Truth

Chapter Two: Ireland Here We Come

Finally the week is over, which means Ireland, here we come! Riley and I couldn't be more ecstatic. We've been packing all week long and the big day is finally here. I decided to wear yoga pants, a loose fitting black t shirt, a black hoodie with sparkly writing on it and black moccasins. I put Riley in his Spider Man pajamas and an old pair of sneakers. "Mom we're here!" I shouted as I walked into her house with 2 suit cases, a back pack full of carry-ons, Riley's diaper bag, and my purse. Riley strolled in behind me with his little back pack filled with toys and things to keep him occupied.

Mom came down and greeted, "Hey guys. I'll take your bags to the car. Claire won't wake up!"

I turned to Riley and instructed, "Ri, go upstairs and try to wake up Aunt Claire while I help NiNi with our bags. Okay?"

He nodded, "Okay Mommy!" He ran upstairs while I followed Mom with one suitcase, the back pack, and my purse.

While loading her truck she asked, "Do you know if Carter is in Ireland?"

I wanted to roll my eyes at her question. She constantly asks about him even though she knows the answer. I tried my best to not sound annoyed, "I have no clue. We aren't from the same town Ma."

She nodded, "I know, but still. Maybe you can get together or something."

"I have no interest in doing that. I need to get Ri's car seat from my car," I said trying to get out of the conversation as fast as possible.

While getting his seat I started thinking about what Mom said. I could run into him. Our family is really only about an hour away from him. What if Carter is there? Do I tell Carter? I decided t drop the topic all together. I put the car seat inside the car and headed back inside the house along with Mom. I walked inside and heard Riley laughing and shouting, "Aunty Claire. I know you're awake! C'mon we need to go!"

I went upstairs and saw him tugging her arm as Claire pretended to sleep with a smile on her face. I asked, "What's going on Ri?"

He stopped tugging her arm to look at me and said, "Mommy she won't wake up!"

I went over to her and shouted in her ear, "Claire wake up already! We need to leave!"

She opened her eyes and groaned, "I'm up!"

Riley told her, "Hurry up so we can go!"

I scooped up Riley in my arms and placed him on the side of my hip while he wrapped his legs around my torso. My arm wrapped around his back to support him. I told Riley, "Let's leave her to get ready," I turned to Claire, "And you have 5 minutes to get dressed you lazy bum!"

She moaned and stood up as I walked out the door and down the stairs. Once we were in the living room I set Riley down on the couch. He whined, "I'm hungry!"

"I'll get you some cereal," I replied. He locked his tiny hand in mine and walked with me into the kitchen to find Mom standing over the stove making pancakes.

She looked at us and said, "I had a feeling you guys would be hungry so I made some pancakes. Dig in."

Riley sat down, grabbed a pancake, and ate it like a cookie. I thanked Mom and grabbed one myself, but put it on a plate with some syrup. Claire came down in green sweat pants, a tight fitting white long sleeve t shirt, tan boots, and 2 purses. Riley commented, "Finally you're up you!"

We all started laughing, including Mom who was finishing up cleaning, and Claire responded while laughing, "I was tired!" She sat down and ate some pancakes as well as Mom. After ten minutes of eating and talking we started to head to the car.

­Since Mom recently became good friends with her new neighbor George, he offered to drive her us to the airport, bring her car back to her house, and pick us up when we get back. Mom went next door to get him while Riley, Claire, and I sat in the back. I sat in the middle since it didn't bother me as much as it did Claire. The second she sat down, she immediately started going on her phone. Riley was playing with his wrestling dolls. I was watching him, adoring how cute he looked.