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 |  Trying something different, a work in progress - |
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A LOVE STORY Colin didn't know the twists and turns his life would take, or how he would react when tragedy struck. Since the accident that claimed his wife and unborn child, he wandered like a lost soul, never thinking that he would meet another woman who could take his wife's place, and how close to losing her he would be. Elizabeth waited in line at the airport, holding tight to her ticket and passport. Outside waited the Aer Lingus plane that would take her out of Boston and to the Shannon Airport before continuing on to Dublin. She had saved for over a year for the trip, watching her budget closely and foregoing any luxuries. Quite an undertaking for a single mom who had spent a good share of her life raising her children alone. Finally she reached the ticket counter, and was greeted by a charming young woman who processed her quickly. In less than a half hour, she would walk down the ramp to the waiting plane. Her heart soared as she watched one plane take off, knowing that she would, indeed, be on the next. She tried not to think about the flight, a bit nervous but convincing herself that her great-grandparents had made the trip under much worse conditions. The famine had brought death to many in Ireland, and those that could sailed to America, "the land of promise". They had found the "promise" to be a bit lacking, for when they arrived the city was crowded, dirty, and not at all what they had expected. Men and boys fought in the streets over what work there was. Some traveled further west to find work, leaving behind families until they were settled. The pay was meager, the work hard. Yet it was the Irish that carved out a place for themselves in the land, striving to make a better life. "Excuse me, miss, but I believe your flight that is boarding now..." Soft-spoken, tall and thin, the man stood a few feet away, looking concerned. Elizabeth jumped when he spoke, then smiled her thanks as she picked up her carry-on and started toward the ramp. "Thank you!" she managed to say as she hurried on. "Not a worry" he said, as he walked behind her, "I'm on the same plane. Going back to see the family." She was glad of the company, the stranger seemed polite and certainly wasn't a bad looking chap. "Oh, no!!" she thought to herself as she mentally made a note to be wary. As they boarded the plane, she was surprised that they would be seated together, and she hoped that he would be gentleman enough to let her sit by the window. She wanted to see the beautiful green of the Emerald Isle, to take in the view from the skies, the river Shannon as it wound its way through fields of green. He stepped aside to let her have the window seat. A grateful smile and she was content. Glancing toward him, she saw that he was smiling too. "I've seen it many a time", he said, "and I only need to close my eyes to see it again." He leaned back in the seat to await take-off, and closed his eyes. "A shame", she thought, his eyes were the deepest brown she had ever seen. His dark hair was sprinkled with gray, quite distinguished - and he was well dressed. She wondered who the family was that he was going back to see. There was no ring on his finger, but that's not unusual, many a married man doesn't wear a ring. She turned her gaze to the stewardess who was giving safety instructions, before the plane began its flight. She felt the motion of the plane and knew they were on their way. Elizabeth glanced at her companion, who may have been seeing the coast of Ireland before they got there or perhaps had fallen asleep. Either way, he was not going to be one for chatting. She wondered about his family, where and how they lived, and why he had chosen to leave Ireland, so far from them. Her thoughts turned to all the sights she had planned on seeing while she was there. Three weeks was not long enough, but would give her a taste of the country and culture. She was scheduled on a tour bus that would take her around the countryside, stopping to see the Waterford Crystal, on to kiss the Blarney Stone and see the shops. She would visit a castle, the Kells, the Cliffs of Moher, all the places she had read about. Feeling her eyelids getting heavy, she leaned back also and soon was fast asleep. She woke with a start as she felt his hand on her arm. “Miss, you will be missing the landing if you don’t wake up now”, he said softly. She was fully awake now, and smiled. “Thank you!” Turning to look out the window, she gasped at the beauty below her. It had to be the River Shannon she had read about. It wound beneath her like a ribbon, bordered on each side by the greenest green she had ever seen. She turned and smiled. “You’ve been my guardian angel ever since the airport! I can’t thank you enough!” He smiled. “And here we have traveled so many miles, and I don’t even know your name. Let me introduce myself, my name is Colin...Colin Carriel.” “How gloriously IRISH!” she