THE INHERITANCE - part four

THE INHERITANCE – part four ………

Welcome home

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Kate Sullivan inherited the house that once belonged to her great-grandmother. The old stone house sat on the edge of a ten-acre plat of land in Aughacasla, Ireland. Two weeks ago, she’d never heard of the small town and now, she owned a piece of it.

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She smiled her widest, and said, “Light on.” Then sat in the old wooden chair near the fireplace.

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Kate looked around the kitchen at the trunks and boxes that had belonged to her great grandmother, then she checked her watch and saw the time was only three in the afternoon. “Mmm; too late for lunch but too early for supper. But,” she thought when her cell phone chimed.

Pressing the accept icon, she said, “Hi, this is Kate.”

A familiar voice came through and said, “Hi Kate. Sorry to bother you. I know you must be extremely busy, but I have a number for you to call. She’s a local, said her grandmother knew your great grandmother and she might have some information you’d like to hear.”

“Terry, you called at the perfect time. I was just about to go find some dinner. Any particular place you’d recommend?”

As she wrote down the name of a pub the bank’s manager recommended, Kate had a weird feeling that she knew the building. She pictured the pub in her mind and, why she couldn’t explain, knew the road that would take her there. “You won’t be disappointed but call Maureen O’Reilly first. She’s on the way to town.”

“I’ll do that, Terry, and thank you so much, for everything. Oh and, by the way, about an hour ago, the delivery men brought all the items from the storage unit. I haven’t gone through anything as yet. I’ve been busy making a list of everything that needs either repairing or replacing. First things on my list will be the old stove and refrigerator.”

She could almost feel his smile through the phone. “Kate, Excellent idea, but, and I apologize for forgetting to mention this, if you walk around the wall that’s behind the stove, you’ll see what appears to be wall made with rocks.”

Kate interrupted, “Yes, I’d wondered about that.”

“Put your palm in the center and give a slight push. The door will open to what had been your great grandmother’s stand-up root cellar. It isn’t very large, but it suited her. She had it built into the house not too long after your great grandfather died. She said he kept promising her a newer refrigerator but never got around to buying one so instead, she opted for a cold room, as she called it. Almost like a root cellar but above ground.”

“Wow, Terry, this house is just full of surprises. I’ll check it out but, before it gets any later, you’re right; I should go meet Maureen. I’ll call you soon.”

As Kate left the cottage, she turned and said,” House, I’m looking forward to learning more about you.” She closed the door and was about to turn the key when she had an idea. Just for laughs, just to see if she was anything like her great grandparents, Kate said, “Door, please lock.” She heard it click.

“Now, I need to know if it’s the house that has magic, or is it me? Guess I’ll find out soon enough.”

She sat in the rental car but before she turned on the ignition, she called her mother. As soon as she heard her mother’s voice, Kate said, “Hi, Mom. Well. I’m here in Ireland. The cottage is magnificent, but it really needs to be upgraded. Great-grandmother left me so many things and I haven’t even started going though them yet, but I have one huge question.” All she asked was, “Mom, did you know?”

Her mother instinctively knew what Kate meant. “Yes, I knew and before you get your temper in a fit, I didn’t say anything because, well, first of all, it could have been a rumor or an old wives’ tale. Secondly, we always lived in America, and I never met your dad’s grandparents, so it never occurred to me that you’d be like them. I still don’t even know if you are. Now, tell me about the cottage.”

After Kate described the house she now decided to call home and before she disconnected the call, she emphatically urged her mother to visit. “Mom, you’ll really like it here. Please, come. I know you have the time and I really want to show you around.”

Her mother, Patti agreed by saying, Ok, ok! I’ll come but I can’t for about two weeks. I have to make arrangements with my job, but I will make my flight arrangements as soon as possible. How’s that?”

Kate was excited to know her mother would be spending some time with her in Ireland.

With a smile, she turned the ignition, put the car in drive and headed towards the house where Marueen O’Reilly lived.

Parking her car, she walked up the gravel walkway to a door that was beginning to open. “Kate Sullivan! Sure and it’s a pleasure to meet you. Come in. I’ve just put the kettle to boil. Did you have .., oh what a stupid question that would have been. I was about to ask if you had any trouble finding my home, but I know you didn’t. I can see it in your eyes. You are definitely Kathleen’s great granddaughter and, in every way, I’m sure.”

They walked into the kitchen area and Kate took a seat at the table. “Ms. O’Reilly, Terry at the bank said you know my great grandmother.”

Maureen chuckled, “Oh Kate, for Pete’s sake, call me Mo. We’re almost family here and yes, I knew her. Kathleen and my grandmother were very close friends. Maybe not so much in age but in disposition and personality. They were more like sisters than friends.”

Maureen saw the wonder, fascination, and yes, worry in Kate’s eyes.

“Saints be praised, your eyes are like a kaleidoscope of emotions showing all your thoughts buzzing around inside your head. Oh, there’s the kettle. If you’re like Kathleen, you prefer your tea black. Or did I just incorrectly assume?”

Kate tried to calm her nerves. “Yes, black is perfect. I realize we just met, but for some reason, I think you can give me the answers I’m looking for; so, I really need to know. Am I really like my great grandmother? I mean in every way?”

Maureen took a photograph from her pocket. “Here, this was your great grandmother when she was about your age.”

Kate took the photo and stared at herself looking back. As her hand began to tremble, she looked at Maureen and whispered, “She’s me.”