"I love you," said Peter.
"Won't you take that thing off before you say things like that," answered Assumpta referring to his clerical collar.
"I can't help it," said Peter turning his head slightly. Assumpta felt weakened by this. When she was with him, let alone when he said things like that, she felt overwhelmed.
'What is this feeling,' thought Assumpta. Suddenly, there was a loud burst and the lights in the bar flickered then went out. Assumpta was shaken out of the other world she was in made entirely of Peter Clifford. She looked around her and realized what had happened. She moaned.
"Want me to get it?" asked Padraig.
"No, stay, I'll get it," Assumpta answered. Peter took is hand and grabbed Assumpta's hand. She instantly spun back around.
"Assumpta," Peter said in his usual Peter way. Assumpta felt that weakening feeling again. He didn't have to say anymore.
"Padraig, could you give it a look?" said Assumpta.
"Right away miss," he answered. Padraig made his way down the ladder into the basement. Peter still hadn't released her hand. She became acutely aware of his touch. She turned and looked up at him breathless. From the other side of the bar Brendan watched them and smirked. "Very good way of hiding it,' thought Brendan. All of a sudden the lights flickered and then made a crack and went out again.
"Padraig?" yelled Brendan. He emerged from the basement.
"That fuse is lethal," said Padraig. "I'm sorry to say this but the whole system is broke. You're gonna need to fix it all"
"Great, that's just wonderful," moaned Assumpta.
"Don't worry, I can get a friend of mine in. He'll do it for you cheap," assured Padraig.
"I hope cheap doesn't mean I'm gonna be scammed," said Assumpta forcefully.
"No, he'll do it right," answered Padraig. Assumpta nodded. Peter had still not let go of her hand. Assumpta took her other hand and scratched her head and realized Peter still had her hand. She pulled it away.
"Ohhh, sorry," whispered Peter. Assumpta began to mouth something to Peter but Siobhan turned to Assumpta and asked, "Do you need any help cleaning up all this mess?"
"No, it's alright. I've always managed well enough," said Assumpta.
"Of course you have," Siobhan said as she smiled went over to help Niamh collect the food that was for sale.
"Assumpta, we're gonna take all the food to my place," said Niamh.
"Alright," Assumpta added.
"Are you sure you can clean up all the other mess by yourself?" questioned Niamh.
"Ahhh, Niamh, leave her alone. If she needs help why doesn't she just keep Peter to help her?" said Brendan.
"Ummm....." mumbled Assumpta fidgeting a bit.
"I'll help her. That way the lot of you won't have to worry," said Peter.
"Thanks Father," said Niamh. The people began to file out of the bar and the amount of dirty glasses seemed to double. Niamh and Ambrose were the last ones out.
"I would stay but I've got to go relieve the babysitter. Bye," said
Niamh and Peter closed the door after her.
Peter turned to look at Assumpta but she was not there. He turned
towards the kitchen and saw her come out holding candles and matches. She
set down the candles and lit them. They then met each other's eyes. Suddenly
the two felt awkward. Assumpta swallowed.
"You want to wash or dry?" she said smiling. Peter smiled and unbuttoned the top button of his shirt and removed the clerical collar.
"I'll wash," he said. He felt at ease now. The two worked in silence together. As Peter washed the dishes, Assumpta watched from behind. She leaned in the doorway drying a glass. She couldn't describe what she felt right now. Peter could feel her looking at him. He breathed heavily. After he was done with the dish he turned and came over to Assumpta to give her the dish to dry.
"That's the last of it," Peter said. She smiled. Peter walked into the bar area and sat down on a stool. Assumpta joined him and poured glasses of stout.
"Want to fancy the perks of owning a pub?" she said handing him a glass and then taking a seat next to him.
"So this is what you publicans do after hours," Peter joked. Assumpta fiddled with her hands and then looked up at Peter.
"Peter," she said simply, "You asked me where our little talk would lead us to. Where is that Peter?"
"I don't know Assumpta. You can't say you don't know what I want now, though," answered Peter.
"No, I can't," Assumpta said with a small laugh.
"What do you want Assumpta? You always ask me what I want, but what do you want?" Peter asked.
"I don't really tell other people do I?" joked Assumpta. "Honestly, Peter?"
"Yeah," he answered.
"I want to be able to sleep peacefully. I swear, you've turned me into an insomniac," she said half joking. Peter smiled.
"You've done a number on me too," Peter said. The two both stared at their hands. They were both obviously uncomfortable. Assumpta broke the silence.
