Happy Endings

Lily was sitting in the conservatory with her morning coffee. She had bagels with cream cheese her, favourite. It was her weekend off. She like nothing better than to sit with her feet up, with her puzzle books. Sun was shining in the conservatory. It was lovely and warm. She was unwinding. she had been very successful in the last six months, with her books accumulating prize Money of $20,000, hard to believe. Her cell phone rang. She picked up the phone and smiled when she saw the caller. Liam.

"Hello, there stranger, how are you?."

"Hello me darling, It has been a while since I spoke to you. What are you doing?." "You mean now. I am having breakfast in the conservatory, doing some crossword puzzles and things."

"Do you fancy a drive to Dublin? keep me company ."

"Today, I am not ready. What time were you thinking of leaving? "

"Say in an hour. Can you be ready for then ?."

"Yes, I can manage that. Sure, I will join you. It is a beautiful day . I will enjoy the drive see, you then bye.".

She drank her coffee went upstairs to get ready. Twenty minutes later, she was ready. Looking at herself in the mirror, she saw what most people would call an Irish Colleen, long dark hair with green eyes and alabaster skin. She was a slim 5ft 5 young woman in her late twenties. Her hair was full of curls. She was always trying to straighten it. Many of her friends loved her hair. She smiled and thought we are never happy. I want it straight they all wanted curls. She decided to put on a beautiful green dress that matched her eyes. It had a sweetheart neckline. It Came in at the waist with a full A-line skirt. She had matching sandals nodding to herself. She was happy with her appearance. She made her way downstairs to wait for Liam. He wasn't too long in coming. She got up when the doorbell rang and went to meet him. "You rang the doorbell. Why so Conservative, usually you, don't bother. You always walk in. "

"Hello gorgeous, long time no see. Sorry. I haven't been in touch. Things. have been hectic. I am sure you must be in the same situation. This virus is causing havoc for everyone. It has certainly been a game-changer. How have you been coping?. "I had it a few months ago. I am still feeling tired ." "Good grief, woman, you had it. Why did you not let me know?."

"To be honest, all I wanted to do was sleep, hibernate. I have never experienced anything like it before. It takes a while to get your energy back."

"Yes, I have seen first hand the effect it is having on people. "

"Do you want to have a coffee before we go ? or something else to drink." "No, I am good. If you do not mind, I would like to get on the road."

"No, just let me pick up my bag, and then we can go. I am ready."

Lily looked around the rest of the house to make sure everything was in order. All electrical equipment turned off. Satisfied, she followed Liam out to the car.

"Wow. A New Car what, a beauty. "

"Thought I would treat myself. Been a long time since I had a new one."

Lily admired the car. It was a beautiful Jaguar. Inside the upholstery was cream leather and, the dashboard was mahogany. Liam said ." Yes, it is a beauty but, heavy on the gas, then you cannot have everything. It has all the latest technology, Sat Nav, CD player. The only thing it doesn't do is let me make a cup of tea. He said laughingly. It is very comfortable, which will make it a better journey. Now, do you want some music ? or do you want to chat." "I haven't seen you in ages. We have not talked in ages, tell me what have you been up too?. "

"What have I been doing? Not much. I have been too busy at the hospital, and as you know, my grandmother died a few months ago. I have been looking through her things at the house, hence the reason for this journey." "What do you mean ?" "As you know, I grew up with my grandparents. I do not remember much about my parents. I was three when I went to live with them. Whenever I asked about my parents, she just said she did not want to talk about them. My grandfather was not a man of many words, never said much. So I finally gave up asking. I think I remember when I was about 16. I asked one more time, but by that time, grampa had died. My grandmother just said that my mother had died. As you know, my dad died when I was little. So you can imagine my surprise, when I was cleaning through her desk, I found this little black book. It is a journal, all about my mother, and not only her. It seems I have a brother as well." You never knew about him.?" "No, I was only three don't remember much."

"How do you feel about all this ? she asked." "To be honest. I don't know what to think. Part of me is excited, and another part of me. Is puzzled and hurt. Wondering why my mother gave me up, even though it was to the family. I wonder how she could leave one son like that and keep another." "Does she know you are coming?." "Her address and phone number were in the book. I telephoned her."

