The Dream Trip - Chapter 7

The drive to Derry was a couple of hours from Ballymena. It would have been shorter, but the views were scenic and the conversation lively as it once again revolved around Paul and Ryan, how different they were, but how very handsome they were also. It was obvious that Darcy and Mona were spellbound by these two Irishmen. As they crossed the bridge entering Derry they all were excited at the sight of the peace statue that is so well known. They headed toward the multilevel parking lot and got settled and headed out for some sightseeing. Darcy was moving slow, but considering her condition yesterday, she had recovered a lot with Ryan's help.

Since Darcy was moving slowly the girls split up. Caitlin and Briana headed to the ancient walls to walk around them. Darcy and Mona headed to the tourist office to see about a bus tour so Darcy didn't have to do too much walking. The agreed to meet back at the Bishop's Gate later that afternoon.

The ancient walls of Derry were amazingly intact. They circled the town almost completely except for one area that had been destroyed or opened up for traffic. The girls began their walk and took all the pictures of the sites. Just past the second gate Briana stopped full.

“Look!” she called to Caitlin.

Briana was pointing to a soccer field just outside the gate and down a small hill.

“Let's go check it out,” she was starting down steps of the gate before Caitlin could protest.

Briana spent all her high school years playing soccer and would probably play at college, even though she didn't apply to a college for soccer. She missed the daily workout and practice now that school was out for the summer. As she reached the field she spotted a soccer ball setting in the goal area. She looked around and didn't see anyone, so headed over to the ball. She was in heaven. And Caitlin had no choice but to join her in the fun. They dribbled and shot some goals off each other, passed the ball back and for the for about fifteen minutes before they heard a shout.

“Hey use! That's my ball,” came a call from the sidelines.

There stood a tall boy, about Briana's age with a cup of soda in his hand. Briana picked up the ball and she and Caitlin headed to the boy.

“Sorry, I just saw the ball sitting by the goal and thought it was left there. I've been missing playing so much I just wanted to say I had played some soccer in Ireland.”

“Well then, how 'bout use two play me. We'll do half field,” an the boy picked up the ball and started off to mid field. What he didn't expect was that these two girls were very good and worked well together. It wasn't more than fifteen minutes and he was dripping with sweat.

“Okay, I give. This should have been one on one,” as he laughed and picked up his drink and gulped it down. “Where are use two from?” He asked.

After some small chatter, he asked if the girls had eaten lunch yet. The girls had realized that it was just after lunch and they had not eaten. They didn't feel they had to worry about this boy and still had time before they needed to meet the other girls. So the three decided to get some fast food that was close by.

As they walked to the small diner Briana watched this boy with interest. He was tall and lanky. But with his dark hair, blushed cheeks, and very blue eyes he was a cuter than any other boy she had known through high school. Every once in a while he'd glance over at her and she could see a look that told her he was also a prankster. She loved the way he would raise an eyebrow as he joked with the girls.

“Me names Damian, so who are you two?”

The girls introduced themselves and the three spent time talking about soccer in Ireland and the US. Damian seemed to direct most of his conversation to Briana. She had scored against him twice and he was obviously impressed. They were also the same age. Damian told them he was going to college in Derry for performing arts and today they had a three hour break between classes. He liked to burn off excess energy and usually comes to the soccer field for a workout. He had left his ball so he could go around the corner and grab a drink. When he came back he was surprised to see two girls playing each other with his ball on the field.

As the conversation continued Damian's questions became a little more personal. Being polite he asked both girls if they had boyfriends in America and what they thought about Irish boys. He watched Briana carefully as she responded and her cheeks started to turn pink in embarrassment. In turn the girls asked Damian the same. He said at the moment he was free and single because his life was so busy. He added that he was always interested in meeting new people.

“Are use going to be staying in Derry very long?” Damian asked as he continued. “I was wondering if we could meet again?”

Caitlin answered this one saying, “We're only her for a day today, but we'll be back on Friday. We thought that would be a good time to hear some music. What do you think?”

“Friday would be great!” Damian declared with some excitement in his voice. “That means the weekend and we can meet again. I love to hit the clubs on the weekend. Oh, that is if use want to.”

Briana immediately responded with glee, “Of course we could meet again!” She was liking this boy better and better by the moment. “Maybe you could show us around some?”

Damian agreed and gave the girls his cell number so they could call him when they arrived back in Derry. It was time for Caitlin and Briana to meet up with Darcy and Mona, and for Damian to head back to classes. As they got up from the table and were walking out the door, Damian took a hold of Briana's arm to slow her down and leaned down and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

Before Briana could react Damian was off at a run laughing and shouting back, “See use later!”

Caitlin was a little despondent. “Okay, what's the matter with me? You all have met these incredible guys and here I am all alone. I'm really feeling like a 4rth wheel here.”

“Caitlin, I'm sure your time will come. Besides I'm not so sure about this Damian guy. This performing arts college. What does he thing he's going to become some big celebrity? He may be just like all the charmers in high school. You know, love 'em and leave 'em,” and Briana laughed, touching her cheek where Damian had kissed it.