Page 170 of The Missing Sister

‘Oh, nobody, it was just a feeling,’ she said. ‘I have a lot of those, Jack, and when I met your mum earlier today, Iknew.’

‘Knew what?’

‘Just that she was. Now it all makes sense.’

‘Well, at least I didn’t tell you. Seriously, Tiggy, this must stay a secret from everyone, including your sisters. Mum was pretty devastated, y’know? Even if she’s never talked about her past to us kids, knowing where you come from and believing your family is your family... it identifies you, doesn’t it?’

‘Yes... but being adopted myself, I firmly believe that if you grow up in a loving environment, it doesn’t matter what your genetic make-up is.’

‘Yeah, but like Mary-Kate, you always knew you were adopted. And you made that a part of your identity. Mum has thought she came from her Irish family the whole of her life. And now, at not far off six decades, she’s just been told it was all a lie.’

‘That must be so very hard for her to come to terms with. I’m sure it will take her some time. Please don’t worry, I’m especially good at keeping secrets. I won’t say a word until I’m allowed to, but it does mean that we might have got it all wrong.’

‘About what?’

‘Oh, just assuming things. Anyway,’ Tiggy shrugged. ‘It doesn’t matter.’

‘Everything’s a bit crazy just now, eh? Especially for Mum. I don’t like craziness.’

‘Perhaps there has to be a moment when everything is thrown up in the air before it can settle again, then maybe it can be even better than before. Tell me if I’m wrong, but I get the feeling your mum is frightened of something else, other than us sisters tracking her down. Is she?’

‘Yeah, she is for sure. Wow, Tiggy, are you a mind-reader or what?’

‘I just sensed it. Now then, shall we look at the dessert menu? I’m still hungry.’

After they’d eaten, Tiggy and Jack sat in the lounge having coffee and chatting about both living in far-flung, isolated locations when Jack’s mobile rang.

‘Excuse me,’ he said as he answered it.

‘Hi, Jack! I’m here!’ came Mary-Kate’s bright voice. ‘Where is “here”?’

‘I’m standing in the lobby, idiot! Where are you? You’re certainly not answering the phone in your room.’

Jack looked at the time on his watch and saw it was after midnight. ‘O’course! Sorry, I’d lost track of the time. I’ll come and get you.’

‘Mary-Kate’s here,’ Jack said as he stood up. ‘I didn’t realise it was so late,’ he added as he began to walk towards reception.

‘Jack!’ Tiggy called. ‘I’m going back to my room now. You need some time with your sister.’

‘Okay, but why don’t you come and say hi? After all, she might be your missing sister...’

‘If you’re sure.’

Tiggy stood up and followed Jack into the lobby. She saw a young woman dressed in black jeans and a hoody, her fair hair scraped up into a topknot. She watched as brother and sister embraced and felt the easy warmth and affection between the two of them.

‘Tiggy’ – Jack beckoned her over – ‘this is Mary-Kate, more commonly known as MK. MK, meet Tiggy D’Aplièse, the fifth sister.’

‘Pleased to meet you, Tiggy. Sorry I look such a wreck; it’s a long way from NZ to Ireland, and I left in a huge rush to make the flight.’

‘You must be exhausted, but it’s wonderful to meet you, Mary-Kate. My sister CeCe said you were very hospitable to her and Chrissie when they visited you.’

‘Us Kiwis are just brought up that way, eh, Jack? But yeah, they were great and we had a fun night together.’

‘Right, I’ll leave you two to it and say goodnight.’

‘Night, Tiggy, and thanks for the chat,’ Jack called to her as she walked towards the lift. After Mary-Kate had checked in, he took her rucksack. ‘Let’s get you upstairs to your room, so you can get some shut-eye.’

‘I’m not sure I can sleep, y’know?’ said Mary-Kate. ‘I’m wired; my body has no idea what time it is or what it’s meant to do. Where’s Mum?’