Chapter 20

Chapter Twenty

She found the cast to be a bit cumbersome and awkward and she wasn’t at all sure she could handle getting from class to class on Monday, but she found that with a little ingenuity, she could get herself to and from the bathroom. She wondered if the school was wheelchair accessible. How silly would that be, a black belt being driven around school by… whom? Gavin? They didn’t have all the same classes. Tavey had the most classes with her. But there was no way she was about to put her life and good limbs in his hands.

She lay there wondering what to do. The flat was unusually quiet for early morning. Kate thought for sure her dad would be checking on her, seeing as how she had made quite the ruckus in her travels to and from the bathroom and yet, all was quiet. Just as she was thinking about trying for the living room, she heard the front door open and close. Then the unmistakable sound of the dogs’ nails came clicking down the hall. Sure enough, Chili came around the corner and jumped straight up on the bed and lay next to her with his head on top of Kate’s chest.

“Nice to see you too,” she said, as he rolled off her and over on his back to signal to commence a much wanted tummy rub.

“Wondered when we would see you today,” her grandpa said from the doorway.

“Grandpa, what are you doing here?”

“Well that’s a fine how do you do.”

“Sorry, I was just expecting Dad or Mom,” she paused, “Dad, actually.”

“Your parents are out this morning and your Grandmother will be here when she finishes her run and gets presentable. I have been entertaining myself in the living room most of the morning. Did you know there is nothing on T.V. here? I was so bored I was about to do some dusting, but this one,” he motioned to Chili, whose tongue was now lolling out of the side of his mouth enjoying his tummy rub, “decided that he needed to go out and saved me. I hope you didn’t need anything while I was gone. Can I get you something? Do you need some medicine, help getting to the toidy?” he asked using his toilet lingo.

“Oh please Grandpa, I felt as if I slept the whole day away yesterday. I really am not that uncomfortable and I think we might try something with less of a kick today. Perhaps I can stay awake long enough for you to fill me in on what is going on. Mom and Dad are out together?”

“Yes, they are out together, but don’t get your hopes up sweetie. Before they left, your father gave me a look I don't think I have ever seen on his face. Your mom was just as closemouthed as she always is, but she looked none too happy either. I couldn't even get an idea from Bruce. I suppose he didn't want you to overhear.”

“Ya well, I heard enough last night. Mom thought I was asleep, but Dad knew I wasn’t,” she said sheepishly.

“Well then, you probably know more than I do. Your dad called this morning and asked us to sit with you.”

Kate winced at the words implications.

“Not babysitting," her grandpa read her face. "He called it 'invalid sitting,” he winked. “Said they needed to talk to some people. Don’t ask 'What people?' I don’t know. He just said 'people'.”

Kate mulled that information over. She knew that neither one of her parents were happy, but she wasn't sure if they were contemplating separation or were they just going for the jugular and getting a divorce. She wondered if they had gone to see a lawyer and what all that entailed. Would they have to go back to the states to get a divorce? Would she be staying in Scotland while they went or would she go with them? Would they be staying in the states after? Would her mom come back here? She was rattled by the thought of moving back to the United States. Everything that was comforting and familiar was there, her friends, her old school, the Tae Kwando school. But she was making friends here and everything, right now at least, was new, exciting and waiting to be explored.

“Didn’t happen to say when they were coming back?” she asked.

“Sorry, not one iota of information on that. Why don’t you fill me in on what you know and then together we can see if we can fill up any holes.”

She told him how Meg felt guilty about the life she was living, about how she wanted out of that guilt and that all she wanted to do was to lose herself in her work and that she wanted nothing from them. She ended with her dad's declaration that he wanted a divorce. He nodded and said nothing. They sat in silence for many minutes.

“Your mom is a really smart person. One of the smartest people I have ever known. What she is working on is something that could change the world, as we know it. I don’t pretend to know or understand what it is or how she does what she does. I don’t even understand how her mind works, doesn't mean she is a bad person or that she doesn't love you, she just exists differently from you and me.”

“Like Grandmother is different?” she asked.

“Not quite. Your grandmother knows how to relate to normal people and her gift seems to give her an edge on that. It makes her a better people person. But your mom, she understands equations and microscopic things and theories and all that stuff that only the really clever people understand. But she is not a people person. Doesn’t make her less a person, just makes her a better scientist than a wife or mother. And without science, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I may not even be here.”

