thought I’d come, and yet I didn’t want to leave
her alone. Especially now that we’ve started to
establish something.
I still don’t understand what there is between us
and don’t want to get a headache trying to define
it, I just know I want her next to me and I want the
assurance that she’s well.
My brothers are all in front of the TV watching
a GAA match. They spare us a quick glance by
way of greeting, but Carl joins my mother and us.
“Mom, Carl, this is Erin.”
“Nice to meet you, honey. I’m Sarah and this is
Carl. Welcome to our house.”
“Thank you for the invitation, I hope it’s not
any trouble.”
“We’re happy you’re here. Patrick never brings
anyone, except those boys.”
“Mother!” I admonish her.
“You know I love them all, but it’s nice every
once in a while to see a new face.”
We take our places at the table. We’re a bit
tighter packed than usual and Erin is squeezed in
between my sister Ciara and me. She seems a bit
nervous and out of it, so I rest my hand on her leg,
squeezing just slightly to reassure her. She smiles
at me in thanks before answering the questions that
are coming at her from every part of the table.
She answers sincerely and politely, taking small
mouthfuls of whatever she can, chewing slowly.
Evidently she’s got a bit of nausea.
