I remember standing in the middle of the cottage, both of us in each other’s arms.
I also remember Saoirse pulling me to her bed. Something about wanting me “near her”.
But the next thing I knew was both of us lying down on her bed, gazing into each other’s eyes again without uttering a word. I mean, we didn’t have to.
Though suddenly I felt something small and metallic under the pillow. I pulled it out, and found that small pin Saoirse uses on her overdress.
“You keep your overdress pin under your pillow?”
Saoirse smiled, then put her hand on mine.
“This pin… is very important to me. It has been passed down my family for many years.”
I examined it. It was a typical Celtic pin with a ring, and it appeared to be made of bronze. It was completely plain, with no engravings or anything, and was much smaller than the ones we used to fasten cloaks.
“Mam told me that it was first made for a woman called Aoife,” said Saoirse. “One of the first members of the clan we come from. She lived many years ago, before the clan came to Thomond.”
“Whoa.”
I wondered how old it really was. If this thing could talk…
“Thank you for showing me this, Saoirse,” I said, giving it back to her. “Keep it safe.”
Saoirse nodded while grinning, before carefully stowing it back under her pillow. We then went back to silently gazing into each other’s eyes.
I didn’t want this night to end… but, like all things, it did eventually.
We slept past sunrise, cuddled up on her bed. Somewhere in the distance I thought I heard a loud banging sound.
Saoirse stirred. I ignored it and tried to go back to sleep.
But the banging sound got louder. Both of us were jolted awake, and we realized that someone was banging on the front door. Saoirse started trying to push me off the bed.
“Quickly! Go to Tadhg’s bed!”
I immediately got out of bed. The person at the door, whoever it was, I don’t think they’d approve of the way we were both sleeping on her bed.
Saoirse quickly put on an overdress, fastened the small pin on it, and opened the door. From where I was standing I couldn’t really tell who it was, but she seemed distraught. She was trying to say something while crying loudly. Saoirse then made a loud gasp, and ran out of the cottage with her.
Odd. She wouldn’t just run off without saying anything to me. Also who was that woman? Definitely not Maebh, she seemed like an adult.
I wonder what happened.
I got dressed and packed my things. I wore my t-shirt, leggings, socks, and sneakers under my 17th century dresses, and wrapped my hoodie around my waist. I decided not to take the tools that Aodh made for me, figuring that Saoirse might find a use for them. Though any archeologist who finds these later is definitely gonna have a field day.
I took out my pill-box. Yeah, this is indeed my last day’s supply of hormones. I have to leave today.
I took my meds, put the pill-box back inside the handbag, and put it on. The time device, glowing a steady purple, was sitting on the table. I stared at the front door, wondering if Saoirse will return before I leave.
Should I wait?
Should I just go…?
I mean, I don’t think she’ll be too happy to find me gone, especially after last night. At the very least she might want to say good-bye.
But… maybe waiting for her will make this more painful.
Yeah, I think I need to leave now. Besides, I don’t want this showing up in some historical record, and risk causing more paradoxes than I’ve probably already caused.
I picked up the time device. The screen lit up, and I punched in the destination: 9th January 2019, San Francisco, USA.
My heart began to race as I got ready to hammer the button. Here we go… three… two… one…
…
…
I can’t do it.
Why can’t I do it…???
I sighed. I guess I need to say good-bye after all.
I decided to head out and look for Saoirse. I’m wearing my handbag and sneakers, and my hoodie is on my waist, but I don’t care now. I know she told me not to go to town without her, but I think I can handle it. I have a working time machine, if anyone gives me trouble I can just whoosh myself away.
I got into town about 15 minutes later. It looked deserted, but I knew today wasn’t Sunday. Where is everyone?
I headed up the path a little, and found the ruins of an ancient church at the edge of the forest. As it turned out, the whole town was gathered here for what appeared to be a funeral. Father Padraig was officiating, and quickly scanning the place I spotted Aodh, Úna, Nóra, Tomás, and Maebh’s parents, but no Saoirse. Thinking it best not to disturb them, I left.
Well, she doesn’t seem to be in the town. Where the hell is she…?