"How did she sound, was she pleased to hear from you.?" "At first, there was silence. I think she was too stunned to speak then. She started to cry. She said it was a dream of hers for so many years that she thought would never happen. She said she would love to see me but would not come to me, as she was unwell. She asked if I would come to her. Of course, I said yes. She also asked me if I knew about my brother. I told her I was only now finding out about him, and I would have questions about him also." Lily looked at the man sitting beside her. He was a powerful-looking man. Tall with broad shoulders, like a rugby player. His hands were long and slim, beautiful hands, the hands of a surgeon. He was your typical Irish. Dark hair, grey eyes With a twinkle in them and a knockout movie star smile.

Lily and Liam Had known each other for several years now. They both trained at Trinity College to be surgeons. Lily was a paediatrician. Liam was one of the top brain surgeons in the country. In the beginning, they did date, but they both felt the relationship was much better as friends. They felt more like brother and sister. And, not wanting to spoil that, they decided to keep it that way.

"You said she is unwell. Do you know what is wrong with her ?. Is it serious. I don't know what is wrong with her . She said she would explain when I got there.".

"Will your brother be there as well.?"

"No, she said he was away on business at the moment, and he would not be back until next week."

"How old is your brother ?".

"I was three when she left. I do not remember much. I would think my brother would be about 34. I am 36. That was not the only surprise. She is not even Irish." "Oh ! where is she from?".

"She is American. "

It was not a long drive for them, about an hour. Liam drove into the driveway of an old house. It was a beautiful house with well - maintained grounds Liam and Lily both got out of the car.

Lily said ." Do you want me to come in with you or wait for you.?" "Of course, I want you to come in with me. I would not let you make this journey, then leave you in the car."

A frail-looking lady Answered the door. She was In her early 60's. Not what Liam imagined. She was small with blonde hair and blue eyes, with very delicate features. "Hello. Liam welcome. Both of you, please come in. I am Cynthia. Your mother. Liam. And who is this.?"

"Oh, forgive me. Let me introduce you to my friend Lily." "Nice to meet you. Lily."

Please come through to the drawing-room. Usually, I have a housekeeper who sees too these things, but she has gone out now to get some necessary groceries, actually my medication." "You were saying that you are unwell. I hope it is nothing too serious. I do not know if you are aware. Lily and I are both doctors."

"I am aware of it. I know your grandmother never told you about me, but she promised me she would inform me about your life. I was there at your graduation. Of course, you did not know that. now and then, she would send me photographs and updates about your life."

"This is all strange to me. I just found out a few weeks ago about you. Are you aware my grandmother died a few months ago.?" "No. I was not aware of it. I wondered why I had not heard from her when I wrote to her." "You wrote to her recently?." "Yes. I am sorry to have to tell you this, but I do not have much time left. I wanted to see if I could see you before I go. I did not hear from her. That is why I was so stunned and shocked when you phoned. Your grandmother led me to believe you knew nothing about me. "

"I did not. I had some vague memory of a lady in my background but not who that lady was. It was when I was going through her things. I came across this journal. This little black book she mentioned, you in it." "I am sorry, Liam, to hear about your grandmother. I know that must cause a great deal of pain. We may not have gotten on, but she was like a mother to you for that. I am thankful. I assumed for some reason she had decided to tell you. I had not realised she had died."

"Thank you. What about yourself? what is your diagnosis?."" It is an irony." "In what way?. "You are a top brain surgeon. I have been diagnosed with a tumour. An Inoperable tumour in the brain." "Who is your doctor? I may know Him."

"Dr Connors Philip Connors. ""I know him, he is a good doctor. Would you mind if I phoned him and talked with him about your condition". "No, I don't mind, but what is the point. There is nothing You can do.." I would still like to talk with him, with your permission."

"Yes, of course, by all means. ""I don,t want to tire you out. I can see you are getting tired, but I have so many questions. I suppose the main question is, why? why did you leave me and yet take my brother.?"

