TUS NUA - ch 22

TUS NUA – ch 22

New Beginnings – Mia and Midnight

(*)(*)(*)

Finola opened her portal and she and Mia were gently swallowed and transported to New York City. After stepping out of the portal, Finola said, “We have a few minutes, there’s something I need to ask.”

“Okay, Aintin. You know me well, so ask whatever you need to know.”

“I already know the answer, but I need to hear you say it. “Do you trust me?”

Mia’s mouth slackened open in surprise. “What? Aintin, how could even ask such a question? You know I trust you with my whole heart, mind, and soul. Why would you think otherwise?”

Finola smiled. “Mo stor, I know you do but you needed to remember that. Your powers, especially those of perception have grown immensely in the past few years and what’s about to happen, well, in my opinion, shouldn’t be known beforehand. It’s like when you were little before your powers began to grow. Your parents would host a surprise party for your birthday. But if your powers had been strong then, you might have known and the surprise would be ruined.”

Mia understood but commented, “I can understand that, Aintin, but I’m now well past surprises. Until you blocked me, there wasn’t much that got past me but if I’m told not to “listen”, well then, I don’t project my mind into the thoughts of others. I can mind my own business.” She looked, not sad, but hurt. “I thought you knew that about me.”

Finola gently brushed Mia’s cheek with her fingers. “I do, mo ghra, but there are times when others might not realize how your powers have accelerated and therefore don’t think to build that mental wall. I was glad you’d gotten so preoccupied with our house guests. It gave me the chance to see what was about to happen and block you without you knowing. Now, please trust me and know in your heart, that I blocked you for a very good reason – one you’ll know the day after tomorrow. You’ll then realize why I did what I did.”

“Will you remove that block after whatever is supposed to happen happens?”

“Oh, my sweet girl, the block I’ve put on your will completely evaporate when your occurance happens. You won’t even need to ask. You’ll know. Now, let’s go meet Sybil’s parents.”

Finola pressed the button to ring the bell inside the apartment of Claire and Kieran Verne. Mia noticed what she deemed as intercom and nodded at her assessment when they heard a woman’s voice, “Hello, who’s calling?”

Finola looked at Mia and whispered, “Smart to have a system to answer the door before it opens.” Then to the intercom, said, “I’m Finola Diehl and I’ve brought my niece, Mia. We’ve come to take you to Ireland where Sybil is waiting for you.”

There was a click, and the door opened. Mrs. Verne called down, “Please come up. Kieran and I can hardly wait to meet you. We’re on the second floor; the apartment is at the right of the staircase.”

With the wave of her hand, without one foot landing on a step, Finola and Mia silently few up the steps to the second floor apartment.

Mia allowed her thought to reach Finola, “Aintin, it’s a good thing she didn’t notice that. We don’t want to frighten her, at least not until we get inside.”

Claire Verne opened the door wider and said, “Please come in; have a seat. I can put on coffee or tea, whatever you’d like. Please tell me, uh us, is Sybil well? Is she okay? Has she been hurt and how on earth did she get to Ireland?”

Kieran spoke, “Claire, please, one question at a time. Ms. Diehl and her nice just got here. Ireland’s not around the corner; let them catch their breaths.” He looked at Finola and remarked, “Please forgive Claire, and me, for that matter. It’s been a horrific long nine years and now? Well, now to find out our baby is alive,” his eyes filled with tears but he continued, “well, while we prayed every day, it’s still so much more than we hoped for.”

Finola heard Claire emit a muffled sob. “Claire, can I call you Claire?”

“Oh, my yes, absolutely. And you can call that big lug over there, Kieran. We’re not formal here.”

“That’s perfect. I’m Finola and this is my great-niece Mia. Oh my, how to say this without having you think I’m doolally.”

Claire laughed. “Oh, my lord! I haven’t heard that phrase since I was a little girl. Yep, you’re from Ireland. My grandmother came from, hmm, I’m not sure but I remember it’s somewhere in northern Tipperary.”

Kieran grunted, “Finola, Mia, I’m sorry to be so impatient but it’s been nine years. When can go see Sybil? Please.”

“Oh, Kieran. You are a hoot, and Sybil seems to take after you. There is a reason I’m asking certain questions. Now that I know Claire is Irish, well the red hair was a huge hint, but you’re darker skinned with dark brown hair hazel eyes. Your ancestors also came from Ireland with a touch of German.”

“Yes, but what does all that have to do with Sybil?”

Watching their faces carefully, she blurted out: “Do you believe in witches?”

The color in Kieran’s face paled but Claire began to laugh. “Oh, my lordie, I should have known. We only spoke, what, about ninety minutes ago. There’s no way you could have flown here in that short a time. Finola, if I know my daughter, she’s already in love with your family and I’m already not far behind. But, I agree with Kieran, when can we go?”

“Pack a bag for a night or two. If you’d like to stay longer, if we don’t have what you need, we can get it.”

Mia interrupted as Claire stood, “Oh, uh, Claire? Maybe you should call you son and let him know what’s going on.”

“You know about…? Of course, you do. I’ll call him immediately.”