exclaimed. Colin laughed, a deep, bubbly laugh that sent shivers to her soul. “Could be because I was born in Ireland. My work requires that I travel to New York and Boston on occasion, but my family lives not far from the Shannon Airport and it is there my heart lies.” She nodded. She knew the feeling of love for one’s own home, and for a moment felt a twinge of longing for hers. A creature of comfort, she missed her belongings. Home was to her a place of relaxation and security. Not at all what she felt at the moment. “Your family - you have children?” she paused, not wanting to give him the feeling that she was being nosy. “No, afraid not. My wife died seventeen years ago, in a car accident. I share my home with my mum and da.” She flushed, knowing she had been a bit too inquisitive. He handed her his business card. “Should you ever feel lost, or need help - make it a point to call me. My office will page me if I am out.” “Oh, there is really no need…” but she took the card and put it in her purse. “My name is Elizabeth Kelly. My husband passed away years ago. Cancer took its toll. I raised my children, and now they have insisted I take this trip - it’s been a dream of mine forever!” By the time they landed at the airport, she felt like they were old friends. After going through customs, they were soon to part ways. He helped her with her bag, and escorted her to the gate for the plane that would take her on to Dublin. “I have enjoyed our conversation”, he said, “A thousand welcomes to you, and I hope that you have a wonderful tour of Ireland. Don’t forget to call - even if there is no emergency, I want to know how you are faring.” She boarded the plane and once seated, looked out the window to see if she could catch another glimpse of him. He stood in the window, watching. “What a nice person!” she thought. She waved, hoping he would see her. The flight to Dublin was short, and she arrived to find that her tour guide was waiting for her, as well as some of the other passengers. First stop was to a quaint pub/restaurant where they had a fine meal and enjoyed the music of a small band playing Irish music, and two young girls doing the jig. It was a fine welcome to Ireland! Back on board the tour bus, and a short tour of the city, the driver announced that he would be taking them to their hotel, where they could get a good night’s sleep and board the bus again early in the morning. The sights and sounds of the city mesmerized her. It was so completely different from home, yet it charmed her. She chatted with the other passengers and all were as excited as she to see the sights. They were a happy group, and she felt comfortable with them. Hours later, alone in her hotel room, she thought about the day’s events, from meeting Colin to the tour of the city. It was such a grand day! She glanced at the phone and thought of calling Colin, but it was late. Surely he had made it home and had better things to do than think of her. COLIN: He stood under the stars, his thoughts on the beautiful woman he had met on the plane. She reminded him of a frightened doe, but still - she had a way about her that told him there was strength to face whatever she must. He shook his head, reminding himself that he would probably never hear from her or see her again. It had been good to get home again to see his mother and dad. They were getting on in years, and they had been great comfort to him when Rebecca died in the accident. He had been gone on a business trip when it happened and he never could forgive himself for not being with her. "My heart was with her" he thought aloud. "Colin, are you all right?" his mother asked from the doorway. "Yes, Mother. Just thinking. Remembering." "Colin, you must learn to forgive yourself, move on - you are still young enough to find someone, to have a family..." He smiled at his mother, whose concern showed in her eyes. "When the time is right, when I can - " he said, but he knew it had been too long that he had not been even halfway tempted to find anyone. He went inside, where his mother had set out tea and bisquits with his favorite strawberry jam. They made small talk until he saw her eyes start to close. "to bed, mother - " She laughed and bid him goodnight. He made his way to his room, got undressed and pulled on the old flannel pajamas that would take any chill away. Under the covers he felt the warmth of a hot water bottle on his feet. "Mother thinks of everything" he thought. With covers pulled up and his head resting on a down pillow, his thoughts returned to the woman he'd met. "Elizabeth - beautiful Elizabeth" he murmured as he fell asleep. ELIZABETH: Her dreams were vivid, she was in his arms, her lips touching his with a passion she felt deeply. She saw his face, his smile, the brown eyes deep with desire. Then he was gone. She was racing down hallways, calling for him. She was climbing stone steps and as she looked at the very top she saw him. He was waiting for her. In her haste to get to the top, to be in his arms again - she fell. She woke with a start. "Now what kind