16th March
The morning opened dull and overcast, the storm clouds out towards the west, over the Atlantic looked threatening, but as any local would tell you, if you can see the hills it is going to rain, if you can't, then it is. But no, the air was warm, a sou'westerly blowing up from the Azores. Sean had a arranged to pick the boys up at 10 o'clock sharp, and true to his word, was there on time. Tim looked out and saw the girls, Colleen in the front with Sean but Siobhan looking out the rear window up at the flat. Tim smiled, even if the weather was going to be bad, there was warmth and sunshine in his heart.
"Good morning," Tim offered as he got in beside Siobhan, she patted his knee, "Top of the morning to you too," she smiled.
It would take them about an hour to get to the castle, Tim and Seamus had driven this road before when they were going to Cobh, but this time they continued up to Blarney.
"Hey Tim you really are not the chatty one are you?" Siobhan had questioned.
"He's more the intellect, but then again, if he kisses the Stone, then he may become endowed with "the gift of the gab"," Seamus replied in Tim's defence. Tim could feel himself blush, but Siobhan squeezed his knee.
They parked the car up and entered the grounds of the Castle, the gardens yet to bloom, but still green, some of the daffodils yellow against the dark stone, in corners.
As they walked to the battlements, Tim began to talk, "You know that, the first radio broadcast of a Holmes story was on the 18th of March 1946; "The Adventure of the Blarney Stone" in which a man attempting to kiss the stone, fell to his death, Holmes subsequently went on to investigate that he had not fallen, but had in fact been murdered. His boots having been greased and he slipped and fell to his death."
"See the stone is already working its magic," Colleen laughed, as she punched Tim on the arm and ran across the grass to the castle. The others caught her up, and they climbed steps, the view from the battlements enthralling.
"Ok, who's first," Siobhan asked as they all looked at Tim.
"I'm scared of heights. I don't think this is a good idea," he replied.
"Hey, we'll hold your feet," Colleen laughed.
"That is what I'm worried about." Tim whispered.
"Stop it, you can't fall really, all you do now is lean back, holding on to the railings, and there is a staff member handy look," as Sean pointed to the curator.
"Totally unhygienic," Tim ventured, knowing full well, he was not going to talk himself out of this yet.
He let the curator help him into place, and then hanging upside down, with the girls holding his feet, and giving them the, "don't you dare" look, he leaned back and kissed the "Bluestone." He felt the blood rush to his head, but feeling his feet being dragged back up and then the strong hands of Sean and Seamus pulling him to his full height, he stood upright, "Thank you." as saw the girls applauding.
They made their way back to the car and back home; tomorrow was going to be the big day. The Friday evening they had been roped into decorating the hall for the official engagement of Sean and Colleen, Tim looked enviously at the pair, he wondered if he would ever experience the love he saw between these two. He remembered how he had loved Abby, but it wasn't to be…
"Hey, McDaydreamer, am I going to hold this bunting up until my arms turn blue and fall off due to lack of circulation, or are you coming back into earth's atmosphere and going to help?" he heard Siobhan shout.
"Sorry, was just thinking…..I mean, tomorrow is St Patricks Day, and I really don't know what you do in Ireland, I know what Colleen and the pub organised, but here so far South, and do I need to wear green?"
"Tim, your eyes are proof enough that you are of true Irish descent, and of course the surname," Siobhan now replied as she finished tying the bunting up, and stepping down into the arms of Tim. He hadn't noticed, but without her shoes she was just a nice height for kissing.
"Hey you two, we're off to the Pub for something to eat, and if you want to join us then you'd better hurry, because Betty's hotpot or Irish stew, won't last long, and it lines your stomach." Sean shouted.
17th March
The Saturday opened bright, it was going to be alright weather wise. Tim opened his eyes, he wondered where he was but smelling the smell of Irish sausages wafting through the flat, he rose.
"Top o' the mornin' to ya," he heard Siobhan shout from across the kitchen, he saw her looking him up and down and the eyebrows rise. Tim looked down at his boxers and he could feel his embarrassment begin to rise, "Morning, I'll go and dress," as he turned and walked back to the bedroom.
He returned dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt, "Sit yousel' down, now enjoy your breakfast," as she placed a full Irish in front of Tim.
