A Mothers Secret chapter 21: Happy Reunions
Ian, Mei, Yuzu, and Neoko walked up the stone pathway to a modest home. Ian went up and knocked on the door. The door open to reveal Ms. O' Shae, who looked at Ian, put both hands to her face and let out a happy yell.
"Ian! It's so good to see you boy! How have you been?" she then gasped. "Yuzu you're here too? Oh goodness I haven't seen you in ages"
Ian smiled "We also have Mrs. Mei Aihara and my girlfriend, Neoko Aihara here with us as well."
"Welcome! You are all welcome here in my house. Come in! Come in all of you! Shamus! Come here Ian and his family are here!" exclaimed Ms. O' Shae.
An older man appeared around the corner wearing a cap and outer coat. Gray hair appeared from underneath the cap. He walked with a limp that showed his age.
"Ian! Yuzu! Good heavens, it good to see you both and who do we have here with you?"
"Mei and Neoko Aihara" introduced Ian again.
"Ahh good to meet you both welcome. Let's go on in the house!"
The group of people entered the house and gathered around the table, where some chairs had to be found to seat everybody. Ms. O' Shae gathered together cups for tea and soon everyone was settled.
"So Ian, how do like over there in Japan, was it?" Shamus asked pouring tea in Yuzu's cup.
"It is good, but better since I have Neoko." smiled Ian.
"Oh, that's the little one that got your heart eh? Well done boy! Well done indeed!" exclaimed Shamus.
"Mr. O' Shae, do you still have Goliath?" asked Ian.
"Oh, he is in the back as always. Why don't we show your lady friend?" Shamus asked, "c'mon lets go."
Ian took Neoko by the hand and led her out of the door held open by Shamus. Shamus then went and grabbed some sugar cubes from a nearby bowl.
"Don't give that horse all my sugar cubes they're for guest!" Ms. O' Shae exclaimed at Shamus.
"Oh, it's something for the little lady to give to Goliath that's all." Shamus then grabbed two more. "That's for me to give him," he said while winking at the Aihara mothers.
"So do have a place to stay while you are here?" asked O' Shae.
Yuzu answered, "We have reservations at the Elkhorn Inn here-"
"Nope, you have one here now. All of you stay here, I insist." Interjected the older woman.
"You are too kind," said Mei bowing from her seat.
"Oh don't be so formal here dear if you are with Yuzu your family." Ms. O' Shae then asked, "So Yuzu, what have you been doing since your return to Japan?"
"Well, I got married again."
"Oh, to whom?"
Yuzu looked toward Mei, who had her eyes closed while eating a scone. Ms. O' Shae looked wide-eyed at Mei and looked at Yuzu nodding to Mei inquisitively? Then Yuzu nodded while smiling.
"Oh, heavens that's good to hear! I was so worried about you dear since Robert's death. So good to hear."
Outside Ian led Neoko around the corner of the house and to a barn. Inside Neoko saw the biggest horse she has ever seen. It was black with a long mane and long hair at its hoofs. It looked taller than Ian. Neoko came up to maybe its nose.
"That's a Gypsy Vanner, and his name is Goliath," Shamus said walking up behind the couple. "Here, give him two of these and he will be your friend forever."
Shamus gave Neoko two sugar cubes. Then Neoko tentatively approached the fence and presented her hand to Goliath. The gentle giant slowly walked toward her and sniffed her hand. When he quickly licked the cubes up, she let out a joyous little yelp and smiled. Shamus smiled and offered her two more, which Neoko took. Again she offered and Goliath quickly licked up the cubes much to the delight of Neoko.
Ian asked," Is it too early to ride him?"
"Oh aye, its a bit early for him but later would be better for him I'd wager" Shamus answered.
Shamus pulled Ian aside while Neoko was preoccupied with Goliath.
"Listen lad do you remember the old church ruins near the big tree?"
"Um, I think I still do. Down the path on the left?" Ian asked.
"The very one, now you two take Goliath there, you remember how to ride? Good! and you go down that path and take her to that tree. Legend has it that whomever you kiss under that tree will be yours forever." Shamus nodded at Ian and touched the side of his nose.
"Really?" asked Ian.
"I kissed Ms. O' Shae there and we've been together going on forty years now."
"Yeah but why do we call her Ms. instead of Mrs.?" quizzed Ian.
"Oh she doesn't want to admit she is married to me ha ha ha!" laughed Shamus
"Hey! Little lass, how about I let Ian take you for a ride on Goliath!"
Neoko eyes lit up, and she looked at Ian.
"Yes, that would be wonderful! Can we?" asked Neoko.
"Oh, I think we manage an afternoon ride once you all have settled in," Shamus said.
Inside the house, the three ladies were still talking.
"Yuzu, there is one thing you should know" Ms. O' Shae said.
"What is that?"
"Not long after you and Ian left, a woman claiming to be Ian's biological mother came looking for him. As to why I don't know. She has no legal right to him but she was asking for him nonetheless."
"Is she dangerous?" asked Yuzu thinking of Neoko.
"No, I don't think so. I think she just wants to talk."
"I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Yuzu said.