BAILE (Where We Come Home)

Chapter 11 Homeland

"Isla."

I slowly peeled my eyes open.

"We're home, well, we have like five minutes." Eliza gently woke me.

I wiped the fogged out window of the taxi, getting a stunning view of the sea. I felt a sense of peace wash over me as I began recognise the landscape around me. I pulled out my phone taking several photos of the beautiful Isle of Sky, aka, my homeland.

The taxi slowed to a stop outside our gate and I paid him before hopping out.

"My wee darlings." Our mother greeted us, our two Scottish deerhounds bounding to slobber all over us. "I missed you so much." She pulled us both in for a hug. "A little briny air and you'll be feeling better in no time." She kissed my forehead. I leaned into her touch.

"My wee Bonnies." Our father bellowed. He looked so big and burly but he was a real softy at heart.

"Dad." I watched as he picked Eliza up off the ground.

"Don't think I forgot you." He approached me. He lifted me off the ground and I laughed, immediately recalling him picking me up as a child.

"Hi daddy." I squeezed him back.

"We better get some food into you." He poked my belly.

"I am starving."

"Come on."

We carried our bags into the house, letting our father carry them upstairs for us. I felt even more at peace as I stepped into my room, which happened to be in the loft, with a circular window that looked out over the deep blue sea. Photos I had taken throughout my life were taped to every flat surface, leaving no bare patch of wall in sight. My parents figured I had a phobia of blank spaces.

"Come down for breakfast when yer ready." My father smiled before heading back downstairs.

I unpacked my bags, hanging up what little clothes I had brought with me. I heard him purring before I saw him.

"Sir Walter." I lifted my fur ball of a cat into my arms. He was of a native breed and shed like you have never seen. He used to live outside but my mother eventually softened, giving up on kicking him out and falling for his puss in boots eyes. "I missed you so much." I kissed his head while he purred like a motorcycle. I carried him with me as I headed downstairs, the floorboards creaking softly as I met my family in the kitchen.

I sat down at the kitchen table, setting Sir Walter on the floor to have him rubbing against my legs beneath the table.

"You're father and I are so glad your teachers are helping you." My mother sat down opposite me while she placed the plates loaded with food before each seat.

"It's really just one." I said as a matter of fact.

"Riley O'Sullivan." My father sat down. "I remember seein' him playing football when he was just a young lad."

"How old would he be now?" My mother counted off her fingers.

"Twenty two?"

"No, twenty five, yes." My mother smiled. "Tell me girls, what do you think of him?"

"What are you implying?" I asked.

My mother exchanged a look with my father. "I wasn't implying anything."

"She's blushing." Eliza poked me.

"I am not!" I protested despite my face feeling like it was on fire.