"Things were different back then, Liam. I had no choice. Your grandparents were very wealthy and very powerful. They had not agreed, with your father and I getting married. Your father and I were happy. We did not have much. I came over from America got myself a job here. Your father was a university student. We fell in love, got married, against your grandparents, wishes. They cut your father out of their lives. Your father and I were delighted when I fell pregnant with you. I was only 20. He left university much, to your grandparent's annoyance. Your father was good with His hands, working with machinery. He found employment, and we managed. I fell pregnant with your brother, Luke. And Not long after he was born. Your father was in an accident, and he died, leaving me to look after two babies. I did not have parents. I grew up in an orphanage. As soon as I turned 18, I left the orphanage and found work. I had never done anything before, so I saved up, bought myself a ticket, came over here. It all happened so fast. I met your father literally within days of arriving, and we were never apart until the day he died. I contacted your grandparents to inform them of your father's death. They were angry and bitter. They blamed me. They knew that your father and I Had you two, boys. Your father informed them when you were both born, Hoping that they would soften and want to see their grandchildren. They were unrelenting, but when your father died, They changed their minds and said I could not look after you or give you a balanced home or education, and they were taking me to court for custody of you. I did not have the money to fight them. They said they would not take me to court and allow me to keep the baby if I would give you to them. I could see no other way. I knew they could give you a better life and. I agreed. I always had it in my heart that when my circumstances improved, I would come for you. When you were about seven, I discovered I had some writing talent. I started to write short stories, then children's books, and I became very successful. I was able to buy this house. I approached your grandmother and told her. I wanted custody of you. She told me as far as you knew, I was dead. You were happy, and she would not let me unsettle you. Once again, threatening with all of her resources to fight me. This time. I took her to court. The court decided it was not in your best interest to be away from the people who loved you or the environment you knew and be given to a total stranger, even though I was your mother. You would have the choice when you reached 16 to decide for yourself if you wanted to meet me. I wrote to your grandmother when you became 16, she wrote back to me, told me she had informed you of my existence, and you had decided you did not want to meet me.

"That was not true. I never knew about you. I only just found out when I was going through my grandmother's paperwork. I have to say it was a shock. So tell me what, type of person is Luke?

Cynthia got up, walked over to the piano. On top of the piano were several photographs. She picked one up, took it over to Liam. See for yourself. Looking back at him was a younger version of himself. You Look similar difference Being Luke has blue eyes.

"what is Luke like.?"

Cynthia smiled. "I am very fortunate in my sons both have turned out to be incredible human beings. Luke can be very serious at times, but he has a kind heart. He Doesn't show his feelings easily, even though he feels things deeply. He is a man of integrity and very honest." "What does he do.?"

"He is a lawyer, A very successful one. He has his practice."

"Does Luke know about me ?"

"I told him after you telephoned."

"So he did not know about me until then."

"No. I did not want my son to worry.

"Why do you think it would worry him.?"

"I thought he might worry, if I gave one son Away, I would do the same with him."

"I can see how that could worry a small boy. Now that he has found out, what is he saying about all this.?"

"He is hurt, even angry. He always wanted a brother growing up. He feels cheated. He will be home next week. He said he was going to contact you."

"Good. I will look forward to it. Like Luke, I always wanted a brother. You are tired now. I think we should be going and let you rest. I will call Dr Connors and get back to you. Lily, are you ready?"

"Yes. It was lovely to meet you, Cynthia

"Thank you, and thank you for coming with Liam ."

Cynthia stood at the door, watching. Lily and Liam get into the car and drive away. she was tired and went through to rest, thankful that she had finally had the opportunity to see her son. "How are you feeling? Lily asked"

"You saw for yourself. It is not looking good. I have just found my mother. I am not ready to lose her yet."

Liam called Dr Connors office first thing Monday morning. He had a busy schedule that day, but he made an appointment to see him Tuesday at three.

"Liam! Been a long time my, friend. The last time I saw you.Was, before you left for America. You were there for two years right, How did things go there.?"

Good. Very good, actually I learnt a lot there. Thanks for seeing me.

"Not at all. My secretary said you wanted to speak to me about one of my patients. Why the interest?"

"She is my mother."

"Oh, I am sorry to hear that. I have the patients files and X-rays here. I take it you want to see them."

"If you do not mind. Thank you, Hmmm."

