Travels in Eire #15

Darren pulled the car over just south of Donegal where there was a beautiful view of the ocean. They exited the car and walked over to take a look at the view. Cailin figured she was going to have to start somewhere.
“Darren, I know something is bothering you. You are not telling me something. I don't like being kept in the lurch like this. It's not fair to either one of us. I know I don't know you that well, so this may be something that isn't even my business. But I need for you to help me out here. I'm feeling very uneasy.”

“Cailin, you are right, there is a problem, but I don't see it as anything major.”

“Major enough for your whole personality to change since we last spent time together,” Cailin was getting very frustrated. “It had to happen since you left me last night.”

“Okay, but please don't be angry. I really didn't plan on any of this happening. I thought it would be different this time.”

“THIS TIME!!” Cailin shouted before she realized that she was shouting.

Darren suddenly took a step back from her in surprise at her tone. “Wait....it's not that...well....I mean....”

“Darren you had better start clearing up things pretty quickly here,” Cailin was getting worried. Who was this person?

“Alright, let me figure out how to start this.”

“Shouldn't be too hard Darren. Start at the beginning,” she responded sarcastically.

“Okay, here it is. This all started with my older brother. A few years ago he met an American tourist in Dublin. He was working there in a bank. They started dating while she was here in Ireland. My parents loved her. She was perfect for Conner. But she had to go back home. Conner was broken hearted and ended up leaving his job and moving to America. He got married over there without any family around. Mum and Da miss him so much. They really can't afford to go visit. He's been back here once for a short time to let us know he and his wife are expecting a baby. Now it's even worse for them. They are saving up so they can go visit.
So when I called my parents last night after I got home to tell them I was bringing you, they were very upset. I talked to them again this morning and they didn't even want to meet you. They are afraid the same thing is going to happen to me that happened with Conner.”

“Darren, out of curiosity, did you tell them we had only just met and really haven't dated, per se?” Cailin was wondering what Darren told them.

“Cailin, I tried to explain that we had met and connected, but that I was going to be your tour guide for a couple of days. They are already jumping to conclusions. I told them in no uncertain terms that I was bringing you along. So mostly I'm worried about how they will treat you when we arrive.”

“Darren, I'm not your girlfriend, and we're not getting married anytime soon, or ever, that I see. Trust me I'll make that very clear to your parents. I like you and enjoy being with you, but a relationship is just not in the plan for me at the moment.” Cailin was trying to get the point across to Darren so he wouldn't worry, or get the wrong idea about her.

“So are we on the same page, Darren?” Cailin asked. Darren nodded back. “Then you should be in a much better mood for the rest of the day, right?”

“Cailin, I'm so glad I could talk to you about this. I was so worried about what you would think. I never thought it would be an issue with my parents. I wasn't thinking, I apologize. But now that everything is out in the open, I feel much better.”

Cailin could see the change in Darren's demeanor and knew he felt much better now. She also knew this was going to be a couple very interesting days, especially meeting Darren's parents.