of dream was THAT?" she thought. So real. She got up and looked out at the starry sky. "Somewhere he's waiting for me". She was as certain of that as she was that she was indeed alive and breathing. "I'll call him in the morning" and soon went back to bed and slept. BLARNEY CASTLE The next day was a delightful experience. As the bus wound its way through small villages, Elizabeth snapped pictures of the countryside. The bus driver continued his stories of Irish culture and noted special points of interest. He announced that they would be stopping next at the Blarney Castle, where they would be able to climb the stone steps of the castle and kiss the famous blarney stone, which would give them all "the gift of gab". As they pulled into a parking spot, Elizabeth noted several small shops and hoped that there would be time to explore and perhaps purchase some souveniers to take home. Her thoughts were on her children, and how she wished they were here too, to see all the wonderful places. The group gathered outside the bus for a few photographs, looking into the camera, all smiles. Elizabeth felt the excitement in the air as they entered one of the shops. The bus driver had told them they could stay for one hour, but he promised he would not leave any of them behind. The array of Irish goods mesmerized the travelers, and many a package would be mailed home. Fine Irish linens, knitted sweaters, lace - it was hard to resist the temptation to buy. They entered a small diner and ordered lunch. As Elizabeth placed her order, she noticed a tall man near the counter who reminded her of Colin. She must call him and tell him what a great time she was having! As the man turned to go out the door, she couldn't believe her eyes - it was him! She got up from the table and hurried to catch him. "Colin!" she called. He stopped and turned to look back. "Elizabeth! I thought perhaps you might be traveling this way. All the tour buses stop here, and I had about given up hope of finding you!" "You mean to tell me that you've been looking for me?" He nodded. "Strange as it may seem, I couldn't get you out of my mind... I kept wondering how you were doing, what you thought of my beloved country, what your beautiful blue eyes were seeing - " "Oh, Colin!" She moved closer to him, and they embraced. "How about going the rest of the tour with me?" Colin asked. "after you kiss the Blarney Stone, of course!" Elizabeth thought about that, for at least two seconds, before she agreed. They walked together to find the tour bus driver and tell him. The tour bus driver was not happy with the idea. "I am responsible for your safety here" he said. Colin pulled out his identification and what he showed the driver changed his mind. Colin was a tourist executive with the Irish Tours Company, that owned this fleet of buses and several others. "Mr. Carriel, I am sorry!" the driver stammered. "Not a reason to be, my friend - it is good that you are taking care of your passengers, ensuring their safety here. I guarantee you that no harm will come to this fine lady!" Elizabeth gathered her things, and Colin carried them to his car. "It will be more comfortable than the bus!" he laughed. They walked together toward the castle as a soft rain began to fall. "Oh, no - not rain" Elizabeth cried. "Do not worry, little one. After the rain, comes our rainbows - you will love them, and it's one thing you will remember once you leave Ireland for home." For a moment, she thought of staying, but the pull of her family was strong, and she knew she would have to go back, and leave Colin behind. MANY A ROAD TO TRAVEL They walked together toward the castle, pausing for Colin to take her picture in front of it. Elizabeth asked a passing tourist to take a picture of she and Colin together, this was one she would not be e-mailing home but one she would cherish. The children might really start to wonder about her sanity - first taking the trip and then to stand there with a stranger's arm around her. She smiled to herself, knowing that they did have her best interests at heart. At the entrance for the stone steps, Colin pointed upward. Someone was up there, lying on their back and bending backward to kiss the stone. The opening they were bending into was large enough for anyone to fall through and she expressed her concern. Colin smiled, "There are wee folk, leprechauns, I do believe, who are up there holding their legs so they don't fall. Are you ready to make the climb?" Elizabeth knew he was having a bit of fun at her expense, but his smile melted her heart. "Ready!" she said, as Colin started ahead. "I must be getting old" she thought, as the climb was taking a toll on her. She stopped to rest, and looked up to see Colin at the top of the steps, just as in her dream. Reaching the top, she saw no sign of leprechauns, but two sturdy young lads who had pulled back the tourist, and stood ready to help her. "Colin, you first..." she said. "No, my love. I have already kissed the blarney stone and it changed my life forever. Your turn!" as he guided her closer. The