Kate understood what he was saying. Intellectually, she understood. She knew stories about people who locked themselves away in their labs and shut out the world, to emerge one day with a vaccine against polio or chicken pox. She had admired them for their sacrifice and tenacity, but she never realized the personal sacrifices the people who loved them made. How the husband or wife or children had to go on without that person. Knowing them only through their accomplishments. She hurt. Her heart hurt. Her face began heating up. Silent tears slid down her cheeks.

“Oh sweetheart." He nudged Chili out of the way and took her in his arms. "I know it hurts. I wish I could tell you when it will stop. I wish could tell you not to worry, that everything will turn out all right, but I would be lying to you and I can't do that. In the meantime, we are here.”  He kissed her on the cheek. They stayed quiet for a while, then he chuckled and said, “Now, how about some Cocoa Drop Cookies? Your grandmother made some last night and she wouldn’t let anyone have any until you had one first.”

Kate nodded. She really didn’t want any, but she knew her grandpa was dying for one and she couldn’t deny her partner in crime.

He helped her into the living room and tried to make her comfortable by building a nest of pillows and blankets to support her leg and allow her to sit up. Sitting on the couch, she phoned the O'Callaghan household.

“Mrs. O'Callaghan?” she said when she heard her answer the phone. “Hi. This is Kate.”

“Kate, how are you?” she asked and Kate knew that she did not know about her accident.

“Well, that is partly why I called you. I had a small tumble yesterday. My grandmother and some of my friends walked up to Arthur’s Seat and on the way down I managed to step in a pothole and break my leg.”

“Oh my goodness. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine, legs in a cast, but I am fine. I don’t think I will be able to get down to visit for a few weeks. I don't know if you need help at the kennels or not, but I won't be available for that either,” Kate said.

“Well, I would think not.”

“I have some friends that might want to volunteer. On temporary terms, that is.”

“I’m sure we can work something out. Give me some names and phone numbers and if I think I need the help, I will have them. In the meantime, don’t worry about it, I can cover everything else. Besides, Boyd is feeling much better and I expect him to be coming back to work any time now.”

Kate was surprised. She hadn’t thought Mr. O'Callaghan would be doing much after their last visit.

“That’s great news. And another reason I wanted to talk to you. I have someone I want Boyd to meet.” Kate was unsure if she should tell her who it was or whether she should leave it a surprise. “I wanted to know when would be a good time for a visit.”

“I think I should be asking you that question dear, you are the one with the broken leg.”

"I almost forgot about that,” Kate laughed.

“Perhaps Boyd should be returning the favor and come to visit you,” she said. “And then this friend of yours could meet us there. How does that sound?”

Kate had not pictured the meeting taking place in this way. Always in her head, she saw Andrew going to the Kennels. Perhaps this would be better.

“I think that sounds perfect. When do you think he will feel like a visit?”

“Oh, I think I can get him out tomorrow afternoon. How does three o’clock sound to you?”

“Perfect, I will see you then,” Kate said her goodbyes and hung up the phone.

She immediately dialed another number.

“Hello, is Mr. Kirkpatrick there?” Kate asked.

“This is Mr. Kirkpatrick.”

“Hi, this is Kate Thorn. We met officially yesterday at the hospital.”

“Yes Kate, I certainly remember.”

“I was wondering if you would like to come over tomorrow around three o’clock. I have someone I want you to meet.”

“Kate, are you saying what I think you are saying?” his voice quavered.

“Yes. The man I believe to be your brother will be here tomorrow at three.”

There was a very long pause.

“Mr. Kirkpatrick, are you still there?”

“Kate, I am speechless. I'm not sure how I can...?” another long pause. “I will be there. We all will be there.”

Kate said her goodbyes again and dialed Tavey’s house. She spoke to Tavey and wrote down another number to call. Another call and after a lengthy discussion, another person was added to tomorrow's gathering. It was going to be a busy day.

Kate’s grandmother arrived and carefully sat next to her while she was busy on the phone. She had returned to the kitchen, fixing what sounded like lunch. Looking at the clock on the wall Kate realized she was famished. Her grandmother returned with a tray prepared with a selection of easy to eat food. She sat next to Kate while she ate.