"Lets get out of here," she said.
"What?" Peter said quizically.
"Lets go take a ride. It's too quiet in here," Assumpta answered. Peter smiled and was relieved. Assumpta got up and blew out the candles. Peter could only smile when he looked at her. She took his breath away. Assumpta turned around. She saw that he had been staring at her and she smiled then put out her hand.
"Come on." Peter took her hand and then the two walked out the door
with Peter closing it behind them.
Peter and Assumpta got in the car. Peter was driving. They began
to drive down the quiet road then across the bridge.
"Remember when I taught you to drive?" asked Assumpta.
"How could I forget," said Peter, "I went off the side of the road and you made me push it out of the mud then wash your car."
"You shouldn't have driven it off the road in the first place," said Assumpta half joking.
"We've done a lot together, haven't we?" said Peter.
"Yeah," said Assumpta quietly. "What now?" Peter pulled off the road and parked right in a place surrounded by trees which overlooked the River Angel. Peter turned to her.
"Whatever happens, we will face it together. That's all that matters," Peter said in the most caring and loving way ever. Assumpta was blown away by this show of affection.
"You know how to say just the right things. You know how to pick just the most romantic place to park too," Assumpta said smiling.
"Only for you Assumpta," said Peter softly. Assumpta felt chills go through her. She was speechless. She only continued to look over at him. She stared in his beautiful eyes. The weakening feeling came again.
"Ohhh, Peter," she said almost inaudibly. Peter suddenly opened his door. This released Assumpta from that other world of only Peter. He walked around the car and opened her door then reached for her hand.
"Lets take a walk," he said. She took his hand and got out of the car. Peter closed the door then he took his arm and put it around Assumpta. She looked up at him. She was definitely feeling that weakening again. Peter led her through the trees and down a small path towards the river. Peter felt like he was walking through the garden of Eden. Everything was so beautiful especially Assumpta. 'When have I ever been this happy?' Peter asked himself. They finally found themselves down by the river. It seemed to sparkle. It was as if nature was trying to make everything wonderful for them. Peter and Assumpta finally stopped and turned towards each other. Peter stepped closer to her. Assumpta was very aware of his closeness. She saw that she was going to have to make the first move here.
"Peter," she said softly, "I love you too." She smiled as she said it. Peter smiled also then bent down towards her and kissed her on the lips. It was as if a spell was broken. They both felt the most uplifting feeling. Peter then broke the kiss.
"Aren't you going to say 'This is wrong?'" Peter said jokingly.
"Well, it still is wrong. But, I don't care anymore," Assumpta answered.
They kissed again.
Meanwhile, Niamh was in her kitchen finding a way to fit all the
food from the fair in her fridgerator. She finally finished and turned
out the lights then began walking upstairs. She glanced out the front door.
She noticed immediately that Assumpta's van was missing. She was puzzled
by this.
'Has it been stolen?' she thought. The curiosity was too much for her. Niamh went out the door and made her way across the street. She looked in the window in hope to see Assumpta. Niamh banged on the door. "Assumpta!" she yelled, "Are you there?" There was no answer. Unfortunately, Niamh did not have her keys to the pub. Assumpta had taken them back from her after she returned from Dublin. 'Where is Assumpta?' she thought, 'Peter had been helping her clean up. Maybe they are at his place for some reason.' Niamh quickly walked up the street until she reached Peter's house. She went up to his door and knocked on it hard. "Peter!" she yelled. Again, there was no answer. Niamh became worried. She had no other ideas so she went back home and up to bed.
"What's the matter, love?" Ambrose asked.
"It's Assumpta," Niamh answered, "She's not at the pub and her car is missing."
"Ahhh, Niamh. I'm sure it's fine. Don't worry." said Ambrose.
"Where is Fr. Clifford then?" Niamh said forcefully. Ambrose stared at her. The truth of their close relationship had become apparent to him. Obviously Niamh did not get it.
"I don't know love. We'll settle it in the morning," Ambrose said. Niamh
did not say anymore but her head was full of questions. For a second, just
a second, the possibility entered her head that Peter and Assumpta were.....
She cleared that thought immediately. 'No way,' she said in her head, 'Assumpta
hates the clergy.' Still she found herself doubting that statement.
Peter and Assumpta sat on the hill overlooking the river. Their
arms were entwined. Assumpta rested her head on Peter's shoulder. The sun
began to come up.
"My God, what time is it?" Assumpta asked.
"I don't know. Maybe we should head back now," Peter said.
