Kiss the Rain

Welcome to Oban

I've spent the whole 2 hour drive from Glasgow staring blankly at trees, water and mountains while the three of us sit in an uncomfortable silence. Not only that but I never realised until we arrived at the car outside the airport how truly afraid of driving I've become. Feeling the vibrations run from the ground through the wheels and metal all the way to my insides sets me on edge. I can't seem to block out the images from the accident that form in my mind and glancing over to my right, watching Trish drive just makes it all real. My parents are gone and the woman that's supposed to be looking after Lewis and I has in no way tried to communicate with either of us since the airport.

As if reading my mind Trish gives an awkward cough to clear her throat and begins to speak. "So... do y' like music? I could put on the radio if y' want?"

I turn to check on Lewis in the back seat and shake my head. "No, it's fine. Lewis' sleeping, I don't want to wake him."

"Aw' right. Widny want t' disturb the poor boy. I'm sure he's exhausted."

"Yeah. That makes two of us."

Trish sighs. "Well, why don't y' pop your head on the windy and have a wee rest."

"I'm fine thanks."

"Ok then."

I lift the small carry on bag that sits at my feet, placing it on my lap as I rummage through my things, trying to locate my Blackberry - hoping it'll distract me from the air all around us that sits masked with discomfort.

"Look Adelina, I know I'm not exactly you or Lewis' favourite person in the world right now but just go easy on me. I've never had kids before 'n' I dinny spend a lot of time around any. I'm really new at this but if y' give me a chance I'll try my hardest. Eh? What do y' say?"

I look over at Trish, using this moment while she's occupied with driving to really see her. Although she seems her age - youthful and vibrant - on closer inspection the lines around her eyes become visible and the blackness that surrounds them due to tiredness makes them appear hollow. She looks like she's been through a lot in her life, her posture more mature than expected and her eyes shine with wisdom that not all women in their twenties posess.

The constant frown lines etched between her brows creep closer together as she waits for me to reply. She does seem genuine, and it would be hypocritical of me not to be nice since I nagged to Lewis a fair number of times about how he should behave. Giving her the benefit of the doubt I turn slightly to face her, while retreating my hand from my bag - phoneless - and placing it on the floor at my feet, making sure to smile and nod while I answer.

"I know. I'm sorry, I'm just temperamental because I've not had much sleep and the flight really took it out of me. I won't always be this distant. Once I have a proper sleep and some food I'll be fine." Her shoulders visibly relax and I can almost feel the wave of relief as it departs from her body and hits me head on.

"Thank you Adelina. It means a lot that y' are open t' me maybe even becomin' your friend one day?"

"Yeah. Maybe"

Just when I thought she was a horrible person and was starting to feel OK about my slight dislike towards her she starts being nice. Now I have no reason to dislike her. She's being perfectly friendly and has also explained why she wasn't talking - nerves! I'll need to make more of an effort.

The rest of the journey we sit in an increasingly comfortable silence as Lewis snores away in the back. When the sign 'Welcome to Oban' appears, my heart leaps, I thought I was nervous getting off of the plane when it landed but I believe I've achieved a new record. I place my hand over my heart, hoping Trish can't here as it bangs against my chest, the thumping radiating through the silence of the car.