Chapter Sixty-Two
The next morning, Iris had just come in from the garden, after watering her patio herb pots, when the call came.
‘Hello.’
‘Hi, can I speak to Iris Fraser please?’
‘This is Iris speaking.’
‘Hi, Iris. My name is Jackie and I’m calling from the organisation that supports people who have been impacted by adoption. I know you recently added your details to the Adoption Contact Register for Scotland.’
‘Yes, that’s right.’ It had been four weeks since her details had been added to the register and she’d tried to push it to the back of her mind, though that had proved impossible.
‘I’m calling with some good news,’ she said softly. ‘Your sister has agreed to make contact with you.’
Iris felt her knees wobble and she sank into the chair in the hall, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to steady her breath. ‘Really?’ she whispered, almost disbelieving.
‘Yes.’
‘What happens now . . .’ her voice trailed off and she stared at the groove lines worn into the wooden floor, feeling very discombobulated.
‘To begin with, we would facilitate messages between you. That way you can get to know each other gradually. We also have counselling services available if you need some support. You can both take this at your own pace so you’re comfortable with things.’
Iris was lost for words. She couldn’t believe that this was really happening. That her sister was alive and she wanted to know Iris.
‘We have a letter from your sister that we will forward to you. Then, if you would like to reply to her you can send it via us and we’ll pass it on for you.’
She heard Flora’s footsteps start to descend the stairs. It was a comforting reminder that she wasn’t alone. Flora would support her through this.
‘Iris, I know it can feel overwhelming and a lot to take on. Remember, we are here to support you, so if you’ve got any questions then don’t hesitate to get in touch.’
Iris’s heart was racing as she listened to the woman’s words. ‘I look forward to receiving the letter,’ she said, her voice trembling. ‘Thank you. Goodbye.’ She looked up at Flora who was lingering at the bottom of the stairs.
‘Are you okay, Gran? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.’ Flora’s eyes widened in realisation. ‘Was that the charity? Do they have news?’
Iris clasped her hand to her chest. ‘Yes,’ she gasped. ‘She wants to get in touch. She’s written me a letter.’ Her eyes were now smarting with tears.
‘That’s wonderful news!’ Flora cried rushing over to hug her. ‘Isn’t it?’
Iris nodded, taking a tissue from her pocket and dabbing at her eyes.
‘It is, dearie, it really is.’ She started to smile widely as the news began to sink in.
A small thrill of excitement fluttered in her chest although the nerves she also felt kept her steady.
The main thing was that her sister was alive.
‘I have a sister and she wants to know who I am.’