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Bells Of Ballintoy

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19

"Louis, you can't be serious, that track was rubbish." Mark said, walking back in.
"Mark, you should know better than to interrupt into private conversations, and I think that track is one of the best tracks I've heard."
"Louis, thank you." Nicky said, walking out the recording room.
"Don't listen to Mark, he's only jealous." Eilidh said, holding his hand.
"Thanks. Its people like him, can say things and they hit you deep down, and make you think you're not as worthy as other people."
 "Listen to that song that Mark is singing, you could do way better on that track, but would they give you a shot? Nope."
"I shouldn't really tell you this, but I wasn't recording that song for the Westlife album, but my solo album. I didn't really want to tell people that I was recording my solo album, but I've just been writing songs, and Bryan's been helping me, and he thinks it's really good, the stuff I've written."
"I knew you would do a solo album. I think it will be rather good to actually hear your voice singing."
"Thank you, do you feel like getting a coffee or something?"
 "Sure!" Eilidh said, linking arms with Nicky's.

Eilidh sat there, sipping her coffee, and talking to Nicky, when Gill and Shane came over.
"Can we join you?"
"Sure."
"So, what you guys doing tonight?"
"I don't know yet, why?"
"We were planning to go out to some restaurant, with Bry and Kerry, and I thought you might like to join us!"
"That would be lovely!" Eilidh said, smiling.
"Yeah, sounds great!" Nicky said.

Mark watched the others talking, he felt so alone, now and with Eilidh now seeing Nicky, it didn't seem fair.
"Mark, you know you did have your chance with her, but you blew it, you know." Kian said.
"I know, but why did she have to fall in love with Nicky, of all people."
 "I don't have the answers, maybe she realised that he was the one."
"Oh, well, life must go on, I'm sure there's someone out there for me somewhere!"

Eilidh saw Mark leave the room.
"Don't worry about him, he'll get over it." Nicky said.
"Nicky I should really talk to him."
 "Okay, then I'll see you at the restaurant"

"Mark, do you have a minute?" Eilidh said, standing next to him.
"Why?" Mark said.
"Because I think we need to talk."
"What's needed to be said, haven't we said it all already. You and I both know that we're not destined together, and you've already found someone new."
"Mark, I know, but I think we both need to discuss the house in Ballintoy. I'm planning to head up later this week, to get my stuff."
"Oh," Mark said. "So you can move in with Nicky."
"I didn't say that. I think it would be best if I went up and got my stuff and say my goodbyes."
"Well, I'm heading back around then, so if you don't mind hanging about for a few weeks, I could sure use the help, sorting what to take back to Sligo."
"You mean you're not going to stay in the house?"
"Why should I? I mean there's no reason to stay, now you've gone."
"Oh Mark, I didn't mean to ruin the dream."
"You didn't, and anyway, I think Maud Feather wants the house. It's hers anyway."
"I think you should sell it to her!"
"So she has to pay for it, when she didn't need to, in the first place."
"I was joking."
"I think she'll be over the moon, to get into the house."
"Maybe she'll stop her moaning, once she realises that she's got what she's wanted."
"I reckon the locals won't be too happy, that she's actually moving into the village."
"I'm glad we've had this talk. I'm catching a ride back with Kerry and Bryan. A whole group of us are going out for dinner."
"So I heard. I might see what Kian's up to."
"See you back at Bryan's." Eilidh said, smiling.
"Yeah." Mark said, standing up.

Eilidh walked out to where Kerry, Bryan and Nicky were standing.
"Eilidh, there you are. I thought you had got lost or something."
"Nope, just had a talk with Mark."
"Oh, nothing too stressful, I hope."
"No, it was really good. Just talking about the house in Ballintoy."
"So are you going back up with him, in the next few days?"
"Yeah, for a few weeks, just to sort out the house, and say my goodbyes and things. Then I'll be back in Dublin, if that offer is still open, Kerry!"
"It is. I mean we can't have you living on the streets."
"Thank you Kerry, so are we going or what?"
"Um, we've got things to do, but Nicky has kindly offered to give you a lift back."
"Oh okay, that's cool!"
"Your carriage waits!" Nicky said, whistling.

As on cue, a carriage, with 4 horses pulled up.
"What's this?" Eilidh said, staring at the carriage.
"Well, I thought what a better way to see more of Dublin, then travel in style."
"You mean you organised this while I was talking with Mark."
"Yep!"
"Then what are we waiting for?"
"Lets get go. There's so much I want to show you."
"So where to first Sir?" The driver said.
"I don't really know, surprise me!" Nicky said, leaning back.
"As you wish." 

