“Oh my god, Norah. That’s so scary.”
On our way towards the exit of Airlie Gardens, my phone chimes at the same time as Teagan’s. We glance at each other before opening the message. It’s a group message to the two of us from Norah and Eamon, telling us that Eamon’s sister was found unresponsive and is currently in a coma. They are leaving for Ireland tonight. I immediately call Norah.
“What do you need me to do?” I ask worriedly.
“Just keep an eye on the house, I guess?” She suggests, her voice quiet. “I don’t have anything pressing going on over the break.” She sounds so tired.
“You got it, chica. Anything you think of that you need me to do while you’re gone, just let me know. And keep us updated.”
“Thanks, Layla,” she says over a yawn. “You’re the best.”
When I hang up, Teagan is looking at his phone with a furrowed brow.
“This is awful,” I say, thinking he’s having a similar conversation with Eamon.
“Oh, absolutely, but Eam sent me a separate text.” He angles his phone towards me.
Eamon:Hey mate, Norah and I booked a place up in Avon for a short holiday, but with us going back home for Caity, we can’t keep our reservation. I’m putting it in your name. Take Layla.
I stand there dumbfounded. Is he suggesting we take a vacation together? Just the two of us? “Um…” I begin.
“You’re going home to see your family, so I know you can’t go.”
It takes me less than a second to make a decision.
“I’ll cancel.” I blurt out.
“What?”
“Seeing my family. I’ll tell them I’ll visit during Spring Break. I need to be close by to watch Norah’s house anyway.” I shrug.
Teagan’s green eyes light up. “Yeah? You want to go?”
“Yes. Let’s go.”
This is not only what I want, but what I need. I need to do something that’s just for me, that makes me happy. And spending time with Teagan at some beach house away from normal day-to-day living is perfect. Nerves flutter through me at what this trip implies, but it feels right.
“Alright. The reservation is for tomorrow through the rest of the week. Will that work for you?” he asks.
“I was going to be heading back to Texas anyway. I’ll have Mami change the flight for a later date.”
* * *
“Lo siento, Mami. I know, I know. But this is important. I need to stay here for Norah. She doesn’t know how long they’ll be gone.”
“Layla, this is so unlike you. Are you sure there’s not something going on?” Mymother asks suspiciously.
“No, Mami. I’m not canceling, I’m just rescheduling. I could try for a weekend visit if you absolutely cannot wait until Spring Break. Or, like I’ve said a million times, you are always welcome here!”
I know that will fall on deaf ears, but really, why is she allowed to be upset about me rescheduling when my family never comes here?
“Ugh, mija, we’ve talked about this,” my mother says in frustration which has me rolling my eyes so hard they might get stuck that way.
“I know, just offering.” I sigh heavily. “Anyway, let me see what Norah says once she arrives in Ireland, and then we can go from there, okay? I promise I’m going to come home to see you soon.”
“I’m holding you to that, chica. I’ll get your plane ticket taken care of.”
“Gracias, Mami. Kiss Papá for me?”
