Riley
This time, I came alone. I didn’t even ask Ray to come with me. I took the afternoon off; Ian wants me here and I’m happy to do it.
I sit in my assigned seat, two spots down from a man in a Leinster jersey, complete with matching hat and scarf. As he turns his shoulders, I see the name O’Connor on the back. I’m overwhelmed with a sense of pride.
Is it right for me to feel this way? To feel connected to him somehow?
I decide not to interrogate myself too much today, to just enjoy the game, Ian and his muscular legs running ceaselessly up and down the field. He seems so fit, strong and determined that I do feel proud to be here cheering him on.
When there’s a try, the whole bench jumps to their feet and starts screaming – without expecting it, I find myself doing the same. I sit down again like all the rest of them and the man next to me smiles in satisfaction.
“That’s my boy,” he says and I almost feel faint.
“Yeah, okay. Let’s not get carried away with the enthusiasm. There’s still time for him to get railroaded like he did last time before the game’s up,” says the man sitting next to him.
“You don’t always have to be such an arse, Nick!” another voice calls from a few seats down. I listen in confusion at their conversation as a woman stands up and impatiently changes seats, taking the one to my right.
“You’ll have to excuse them, miss. They’re like children.”
I smile kindly.
“We’re all here to watch Ian play,” she says, pointing to him. “You see him? Number 11?”
I nod nervously.
“That’s our son.”
“You could try to at least pretend he isn’t your favourite,” Nick speaks again.
“Shut up, idiot!” the other one says, standing up threateningly. I recognise one of the faces, partially hidden by his hat.
Oh shit.
“Here we are then,” says the older man, leaning towards me. “This is our family. We’re the O’Connor’s.” he says extending his hand. “Everyone, please say hello to—”
“Riley,” I say in full crisis, ready for a panic attack.
“Riley,” he repeats to himself. “I might have to ask you more than once – don’t take offence, my mind plays tricks on me sometimes.”
“Do you guys want to shut up so we can concentrate on the game here?” the other one says, standing up and looking towards me. “Ah… hey, wait a minute. It’s you.”
Everyone turns to look at me.
“That’s her!” Nick stands up too.
“She, who?” the mother asks, not understanding.
“Hi Riley, I’m Nick”, he extends his hand too, which I accept fearing that I might have lost my mind. “I’m Ian’s brother. We finally get to meet.”
“F-finally?” I stutter, afraid.
“Would you please explain to me what’s going on?” the mother asks looking at each of us for some clarification.
Nick has a sly smile on his face before announcing quite loudly: “That’s her. She’s what happened to Ian.”
