Page 4 of Hellisay Maybe

“Hello, Auntie Peigi!” came the reply, as Vivi reappeared, balancing two fresh and steaming mugs of tea and a massive tub of biscuits.

‘Thank you so much,’ Jenn mouthed, accepting the tea like it was life-saving medicine.

“Well, on that note…” Auntie Peigi began ominously, “I’ve got a proposition for you.”

“Go on…” Jenn replied, her interest officially piqued, as she rifled through the biscuit tub.

“Now hear me out, m’ eudail,” Auntie Peigi said, voice firm. “And no interruptions.”

“Umm—ok…” Jenn replied warily, as she started to munch down on a chocolate biscuit. Bliss.

“I’ve been thinking about our recent chats,” Auntie Peigi said firmly. “And it’s fair to say you’re stuck in a rut. Bouncing between dead-end jobs, gallivanting off to war zones and whatnot—”

“I’ve never been in a war zone,” Jenn muttered, but thought better of interrupting.

“And don’t get me started on those squalid flats. I’m surprised you haven’t needed antibiotics. Honestly, your parents are lovely, but they’re too indulgent. Letting you swan about the place without a proper plan. Going back to theirs? Absolutely not. You’re too old for that carry-on. You need to stand on your own two feet.”

Jenn bristled slightly—because it was all true, but also… sledgehammer much?

“You’re a talented, intelligent girl. You should be doing something.”

Then, just as Jenn was thinking everything was crap, Auntie Peigi hit her with a verbal hug.

“I know Vivi’s gone on about the teaching. But that’s the one thing I disagree with. You’re not the teacher type—you’d feel suffocated. So… I think you should move up here. To Hellisay. With me.”

Jenn froze. Had she heard that correctly?

Auntie Peigi steamrolled on undeterred.

“Now, I know what you’re thinking. But I’ve got it all worked out. Ealasaid needs someone in the airport café for a year—to bake and help out generally. Everyone knows how good you are. Grampa Rab and Rab Junior trained you well. Ealasaid still talks about that iced gingerbread cake you made. The pay’s decent, and you can stay in the cottage—I’ve kept most of the calendar clear. Only a few bookings.”

Jenn was genuinely stunned. Auntie Peigi had this planned down to the last detail. But she wasn’t finished.

“It’s a big change, I know. But that’s what you need. You love it up here. And this’ll give you time to reflect. To figure things out. Maybe even do one of those internet course thingymebobs the community café keeps going on about. You might even meet someone,” Auntie Peigi added breezily. “The island’s not short of eligible men—though you’ll have to watch yourself with some of them. I’m just saying.”

A silence fell.

Jenn stared into space, dumbfounded.

Of all the scenarios that she had imagined for her future, this one hadn’t even made the list.

Hellisay?

Granted, it wasn’t the other side of the world—but it would almost be like moving to a different planet. She liked not having to rely on the ferry and the weather being in happy alignment in order to get a loaf of bread and a pint of milk. And working in the airport café? Not only that—actually providing baked goods to paying members of the public? What if she gave someone food poisoning? Not that she ever had, but with her luck, this would be the time it started.

Also, for a year? Was she ready for that? Sure, she’d stayed a few months while writing her dissertation—that had nearly driven her to madness. Then again, maybe that had been the thesis, not the island…

“Jennifer! Jennifer, are you still there? A Dhia, m’ eudail, say something!”

“Sorry! Yes—I’m here. Just a little… shocked.”

“Makes sense though, doesn’t it?”

“I mean… maybe?”

“Perfect. So, I’ll confirm with Ealasaid that you’ll start at the beginning of March.”

“What?” Jenn shouted, nearly spilling her tea. Vivi looked over in alarm, mouthing, ‘What the fuck is happening?’