Well, Today is the day. I’ve waited for this day for a long time. My parent’s are proud of my decision and always support my goals and I’m happy about that.
I am taking my love for writing and the ocean over to Ireland. My dad’s brother Patrick lives in Kinsale which is a popular small city along Ireland’s west coast.
My parents thought it would be a great idea to spend time and live with my uncle because I rarely saw him. I did see him on my 7th, 13th, 16th, and 18th birthdays. The other birthdays he always sent a card. It wasn’t like he was absent from my life.
“We’ll be sure to visit soon hun,” my mom said embracing me in a tight hug.
“Come here lovey! It’s going to be weird not having you around the house anymore,” my dad said in a somber but light manner.
I gave him a huge hug and fought back some bittersweet tears. This is the first time I’m leaving my family for an extended period of time.
“Lighten up you two before I start crying,” I chime in with a quiet laugh.
“I’ll have Christina while I’m over there as well don’t forget that! I’m in good hands with uncle Patrick and Christina.”
My parents gave each other a look of relief before I caught sight of the time.
“I should be getting through security guys, I love you so so much thank you for everything. It means the world, and you both know it.”
We had one last group hug as my dad light heartedly punched my shoulder.
“Be safe Olivia, we love you very much.”
Yes, my name is Olivia. I prefer Liv for short, because it’s more casual.
That being said, I made my way through security and made one last wave to my parents. I approached the waiting area and was only sat for about 20 minutes or so until the flight was called. I guess I made really decent timing.
I approached my seat and to my relief it was somewhat spacious and I had the window seat. No one sat in the middle seat, but a peculiar man dressed in a well fitting navy suit sat in the third seat over.
To pass the minutes before the flight, I took out my iPad and called Christina via Skype. Christina is my long time best friend. We’ve known each other since we were very young, and continued being friends to this day. It’s a rare thing to see nowadays.
She left for Ireland a year ago and lives with her uncle Matthew attending the same local university that I will be attending. It’s a small world between her and I.
She picked up after the 4th ring.
“Livi La Vida you’re on the plane! Finally, no more skype calls or tweets back and forth to each other! I get to FINALLY see you!” She exclaims into what seems to be her iPhone.
“I know I know! It’ll only be a couple of hours girly! I figured I’d give you a quick call before I take off.”
“Awe, well I’m happy you called. I need a break from this homework. I am swamped right now,” she sighed heavily into the phone her head falling into her hand.
“I’m glad to be the distraction then, happy to be of serv-”
“WHAT THE HELL,” the unfamiliar voice screamed.
In the background a door slams during our Skype call. I can’t see anything but I can hear everything clear as day.
“What’s wrong?!” I can see Christina’s face twist in confusion as she turns to wherever the screaming is coming from.
“Christina.. is everything okay?” I am nervous to ask and feel a bit awkward even though I’m thousands of miles away.
“Christina. It’s acting up again. Out of the blue I couldn’t even-” the mysterious voice is stopped quickly by my best friend shooting him a ‘shut the fuck up’ look.
“I’m sorry Liv, I have to go. I’ll see you in a few hours. Have a safe flight, I love you to infinity and beyond!” She bursts with excitement, masking her emotions very well.
I turn off my iPad just as the flight attendant instructs us to turn off all electronic devices. I can’t help but let my mind wonder as to what was going on in her flat.
I never caught a glimpse of him, but he had a lot of anger and worry behind his tone. Hopefully it will blow over for her.
~~
Ten hours and thirty minutes later, I finally landed. I did sleep some of the way there, but my mind was creating all of the scenarios of what went on in that 15 second window before Christina hung up.
I gathered my carry on bag, and exited the plane toward the lobby. I looked around for any sign of my uncle.
“Hey Olivia!”
I turn toward my left to face my beaming uncle.
“Uncle Pat!” I ran toward him giving him a huge hug as he rubbed my back in a welcoming gesture.