"Yeah. Peter?" Assumpta said quietly.
"What?" he questioned.
"We can't stay here," she answered. Peter looked down.
"I know," he answered, "I just didn't want to think about it even though I know that's what has to happen. I don't want to take you away from your home Assumpta."
"It doesn't matter to me anymore. I love Ballyk," Assumpta paused, "but I love you more." Peter leaned over and gave her a kiss. He then stood up pulling Assumpta up with him.
"Lets go," Peter said softly. The two then started up the hill towards the car holding hands. They reached the car and Peter opened the door for Assumpta. Peter leaned over the door. "How are we going to tell everyone?" he questioned.
"I don't know. That's the only thing I'm worrying about," Assumpta answered. There was a short pause. "I love you." She smiled and laughed. "I've never actually told anyone that."
"Well, neither have I so we're even," Peter said with a small laugh.
Peter leaned over the door and kissed Assumpta. He then walked around the
car, got in, and the two drove off back to Ballykissangel.
Peter and Assumpta made it back to Ballyk before the sun had fully
come up. They parked in front of the bar and the two went in.
"Tonight," said Assumpta.
"What?" asked Peter.
"Lets leave tonight," Assumpta answered.
"Assumpta? Are you serious?" questioned Peter.
"Yes. I have waited three years for us admit our feelings. I don't want to wait anymore," Assumpta said with excitement. Peter smiled.
"Ok, let's do it. We can go stay in Manchester in me mum's house til we decide where to go," Peter said.
"You mean to tell me that priest's own property?" Assumpta said half joking.
"Yep. We have lots of money too," Peter said also half joking.
"Peter?" Assumpta said wanting to know more.
"From me mum. I, being the only child, inherited all the property and money," Peter stated.
"I thought you priests took some vow of poverty?" Assumpta asked.
"Well, me mum said to give the money to the thing my life was dedicated to.....the church," Peter said, "But my life isn't dedicated to that anymore and I think the money is better spent on you anyways."
"Damn right it is," Assumpta said laughing, "What from there?"
"I don't know. Where do you want to live?" Peter asked sincerely.
"Peter, I'd go to the States as long as I'm with you," Assumpta said.
"How about London?" Peter asked.
"London? You think we can make it there?" Assumpta questioned.
"We can do anything together," Peter answered. They kissed.
Niamh woke up and her thoughts were immediately of Assumpta. She
looked at the clock. It was 7:30. She got up and slipped on some clothes.
She went in Kieran's room to make sure he was contently sleeping. Niamh
then made her way down the stairs and out the front door. She walked across
the street and to Fitzgeralds.
"Assumpta?" she yelled. Inside Peter and Assumpta were sitting asleep on the couch together. Assumpta heard Niamh.
"Peter," Assumpta said quietly. Peter woke. He immediately looked at Assumpta and gave her a kiss. "Peter, Niamh is at the door." He sat up. He then heard her.
"I'll go," Peter said. "Call me." He kissed her again then walked to the kitchen.
"Peter," Assumpta said following him into the kitchen, "I'm going to tell Niamh. I owe her that."
"Do what ever you have to," Peter said sincerely. "I love you."
"You know I'll never get used to hearing that," Assumpta said. Peter smiled and kissed her a last time before going out the door. Assumpta closed it behind him then leaned on it taking a deep breath. She was ready to face Niamh now. She went to the front door then opened it.
"Assumpta!" said Niamh loudly, "Where have you been?" She walked in.
"I've been here Niamh," Assumpta answered.
"No you haven't," said Niamh, "your car was missing last night."
"You spy on me now do you?" Assumpta said a bit annoyed.
"Assumpta!" Niamh yelled. She softened a bit. "What is going on?" Assumpta looked at her feeling somewhat guilty.
"I'm sorry Niamh," she said. "I know I'm not a very good friend to you sometimes."
"No, Assumpta, you are," Niamh said.
"No, I'm really not. Best friends are supposed to tell each other things. I never tell you what I think or feel," said Assumpta.
"That's not the kind of person you are. You don't go around expressing your feelings, unless they're bad ones of course." Niamh said. Assumpta laughed.
"Niamh, I need to be honest with you," said Assumpta, "I'm leaving.....for good."
"What?" Niamh asked.
"I'm moving away," Assumpta said in a brutally honest way.
"Why?" Niamh said still puzzled.
"I want to be able to have a family, be married, be.....happy," said Assumpta.