"As you can see, it is not good. Do you mind if I ask, Why did your mother come to me when this is your field?"

"It is complicated, long story short. My grandparents raised me. I never knew about her until recently."

"Pity, as you can see, there is nothing To be done at this stage.

I had a patient in the same situation. I operated."

"How did that turn out."

"I get a Christmas card every year. That was four years ago. I would like to operate if she will let me. But also, she is your patient. I would need you to agree. "

"If you think you can help her, who am I to stand in the way. I would like to ask one thing though"

"What is that?"

"I would like to stand in with you and observe."

"Yes by, all means."

"When are you thinking?"

"Soon as possible. Say Friday."

"Yes, that will be fine for me."

"Good. Thank you for that.

When Liam got home, he telephoned his mother, a male voice answered. Liam said. Hello, who am I talking too?. Luke. My mother is asleep at the moment can. I help You.

"Luke, I am Liam, your brother.

"I was thinking about you. I have just arrived back from a business trip. I was going to call you tomorrow. "You must be tired and not in the mood for company, but I must speak with you and Cynthia as soon as possible.

Cynthia!

"We can deal with that later, but right now, time is short. I really must see you both.

"Have you eaten yet? "

"No

"Then why don't you come down. I will arrange for food, and we can discuss the situation then."

"That will be fine. I will be there in an hour."

As Liam drove into the driveway, his brother was getting something out of his Range Rover. He smiled at Liam and said.

"It is like looking in a mirror." they both shook hands. Liam said, "I am looking forward to getting to know you."

"As am. I. Mum will be with us in a few minutes. She is freshening up after her nap".

A few minutes later. Cynthia joined them. Her eyes watered with tears of happiness to see her boys together again. At least now she had peace, knowing they would not spend their futures alone.

"Liam. I am happy to see you. Come into the dining room and eat. We can talk at the same time."

They seated themselves. The food was already on the table put there by the housekeeper just a few minutes before.

"Please, Luke, will you do the honours. "Cynthia said.

"Sure, mum, now what can I give you?"

"Not a lot, honey. I do not have much of an appetite. "

"Ok but, try a little bit of roast beef and one potato, ok."

Liam was not a man who showed his feelings. He had learnt to keep them hidden, which was necessary some times in his line of work. His emotions were now mixed, anxious about his mother and excited at meeting his brother. Luke handed him a plate full of his favourite food, but it could be cardboard for all he was aware. At the moment, he just wanted to get straight to business.

"Ok, now what is it you want to tell us?

"I had a meeting with Dr Connors. I have seen your files and X-rays. I want your permission to operate."

"But he said there was nothing to be done. "Cynthia said

Luke looked at his brother and asked.

"Do you not agree with him? "

"Do not get me wrong many doctors would give the same prognosis. It is a dangerous and delicate op. But I had a patient with the same situation. I operated. It was successful. There is no guarantee, but with my skill and if you're determined to fight. I would like to take this chance. "

Cynthia said, When were you thinking? "

"Friday afternoon. What do you say?. I have to say time is of the essence here."

"If you say you can do it, then I will do my part. I have faith in you."

"So we are agreed?. Yes."

Friday afternoon. Lily made her way to the Observation Gallery Liam had phoned her to tell her of the decision. She made it her business to be there to support him. There was a man already in the gallery when. Lily got there. He turned around. At first, she thought it was Liam. But then, realised, this must be Luke. "Hello' you must be Luke. You are so like Liam. I am Lily, a friend of your brother. I came to visit your mother with Liam." "Yes, she did mention you. Nice to meet you." "I am surprised to see you here. Normally this is for students and doctors to observe." "Liam made arrangements for me to be here. He was able to get permission. Do you think it will take long ?" "It is a very delicate and dangerous operation. It should take a while."

Five hours later, Liam looked up at the observation window and gave his brother a nod to let him know he had finished. They went to meet Liam, coming out of the theatre. Liam came out, removing his surgeons' hat. He saw Lily and Luke Coming towards him.

"How did it go? Luke asked.

"Well, the rest is up to her now. I managed to get all of it. I just hope she has the spirit to fight. At least now she has a chance. And we Can become a family.

The end.