"I'll never eat all this," as he looked down at the plate.
"Sure you will, you just don't know how hungry you are until you start eating," as poured out the tea, they heard Seamus's door open, "Breakfast?"
"In the oven and watch plate is hot." She replied.
"You not eating?" Tim asked of her.
"Had mine earlier, but Tim, I was wanting to ask you something," as she watched Seamus shovel the breakfast into his mouth, "This is sooooo good Siobhan, so glad you made, but carry on I'm not listening."
"Tim I wanted to go to Cobh, I know you went with Seamus, but I wanted to go as well, you see…..my Great Great Uncle, gave my grandfather two pennies before he left on the Titanic, he said not to spend then until he, my grandfather, could come to America and he could change them for American pennies, I still have them, they were passed down to me, and well, I wanted to toss one into the sea, and Tim….I want you to have the other, maybe that way at least, one of the pennies will get to America."
"In that case Siobhan, I will give you a dollar….. that sound like good interest?" as he finished his breakfast and lifting the plate, went to the sink.
"Don't worry about the dishes I'll do." Seamus said not looking up.
"Thank you," Siobhan replied laughing, "Now get yourself together, my car." as she waited for Tim.
-oOo-
The drove to the coast, at the museum a Titanic exhibition, and one that Siobhan thought Tim might be interested in, Pull Together, this exhibition gave the history of the US Naval presence in Queenstown during WW1 and detailed the co-operation between the British and US Navies during that period. A collection of pictures, text and artefacts highlighted the relations between the two navies, the warfare tactics, the role and duties of the US Naval forces and their recreational activities. Tim hadn't realised again the influence the United States had on Ireland and Britain."You said your father was an Admiral. You never think about the Navy?" Siobhan asked quietly as they walked through the museum.
"My father and I do not see eye to eye. I am more like my grandmother Penny, you would like her. She is more a free spirit, very non-conformist. She protected me from my father's wrath. I was how I put this, too effeminate for his liking. I preferred computers, mechanics, and the Scouts….Oh don't get me wrong, I am very heterosexual, I just did not sum up to his dictating ways. I remember spending hours on a project; only to have it thrown back in my face…..we were estranged for years."
"That all?" she asked smiling.
"No, I hate heights….and water, well ships." Tim laughed.
-oOo-
Back in Dungarvan, cleaned and refreshed the boys made their way to the hall. St Patrick's day, it seemed the whole village had turned out, the children dressed in traditional dress; they were giving a dance later. A folk group or two were jamming in a corner, the buffet table laid out to perfection. Tim saw Colleen nudge Siobhan, who turned and said something to her friend, Tim felt himself blush. He had changed into a white shirt and a pair of fawn chinos, his hair jelled back he was looking forward to the evening. Had the sea air done some good for his complexion, or was it an inner glow?
He watched as Sean indicated to Colleen to join him on the stage, he smelt Siobhan's perfume and then her presence; she slipped her arm through his and squeezed. Tim just smiled, but watched Sean as he took the mike and began to speak.
"I would like to welcome you all here tonight for the official engagement of myself and Colleen. As many of you know, if it hadn't no wasn't for one person here tonight, I would never in the world have known where D.C. was, may I introduce you to Tim McGee," Sean announced pointing at Tim, "If Seamus hadn't posted a request for any McGhees' in the area, and if Tim hadn't replied, and then if it hadn't been for the luck of the Irish, and Uncle Barney winning on the gee-gees, sorry Tim family joke, I would never have met my future wife. Tim didn't know Colleen would be here at the same time as he…so please befriend my friend Tim." as the hall applauded, and Tim blushed, "Now please may we all enjoy this St Paddy's Day, and our engagement." As Sean held Colleens hand and the jumped off the stage.
The evening went well, the dancing, the eating, the dancing, the singing, the dancing…..Tim couldn't remember when he had had so much fun. But all good things had to come to an end, "We will clear up tomorrow," he heard barney and Byanna say, after church."
"Church?" Tim whispered.
"Oh yes, we are good Catholics here, and no matter what we get up to during the week we need to give thanks that we have got through the week, and pray for the next.," Siobhan replied, "So I will call round at 10 o'clock…..sharp," now looking at Seamus.