"You can have a family here. If you're looking for love then you can find it here. You don't have to move away for it," Niamh said desperately trying to change her friend's mind.
"No, Niamh, you don't understand," Assumpta tried to say.
"You can find love, don't move away. There are plenty of good people here. Not to mention the fact you just let a good man leave," Niamh said then Assumpta cut her off.
"Niamh!" Assumpta yelled, "You don't understand. I'm not looking for love. I've already found that."
"What? Are you going back to Leo?" Niamh asked.
"No! What's with your obsession with Leo?" Assumpta said obviously annoyed.
"Leo was a good man. I just want you to be happy like me and Ambrose," Niamh said.
"Niamh, I know you're trying to help but I can find love on my own," said Assumpta then pausing, "I have."
"What do you mean?" Niamh said half not wanting to know the truth.
"Niamh, I think you should sit down," said Assumpta leading her into the kitchen.
Back at Peter's house he had taken a shower and began packing some things. Brian Quigley came in the front door.
"Ahhh, Peter, there you are," Brian said.
"Brian, I really don't have time to talk," Peter answered.
"Don't worry, I won't take up much of your time," Brian answered.
"What do you want?" Peter said suspisciously.
"Our little talk earlier, it's happened hasn't it?" Brian said. Peter stared not really knowing what to say.
"We're leaving tonight," Peter said in a brutally honest way.
"For good or just for now?" Brian said as if this was a business deal.
"For good," Peter said looking down. Brian nodded.
"Take care of her," Brian said in a fatherly way.
"I will," Peter said. The two shook hands.
"Good luck Fr...Mr. Clifford," said Brian. Peter smiled and went out
the door.
Peter had arrived in Cilldargan in good time. He reached Fr. Mac's
house and got out. He was shown into Fr. Mac's office.
"Ahhh, Father, good to see you. Please sit." Fr. Mac said.
"I can't stay long. I just came to tell you what I've decided," Peter said.
"I take it that you've decided to leave," said Fr. Mac.
"Yeah," Peter answered.
"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" asked Fr. Mac.
"Father, I've never been so sure of anything in my life," said Peter.
"Where are you going to live," asked Fr. Mac.
"We think London. We're going to Manchester for now," Peter told Fr. Mac. He shook his head.
"You were a good priest," said Fr. Mac forcefully.
"But I wasn't your kind of priest," Peter said quoting their earlier conversation.
"Goodbye Mr. Clifford," Fr. Mac said. Peter shook his head then reached
his hand out to shake Fr. Mac's hand. Fr. Mac shook it and Peter turned
and began to walk out the door. "Peter, you were right about one thing,"
Fr. Mac added, "Assumpta is truly one of a kind." Peter actually managed
a small smile then left Fr. Mac's office for the last time.
"I don't believe her," Niamh said as she circled Ambrose who was
sitting at the table.
"Love, stop making yourself dizzy," Ambrose pleaded.
"Assumpta running off with the priest," she said angrily.
"Come on love," Ambrose said.
"What do you mean, 'Come on?'" Niamh asked obviously very annoyed.
"You mean you haven't noticed. The two are in love. Just be happy for Assumpta. You've always wanted her to find someone," Ambrose said.
"Fr. Clifford is not who I wanted her to find!" she yelled.
"What's wrong with Fr. Clifford?" Ambrose questioned.
"Nothing is wrong. It's just that he is a priest!" Niamh continued yelling. Ambrose scratched his forehead.
"I will never be able to get through to you," Ambrose said defeated. Niamh finally sat down.
"Ohhh, Ambrose," Niamh said distressed. Ambrose came over to her and put his arm around her.
"It's the truth love," Ambrose said softly.
"I know. I just don't want to admit it to myself," Niamh said.
"Ohhh, love," Ambrose said soothingly.
"She really always goes after the things she can't have doesn't she?"
Niamh said jokingly. Ambrose smiled.
Peter had arrived back in Ballyk and walked around to the back door
of Fitzgeralds. He knocked. Assumpta, who had been upstairs packing, opened
the door and was immediately enveloped into two arms.
"Peter, I'm assuming that everything has been sorted out," Assumpta said. Peter released her and gave her a nod.
"How's the packing?" he asked.
"Almost done," she answered.
"How's Niamh?" Peter asked concerned.
"I think she's a bit stunned," Assumpta said.
"Do you feel guilty at all, not saying goodbye to everyone like this?" Peter asked.
"A little but I really don't want to make a hassle out of it," Assumpta answered.