20

Soon they were off, gently trotting down the road. It was a lovely afternoon, and the sun was out, and the clouds were barely visible. 
"So, how do you like this?" Nicky said.
"This is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, it's so romantic."
"Romantic?"
"Yeah, it reminds me of times past, when the only source of transport was horse and cart. To have lived in those times, where things were scarce, and times were
tough."
"Are you sure you've not been here before?"
"Why?"
"As sometimes I think of things like that, only to realise that it was way back in the past, but to me it's crystal clear."
"Do you have dreams as well, like you're living in the past, but faces are of the present?"
"Yes, I remember that I had one, the night before we came up to Ballintoy. I dreamt that we went up there, and it was market day, and everyone was out in the streets, and the old church stood in all its glory, and then the bells rang, and then I saw a girl, who looked like you, come to think of it, and you came and told me to be careful in cars, and I didn't really know what you were on about, but that day I was in the accident, I had it again, and you stood there, telling me to be strong&ldots;"
"Wow," Eilidh said.
"Yeah, it's an unexplainable feeling, to realise that the one true thing you lack today, is the one you met in a previous life, but to meet the one, who is in the present,
that holds that person's spirit, is truly an experience in its self."
"So you and I must have met all those years ago, when the world was new."
"Yeah, but obviously we lost touch, or something, but now we've found each other."
"Let's not lose each other again."
"Do you have to go back so soon, I know you want to get your stuff organised, and there's people you want to see."
"Give me three weeks, and I'll be back."
"I see your three weeks, and when you come back, I'll be different."
"What?"
"Well, I've decided that I should really take good care of myself, and I'm going to the gym now, and eating properly so I should be back to my normal size soon. And also I'm off to the barbers to get my hair cut."
"Nicky, well, I might not recognise you, when I get back down."
"But I'll be the same old Nicky, you love."
"You know, we're nearly back at the house, so maybe we should kiss now, before we get there, in case you know who is there."
"Mark, who really cares about what he thinks?" Nicky said, launching into a kiss.

Eilidh and Nicky kissed, lips locked for a while, and soon they were at the house, the horses stopped.
"Eilidh, we're at the house."
"So soon. I was enjoying that."
 "The Ride or the kiss."
"Both and I mustn't forget the company, which was good too. So I'll see you later." Eilidh said, hopping down.
"Sure," Nicky said, getting out as well.

Eilidh walked into the house.

"Eilidh, you're back?" Mark said.
"Yeah, aren't the others back yet?"
"No, they aren't." 
"Okay, I think they were doing stuff."
"Don't stay out too long tonight, we've got an early start tomorrow, I want to head back up to Ballintoy."
"So soon?"
"Yeah, I'm sorry if it's going to stuff up your plans with Nicky. But the house can't sort itself?" 
"It's better to get it over and done with."

Kerry and Bryan turned up later, laden with bags.

"My, haven't we been spending up large?"
"What? This is nothing. Just the monthly groceries. We buy in bulk to save time and money later in the month." Kerry said, putting the bags in the kitchen.
"So where are the girls?" Eilidh said.
"Staying with their grandparents for the night. Bryan's folks are so good to them."
"That sounds good, what time are we heading to dinner?" Eilidh said.
"About 6ish, Mark, if you want to join us, you're welcome to, I think Kian is coming, Jodi's still in London."
"Thank you, but I might have to decline, might have an early night, as I really want to get back to the house in Ballintoy."
"Does that mean, you're heading away too, Eilidh, tomorrow?"
"Yeah, but only for a few weeks to get my stuff organised."
"But, you'll be back down after that." Kerry asked.
"Of course. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to shower, and get ready for tonight." Eilidh said, walking off to the bedroom.
"Mark, please come out to dinner, just this once. I know under the circumstances you'd rather not come." Bryan said.
"If it makes you happy, I'll come, but I don't want to be out all night."
"Mark, thank you."
"Mark, are you now coming? Oh that's brilliant. I better ring Gill to change the reservation." Kerry said, standing in the kitchen door.
"Yes, I'm coming. Don't really want to ruin the evening for you all."

Eilidh emerged soon, wearing a nice dress.
"Whoa, Eilidh, where did you find that dress?" Kerry said.
"In Ballintoy, I found it in one of the second hand shops. I just knew I had to try it on, and it fitted so I bought it."
"Wow, you look very nice." Bryan said, "Doesn't she, Mark?"
"Yeah, that dress does look nice on her." Mark replied.
"Thank you." Eilidh said, slipping into her shoes.