‘And, in the meantime, here’s a toiletries kit to tide you over.’ The woman behind the counter offers us two small cotton pouches, presenting them as if they’re made of solid gold. We thank her for her thoughtfulness and generosity.
Inside are a few essentials – though the toothbrush is barely larger than my pinky and the deodorant already smells of teen armpits. But beggars can’t be choosers – or any kind of judge!
I take a deep breath, reminding myself that this was what I wanted, an adventure. I nod and try to smile. ‘Okay, thank you.’
The woman looks up from her computer and gives me a sympathetic smile. ‘We’ll try our best to get both your bags to you as soon as possible.’
I thank her and leave the desk, feeling a bit deflated. I let out a deep sigh as I loop my arm with Kayla’s, trying to shake off the feeling that this was all pointless. Maybe I should just cut my losses and book a flight back home tomorrow. I knew it was foolish to hold on to hope, but I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to believe that there was a chance to salvage this mess and make it all worth it. But now, as I wait, I feel the weight of disappointment bearing down on me, threatening to drag me under.
Kayla nudges me, a small smile on her face. ‘We’ll get our bags, don’t worry. I have a feeling they’ll turn up soon.’
I roll my eyes, but I’m secretly grateful for her optimism. It’s infectious and helps keep the hope alive.
Kayla looks at me with concern. ‘Are you okay?’
I nod and let out a deep sigh. ‘Yeah, it’s just… I’m feeling a bit helpless without my things. Everything I need for the lawyer is in that bag.’
Kayla nods in understanding. ‘I know, but it’s not the end of the world.’ She places a hand on my shoulder and says in a comforting tone, ‘Don’t worry, Daisy. We can handle this – if there’s anything that living in care taught us it’s how to make do.’
Without Kayla, I can’t even imagine what my life would be like. My breath catches at the thought of a world without her in it. How could I have gone on living if not for her unwavering kindness and support? Tears prick my eyes as I offer her a small, grateful smile. To think that I’m so lucky to have had her by my side all these years – she’s the best friend anyone could ask for. She’smybest friend.
She’s been like an anchor throughout all our rushed packing and leaving, through the highs and lows we faced while growingup together. When she holds my hand tightly in hers, the truth of how much she means to me suddenly becomes crystal clear. In this moment, I understand just how precious our friendship is.
‘Anyone we should call?’ she asks.
I have the contact details of James O’Connor tucked into my pocket; I could call to let him know that I’m missing my luggage. But I’m hesitant. How can I settle the will without any documents? I don’t want my first conversation in Ireland with James to be about me being at a loss, appearing as though I’m a complete hot mess – no luggage, no plan, no papers. For some reason, I don’t want to seem helpless around him. Maybe because of the way he straightened out that fight in the pub or that he came all the way to London to keep a promise to a friend; whatever it is, I feel compelled to make a good impression.
Kayla and I exchange looks.
‘Hope you like wearing those clothes, because you’ll be in them for a while,’ I tease.
She starts giggling. ‘It’s only for a few days,’ she says. ‘Might as well use this as an excuse to go shopping when we get there. Now, come on! We have a bus to catch.’ Kayla checks the board and beams. ‘The bus leaves from outside the airport in ten minutes.’
‘If we hurry, we could make it!’ I declare. I glance down at Kayla’s stiletto boots. They must be at least four inches high. ‘It’s almost worth it to see you running in those heels.’ I laugh.
She takes a deep breath, straightens her back and turns to face me, a sly grin growing across her face. ‘You just watch me,’ she replies before sprinting down the footpath with astonishing speed and grace.
The sound of tapping heels is soon echoed by our laughter as we reach the exit. Paperwork, paints and fresh pants – who needs ’em when you’ve got your best gal pal? I’m rolling with my dearest friend and that’s worth more than anything to me.
Onward to Innisfree.
CHAPTER 14
THE BUS
The pick-up zone outside the airport is a flurry of activity – engines roaring, gleaming buses rolling in and out of the gates, people shouting and suitcases clattering as they are thrown onto overhead racks. But there’s no sign of our bus. We’re about to give up when my eye catches a flash of electric orange: an ancient coach with ‘11’ painted on its side. As we approach, the driver bellows from his seat, ‘Last chance for Innisfree!’
The coach is old and a bit rickety, but it’s charming in its own way. When we step inside, I notice the interior is worn and the windows have a bit of a draught, but it’s immaculately clean and welcoming. Passengers grin at us from their seats.
We settle into our row and Kayla turns to me, her voice brimming with excitement. ‘What have you brought us to?’ she asks before erupting into laughter.
As the bus fills up with people, I can’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie. We’re all on this journey together. I feel a twinge of nervous excitement. This is it – the start of our new adventure.
The ride is long and bumpy, and we have nothing except our handbags and the clothes we’ve got on,but Kayla and I gossip and giggle as if we were back in our days of riding the school bus without any real sense of responsibility or worry. It feels good tobe carefree for a little while, to let go and escape the weight of adulting.
‘Thank you so much for coming, Kayla. If it weren’t for you, I think I’d have turned on my heel as soon as I found out we had no bags…’
‘How you feeling about it all?’
