Travels in Eire #46

Darren lead Cailin to the car without a word about where they were headed. The direction seemed familiar to Cailin and she was happy about that. She was learning how to get places and she had just arrived. They were heading toward Derry City Center. As they arrived to the center of town Darren carefully maneuvered the car into a small parking spot.

“Darren, I never asked. I know you don't have a car, whose car is this?”

“I went down to Spiddal to visit my folks and they loaned me their car for the week so's I could pick you up in Dublin. We have to take it back to them next weekend. And yes, that means both of us. They are anxious to see you again.”

This time Cailin didn't have that anxious feeling from the first time she met Darren's parents. She actually looked forward to seeing them again.

“That will be great Darren. I like your parents, I really do.”

At that they arrived at the same club that Darren had taken Cailin to the first night they went out after the concert. As they entered, once again, they bypassed the regular restaurant downstairs and headed up to the party room. As they entered there was a cheer from a large group of people. Cailin didn't really recognize anyone at first, but Darren was obviously part of the reason for the cheer.

“Cailin, this is your 'Welcome to Ireland and welcome to Derry Party'”, Darren explained. “These are many of my friends and I hope they will also be your friends too over time.”
The next hour was spent with many toasts and welcomes along with introductions to many of Darren's friends. The girls were all anxious to make arrangements with Cailin to spend a day shopping or helping her out with finding shopping for things she might need to get started. As all this was going on Cailin kept trying to remember everyone's name. One of the girls seemed to sense what Cailin was going through and came up to her.

“Don't worry Cailin, it will take some time. Some of us will see you often and some not so often. Darren has a large group of friends, some closer than others. I'm Ruth and I'm sure we'll be fast friends. Do you like music?” Ruth was full of energy and Cailin loved her energetic style and beautiful red hair.

“Ruth, I do like music, all kinds. Is that how you know Darren?” Cailin was trying to understand how Darren knew some of the guests.

“Hun, my sister, Joyce and I play violin, do a little singing, and play a few other instruments. We have since we were little girls. Yes, that's how I know Darren, and also through Keith. Have you met Keith?” and Ruth nodded toward the bar.

And there was Keith from this afternoon sitting at the bar with a Guinness in his hand. He must have been watching the girls talking as when Cailin and Ruth turned toward him he raised his pint in a toast and smiled approvingly.

After several rounds of drinks everyone seemed to head their own way, wishing Cailin the best as they left, and Darren found Cailin again. Ruth excused herself telling Cailin she would be in touch through Darren until Cailin had her cell phone set up. Ruth and Keith headed out with a wave to both Darren and Cailin and Keith shouting “See you soon, hoss!”.

Darren and Cailin headed downstairs to the restaurant for a late dinner. As always Darren could sense how exhausted Cailin was both with the long flight and drive, and also with the time change.

“Cailin, you are on your own tomorrow as I'll be a work, but you can call me from your cell if you need me. We need to get you a cell for here in Ireland so you don't build up such a huge bill using your US phone. I'll come by right after work. That should give you some time to get unpacked and organized in the flat. And also to get some rest and get adjusted to Irish time.” and there was that amazing smile that Cailin loved so much.

“Darren, thank you so much for everything. Tonight was amazing. I loved having the chance to meet your friends. Ruth was great. I'm sure we'll get along wonderfully. Yes, I am fading fast tonight. Guess my adrenaline had me going for most of the day!” Cailin's voice trailed off as she finished.

As they arrived back at Cailin's flat, her exhaustion was very apparent. Darren was supporting her on the climb up the stairs.

“Are you sure you'll be okay alone tonight?” Darren asked out of concern, but followed with a wink.

“Darren, I'm not even sure I'll be doing more than changing and climbing into bed tonight. I'll be fine.”

“Just make sure to lock the door when you get inside.” Cailin could sense Darren's protective mode.

As he had many times before Darren reached around Cailin with the key to her flat and opened the door. As he handed the key back to her Darren put his open hand on her cheek running his finger along her jawline and pulled her face close to his. If Cailin wasn't so tired she would have sworn that Darren's loving kiss had her feet floating off the floor.

This was an amazing end to the beginning of a new adventure for Cailin and she wouldn't forget it any time soon.