Cailin was sure that by tomorrow Nick will have slammed her to all their friends. If they believed him, she knew they were not really friends. Those who knew her, knew that she wanted out of the relationship and also knew Nick's reputation. But for now she drew a breath of relief hoping this was finally over.
What surprised Cailin was that her statement about being in love with someone else came out so easily. It was the first time she had said it out loud. As she climbed the stairs to her apartment she smiled at the thought. Now all she needed was approval from her boss for her move and she could make moving plans.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Travels in Eire #36
Cailin was awakened by the ringing of her house phone. She rolled over in bed and sleepily grabbed the receiver.
“Helloooo,” she groggily answered.
“Hey Babe, I was wondering when I'd catch you. Good morning sleepy head.” chirped Nick as if they had just left each other.
“Are you there, Cailin?” Nick was wondering why the other end of the line was silent.
Cailin was trying to figure out what to say. She kept thinking about hanging up as an option.
“Not now Nick, I'll call you later. This is not a good time,” Cailin wanted to wait to deal with Nick.
“Your call, Babe. Just know I'm waiting to hear from you and won't take no for an answer for very long,” Nick was being insistent as he hung up the phone.
Cailin rolled over in bed and groaned. This was not the way she wanted to start this day. She needed to be focused and sure about herself when she met with Rob. His decision would mean a lot to her and she wanted to make sure he agreed with what she wanted to do in terms of working in Ireland. She took a look at her clock and realized she had already overslept and needed to get moving to get ready to meet Rob for lunch.
Cailin walked to Luigi's after getting off the bus. It was a warm and slightly humid day and she was wearing a flowered cotton tank dress that floated away from her as she quickly strolled down the street. As she approached the entrance to Luigi's she could see Rob sitting in his regular seat by the window. She flashed back to Rorey sitting in the cafe by the window and smiled.
Rob stood as Cailin approached the table and gave her a welcoming hug.
“Hope you had a good trip Cailin,” Rob was curious as to what Cailin wanted to talk about.
“It was a wonderful trip, Rob. I found my family roots and saw some amazing sites along the way,” Cailin wanted to broach the subject slowly.
This was followed by small talk about Cailin's trip, some catching up with office news, ordering their lunches, and general family discussion. As Cailin and Rob finished lunch, Rob was the first to broach the reason for this lunch meeting.
“So Cailin, have you come back to tell me you are quitting and leaving the company?”
“Rob, you should know me better than that. I love my job. But I am interested in the possibility of making a few changes in how I do my work.”
“What do you mean changes, Cailin?”
“Rob, you know as well as I do that the work I do can be done as easily from home as it can be done from the office. So what if I worked remotely?” Cailin was trying to be careful about how she approached this idea.
“You have a point, Cailin. So are you saying you want to work from home, now? Or are you thinking about working from somewhere else?” Rob was quick, and had an idea of what Cailin was proposing.
“Rob, I have a feeling you are way ahead of me. So I'm just going to throw this out here. What would be the possibility of my working remotely from Ireland?” Cailin bit her lip and held her breath.
“Cailin, you must have some very special reason for wanting to move to Ireland to work. I never expected you to come back from vacation and propose this. But I can't just say yes. I need a little time to think this over. And I also get the feeling that you don't want to wait very long. It's Friday now, how about I let you know on Monday. And I need some information from you about all this. How soon would you want this to happen? A week? A month? And what if we needed you for client meetings, would you be agreeable to fly back and forth? You may not think there is a lot of detail to arrange something like this, but there is, and I need some time.”
Cailin could see Rob trying to cover all the questions that might arise. She felt that this was going better than she had envisioned and was happy that Rob could see how serious she was about this plan. She also respected the flexibility that he always seemed to have with his employees. They agreed to talk again on Monday when Cailin returned to work. Rob understood that she was hoping that she could make this happen within two weeks or less.
Cailin left the meeting feeling that all things were going just as she had envisioned. As she left the bus stop and approached her flat, she realized that her biggest problem yet had to be dealt with. Nick was sitting on the steps of the stoop of her apartment.
“Helloooo,” she groggily answered.
“Hey Babe, I was wondering when I'd catch you. Good morning sleepy head.” chirped Nick as if they had just left each other.
“Are you there, Cailin?” Nick was wondering why the other end of the line was silent.
Cailin was trying to figure out what to say. She kept thinking about hanging up as an option.
“Not now Nick, I'll call you later. This is not a good time,” Cailin wanted to wait to deal with Nick.
“Your call, Babe. Just know I'm waiting to hear from you and won't take no for an answer for very long,” Nick was being insistent as he hung up the phone.
Cailin rolled over in bed and groaned. This was not the way she wanted to start this day. She needed to be focused and sure about herself when she met with Rob. His decision would mean a lot to her and she wanted to make sure he agreed with what she wanted to do in terms of working in Ireland. She took a look at her clock and realized she had already overslept and needed to get moving to get ready to meet Rob for lunch.
Cailin walked to Luigi's after getting off the bus. It was a warm and slightly humid day and she was wearing a flowered cotton tank dress that floated away from her as she quickly strolled down the street. As she approached the entrance to Luigi's she could see Rob sitting in his regular seat by the window. She flashed back to Rorey sitting in the cafe by the window and smiled.
