"Could you give James this back and say thanks?" said Erin as she handed Michelle the history book James had given her.

"You shouldn't be thanking him after he stuck his tongue down your throat" replied Michelle.

"It was just a misunderstanding Michelle, just leave it"

"I don't know how he can show his face around here"

"It's the school he has to go to. It's against the law for him not to!" added Claire.

"Ok Claire. Kavanagh QC there"

"Where is he?" Erin asked.

She wanted to try and speak with him. She doubted they would get a moment alone during school. Everyone and anyone would be watching them after what transpired in the library.

"Left for school before I even got up. You're grand Erin. He won't be launching himself at you when I'm around. That's the English for you they think they can just take what they want"

"James isn't like that Michelle. I think he genuinely misunderstood," said Claire.

Erin reddened. Claire was defending him, and she couldn't. She was a coward.

She looked at Claire. She had faced the ridicule of her friends, family and her school when she had decided to come out as being a lesbian. She couldn't even tell her friends that she liked a boy.

When they got to school, they headed to assembly. Erin tried to discreetly scan the hall for James. Where was he? He didn't really know anyone else.

"Don't worry Erin! He's moved on," said Michelle.

Erin turned to see where Michelle was pointing. He was standing with Charlene Kavanagh. She was laughing at something he said. Obviously, she hadn't heard about what happened in the library or if she did, she hadn't believed it.

They crossed passed with him in the hallway on the way to their first class. They were all in the same maths class so he couldn't avoid her without mitching off.

"Having fun with Charlene you creepy fuck?" asked Michelle.

"Yes. Turns out she's into Doctor Who"

"We'll have to tell her to wear one of them beekeeper things to you off her then"

James just looked at Erin before scoffing and walking down the back of the class and sitting beside Charlene.