It was time to get away... college life in the States was getting to be too much for this displaced Irish lass. I had been eagerly anticipating my Spring Break and could not wait to board the plane that would take me back to my home country. It wasn't quite Spring there in Dublin when I arrived. After three days of drizzling cold weather in the city, I had grown restless, like a panther in a cage. Making the situation worse was my family- in an absolute uproar at my separation from my husband.
"Marriage is a promise ya make and ya should be keepin' forever!", my Pa sermonized. A look passed between my Mum and I, a Woman's knowing glance, the child crying out silently from promises broken and security stolen. Aye, but she still considered me to be a disappointment.
"Schoolin' in the States has made ya' weak, thinnin' yer stubborn Celtic blood... there are NO quitters in our family", she lamented in disgust. Here I had planned on a week of solitude and contemplation, but saw it was turning out to be filled with bickering and angry words. My parents and soon-to-be ex-husband, who had unexpectedly flown out to meet me on that 3rd day, were all driving me mad, pulling and pushing, attempting to make me fit that old mold of a quiet & mild creature, pure innocence and voiceless.
Yes, I was their darlin' Shannon, the despirited, tamed lass without thought nor opinion, the severely coifed Redheaded, porcelain doll, that should be kept in a tightly sealed case, away from the corrupting outside world. Well, their doll had had enough, ripping her hair out of the constraining bun and the prim proper clothes.
Now, it's time for a further escape, so, I hop into my car, and hit the narrow highway paths that will take me on an unforgettable journey, across Ireland to the Western shores. I head straight for my land, Shannon, Ireland... I was named after the region... 'twas where I was conceived, so the story goes. There the countryside is incredibly green with fertile land that has the richest scent of earth and life. Spring had come into full bloom here, as I am awakening too. Inhaling deeply, I turn my car northward towards an old familiar pub, by the airport. Liam and the lads are in for a surprise visit.
You are on a marathon business trip, visiting your company's branch offices all over Europe, with this most recent trip to England being the most stressful. You trying to relax in your plane seat, easing your mind with the knowledge that you only have one more short business meeting in Shannon, Ireland, the last stop before heading back home to Los Angeles. Flying over the rough coastal cliffs, you sigh thinking "Ah, the perfect place to make love," and let your mind drift to the restlessness you've been feeling. Sex was bombarding your thoughts lately, because you hadn't had any in longer than you cared to remember. Looking out of the window, you catch sight of a couple making love on one of the cliffs! "What the hell?" you mumble, rubbing your travel weary eyes; but, it must have been imagination. Nothing was there.
Arriving a day early for some R & R and to see the countryside, you get your rental car, a crash course in driving Eurostyle, and cruise around town, looking for the quintessential Irish pub. There near the airport you spot an old wooden sign "Liam's Pub", so with a satisfied grin, you pull up and park next to a red Land Rover. Glancing into the Rover, something catches your attention. Hanging from the rear view mirror is a peach lace bra. You chuckle softly, and enter the lively pub.
Here I sit on a barstool, wearing a long, white silk wrap skirt, that hugs my rear and a peach silk Poet's blouse, falling off a shoulder. Taking in the rest of the room with a swift glance, noticing I was the only female, your grin widens. Ah, yes, here's the lass who had doffed her bra and left it hanging in her car. I've kicked off my sandals and have my deep red curly hair piled high, in a tangled pony tail. The local old fellows were all sitting around tellin' glory days stories, mixing their English with Gaelic. When you entered the pub, you're immediately greeted with a hearty welcome and before asking, a pint of Guiness was being poured. All attention turned to us as our eyes meet.
Tilting my head up to the top of your tall frame, I welcome you with a smile that reaches my twinkling green eyes. The look at you give me is so intense, I'm rendered speechless for a moment. Ol' Liam slaps me teasingly on the back to help me catch my breath. I think to myself "Who is this tall stranger saying 'Hello"', with an accent that I couldn't quite place, American but, different. You were followed in by the scent of some cologne that sent ripples down my spine, and played games with my senses. I break contact with your dark brown eyes and look down to take in the rest. I see raven black hair cut short, businesslike, but with wayward long strands falling over your brow roguishly. You're wearing a blue cotton knit shirt, that hugs your broad shoulders, and clings to your well defined chest. The shirt ends playfully tucked into baggy, silver tab Levi's. I feel your intense gaze, follow my eyes; watching in quiet astonishment and smiling curiously as I take inventory of your upper body. I dare not let my eyes go further, and have to shift uncomfortably on the bar stool, causing the flap in my wrap skirt, to open, exposing my crossed legs. The others see what's transpiring between us. Electricity sparking across the room sends them on their way to the other side of the bar, giving us some privacy, unbeknownst to us.
I stammer out "Shhhannon". With a flash of white teeth, you smile, tilting your head forward with raised eyebrows and you ask me to repeat myself, not understanding my accent.
"My name is Shannon. And you, luv?" Repeating my name softly, you give me chills: "Shannon,... mmmm, I knew I was flying into Shannon, Ireland, but I never thought I'd meet the lady they named the area after. My pleasure to meet you."
The ol' coots at the other end of the bar crack up laughing, and Liam winks and says: "It 'twas named after her Mother, fine looker she was!!"
"And STILL is!" I quickly reply back with a smile. "But, I'm reclaiming the name for meself, Liam! Do ya' mind, luv?", giving him a sexy wink.
"Jesus, the old heart cannot take those looks lass!", he said acting out a heart attack. Crazy ol' bastard.
So, we begin our small talk, what brought you into town, where you are from, ... all of your words striking chords into my soul ... Los Angeles, eh? ... That voice carries a slight accent...Latin origins, incredibly masculine, and your scent is making me melt... difficult to pay attention. You were saying:
"...so, I just arrived and wanted to take in the sights, but don't know where to start." I let you know that I'm just out here to "get away from it all". Your eyes dart down to look at my hands, which are wringing my skirt nervously and you pick my left hand up, seeing my 2 karat diamond glittering, and say: "Getting away', hmm? From whom?"
I'm thoroughly blushed now and with my thumb, I turn my diamond around to face my palm, and hastily look away.
You simply say: "Rafael", and offer me your hand, long fingers softly brushing the back of my arm, signaling me to grasp yours in a friendly handshake. I choose to ignore that touch, so I finish off my pint, and without a word, I get up and walk straight out of the door. I can feel you eyes burning into my back and my hips as you watch me depart.
Liam leans over and tells you, "If you won't do it, Laddie, I WILL! Go on, pints are on the house, for ya two lovers! Get!"
By the time you make it to the parking lot, you see my Land Rover speed up the hill westbound. With a sardonic grin and a thrill of the chase, you jump into your sedan and peel off in a hurry to follow. Speeding fast with the windows open, my hair and clothes whipping wildly, I see a white sedan coming up behind me in the distance.