“So you have big plans for tomorrow?” she asked.

“Yes I do,” Kate said happily.

“You seem happy about that.”

“I just want to see somebody happy. My family may be breaking apart but that doesn't mean I can't be happy putting another one back together, can I?”

“Absolutely. Sweetie this is big. I mean really big.”

“Bigger than you think,” Kate said smugly.

“I can’t imagine anything bigger than this. After all those years of wondering, on both sides, to finally have all those questions answered. You don’t mind if I make plans to be here myself, do you?”

“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Kate leaned back on the couch with her sandwich and smiled. Tomorrow was going to be a very good day.

Kate’s dad arrived shortly before dinnertime.

“I found this hanging around outside. What do you want me to do with it?” He stepped aside and Gavin, smiling sheepishly, walked in the door.

“I was going to just call, but I din’t want to wake you. Then I thought I should just pop in to see how you were. But when I got here, I realized I still din’t know if you were awake. So I have been hanging around. I think yer neighbors probably think I am some sort of peeping Tom.”

He sat down next to Kate, “You are looking better today. How do you feel?”

“I feel better. I’m sure I look a mess,” she said trying to smooth down her hair.

“You look fine,” her grandmother reassured her. “Gavin, are you hungry?”

“No, I am good. Thank you.”

“The Cocoa Drop cookies are up for grabs, you should get one before Dad eats them all,” Kate said as she nudged Gavin off the couch, “And get me one too, please.”

Gavin had just rounded the kitchen door when her grandmother leaned over and whispered.

“I don’t need any visions to see that the boy really likes you.”

“You think so?” Kate asked.

“Oh, I know so.”

“What did you see?” Kate pressed.

“Oh many things, many things. Some good, some bad, when you’ve lived as long as I have.”

“Grandmother! You know what I mean,” Kate growled.

Her grandmother just smiled, “Some things are more fun when you let them unfold,” she teased.

Kate knew there was no getting any answers now. Unfold? She liked the sound of that.

Gavin returned with a plate full of cookies and a couple of drinks.

“Tavey says he is supposed to come over here tomorrow and that he is supposed to bring his granddad?”

“Um hum, that’s right. We are having a bit of a surprise for Mr. Kirkpatrick or should I say, Mr. O’Callaghan. And Mr. Shaw, whose name is really O’Callaghan,” she said with a smile.

“Are you telling me they are related?”

“Yep. Brothers.”

“Brothers?”

She nodded. “Brothers.”

“Wow. They don’t know?”

“This should be good. How does Tavey’s grandpa fit into this?”

“Why don’t you come over tomorrow around three and be prepared to be amazed. Oh, and please don't mention it to Boyd. I think if his dad wants him to know, he will tell him." Gavin nodded his agreement.

“I’ll be here right after school.”

School! Kate had forgotten all about school.

“Dad!”

“I’m right here," he came in holding a plate of cookies and a glass of water. He sat in an overstuffed chair opposite the couch.

“What am I going to do about school?”

“Don’t you worry about that. I will call them in the morning and let them know what happened, and ask what we need to do about getting your homework.”

“Actually, all you need to do is have the ladies in the office order it from the teachers. They will look up her schedule and send out a note. Usually they have it in the office by noon. I can save you a trip and bring it over tomorrow after school if you'd like,” Gavin offered.

Her dad looked thoughtful for a moment and then said, “I will take you up on that. I just realized I have an appointment that might take up the whole day.” He stared at her, lips pursed and she knew he had just realized he was leaving her home alone.

“Don’t worry about me. I managed to get from my room to the bath to the living room without much trouble. Pretty soon I will be riding a scooter and causing all sorts of mayhem,” she added.

“Oh, don’t be silly. Grandpa and I will be here before your Dad leaves,” her grandmother said.

“How long do you think I will be out of school?” Kate asked.

“The doctors wanted us to keep you home until at least next week. I think you can try to go back next Monday,” her dad answered.

Next week. All that homework. Mid-terms were coming up and she was not going to be prepared.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Gavin said. “Don’t worry, you will catch up. I will help you.” He took her hand in his.

A few moments later, the phone rang and her Dad had gone back into his room to take it in private. Her Grandmother had joined her Grandpa in the kitchen shortly after that and Kate and Gavin found they had the living room to themselves.

