“It’s all going to be fine, Bri. What did your principal say when you asked for time off?”
“He wasn’t thrilled, but I think more than anything he was shocked. The only personal days I’ve taken since I started were when I came down with pneumonia last winter, and then it was only because I truly thought I was going to die. He knew it must be important. He just asked that I try to be back by the Monday after Thanksgiving and to make sure that the substitute had adequate plans.”
“Well, that’s great. See? You have nothing to worry about. Just try and put all that out of your mind, dear. I really do need your help. I can’t let this grant money go to waste.”
“You’re right. I won’t mention it again. I’m here to help in any way I can.” I smiled when I saw my mother’s eyes lock on the food cart that was headed our way, and I knew our conversation was over. Mom was one of those few blessed people who could eat all she wanted and never gain a pound.
I watched as she inhaled the powdered eggs and cold croissant that sat untouched on my own tray and tried to focus my mind on something other than the pity I felt for the courageous substitute that was filling my shoes.
As I tried to rack my brain for something to ponder, I realized the sad truth: I had little in my life that was out of the norm to focus on. My drastic social decline since moving to Austin had me well on my way to becoming the Miss Havisham of the Lone Star State. I spent every spare second either working on my home or working on my classroom. While I loved the kiddos in my class, I was ashamed that I’d let my life get so unexciting.
I was at a point where many of the goals I’d set for myself had been met. I’d worked my way through college, I was happy with my job, happy with myself, and I owned my own home. But I was ready for my life to encompass more than just myself.
I wanted a friend, a husband, a lover. I wanted children in my life who’d call me “mom” rather than “teacher” or “Ms. Mothgomfrey.” But with my social circle filled with PTA moms rather than eligible bachelors, my chances of finding anyone were pretty dismal.
Maybe a handsome Scot will sweep me off my feet? Because that happens to teachers from Austin every day, and there’s sure to be a lot of eligible bachelors at the castle ruins . . . where no one has lived in four hundred years.
I shook my head, embarrassed at my little daydream, and tried to pull myself back to reality. “Okay, Mom. What’s the plan?”
“Well . . .” I watched as she spoke in between mouthfuls of food, “When we land in Edinburgh, we’ll pick up our rental car and drive to the National Museum of Scotland. They’ve been keeping all of the documents we found at the site. I already have clearance, so I should be able to take a lot of things with us. We’ll start there by combing through the documents we already have and see if that brings to light anything we might have missed during the first dig.”
“Ok, sounds good to me. Did you make any hotel reservations when you booked our flight?”
“No. I don’t want to stay in Edinburgh, I think we should go ahead and try to get into the Highlands, closer to the ruins. I remember a little bed and breakfast we used to pass that was on the side of the road leading to the site. It was so charming on the outside. I always wanted to stay there, but never got the chance. We always just camped out on the grounds. I have no idea whether it’s still there or not, but I’d like to take a chance and see.”
“Alright. Anything else I need to know?” My blood pressure rose slightly when I learned that our night’s accommodations were anything but certain, but I swallowed my panic and set my mind to go with the flow.
“Yes . . . you’re going to need to drive. The rental’s a standard.” The corner of Mom’s mouth pulled upward as she suppressed a grin.
“Okay, no problem.” I chuckled slightly. Mom was an infamously bad driver even with an automatic transmission. I had never intended to let her drive us in the first place.
A chime overhead warned us we were beginning our descent into Edinburgh, and the captain came over the speaker system to ask everyone to return to their seats.
“Are you ready for this, sweetheart? I’ve always wanted to take you to Scotland, but you were always either in school or teaching school when I was here. I just know you are going to love it.” She stood and motioned for me to switch her seats. “Here. I want you to look out the window. It’s beautiful.”
I obediently scooted over by the window and raised the plastic shade to look outside. I stared out over the lush landscape and immediately understood Mom’s love for this country. It was where she belonged. I knew if I didn’t live in the United States, she would have moved here permanently after her divorce.
I watched as the ground slowly came closer, and as the wheels touched down on the runway I felt a small tug deep inside. Maybe this was where I belonged as well. Excitement built as we taxied to the gate.
Scotland was going to be good to us. I could tell.