TUS NUA - ch 16

TUS NUA – ch 16

New Beginnings – Mia and Midnight

(*)(*)(*)

Merry and her sister, Noel came barreling down the staircase, giggling loudly and looking around for Finola.

“Where’s, uh Aintin?” Merry still felt a bit awkward calling the woman she just met in such a personal manner.

Jules looked up and answered, “Oh, she had to pop home. She doesn’t live here permanently. She should be back in a few minutes. Is there anything I do for you?”

“You’re Jules, right?” Merry asked a bit shyly.

“Yep, that’s me!” She rubbed her growing belly, smiled and chuckled. “Me and baby Itt!”

Beverly looked a bit surprised. “I’m sorry, Jules, I was too, well, self-absorbed to notice. Forgive me; I’ll try to be more helpful, but I’m now super curious. Why “Baby Itt”?

Jules replied. “Between Aintin and me, you know my story. I decided I didn’t want to know the sex of the baby. I’d prefer to find out when Itt is born. I explained this to Mickey and he liked that idea, so until we know what Itt is, it’s name will be Itt! Weird, I know but then, these are weird circumsances.”

Beverly shared Jules’ laughter. “If I can at all be of any help, please allow me to do so.”

“You’re on! Just one thing, though. Mickey and I won’t be living here. He has his own cottage up the road but there’s room enough for all of us. Or, if you like, we can build you your own cottage. When Mickey comes back tomorrow, we can talk it over.”

Beverly smiled and said that she’d prefer her own cottage because she felt that Jules and Mickey should have their privacy.

“In that case, I’ll ask cousin Alistar if he’d build you one to suit your needs. But, we have time yet.”

“He wouldn’t mind?”

“Alistar? Oh, heck no. He’s a sweetheart of a man but does like to show off his craftsman skills now and then.

They all turned their heads as they heard the backdoor slam shut with the sound of laughter ringing through the mud room.

Dara and Tauri hurried from the pantry. “Oh, for lordie’s sake, Mia! What a mess! What did you do, bring in the entire farmlands?”

Mia and Annora laughed as the closed the door to the mudroom to remove their muddy clothes and placed them in the washing machine. Donning terrycloth robes, they left the room and headed towards the stairs but not before Mia answered Dara.

“Well, now, you see, Dara, we were pulling weeds when I tripped over Midnight. By the way, where is that bloody cat! Anyway, I fell on my arse in a very large puddle and Annora started laughing. So, I reached up and pulled her into it. Then we had the funniest and most enjoyable mud fight.”

CC calmly walked in the front door and declared, “And I have sketches to show you how ridiculuous you both looked.”

CC looked down at her feet when Midnight slowly stepped inside.

Tauri’s laughter could be heard throughout the house. “Oh, Midnight, you rascal. I bet you’d gotten yourself as muddy as Mia and Annora but you were smart enough to wash off using the hose.”

Midnight meowed but since she was still dripping water from her fur, stayed on the welcome mat.

“Well, come in then, you little rug rat! Let me dry you off. You look more like a drowned rat that a sleek cat!.

Trying not to create too many puddles on the floor, Midnight, quickly scampered toward Tauri who immediately wrapped the feline in a fluffy towel.

Jules looked at Merry and Noel with a smile. “One thing, girls, no matter how long you choose to stay here, you’ll never be bored.

“Hey, CC,” Sybil called out, “can I see your sketches?”

CC layed the pad on the table and told everyone to look through it and feel free to make comments, pro and con. “The only way I’m going to improve is by criticsm. So, please be honest with me. I know I’m only eleven, but ask, Rory when she comes down. I can handle it.”

“I’m curious, CC,” Ali wondered, “why do you call her Rory?”

“It started when I was really little. I was learning to speak and had trouble saying Annora. I stated calling her Rory and, well, the name stuck!”

“Aw, that’s such a beautiful story. Do you think she’d mind if we called her Rory?”

“I don’t see why it wouldn’t be ok. She’s really a cool sister to have around.”

Everyone started at the oval as it opened and Liz Waters and Finola stepped through. While no one could imagine what happened or, for that matter, where it happened, it was obvious to all that Liz’s face emitted a radient glow.

Finola encouraged Liz to join the others. “It’s up to you what and how much to tell them but in the mean time, I’m going to call my nephew, Ian. He can bring his wife here for dinner.”

As Liz appraoched the others, Finola heard her say loudly, “Everyone, I have some wonderful news. Wait, where’s Annora and Mia? I’d like for them to hear this too.”

“Hear what?” Annora asked as she walked down the stairs.

“Everyone, first of all. I’m staying here. In Ireland. Finola will help me to get back to school. It’s a long story and I’ve got years to make up. But, Finola said that there is no reason why I can succeed in my goal.”

“And what goal is that?”Beverly asked.

Mia crossed her arms over her chest and smiled. She’d known for a while, but knew it had to be up to Annora to make the announcement.

Before another word was spoken, the front door opened and in walked Ian and Liz Diehl.

Liz Waters looked hopefully at Ian as he walked to where she stood. He placed a hand on her shoulder and said, “I know this is your story, but I’d love to do the honors. That is, if you do’t mind.”

She grinned, “Not at all. Go ahead.”

“Wow, this will be confusing. My wife is Liz and my new assistant is Liz. I think I’ll go back to calling my wife Lizzie.”

As everyone quickly caught his meaing, he nodded. “That right. I’ve agreed, eagerly, to take Liz on as an apprentice. She’ll work with me when she’s not in school. She’ll live here until her schooling is finished, then we’ll gladly help her find her own apartment.”

In unison, the girls stood, walked to Liz and shouted, “Group Hug!”