Page 4 of Played By the Fool

“Why do you think something’s wrong?”

“Cause you sound like a sad sheep.”

“I’m not a sheep.”

“You wanted to be.”

Courtney started calling me a sheep because when we were little, I saw one and wouldn’t stop talking about it and how I wanted to be one. I even dressed up as a sheep for halloween that year.

“You’re never gonna let me forget that, are you?”

“Nope. Now, what’s wrong?”

“John’s back early. And he brought someone back with him.”

“I’m getting the feeling that this someone isn’t a ‘YAY!’ Someone.”

“Her name is Kali and she said she’s his fiancée.”

“Holy shitsnacks. Are you fucking kidding me? What did he say?”

“He didn’t say anything. Not. One. Word. He just stared at me. Oh wait. He did say something. He said, ‘I thought you were off today.’”

“What a cock-sucking douchecanoe. I’ll be there in two days. I’m gonna kick him in the balls.”

I laugh. I can’t help it, I love my sister. Even if I had been the one to cheat, she’d still have my back.

“You don’t have to kick him in the balls. I’m just trying to figure out how I didn’t see this. How did I miss the part where he had a whole life I didn’t know about? At least him not wanting us to move in together makes sense now.”

“You know what? Fuck John. He’s not worth your tears or your time. You’re going to find the man for you. And he’s never going to hurt you. Ever. I’ll be there soon to hug you.”

“I love you, Court. I have to get back in. I’ll text you later.”

“I love you too, sheepy.”

I chuckle as I hang up. My sister is right. Fuck John.

Chapter Three

Ciarán

In the last couple of weeks, we’ve found more details about my da’s bio family. The biggest thing is that they’re still here in Ireland. They live in Galway which is two-and-a-half hours south of us. We’re packing for a trip to go down there. All six of us are going. I got an address for them and we’re going to see if they’re still there.

“I’m nervous. I don’t know why, but I feel like a little boy,” my da grumbles.

I chuckle.

“It’s a big deal, Da. And I have a really good feeling about it.”

“I do too.” Fionn nods.

“The journal that Sister Katherine kept was really nice. The way she talks about Liam and Órfhlaith makes me excited to meet them. I think they’re going to be so happy to meet you.” My mam sniffles.

“Oh don’t cry, Éireann,” Da says as he hugs her.

I love watching my parents together. They love each other unconditionally. I’ve never heard them fight or say anythingmean to each other. I’m sure they’ve gotten into fights, but it’s never been in front of any of us.

“I’m just so happy for you, Cian. This is what you’ve been waiting for. To meet your birth parents. And now, knowing that they always wanted you? I’m just so happy.”

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