TUS NUA - ch 49

TUS NUA – ch 49

New Beginnings – Mia and Midnight

(*)(*)(*)

As Mia spoke on the phone to Ali’s sister, Ellen, Finola slipped quietly away and walked to the stream behind Tus Nua. Carefully, she put a block on her family so no one could know what she was about to do.

She sat on the curved stone bench that her friend Neil had made. It sat in the sun and captured all the warmth and peace of a summer’s day.

Her eyes were cast nowhere in particular, but then inhaling deeply, closed her eyes and thought,

“A Mháthair, tá imní orm. (Mother, I have a worry.)

Tá a fhios agam go gcoinníonn tú faire orm. (I am aware that you keep watch over me.)

Níl eagla orm faoi cad atá i ndán do mo thodhchaí. (I am not frightened of what my future holds.)

Mar sin féin, tá i bhfad níos mó agam fós a theastaíonn uaim a dhéanamh. (However, I still have so much more I want to do.)

Tá a fhios againn nuair a bhíonn ár gcuid ama gar, ach níl an mothúchán sin agam. (We know when our time is near, yet I have not that feeling.)

An gceadódh tú dom a bheith chomh dána sin go n-iarrfá do threoir? (Would you allow me to be so bold as to ask for your guidance?)

Finola raised her face to the heat of the sun and sat still, hardly breathing.

It didn’t take long for her to feel someone sitting beside her. Turning to face her visitor, she saw the glowing image of her mother who gently placed her spirit hand on her daughters.

When she spoke, Finola heard the sound of someone speaking as if through a tunnel, yet it was soft and soothing.

“Mo leanbh. Tá mé i gcónaí anseo ar do shon. (My child. I am always here for you.)

Ní raibh i do stumble ach an easpa scíthe riachtanach. Tá do chuid ama fós i bhfad ar shiúl. Tá go leor oibre le déanamh agat fós. Análaigh go héasca, a pháiste. Téigh abhaile. Brew roinnt tae. Siúil i do ghairdín le Neil. (Your stumble was only the lack of rest you so necessarily need. Your time is yet far away. You still have more work to do. Breathe easy, my child. Go home. Brew some tea. Walk in your garden with Neil.)

Her mother’s image leaned closer, and Finola felt the slight breeze of what felt like a butterfly kiss on her cheek. As her mother’s image faded, she heard her say, “M'iníon. Mo chroí. Cuimhnigh, ní fhágfaidh mé thú go deo. Tá mé anseo nuair a theastaíonn uait mé.” (My daughter. My heart. Remember, I will never leave you. I am here when you need me.)

Finola felt herself smile, felt her spirits lift, and with a easy gait, walked back to Tus Nua where she removed the block she’d placed on her family. Taking her mother’s advice, she brewed a pot of tea, then called Neil.

“Ah, mo stor, and what is it I can do for you? I’ve been wanting to stop by but knew how busy your days are, and so that’s the cause of my hesitation.”

Finola smiled at his words, then said, “True enough, my dear friend. I’m about to ask you for a personal favor.”

“Finola whatever you need. Just ask.”

“I’m thinking of a picnic supper for the two of us tomorrow. That is if you’re free. I have decided to take some time for myself,” before she could finish her sentence, Neil almost burst with laughter. “Mo stor, you surprise me. A work horse like yourself taking time for yourself? Well, mo bhinneas (my sweetness), consider it done. Tell me what time. You make the supper and I’ll bring the wine.”

Smiling, she replied, “How about six? There’s a small grove of trees that can offer us a bit of privacy and relaxation.”

Suddenly, Neil’s voice took on a worried tone. “Finola, mo stor, what’s wrong?”

Finola sighed. “Oh, my dear, absolutely nothing’s wrong. I’ve just been working so hard lately. Had so many things on my mind. Alistar is worried about me. I was worried about me. I knew it was time to take a break, even a short one. And who better, I thought to keep me company but someone who is so close to my heart.”

After she disconnected her all, Mia approached.

“Aintin, I spoke with Ellen Byrne, Ali’s sister. She and her husband have decided to make the drive from Galway to Greenan. I spoke with Ali and she’s super excited but also hesitant. She’s worried that her sister might be upset with all that’s happened. I didn’t tell her that Ellen is seven-months pregnant.”

“That’s good. She needn’t worry about that, too. I’ll tell Tauri to prepare for two addition place settings.”

Mia smiled, “Aintin, I already did that. I looked for you but you, well, I guess you needed some privacy, so I took care of the dinner. Ellen and her husband should be here in about an hour.”

Finola’s head swerved toward the door. “There a car coming up the drive. That’s must be the grandparents of Caroleena and Jennie.”

Mia looked at her aunt, “Wow, another busy day, huh, Aintin? When are you going to take a day off?”

Finola chuckled and replied, Neil and I are having a picnic supper tomorrow by the lake. That will do me a world of good.”

Mia couldn’t help herself. She laughed out loud as she said, “Aintin, it’s about damn time!”

Alistar walked toward the door and announced, “Our expected visitors have arrived”

He opened the door.