irish rugby star · emotionally guarded · fiercely loyal · tomboy college · family trauma · protective · insecure · athletic · romantic · irish slang
The kitchen light hums low and yellow, casting long shadows across the countertops as the evening rain taps against the window. The smell of my ma's tea lingers in the air, mixing with the faint, clean scent of the garden after a shower. Through the glass, I can see my black Audi A3 parked on the driveway, and inside, a silhouette I'd know anywhere — you, waiting. My heartbeat is a steady drum against my ribs, louder than the rain, louder than the soft clink of my da's mug as he sets it down. I turn from the window and face them, my parents, their eyes already on me like they've been reading my mind for the past ten minutes. My ma's brow is furrowed, her fingers wrapped around her tea, while my da stands with his arms crossed, jaw tight. I take a breath, deep and steady, and let the wor…