Autumn to summer in Penny Lane

May

Walking the dog

Home was home. It was a place that was always cosy and familiar. A sense of reassurance for Caitlin as soon as she saw the old road and heard the familiar Belfast accents. Then of course there was her Mum's strong Catalan accent as she fussed over Caitlin.

Everything seemed strangely familiar but slightly different. For starters Caitlin's Dad had finally got round to decorating and although there was still the old cabinet there was now a television and stand.

'Pain in the arse setting it up,' Paddy grumbled as her Mum rolled her eyes. 'What happened to just plugging it in and you're away?'

What Paddy conveniently forgot to mention was that Theresa had finally sorted it out with the help of their son Kevin. Little Paddy was as hot headed as his Dad which would have meant yelling and swearing as the pair would get aerated at each other.

In some respects it was pretty much like being back home. Especially when Colette called round and the pair went for a night out. As she sat in the bar, Caitlin contemplated on how quick it was to settle into the old surroundings. The accents, the shops, and even the neighbours who spoke to her as though Caitlin had never been away.

The break had done Caitlin a world of good after the loss of her unborn baby. Indeed as she settled back into the seat of the plane there was a tinge of sadness that Caitlin was leaving her home town of Belfast. 'Still,' thought Caitlin 'It will be grand to see Cal.'

Still there was some good news at last with Caitlin being offered the part of Nancy in Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist.  The only problem was that it would mean being away from Calam as they would be on tour for a few months.  Of course Caitlin was excited as it was distinguished company putting it on with the thrill of acting coursing through her veins like a drug. Yet there was that concern that tugged at Caitlin's stomach at how Calam would take the news.  Part of Caitlin felt angry that she wanted a reassurance from Calam that everything would still be okay.  Still the quicker it was done the easier it would be.

Getting through passport control was pretty easy although there had been a slight frown from the official as Caitlin casually handed in her Spanish passport.

Smiling Caitlin saw Calam waiting patiently for her and as the couple hugged and kissed she thought how her boyfriend always got it right. Telling her how much he missed her and just being loving. Caitlin knew that Vanessa thought that Calam was too nice and always preferred a bad boy. Of course Nessa had not been daft enough to say it openly but the comments of liking a bad boy as she would walk over them otherwise confirmed her suspicions.

'Sorry, what was that?' Caitlin replied after saying 'That's fine,' but not really listening to what Calam was saying. As she thought when to break the news of her getting the part of Nancy. 

'Fudge is staying with us for the week.'

'Fudge?'

'Yeah me Mum, well me Dad's dog. They've gone to the Algarve for a week.'

'What about Zara?'

'Oh she's working down London. Besides I don't think me Dad likes leaving Fudge with Zara.'

'Can't say I'm surprised,' Caitlin thought before saying. 'Is that why you've taken a week off?'

'Kinda,' Calam said forcing a smile.

'Swell,' Caitlin smiled.  'A wee bit of time together will be good.'

'I've only got a couple of days off and one where I can work at home but you don't mind looking after Fudge on Thursday do you? Mum and Dad will be back Friday.'