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.