“So what do you want to do?” Gavin asked. “Watch the T.V.? Play cards? Read a book? The day stretches out in front of us, so tell me, what does Kate want to do?”

She thought about it. Her leg was starting to ache. If she asked for something to ease the pain, she would fall asleep. Movie would do that, too. Book? Definite instant snooze fest.

“What sort of card game? I really don’t know that many,” she admitted.

“Do you know how to play poker?” he asked with a slightly over exaggerated innocence to his voice.

She shook her head.

“I could teach you. If you want.”

She nodded.

“Okay, we will need something to bet with. Let’s see...,” he looked around the room, “Do you have any money?”

She shook her head again.

“Matches?”

She thought about it, and shook her head again.

“Buttons?”

No again.

He started humming as he looked around again, then snapped his fingers. “I got it. We will bet kisses.”

“Oh I love chocolate,” Kate said.

“No, not chocolate kisses.”

He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. She decided she liked poker and she hadn’t even played one hand.

“So, we are betting kisses? Are you sure that is such a good idea? I mean, I would hate to trivialize something as special as a kiss just for a game. Besides I’m not sure I would like kissing you,” she said.

He looked at her, his brown eyes twinkling.

“What if I won a hand and kissed you and then yuck? What kind of win is that?”

He was continuing to grin his silly grin at her; there had to be something wrong with him, he was just too perfect for her.

“Suppose you had garlic on the way over here? Well, not a clove of garlic but some pizza with garlic bread or onions on a hamburger? Kissing someone with garlic or onion breath is not pleasant, or so I hear,” she added hastily.

He was leaning in closer.

“I have’nae had any garlic,” he whispered and leaned closer.

“Or onions?” she asked. He was closer.

“Or onions.”

He was so close she could see his deep brown eyes smoldering into hers.

“And I had a mint just a few moments ago,” he whispered.

Then, very softly, his lips brushed hers. He shifted closer and put his hand on her cheek deepening the kiss. Kate’s mind reeled. She had been daydreaming of this. She just never dreamed this with her grandparents in the kitchen. Of course, her grandmother would know before her anyway. What was she thinking! She was kissing a nice, handsome guy and her mind was on overload. He stopped and looked at her.

“What’s wrong? Is it really that bad?” he asked.

“No! Quite the opposite," she giggled. "I just can’t seem to get my grandparents out of my mind. They are throwing off my mojo, being right there in the kitchen.”

“You want me to get rid of them?” he asked.

She laughed to herself. She would pay to see that.

“Yes!”

He stood up and grabbed the dog leash and headed into the kitchen. He disappeared around the corner. She could hear the murmur of voices and then her grandparents appeared with the leash, her grandmother grinning from ear to ear.

“We think it’s about time to take Chili out for a walk,” she deadpanned, barely able to stifle her giggling.

When they had gone, she turned to Gavin. “What did you tell them?” she asked.

“I told them the truth. I wanted a kiss from you and they were throwing off the mood. I promised them I would be a gentleman if they would take Chili for a walk. Besides, yer dad is in his room.”

She was stunned. He vaulted over the back of the couch gently landing right next to her. “Now where were we when your mojo was interrupted?” He was very close. He looked down at her, studying her face for an endless moment. Then, very slowly, very passionately, he kissed her. She tasted the mint and the chocolate from the cookies on his soft lips. His fingers caressed her cheek and slid around to the nape of her neck. He slowly pulled her closer, his hands sliding though her hair. She lost all sense of time and space as their souls touched. He leaned back. "So what's the verdict?"

Kate had a hard time catching her breath and an even harder time forming a sentence. "I think we need to do some more research," she said.

Her grandparents made quite a commotion coming down the close and entering the flat. Gavin had managed to get Kate comfortable in the kitchen nook while he scouted through the pantry for dinner. Her dad had made an appearance and, surprised at who was taking care of dinner, had given her the thumbs up and disappeared back into his bedroom.

Kate had been worried about him, but he had seemed at peace and gave no indication of what he was up to. She asked her grandmother if she knew anything, and got a shrug of the shoulders for her trouble. Kate turned her attention back to the new chef in the kitchen. She had always enjoyed watching her dad cook, and now seeing Gavin, with her dad’s apron on, she found a sense of contentment. Who knew that in the midst of such uncertainty, she could find such happiness?