18th March
Tim woke with a headache, not a hangover, a headache; he looked at the time 08.30, just five minutes as he turned over.
The knocking on the door woke both Tim and Seamus, Tim looked at the clock 09.15, he stretched and got out of bed, he instinctively went to answer and then looking down at his attire, decided to let Seamus do the honours.
"Tim could you get, I'm in the shower." He heard a voice shout, so gingerly he walked to the door, "Who is it?" he enquired.
"Timothy it is I Siobhan, and yes I have seen naked men before, granted not you, but as far as I know, if you've seen one smoked sausage, you've seen them all, just not tried too many." Tim felt himself blush but grabbed a cousin from the couch, and placing over his front opened the door to Siobhan, smiled and then scurried back to his room.
When he knew the bathroom was clear he ran to get cleaned before returning, now dressed in the chinos but a clean shirt. If he had thought he was to accompany everyone to Church he would have brought a suit.
-oOo-
After the service it was all back to Bryanna's for Sunday lunch, but Barney had had a word with the hall, and they were allowed in after the service, "Get it cleared and the bar is on me," he had shouted.
They must have tidied in record time, because they were all sitting down for lunch by 1.00 o'clock. Barney true to his word had laid on bottles of beer and stronger alcohol. The lunch was traditional Irish fare and Tim found himself overindulging, he definitely was going on a diet when he got home. After the meal he offered to help with the washing up, "Hey this is woman's work, go and join the men for an afternoons refreshment."
Tim looked into the sitting room, he really couldn't face another boozy day, and he needed fresh air. Siobhan noticing his dilemma intervened, fancy a walk over the moors, we could wrap up well, and work off some of Bryanna's excellent cuisine, only to make room for more, she asked. Tim nodded. They made excuses, asking if anyone wanted some fresh air, and were glad when no-one accepted.
19th March
Monday morning saw Tim wake early, he smiled to himself, the walk with Siobhan had been good they had talked laughed, and dare he say it held hands. He wondered if he should make a move, then he remembered Barney was going to take him to the Jameson Experience, but he had forgotten to ask, as when the two had returned, Barney had departed.
Tim rose and went to shower, and then he thought breakfast, no just coffee, he needed to detox, when he heard the door. It was Siobhan.
"Morning, you're looking good, Barney left this with Bryanna," as she handed Tim an envelope, "He said Seamus would know, but since I haven't seen him since yesterday lunch, not sure where he is."
"I'm here and I have a hangover. Those are tickets for the Experience and since I feel the little people have set up camp in my head and are practising their best Irish jig, on my brain and kicking my eyeballs, I think one sniff would probably render me unconscious…on the other hand, a hair of the dog might do me good." Seamus laughed, "No you two go, see the country, get some lunch, I'm going back to bed…..and Tim, don't worry don't mind me, you're on vacation, and we're not married." as he winked at the pair, turned and went back to bed.
"What did you think he meant by that?" Tim quizzingly asked.
"No idea, but come on I'll drive."
So this was how the rest of the week progressed, Siobhan and Tim out together, but occasionally the other three would tag along. Tim felt guilty that he had come all this way and spent most of his time with Siobhan,
"No worries mate, I am just glad to see you and that you have met someone." Seamus had replied.
The Thursday saw Tim packing; he had to get back to reality, back to DC. He had to drive the car back to Shannon, drop the car off. He had arranged a quiet dinner with Siobhan, he had much to say.
-oOo-
Dinner over, they walked to the car-park and Tim's car in silence.
"Siobhan….this past week has been terrific, I have enjoyed myself, and of course your company, I just wish…." As he looked up and saw a shooting star, "Look, make a wish he instinctively said."
Siobhan looked smiled and then said, "Of little seeds, seedlings grow. They flourish into something bigger. Tim, I am asking for your friendship and if you would like to keep in touch….Tim….please help me here, I'm making a fool of myself, maybe the Irish gab…" Siobhan didn't or couldn't finish speaking, as Tim leant down and kissed her.
"That answer your fears and wishes?" he questioned.
"Tim…if I thought for a moment…" Siobhan began to say.
"Have all the time you want…..I have no-one in D.C. so whatever happens will happen." As they both looked up again and saw another shooting star.
The End.