Enshrined Admiration

Chapter 1

Kilkenny, Ireland, is a place of captivating beauty that never ceases to amaze me. We relocated here three years ago, and I still vividly remember the awe I felt at 13 when we first arrived. The landscapes are a stunning mosaic of lush green hills, ancient stone buildings, and winding rivers, each view more breathtaking than the last. While many locals seem accustomed to the picturesque scenery, for me, as someone who came from far away, it feels like stepping into a storybook. Every corner reveals a new marvel, and my sense of wonder is continually rekindled by the splendor that surrounds me.

Life here offers a fascinating contrast to what outsiders might think. I attend Coláiste Pobail Osrai, just a quick ten-minute walk from my house. It's a vibrant secondary school that shares a unique blend of languages where English and Gaelic are commonly spoken. With four years of study similar to an American high school, it provides a solid education and a warm community. While academics are pretty standard, what truly sets this school apart is its students, specifically my friends.

One of my friends is named Deelan. She stands at a petite 4 feet 11 inches, and while she may not possess a robust physique, her sharp wit and intelligence consistently leave me in awe. Her long, flowing blonde hair cascades down her shoulders in perfect waves, with layers that artfully frame her round face. Deelan's striking blue eyes shine brightly, adding to her charm. Her skin is adorned with charming freckles that dance across her entire body, some areas dotted more densely than others. Freckles graciously cover her arms, thighs, and the delicate contours of her face, but intriguingly stop at her calves, knees, and stomach, creating a unique pattern that enhances her distinct beauty.

My other friend, Peirs, towers over Deelan at approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall. He has a slender, lanky build that seems almost fragile for someone of his height, with light ginger hair that stands out in a crowd. Piers possesses captivating blueish-green eyes, which might draw attention if not for the faint blush that hues his cheeks and face a vivid red—a result of a medical condition known as lupus. He sports round glasses that accentuate his features and wears a collection of itchy puka shell necklaces, which only add to the redness on his neck caused by his constant scratching. Piers carries an undeniable charm despite his quirks, making him a unique presence in our circle of friends.

I vividly remember the first time I met Deelan after moving into our neighborhood. She lives directly across the street from me, in a house that exudes a certain charm. The exterior is adorned in a warm off-white hue that gently envelops the wooden panels, giving it a cozy and inviting appearance. The true standout feature of her home is the abundance of windows; four grand, expansive windows grace the front, allowing ample natural light to flood the interior. The front door is equally striking—a large glass door that serves as both an entryway and a glimpse into the bright, airy space within.

The architecture of her house is fascinating, particularly the second story which boasts a tall, elongated roof that soars above the lower level, making the entire structure feel more majestic. Two round windows punctuate the upper floor—one leads into Deelan's bedroom, while the other opens into her brother's room, creating a sense of connection between their private spaces.

In contrast, my own house tells a different story. While it shares the same lofty roofline, its smaller stature means it has a more compact layout. There's a single hallway that extends to one room and a bathroom on the second floor. The exterior showcases a mix of vibrant red and clean white brick, giving it a charmingly eclectic feel. At the front, two unique windows protrude; one is linked to our cozy living room, while the other is a delightful bay window that brightens our reading nook with afternoon sunlight.

Surrounding the back of our house, an ornate iron fence that frames our backyard. Completing the picture is a small flower garden that wraps around the front of our home, bursting with seasonal blooms that add splashes of color and life to the otherwise understated brick facade.

When we first moved into the house, there was no flower garden in sight; just a blank canvas of freshly turned soil in the front yard. Eager to transform this plain space, I spent my days digging and planting, carefully placing each flower bush according to my vision. One afternoon, as I was adjusting the position of a vibrant rosebush, Deelan strolled over, her presence brightening the sunny day. With a warm smile and a friendly wave, she introduced herself, saying, "Hi." It was a delightful encounter that added a touch of joy to my gardening venture.

"I'm Deelan. What's your name?" she said with a bright smile, her enthusiasm matching the vibrant garden around us.

"I'm Éile, nice to meet you," I replied, returning her smile.

"Nice to meet you as well! So, what kind of flowers are you planting here?" she inquired, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"We're working with three different varieties: hydrangeas, dragon snappers, and virgo carnations," I explained, gesturing to the colorful array laid out before us.

"Would you like some help?" Deelan offered, stepping closer with an eager expression.

"Of course!" I answered, grateful for her willingness to join in.

Together, we embarked on the task of planting the flowers, our hands sinking into the warm, rich soil. The sun bathed us in golden light, and laughter filled the air as we worked side by side. After we finished, we dashed back to my house, smeared with dirt and giggling, eager to clean ourselves up. Once inside, she kindly helped me unpack the last few boxes still cluttering my living space.

I met Piers back in school, introduced through our mutual friend Deelan. Together, they form n unnatchable duo, full of unspoken potential. Although they have never officially been a couple, I often find myself imagining how beautifully they would complement each other if they ever chose to pursue a relationship. I admire the bond they share and strive for a connection like theirs, one that feels both deep and effortless.

Time and again, I've poured out my heart to them, revealing my fear of never finding true love. They've been kind enough to reassure me that love will eventually find its way to me. Yet, as I navigate this uncertain journey, I can't help but feel increasingly doubtful; my hope is starting to feel like an elusive fantasy. It's becoming quite burdensome, unfortunately, as the weight of my longing grows heavier with each passing day.