A walk between worlds

New Beginnings

CHAPTER 12

New Beginnings

            It was April 12, 2001, and it had been weeks since my return.  I was trying not to be disappointed that I had not heard from him.  He may have moved on with someone.  All I could do was be happy for him. 

            Things were crazy at work as usual.  So, I buried myself like I always did.  It was Friday.  This weekend was going to be spring like weather, so I figured I would take Zeke up to the cabin that we owned and get away for a bit.  I needed it.  My divorce was almost final and I could put that behind me.  I just needed to figure where to go from here.

            When I got home from work, my mother greeted me with a smile.  “You had a phone call from Shannon at Travel World.  She needs you to call her right away.  Are you planning a trip?”  I looked at her and replied, “Um, not that I am aware of.”

            Curious, I dialed the number back and a voice answered. “Hello, this is Shannon.”   “Um, hi, this is Leigh Reese, I had a message to contact you.” 

            Shannon said, “Oh yes, I am calling to tell you that your travel arrangements have been made for an all-expense paid trip to Scotland.  A driver will be sent to your home on Sunday, at 6:00 am to take you to your flight.  You will be gone for 14 days.  You plane will land in Glasgow and then you will take an additional flight to the Isle of Lewis.  When you arrive, someone will be there to pick you up.  Do you have any questions?”   There was silence, “Um, hello, Ms. Reese, are you there?”

            “Um, yes.  I’m just in shock.  Who paid for this trip?  I didn’t enter any sweepstakes that I am aware of.”  Shannon giggled, “Well, I can’t tell you.  I was told to be as discreet as possible and just get you on the plane.  All will be revealed when you arrive.  You will have a pleasant surprise waiting.”  Then she hung up.

            My mother looked at me, “What is it?  Did you win a trip?”

            “Yes, apparently, to Scotland.  I need to call Mike and take that vacation.  Can you watch Zeke for two weeks, apparently, I am scheduled to leave on Sunday morning at 6:00 am?

            She said, “Yes we certainly will,” and she smiled.  I looked at her and said, “Wait, what do you know, you are not telling me something.” 

            She looked at me, then walked over and hugged me, “I don’t know a thing dear, but have a good time.  If anyone deserves it you do.”

            It has to be Shawn, omg, he did wait for me.  Please say its Shawn. 

            My driver came in a limousine on Sunday at 6:00 am sharp and we arrived at the Philadelphia airport right on schedule.  I boarded the plane, first class no less.  It was going to be a long flight so I was grateful to be able to stretch out and get some sleep.

            We landed in Glasgow and then I had to take a plane that would land in the Isle of Lewis.  It was so late, I hoped someone was there to meet me.  As I got off the plane, I saw a man approach me with a sign that said Ms. Reese.  I was so excited and tired at the same time.  He said, “Ms. Reese, I’m Charles.  Very nice to meet you.  You must be tired.  Let’s get you into the car, shall we?”  After I helped him load my bags, we headed to our next destination. It took about another 30 minutes until we finally arrived.  I got out of the car and looked at the stone cottage in front of me.  For some reason, it felt so familiar.  Charles ushered me towards the door and said, “I will get your bags Ms. Reese.”  Then he motioned to me to follow him.  I stepped inside and it was like stepping back into another time zone.  The cottage was beautiful inside with wooden beams in the ceiling and stone walls.  It was simply decorated but I did notice one or two tapestries hanging on the wall.  I walked over and gently touched my fingers against it.  It was a crest; in fact, it was no ordinary crest.  It was Clan McNeil.  My grandmother, Isabell was a McNeil.  I was so distracted I never heard the footsteps behind me.  I felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist.  A voice behind me said, “Do you like it Leigh?”

            I turned, I knew it was him before I even looked around, “Shawn!”  I didn’t even have a moment before his lips crashed into mine and he pinned me against the wall.

            We kissed for a long time, I said, “I thought I would never see you again.”  He said, “I made you a promise, which I intended to keep.  I could never be with anyone else.  You are my past, present, and now my future.  I love you, Leigh.” 

            “I love you more,” and I kissed him again. 

            I smiled at him, “We have so much to get caught up on.”  He held my face in his hand, “Yes we do Leigh, but for the love of God, I’m taking you to bed first.” and he leaned in and kissed me.

I snuggled against Shawn’s chest.  Shawn said to me, “I don’t want to wake up.  I’m afraid you won’t be here when I open my eyes.” 

            I placed my hand on his chest and smiled, “I’m not going anywhere.  I kissed him gently.”

            We curled into each other.  Right before I fell asleep, the last thought that formed in my head was how happy I was.  Nothing could take him away from me.

            The wind outside the cottage had picked up a bit.  Somewhere across the vast darkness, something stirred in the night, as a black mist started to form……