"I know what you mean," Peter said. Assumpta smiled and then hugged Peter again. He lifted her off her feet and spun her around. Assumpta couldn't control her laughter. She kissed him. Just then the two heard a small knock at the door. Peter put Assumpta down. She walked into the other room to see who it was.
"It's Niamh," Assumpta told Peter.
"I'll go," Peter said. Assumpta just looked at him sweetly. "I have packing to finish."
"Ok," Assumpta said quietly, "I love you Peter." He smiled.
"Bye bye," Peter said as he exited through the back door.
Assumpta went to the front door and opened it.
"Hello Assumpta," Niamh said.
"Hi," she answered.
"Listen, I'm sorry about before. It's just hard to get used to, that's all," Niamh said. "The only thing I'm sad about is that I'm losing my best friend."
"Ohhh, Niamh, I'm sorry," Assumpta answered.
"Don't be. I've always wanted you to find a good man and get married so you could be happy like me and Ambrose. Now you've found that. I'm happy for you," Niamh said.
"Thank you Niamh," Assumpta answered giving her friend a hug. "The bar.....I want you to take control."
"Me?" Niamh questioned.
"Yeah, you care about this place. I know you'll take good care of it. You're always saying how you want to be able to provide for yourself anyways,"Assumpta said.
"Alright," she answered, "I can do it." Assumpta smiled. "Can I ask you a question and you be honest with me?"
"Yeah," Assumpta answered.
"How long have you liked Peter?" she asked.
"Honestly, I was attracted to him the minute I met him," Assumpta said sweetly.
"So I've been trying to set you up for nothing?" Niamh said jokingly.
The two friends laughed.
Peter had packed everything, not that he had much of anything. He
picked up his bags then gave the place one last look. He thought back to
some of the things that had happened to him here then his thoughts turned
to the woman that awaited him down the street. He smiled and left. He soon
reached the pub and knocked on the back door. Assumpta was done packing
all her clothes and had 2 boxes full of things she wanted to bring. She
knew who this had to be so she hurried down to opened the door.
"That's it," Assumpta said pointing to Peter's one bag.
"Poverty. Remember," Peter said half joking. She smiled and took his hand. She lead him upstairs to where all her things were sitting ready. "Whoa."
"You might want to drive your car around to my front door," Assumpta said.
"Yeah," he answered, "I'll be back." Peter left to get his car and Assumpta looked around to make sure nothing was left. She then picked up three suitcases and attempted to bring them downstairs. A couple steps down she got stuck and one of the suitcases began to fall. Peter walked in the front door which was open.
"You need some help there," said Peter jokingly.
"I've done well enought without you Peter Clifford," Assumpta said.
"Sure you have," Peter said as he walked up to her. He grabbed two of the suitcases and sat them at the bottom of the stairs.
"So, we're all ready to go?" Assumpta asked.
"I think so," Peter answered. It was six now. Peter had called and got plane tickets to Manchester. He would have to leave the car in Dublin to be shipped over later but a car wasn't nessesary in Manchester. "I'll get the rest of your stuff." Peter went up the stairs. Assumpta began to walk around the bar. She was going to miss this place. She suddenly felt a little uneasy. Peter came back down the stairs holding two boxes. He saw Assumpta was a bit distressed. He came over and put his arm around her. "It'll be alright."
"I know," Assumpta said, "I know."
"I love you Assumpta," Peter said. Assumpta leaned her head on Peter's shoulder.
"Lets go," Assumpta said. Peter kissed her then the two walked out the
front door. As they got out they were stunned by what greeted them.
"You didn't think we would let you go without a goodbye did you?"
Brendan said. Peter and Assumpta were surprised to see all their friends
outside.
"How about one last drink Assumpta," Niamh said.
"Alright," Assumpta said smiling. Everyone filed into the bar for one last night at the pub with Assumpta and Peter. Everyone reminised about old times. Peter and Assumpta smiled at each other from across the bar. After an hour or so everyone knew it was time to let them go.
"Well, let's let these two kids have fun," Brendan said. The people basically pushed Peter and Assumpta out the door. The two got into the car. "You take care of Assumpta."
"I will," Peter answered. "Believe me, I will." Peter rolled up his window. Assumpta looked over at him.
"I don't believe this," Assumpta said.
"What don't you believe?" Peter asked.
"This. It's too much of a happy ending," Assumpta answered.
"Ohhh, but Assumpta, for you, it will always be a happy ending," Peter said. They drove off together on their way to Manchester. It was a happy ending. They truly deserved it.