young lads helped her, and she lay on her back with her eyes closed, trying to ignore her fear of heights. "Open your eyes" they chorused, and they eased her down closer to the stone. "Give 'er a kiss and the gift of gab will be forever yours!" The feat accomplished, they went back down the stairs. Colin guided her to the spot where she would receive her authentic certificate for the kiss, and certifing that eloquent words would flow from her lips. After a short lunch, they went back to the car. "Many a road to travel" he said. "and miles to go before we sleep", quoting a bit of Robert Frost. The roads were winding and the open sky made them feel as if they were on top of the world. Elizabeth shouted when she saw her first real thatched roof. "Shades of the Quiet Man! Look at that!" she exclaimed. Colin stopped the car and let her take more pictures. The road they were on was wide enough for a car, yet there were buses ahead of them, edging their way up the hill. A car coming toward them weaved its way by the buses and somehow made it past them without scratching the paint on Colin's car. Elizabeth looked out the passenger window and gasped. Below them, there was a drop off, and a lake far below. It was beautiful. Mountain goats climbed on the hillside and for all her fear, she brought the camera out and started snapping. "Trust" she thought, as she put the camera away and inched closer to Colin. Ahead was a turn-off where the buses had parked and the tourists were walking about, marveling at the scenery. Colin drove past, glad to be ahead of them, and continued to the top. There he parked the car and on shakey legs, Elizabeth climbed out. He came around to her side and led her to the statute of Mary. "So beautiful, Colin - but so remote!" "Ah", he said "there's a story behind it." Colin snapped a picture of her beside the statute. "We had better be heading down", he said. The afternoon sun was bright as they went back to the car and started the long drive down the other side of the mountain. Nearing evening, they stopped at a local eatery in the town of Wicklow. "I'll need to be calling home" he said. "I wasn't sure I'd find you, and the folks will worry if I'm not back for dinner." Elizabeth smiled as she nodded in understanding. "About tonight..." she said, "will you be going home?" Thoughts of being abandoned entered her mind, yet for some reason she felt no fear, trusting him completely. "Not tonight. I will make room reservations for us. We both need a good night's sleep after today's drive." Colin left the table and found a phone to call his parents, and reassure them that he was fine and had found her. At the hotel, more of a bread and breakfast, Colin escorted her to her room. "Freshen up if you wish, then we can take a walk and see some of the local sights. My room is just across the hall, just knock on the door when you are ready." He bent down and kissed her cheek, then walked to his room. In her room, she marveled at the old furniture, scrubbed clean as a whistle, and the view from her window. There below was a garden such as she had never seen, flowers overflowing and a stone walk that led to a fountain. Elizabeth sat down on the featherbed, sinking into a delightfully comfortable recline, inviting sleep. Her eyes closed briefly, then she got up, showered and changed clothes. Half an hour later, she was at Colin's side, walking down to the garden. The air was heavy with the scent of heather. The moon was full, a lover's moon. She was letting her imagination run away with her. She wasn't sure why Colin had come looking for her, but she was glad he had. Her first impression of him had been that he was a gentleman, and that he had been. She almost wished that was not the case. She wanted so much to be held in his arms, to feel his touch, to kiss him. And what did he want, she thought. She shook off the feeling of uncertainty and remembered that she was trusting him. He must be taking that super seriously. At the fountain, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "We need to go back", he said. "we'll have an early start in the morning." He released her and turned away. Elizabeth felt faint, dizzy, elated, and confused. "Colin..." but he was walking away. She quickened her steps to catch up to him. "what's wrong?" she asked, seeing tears in his eyes. "Nothing - and everything" he said. "This is impossible. You have a family to go back to, I have mine. I travel a good deal of the time and you are bound to start hating that kind of life..." "Then we seize the moment" she said. She stood on tip-toe to kiss him. The night was young. MORNING COMES EARLY Love is such an impossible dream. Colin knocked at her door. "Rise and shine, dear lady - we'll have breakfast and be on our way." Elizabeth opened the door, dressed and ready to meet the adventures of the new day, although nothing could compare to the adventure of last night. She was a tad old, she thought, to be falling in love, but fall she did - hook, line and sinker. |
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