TUS NUA - ch 54

TUS NUA – ch 54

New Beginnings – Mia and Midnight

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With many hugs and tears, Ali found her goodbyes were more difficult than she imagined. While eager to start her new life with her sister and brother-in-law, she found comfort and love with the family she formed in Tus Nua. “New Beginnings”, she thought. Now, she was embarking on yet another ‘new beginning.’

“Remember, mo stor,” Finola started, “you’re welcome to visit anytime you wish and your family is always welcome here, as well. Even if time prevents you from visiting, I expect some kind of communication from you, a call, card, or letter.”

Ali wrapped her arms tightly around Finola’s neck. “Oh, Aintin, what would I have done without you?”

Mia handed her a small notebook. “I’d asked all the girls to leave their new contact information. Each one agreed it would be a good idea to keep in touch, sort of like a survivors club. Your name will be added automatically once you arrive in your new home.”

“Oh, Mia. That really is such a wonderful and thoughtful idea. Yes, I would love to stay in touch with them.”

Finola and Mia watched as they began to drive away, but suddenly the car turned and sped towards the house. Ali jumped out and ran to them, “Oh, God forgive me. How could I be so forgetful? Mia, Finola, I’d forgotten about Midget. Do you know where she is?”

When each young woman who was rescued by Finola arrived at Tus Nua, Midnight, Mia’s familiar rounded up a stray kitten for each of them. As each left the Tus Nua, they took their kittens with them. They symbolized comfort, love, healing and compassion – the main reasons Tus Nua was created. Each young woman was free to name their kittens as they pleased. Ali named her tiny gray and white kitten Midget since she looked like the runt of the litter.

“Last we saw her, Midnight was leading her outside for a farewell bowl of feline milk. Oh, wait, here they come. Midnight must have sensed you.”

They watched as Midnight led the little kitten through the cat door that Finola added to the front door.

Ali wanted to race to her kitten but fearing she might scare the little animal, slowly walked toward her and squatted. “Oh, my little Midget. Can you forgive me? You were almost left behind. I’ll never leave you again.”

Finola laughed as she watched Ali pick up the kitten. “Oh, mo stor, be careful of the promises you make to your kitten. There will be times when you’ll need to leave her home when you go out. She understands your every word and emotion.”

Ali nodded, then gently hugged her kitten and revised her promise. “Midget, as long and as often that it’s acceptable, you’ll come with me wherever I go. I know there will be times when I’ll need to go out and you won’t be able to come with me. But I’ll always tell you about those plans as best I can. Come, my love, let’s get you home.”

Her little cat rubbed the top of her head under Ali’s chin. “Aw, Ali,” Mia uttered, “she understands you perfectly.”

After a few quick hugs and kisses, and Ali was out the door walking to the waiting car that was occupied by her sister and brother-in-law.

Finola closed the door and sighed as she looked at Mia. “Well, mo ghra, the little ones are the last of them.”

Alistar came walking towards them. “Finola, dearest cousin, once Ida and Daniel leave with the girls and Kevin, there’s still something I’d like to discuss with you. We’ve been so busy, I’ve been putting it off. One thing I can tell you is that your maam visited me. She’s put my mind at rest. Aintin Willow said that the Goddess sent her so in my mind, that’s a double assurance.” He blew out a breath in a huge sigh of relief. “Now, I’ll go home to Evie and we’ll plan for tomorrow’s family supper.”

Mia looked at Finola quizzically. “Aintin, what was he talking about? Why did he need to hear from the Goddess? And who is Aintin Willow?”

Finola smiled and wrapped her arm around Mia’s shoulders. “Once the little ones leave, we’ll go outside to the flower garden you and Rory planted and I’ll tell you everything. It’s not serious so get that frown away from your face.”

They heard the click of a door as it closed and looked toward the stairs where they saw Ida and Daniel Dowd walking down with the two little girls, Caroleena and Jennie. Ida was holding one hand of each child and Daniel carried the travel sacks that they found in the room that the girls occupied.

Mia whispered, “Aintin, where on earth did those children find those kittens?”

Finola mumbled, “Oh, Mia, where do think?”

She nodded and realized her familiar, Midnight found suitable kittens for the children.

Finola mumbled, again, “Wait until Kevin comes out of his room.”

Daniel remarked, “I swear, I’ve no idea how much clothing two little girls could accumulate in only a few weeks. Where did all this stuff come from?”

Ida answered, “Oh Daniel. Look at where we are. Think who built this house. Think who has been helping the wayward. Only witches could supply everything everyone needed.”

Daniel laughed, “Oh, mo stor, you’ve the right of that. With all these clothes and toys, I doubt we’ll need to buy anything for them for at least six months. Well, unless they have a huge growth spurt.”

As they neared the bottom of the stairs, Kevin left his room with his own travel bag, thanks to Finola along with a romping rusty colored puppy.

Mia burst out laughing. “Aintin, is that what you hinted at?”

Finola only smiled.

Ida commented “’Tis a good thing we brought the truck. There’s room for all the children in the cab and their sacks can fit in the back. We’ll need to leave as we need stop for petro on the way home.”

Finola answered without being asked. “No need. The tank is full.”

Daniel nodded and said, “Well now, how could I have possibly thought less of you, Finola?” He grasped the hands of Finola and Mia. Ida hugged everyone. She laughed “Daniel shakes hands; I’m a hugger.”

Mia answered, “There’s nothing wrong with that, Ida.”

Once they drove away, Finola said, “Well, now, the house is quiet for a few seconds.”

Mia nodded. “Yes, but it won’t be long, now.”

As soon as she spoke, the air was filled with a scream that would make the hairs on your arms stand on edge.

Finola and Mia looked at each other and nodded.