Rob stood as Cailin approached the table and gave her a welcoming hug.
“Hope you had a good trip Cailin,” Rob was curious as to what Cailin wanted to talk about.
“It was a wonderful trip, Rob. I found my family roots and saw some amazing sites along the way,” Cailin wanted to broach the subject slowly.
This was followed by small talk about Cailin's trip, some catching up with office news, ordering their lunches, and general family discussion. As Cailin and Rob finished lunch, Rob was the first to broach the reason for this lunch meeting.
“So Cailin, have you come back to tell me you are quitting and leaving the company?”
“Rob, you should know me better than that. I love my job. But I am interested in the possibility of making a few changes in how I do my work.”
“What do you mean changes, Cailin?”
“Rob, you know as well as I do that the work I do can be done as easily from home as it can be done from the office. So what if I worked remotely?” Cailin was trying to be careful about how she approached this idea.
“You have a point, Cailin. So are you saying you want to work from home, now? Or are you thinking about working from somewhere else?” Rob was quick, and had an idea of what Cailin was proposing.
“Rob, I have a feeling you are way ahead of me. So I'm just going to throw this out here. What would be the possibility of my working remotely from Ireland?” Cailin bit her lip and held her breath.
“Cailin, you must have some very special reason for wanting to move to Ireland to work. I never expected you to come back from vacation and propose this. But I can't just say yes. I need a little time to think this over. And I also get the feeling that you don't want to wait very long. It's Friday now, how about I let you know on Monday. And I need some information from you about all this. How soon would you want this to happen? A week? A month? And what if we needed you for client meetings, would you be agreeable to fly back and forth? You may not think there is a lot of detail to arrange something like this, but there is, and I need some time.”
Cailin could see Rob trying to cover all the questions that might arise. She felt that this was going better than she had envisioned and was happy that Rob could see how serious she was about this plan. She also respected the flexibility that he always seemed to have with his employees. They agreed to talk again on Monday when Cailin returned to work. Rob understood that she was hoping that she could make this happen within two weeks or less.
Cailin left the meeting feeling that all things were going just as she had envisioned. As she left the bus stop and approached her flat, she realized that her biggest problem yet had to be dealt with. Nick was sitting on the steps of the stoop of her apartment.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Travels in Eire #35
The day had flown by and now Cailin was headed to have dinner with her parents and grandmother. The trip was 2 subway trains and a 3 block walk, but the summer the weather was warm and just a little humid, so she didn't mind at all. She left early to miss the crowds leaving work and heading home, planning to have time to discuss everything with her family before dinner. The idea of discussing this all over dinner was not very appealing, especially if her parents were not in favor of her idea to move to Ireland.
As she walked the last block to her parents house she went over how she would approach her parents with her idea. But she knew it was all going to have to be done is response to how her parents reacted. And before she knew it she was at the house and her mother came running down the steps of the front porch to greet her.
“Cailin, honey, it's so good to see you!” her mom said as she smothered Cailin with a huge hug.
“Mom, I've only been gone a few weeks. And can you let go a little so I can breathe?” Cailin laughed as she hugged her mom back.
“You look so relaxed and rested. Not at all like when you left,” her mom was very observant, that was for sure.
“Mom, you know why I had to leave for a while. And I know you understand why.” Cailin wanted to make sure her mom was happy for her.
“Let's go inside and you can tell us all about your trip. I just know you have some unbelievable adventures and I'm can't wait to hear about them.”
Cailin and her mom entered the house hand in hand smiling. They had always been very close. Cailin left her mom and went to over to her grandmother and kissed her on the cheek. There was something about her grandmother that took Cailin by surprise. As Cailin pulled away from her she winked at Cailin. It immediately reminded her of the wink that she got from Darren's grandfather. That knowing wink. She knew she was in big trouble now and smiled back at her grandmother. As she stood up and turned around her father was standing there with his hands outstretched.
“So what am I, chopped liver?” he laughed heartily as Cailin returned his hug.
“Okay, Cailin, let's hear it all,” her mother instructed as she tapped a place on the sofa for Cailin to sit down.
And so the story began with that rainy night ending up in Mullaghmore, meeting Rorey, finding the family tombstones in Ardmore, and her trip to Derry. It was here she took and breath to answer questions before she started to bring meeting Darren into her vacation. The questions were few. She could see that both her mother and grandmother were waiting for what she had to say. It was now or never, and Cailin knew she needed to get it out.
“Okay, so I'm just going to put it all out there. I met someone while I was in Derry. We spent some time together and we want to spend more time together.” It was out, she did it all in one breath and was waiting for a response, but there was none.
Finally her mother spoke, “That's so nice Cailin, when is he coming to the States.” This was not something she expected to hear, but not exactly what she wanted to hear. She looked over to her grandmother who nodded at her knowing exactly where Cailin was going with this and wanted her to continue.
“Mom, he's not coming here. I'm going back to Ireland.” There was a major quiet it he house that worried Cailin.
“Why is no one saying anyting?” Cailin was confused.