“Look at you now! Holy moly it’s been a year and you look even more beautiful. Just like your mother. You have her eyes you know.”
My uncle is the most kind-hearted person I’ve known. His physical appearance begs to differ though. He’s a tall man at 6’3 and is very fit for his age of 35. He has this half sleeve tattoo on his right arm with some sort of symbol in the middle standing out from the rest. He has these hazel eyes, that if looks could kill..
I’m honestly surprised he isn’t married.
“Alrighty Liv, let’s gather your load, yeah?”
He pushes me along abruptly while looking off at something else. Curious, I turn to the direction where his previous attention was and see that the man in the navy suit that was next to me on the plane, a fair distance away was staring in our direction. I turned away not thinking much of it to get the rest of my luggage.
My uncle makes small talk on the way to the flat, with quiet moments here and there. I prefer the quiet moments, which he notices. I look out at the land that is my new home as my eyes begin to flutter. My head eventually rests against the cool window as I begin to fall into a light slumber.
~~
I’m shaken awake slightly by my uncle Pat, probably a sign that we’ve arrived at my new home. I step out of the car and take in my surroundings. The street is peaceful with houses not on top of each other which is nice. It gives a little privacy for each home. The house is just as it looks in the pictures I’ve seen over the years. It’s a light gray, three stories high, two garage doors, black shutters, and a red door.
There’s nicely trimmed bushes surrounding the front and sides of the house.
I didn’t realize I was stood there standing for too long until uncle Pat hollered from the front door.
“Come on Liv, are you going to come on in?” His accent is thick as he yells across the yard.
“I’m coming, just getting to know the place is all!”
I walk swiftly to the front door to where my uncle begins to unlock the door. As I walk in, I’m automatically at ease with a sense of comfort. It reminds me of back home, which I am grateful for.
“Welcome home!” uncle Pat cheers while we stand in the foyer.
“Here I’ll help you bring your things to your room, and let you settle in.”
We walk up the stairs and I’m the last door on the left. He leads me in and drops off my possessions.
“Well, I’ll leave you be. I’ll order us some pizza, pepperoni & sausage sound good?”
“That sounds awesome I am starving! Thank you so much for all of this.” I motion to the rest of the room and I give him a quick hug before he retreats downstairs.
I take a deep breath before plopping down on my bed. It’s big and comfy with a bunch of blankets which I enjoy. I love blankets. Just one of the many weird things I like.
It took me thirty minutes to fully unpack my belongings placing everything in the bathroom and drawers. I only sit for a brief second before I hear the doorbell.
“Pizzas here!” uncle Pat yells up from downstairs.
I hop off the bed to join him in the kitchen, along with the delicious smelling pizza that will soon be gone. I sit on the bar stool snagging a slice from the box, while I look up at my uncle on the other side of the counter.
“When do you start your semester courses?” He questions.
“I am due to start in about 3 days, but Christina will surely help me around the campus.”
“That works well then, my building of course is about a block away from the campus, so feel free to stop in whenever of course.”
“Uncle Pat of course I’ll stop in and say hi, I need a tour of the place you know!!”
Pat owns the Kinsale Sailing and Recreational club right down by the waterfront, which apparently is very popular according to the articles I found online.
“I also have an apartment down the block from there away from the water, just in case it’s late and don’t want to come back here. I made you a key for the flat if you feel the need to stay there.” He says handing me two silvery keys.
“The other key is for this house if you’re wondering.” He smiles knowingly.
“Thank you Pat, really I appreciate all of this.” I say warmly.
“No problem kiddo. It’ll be nice having some company around the house for a change.”
“I’m very happy to be here, and oh! I have to call Christina, I need to meet up with her!”
“Alrighty!”
He waves me off as I run back up the stairs to retrieve my phone. I pre purchased it so I can use it specifically over here. My parents thankfully are helping me pay for it.
I ring her as soon as I plop on my bed hoping to be seeing her in a bit.