Chapter Three

- Quigley

Quigley grinned to himself as he said aloud,"they're no more minutes away from ballyk than my geese is minutes away from laying a golden egg." Besides he thought, "I need to find out about Ambrose."

Meanwhile Donal and Liam were now back on the road to Ballykissangel. They were strangely quiet. The huge crate now was tied down so tightly that it could not possibly be budged from the back of the truck.

Donal finally broke the silence and said," I told you we should tie it down ... " Liam interupted him, "Well it wasn't me that almost ran over the horse back there. That by the way caused this to happen!" Liam then motioned behind himself to the bruised but still intact crate. He only hoped that what it contained wasnt damaged. It was after all for God's house.

Donal didnt say anything further, but he suddenly started to drive much slower.

Noticing they were driving much slower liam said "your driving so slowly we'll surely be late now! And Mr Quigley definately will not like it!"

Donal just looked at Liam and then stepped on the gas. Before long they were driving over the small bridge that led directly into Ballykissangel.

Niamh didnt seem to happy that her father was prying into her affairs. "Now Dad, You know I'm not going to answer that question," She shook her head with disbelief that her father had asked her how far the relationship with Ambrose had progressed. Seconds later a giant growl escaped from his stomach, and it was then that she knew the real reason for him being there. "Oh I see, you really want something to eat." He looked surprised that she had heard his stomach, and then said "Yea a sandwich would be nice."

Peter walked into the church, and was surprised to see alot of work being done inside. There was a man up near the front that he assumed was Father Macanally. As he neared him, suddenly he was bathed in a bright light. It was almost unearthly, until he looked up and noticed a gigantic hole in the ceiling. He thought to himself, "He's probably been praying alot for it not to rain." Father Mac noticed him walking up and said, "I swear they're building a nest up their." Referring to the builders that at times couldnt be seen up above. "You're not a catholic by any chance?"

"Does a priest count?" Peter said with a smile since he knew the other man had no idea who he was.

"Father Clifford?" the older priest looked extremely surprised. Peter wouldnt know it from the cordial welcome that he gave him, but he had secretely wished that the younger priest had changed his mind and wasnt coming.

"father Macannally?" Peter feigned surprise as he offered out his hand in a sign of friendship.

"How long have you been in town?" Father mac asked.

"I've only just arrived. And from what I've seen this is a lovely town."

A thousand questions ran through Father Mac's mind all at the same time, but he was only able to verbalize one of them. "How did you get here?" Taking the question back before Peter had a chance to answer, he said "Never mind." Then realizing he was thirsty he told peter, "Come on, we'll go get some tea." Grabbing Peter by the arm, he lead him towards the door. "

Motioning up above Peter told Father Mac, "That's some hole. Why did you ask if I was a Catholic?"

"I would have asked a donation toward it's repair. But You can't afford it." As they continue on towards Fitzgeralds a huge truck passes by them, Peter says "I've seen that box somewhere before...." He then told Father Mac that he had already met Assumpta. Father Mac only nodded and then said, "That ones a feisty one."

In the kitchen of the Pub Niamh seems to be trying to get in the way as Assumpta was unloading her supplies. Finally assumpta said, "Niamh what does it matter what I think? This is your life. Make up your own mind or you'll never be happy."

"And what if he won't!"Niamh said, obviously referring to Ambrose.

Assumpta then blurted out, "Well if he wont. Then dump him!"

Then without thinking Niamh asked her, "Have you ever been in love Assumpta? I mean ....." Assumpta cut her off, in her eyes you could tell her feelings had been hurt, but she would never have admitted it. "Why ask me then? Ask the new priest why don't ya."

"He's here?" Niamh asked with surprise in her voice.

With a smile Assumpta said, "He's english and he looks about twelve." They then move back out into the bar. Niamh starts to leave and assumpta tells her, "you might try to find him a train set"

Just starting to drink his morning coffee before he ate his sandwich. He overheard Assumpta say this and asked, "Who are ya'll talking about." "The priest" assumpta said.

"What about him" brian said.

"He's already here!" Assumpta said.

Another growl escaped from quigley, and this time it wasnt his stomach. He takes a giant slug on his coffee to finish it. Then he quickly leaves.

Outside the Bar Brian almost runs into Peter and Father Mac as he runs toward the church. He just ran on by without saying anything. They continued walking toward Fitzgeralds. Father Mac then spoke, "Let me ask yousomething Father."

"Of course, go ahead." Peter said.

"Why are you here?" He was then silent.

Almost without missing a beat Peter said, "This is where I was sent."

Father Mac thought to himself, "We'll just see if you last as long as the last Priest they sent me." Then he said out loud, "You don't have to tell me."

It was then silent. Peter couldn't tell him about the reason why he left England, as it was a problem he hoped would go away the longer he was away from it.

"You dont have anything to worry about me Father." Peter looked down at the ground as he said this, and he hoped it would be true. It was a big responsibilty being so far away from his home and being alone out here.

"I hope so." Father Mac said. "The last fella lasted only three weeks. I think he only came for the suit.He said he lost his vocation, after only three weeks in Ballyk and poof he was gone.

As They neared Fitzgeralds Pub Father Mac thought he heard Peter say something like, "Oh No!" "something wrong?" he asked him.

No, It's just that i've already met the owner of the place. And from the looks of her, she will probably not be calling on us anytime soon.

"Assumpta? She does make good tea, and where else can you get a pint other than in kildargen. Plus she does seem to get upset when she has to wait on me." he said this last bit with a touch of a evil smile in his voice.

Father Mac held the door to the pub as Peter walked through it. His eyes didnt adjust very well to the lack of light in the room. It was a bit dark. He couldnt see Assumpta standing there, but he could feel her staring at him. Father Mac walked in as well and closed the door, for a fraction of a second that seemed a eternity to Peter Clifford it went dark.

What secret is Peter hiding?
What is Father Mac afraid of?
I wonder what was in that box?

stay tuned for the next installment in our adaptation of the first episode of Ballykissangel, and you just might find out some of the answers !
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 4