#11 The Quay

The big day finally arrived for Molly's weekend trip to Dublin.  Molly had packed and repacked several times, unsure about what to take and what to wear to be presented to Kevin's friends.  She was by nature, a very casual girl.  Dressing up for a friend's wedding was about the only time she wore anything other than jeans or shorts.  Deck shoes were her daily wear.  So when she had the chance she made a trip up to Wexford Town to do a little shopping for this trip.  Since this was the edge of winter weather, she bought a new coat and some nice boots to wear.  A longer wool skirt, a couple of new sweaters, and a new pair of jeans rounded out her shopping trip.  This was more than she had spend on herself in ages.

Molly didn't want to look like a country girl, but didn't want to be over dressed for any occasion.  Her suitcase was packed with more than she needed, but she was worried about not being prepared for any surprises that weekend.

As she walked down to the bus stop in Kilmore Quay, she had so many second thoughts running through her head.  Maybe this was a mistake. What if it all went wrong?  What if Kevin's friends didn't like her?  She had never really ventured far from the Quay and was feeling very uncomfortable. 

Molly forged ahead and boarded the bus for Wexford Town. There were only a few other people, so she sat alone with her thoughts.  Watching the countryside go by, she felt more at peace with herself and in a short time arrived at the Wexford bus station.  There was only a short wait for the Dublin bus and not much time to second guess herself.  Before she knew it she was on her way to Dublin. 

Rolling hillsides flew by, and country roads opened up to major highways leading the road north.  Even on the highway she could enjoy the views of the pasture land out the window.  The afternoon ride north on a Friday was only half full this fall day.  It was quiet and gave Molly time to think.  Her thoughts wandered from how Kilmore Quay felt so small in relation to even Wexford.  How would it feel in comparison to Dublin?  Would she feel lost?  And what about Kevin?  How did she really feel about him?  Was this some sort of fantasy her mind was playing on her?  Did she have some deeper feelings that even she knew at this point?  She was full of questions about Kevin and herself.  What was she doing?

The outskirts of Dublin were in view and traffic slowed as is the norm entering the city.  The Wexford bus drop off was at George Quay by the Custom House. This was only a few blocks from where Kevin worked and not as busy as stops across the way at this time of the day.  Friday seemed to be a day when most young workers left early in the day to start the weekend.  Kevin did warn Molly that he might be a few minutes late, so she settled herself on a bench next to the bus stop to wait.  It was barely a few minutes when she felt a tap on her shoulder.  As she turned Kevin pulled her up for a huge hug and gentle welcome kiss. 

“How was the trip?” he asked.

“I'm not sure I could describe it, I had so many thoughts running through my mind and was not necessarily paying attention to all the views out the window,” Molly chuckled.

"Well, let's get you settled into your B&B and then we're going out for the evening.  We need to catch the #16 to Whitehall.  I'm only about 2 blocks from there, so while you are getting settled in, I'll go home to change out of this suit into something more comfortable for this evening and I'll come back and pick you up with my car,” Kevin explained as he took her suitcase in hand and lead her to the Dublin bus stop. 

The Almanii B&B was just a short walk from the #16 bus stop. It was a lovely B&B not too far from Dublin University.  Molly was sure this is why Kevin lived where he did. He was probably still living in the same flat he did when he attended the University.  It was a lovely B&B with old world charm.  Kevin waited until Molly got her room key, then headed home himself to change and pick up his car.  As most Dubliners, he took public transit to work daily rather than use his car.  Molly freshened up and changed her sweater.  Kevin had told her this would be a very casual evening with some of his friends at a nearby pub, so jeans would be perfect. She waited in the sitting room until she saw his car out front.  With her nerves barely at bay, she headed out the door for the evening.