“Cailin, we had a feeling you had met someone. Your grandmother mentioned it when you called a few days before you came home. She explained how you might feel very connected to Ireland, and that if you met someone there, you might want to move there. We've been talking about this for the past few days.”
“I....I.....I'm dumbfounded here. I had all this planned. All my arguments, everything. I was sure you would protest about this.” Cailin was surprised.
“So Cailin, let's hear it. Who is this man who has stolen your heart? What plan do you have for all of this?” Now her parents were getting down to business.
Cailin felt very secure in her plan and what she wanted to do. She explained everything to her parents and her grandmother. How this was to be a 3 month trial with the possibility of acquiring her Irish citizenship and staying permanently in Ireland. And having the time to get to know Darren better and know if this relationship was going to move forward. While her parents were a little concerned about the work aspect of the move, they watched as their daughter laid out her plan for the future. Nothing rash, all thought out as much as possible.
“Well, my girl, it looks like you have a solid plan for success.” her father stated. “We'll do everything we can to support you through this.”
Cailin was elated and couldn't wait to call Darren, but would have to wait until the time difference allowed Darren to be awake. They all sat down to dinner and the talk was all about the details of the move and Cailin's tour of Ireland.
It was late when Cailin headed back to the subway on her way home, but she was happy and looking forward to things to come. Now just to convince Rob about the job, and she would be fine. The return home brought new vision and a dreamy night of sleep.
As she walked the last block to her parents house she went over how she would approach her parents with her idea. But she knew it was all going to have to be done is response to how her parents reacted. And before she knew it she was at the house and her mother came running down the steps of the front porch to greet her.
“Cailin, honey, it's so good to see you!” her mom said as she smothered Cailin with a huge hug.
“Mom, I've only been gone a few weeks. And can you let go a little so I can breathe?” Cailin laughed as she hugged her mom back.
“You look so relaxed and rested. Not at all like when you left,” her mom was very observant, that was for sure.
“Mom, you know why I had to leave for a while. And I know you understand why.” Cailin wanted to make sure her mom was happy for her.
“Let's go inside and you can tell us all about your trip. I just know you have some unbelievable adventures and I'm can't wait to hear about them.”
Cailin and her mom entered the house hand in hand smiling. They had always been very close. Cailin left her mom and went to over to her grandmother and kissed her on the cheek. There was something about her grandmother that took Cailin by surprise. As Cailin pulled away from her she winked at Cailin. It immediately reminded her of the wink that she got from Darren's grandfather. That knowing wink. She knew she was in big trouble now and smiled back at her grandmother. As she stood up and turned around her father was standing there with his hands outstretched.
“So what am I, chopped liver?” he laughed heartily as Cailin returned his hug.
“Okay, Cailin, let's hear it all,” her mother instructed as she tapped a place on the sofa for Cailin to sit down.
And so the story began with that rainy night ending up in Mullaghmore, meeting Rorey, finding the family tombstones in Ardmore, and her trip to Derry. It was here she took and breath to answer questions before she started to bring meeting Darren into her vacation. The questions were few. She could see that both her mother and grandmother were waiting for what she had to say. It was now or never, and Cailin knew she needed to get it out.
“Okay, so I'm just going to put it all out there. I met someone while I was in Derry. We spent some time together and we want to spend more time together.” It was out, she did it all in one breath and was waiting for a response, but there was none.
Finally her mother spoke, “That's so nice Cailin, when is he coming to the States.” This was not something she expected to hear, but not exactly what she wanted to hear. She looked over to her grandmother who nodded at her knowing exactly where Cailin was going with this and wanted her to continue.
“Mom, he's not coming here. I'm going back to Ireland.” There was a major quiet it he house that worried Cailin.
“Why is no one saying anyting?” Cailin was confused.
“Cailin, we had a feeling you had met someone. Your grandmother mentioned it when you called a few days before you came home. She explained how you might feel very connected to Ireland, and that if you met someone there, you might want to move there. We've been talking about this for the past few days.”
“I....I.....I'm dumbfounded here. I had all this planned. All my arguments, everything. I was sure you would protest about this.” Cailin was surprised.
“So Cailin, let's hear it. Who is this man who has stolen your heart? What plan do you have for all of this?” Now her parents were getting down to business.
Cailin felt very secure in her plan and what she wanted to do. She explained everything to her parents and her grandmother. How this was to be a 3 month trial with the possibility of acquiring her Irish citizenship and staying permanently in Ireland. And having the time to get to know Darren better and know if this relationship was going to move forward. While her parents were a little concerned about the work aspect of the move, they watched as their daughter laid out her plan for the future. Nothing rash, all thought out as much as possible.
“Well, my girl, it looks like you have a solid plan for success.” her father stated. “We'll do everything we can to support you through this.”
Cailin was elated and couldn't wait to call Darren, but would have to wait until the time difference allowed Darren to be awake. They all sat down to dinner and the talk was all about the details of the move and Cailin's tour of Ireland.
It was late when Cailin headed back to the subway on her way home, but she was happy and looking forward to things to come. Now just to convince Rob about the job, and she would be fine. The return home brought new vision and a dreamy night of sleep.
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