Travels in Eire #9

Cailin found her way back to the parking lot, and to her car. She had a unique way to make sure she didn't have to lug her suitcase around everywhere. She opened the trunk of the car and pulled out the overnight backpack she had prepared that morning before leaving Magherafeld. Slinging the backpack over her shoulders she headed to the hotel that Rorey had marked for her to stay at when she was in Derry and got checked in for the night. With the information from the the desk clerk as to a place to go for dinner, Cailin headed out for the evening. The show at the Forum didn't start until 8PM, so Cailin had plenty of time. As she wandered the streets around the hotel she came across a lively pub called Sandino's down a side street, but hesitated entering as the outside was filled with what looked like a motorcycle convention. Was this the place she had heard about where so many rock bands performed? Possibly.

Turning around the corner and heading toward the Millennium Forum she found the small diner that had been recommended to her by the clerk. Time for some fish and chips tonight. Although she never really like them at home, somehow, here, in Ireland, they tasted different and they here they always come with something called mushy peas. Maybe the fact that so much of the food comes right off the farm to local produce sellers. No frozen peas here. And to wash is all down a wonderful Guinness. The fish was fresh and lightly battered, not overly done. And the large steak-style chips were hot and crispy on the outside. Cailin was full halfway through the meal.
It was still light outside. as it is in the summer in Ireland. And would stay light until around 10:30, but Cailin noticed it was about 7:30 and wanted to make sure to find the Forum, and purchase her ticket. It was only about a block away and the line was short. She hoped that Darren was able to get a lot of people to come for this worthwhile performance. Cailin had not really looked at the flier that Darren had given to her. She was not really familiar with any bands from the area, so it really didn't matter, but was curious as to who the bands were. As she perused the list she was surprised to see some names that struck her as quite strange. So different from the names of American groups that she followed. She was anxious to hear the music of these interesting groups.

She purchased her ticket, not having any idea as to where she was going to be sitting, but the person at the box office assured her it was s good seat since she was only purchasing a single seat. As she entered this amazing building, she took note that it was relatively new and designed with a very modern flair. Inside she headed to her seat in the third row, definitely a good seat.

The stage was wide open as this was a musical performance by multiple groups and people were scurrying around the stage. As she watched she noticed Darren. At one point he looked up and out to the audience. Cailin sheepishly waived at him since there were not too many people around yet. To her surprise, a huge smile crossed his face and he waived back. He was still in his jeans and t-shirt from earlier in the day. Her thoughts suddenly wandered to how handsome a lad he was. He had to be about the same age as Cailin. He seemed so focused when they met earlier, even though it was for such a short time. And while she was busy thinking this, she suddenly realized that Darren had jumped down from the stage and was standing beside her!
“Hi, again, Cailin,” he said to her with such a wonderful smile, it was hard to resist.
“Hi, Darren. This is a great place. I can't wait to hear all the music tonight,” she eagerly replied.
“Cailin, I know we just met this afternoon, but I was wondering if you have any plans for after the show tonight? I promise, I'm not a creepy guy.”
“A few of the people on the crew are going out to celebrate and I love to take you along. They'd love meeting an American visitor.”
Cailin was stunned. She wasn't quite sure, but Darren's disarming smile gave her the feeling that all would be fine. And since he promised that they would not be alone, she agreed to wait for him after the show.
As Darren hopped back up on to the stage he turned back and flashed that wonderful smile again. Cailin took a close look at this disarming man. His light brown shaggy hair, slight dimples and smile would get to anyone. He was tall, over 6 feet, and muscular, but not bulky. Quite the handsome Irishman.

Darren disappeared behind the stage and Cailin got settled into her seat looking around at all the people coming in for the show. About 15 minutes later the lights began to dim, and the audience started cheering. A lone figure stepped out onto the stage, wearing dress slacks and a crisp white shirt. It was Darren! He sure did clean up fine. He looked even better dressed so professionally like this.
It seems Darren was keeping a few things from Cailin. Specifically like the information that he was the hospital organizer for this kind of fund raiser. As he spoke to the audience about how important it was to support this cause Cailin noted how articulate he was and how confident. Was this the lad she met this afternoon? And as he spoke to the audience at one point he turned and looked at her and flashed just the hint of a smile, knowing all the while this was such a surprise to Cailin. She caught her breath and suddenly realized that her pulse was running a mile a minute. Before she could think any more about what was happening the music began and Darren disappeared behind the stage.

The night was electric with fun and funky music. Rock and soul, traditional and new. Bands and solo singers. Cailin was so happy Darren found her and told her about this. Between acts Darren would come out, talk about the charity, and introduce the next act. Each time just glancing over to her for the shortest of moments with that smile. Before she knew it, the show ended. As people left the venue, Cailin lingered behind, not sure where she would be meeting Darren. It wasn't more than 10 minutes before he came bounding out from behind the curtains and jumping off the stage wearing his jeans and t-shirt again. Cailin knew she was in for something special.