Chapter 6: Can you imagine it?
The week went by gradually. The group introduced Marco to the local scenery, as well as their usual routine of doing nothing. James felt content with doing things familiar to him. Marco said that he was happy to go with whatever the group suggested they do. From visiting the shopping precinct, the bowling alley, Dennis's wee shop, and bumping into Orla each morning in Brook Park was certainly a perk. Friday rolled around again, and the group were out walking. Michelle, always ready to bring up the subject of rides decided to make things uncomfortable for her own entertainment. James, on que, rolled his eyes whenever his cousin spoke about sex. Marco on the other hand, didn't appear to be so bothered. A small smile came across his face as he listened. Michelle sighted that James's friend didn't appear embarrassed and decided to take the subject further.
"So, Marco? Are you a virgin?" Michelle asked.
Marco shot her a look and laughed in embarrassment.
"Michelle!" James replied.
"Ach, What's wrong James? You scared he's gonna say you's two were riding each other in school?" She quipped.
"Just leave it, he's embarrassed." James said.
"So would I be." Michelle replied. James rolled his eyes.
"Michelle. That's private." Clare said.
"What's the fucking problem? I'm just asking?" Michelle said.
"Well, there are other things you could've asked, Michelle?" Erin chimed in.
"Like what?" Michelle asked.
"Well like…. Why is pizza not as nice as chippy?" Orla said.
Marco shot a confused look at Orla's question.
"…. Well, that certainly was a different question." Erin said.
"Come on Marco; answer the question!" Michelle pushed.
"You don't have to mate." James said.
"Shut up James."
"Ye really don't."
"Clare?!"
"What?"
"Just let him answer the question." Michelle was really pushing it.
"Michelle, he obviously doesn't want to." Erin said.
"Stop being such a fucking prude, Erin."
"Michelle!" James said slowly.
"Are. You. A. Virgin?" She asked.
Marco could see that there was no way of avoiding the question. Or was there?
"…. Well, it all depends …" Marco said.
Everyone turned to look at Marco. Michelle shot a confused look.
"Depends? On what?" Michelle asked.
"Well… you're not offering, are you?" He smirked. James's face contorted into a state of shock and confusion, looking at both Marco and Michelle.
"Feck off! Like you'd have a shot." Michelle laughed. Spying that he was trying to spar with her. She strutted over to Marco and whispered seductively.
"Sorry kid. There are some rides you can only dream about. Hey James, can you imagine it? Me and him?" She laughed.
"Jesus." James sighed.
Michelle strutted away. As she turned, she saw that Marco had his eyes closed. James had spied it too. Marco's head started to sway slowly from side to side. Clare and Erin looked at what was happening. Only Orla was oblivious.
"…What are you doing?" James whispered. As he watched, Marco started to smile. His eyebrow raised up with his eyes still shut.
"What the fuck's he doing?" Michelle asked.
Erin and Clare started to snigger.
"Mate. What ARE you doing?" James asked nervously.
Marco let out a suggestive moan and nodded his head slowly. James clocked at what was going on. He scrunched his face and lowered his head, not sure if he wanted to laugh or throw up. Michelle gawked.
…Fuck off ya fuckin perv!" Michelle barked.
Clare burst out laughing, and Erin covered her mouth.
"…. Mate. You better wake up. Like right now. I'm starting to feel sick." James said.
Marco laughed as he opened his eyes.
"You bastard!" James laughed and shoved Marco. Erin and Clare joined in, even Orla started to laugh, having no idea what the joke was.
"Fucking weirdo!" Michelle scoffed and walked away. Making everyone laugh louder. The battle was won.
They followed Michelle towards Dennis's Wee shop. Dennis was not in a pleasant mood today. The group walked through the door, and Orla took Marco by the hand over to the pick n mix. The shop was strewed with assortments of crap merchandise. Dennis stalked the aisleway towards the pick n mix. Dennis hadn't been amused at the presence of another English fella amongst the group of annoying shites who seemed to relish in bringing him to the point of utter frustration. He hadn't spoken to Marco before and shot his dead eyes straight at the pair from behind them.
"If you try and nick anything." He said coldly.
"Ach Dennis, we're not nicking." Orla said. She turned back to the business of choosing her pick n mix.
"I thought of a question to ask you?" Orla said.
"Yeah? What's that?" He asked.
"If I ask you a question, would you tell me the truth?" She asked, softly. Looking at him from the side.
"Yeah, of course I will." Marco answered, turning to face her, feeling a bit nervous, butterflies in his stomach, he waited for her question.
"Good answer." She smiled warmly at him and walked towards the till. Marco stood confused. What was the question? Was that the question? Marco followed her up the aisleway.
"Orla? What was it you wanted to ask me?" Marco asked.
"If you would tell me the truth." Orla replied.
"Oh!"
Orla laughed at his confusion, which made Marco smile.
"Are yous gonna pay or fucking stand here all day?" Dennis barked.
"Ach, that rhymes." Orla said playfully as she handed over the bag of pick n mix.
"£2" he said.
"Here take it out of that." Marco said, handing him a £10 note. Dennis stared at him.
"Ach, thanks. I'll take this kitkat too Dennis."
"Ach, get this for us Marco, will ye?" Michelle asked cheekily, placing her stuff down before Marco could answer.
"Isn't he English?" Dennis asked.
"Yes...I am." Marco replied.
"Marco? What kind of fucking name is Marco for an Englishman?"
"And this Marco…. Please?" Erin chimed in.
"Girls!" Clare barked.
"It's ok, Clare. Go on, Put yours in too."
"Oh. Thank you." Clare said.
"James, are you getting something?" Marco asked.
"You sure mate?"
Marco nodded, mouthing yes. James acknowledged the gesture and placed his stuff on the counter.
"Cheers mate" he said.
"That all adds up to more than £10." Dennis said, still staring a hole through Marco.
"How much?" James asked.
"More than £10! I just said!" Dennis barked.
"Do you mind rounding it up and letting us know how much exactly Dennis?" Erin remarked. A slight ting of sarcasm in her voice.
Dennis scanned over the items, he looked up and stared straight at Erin.
"£13.20. Has you little mafia friend here got £13.20?" He hissed.
"I just gave you a tenner?" Marco said.
"Well, that's not £13.20, is it? "Goodfella" Dennis grimaced.
Dennis sharply slid the note towards himself. Marco mimicked an "OK" expression. James fumbled around in his pocket.
"Here you go Dennis." James said. Placing the change on the counter.
"Ach, look at you, acting all big in front of the fucking Godfather here."
"I'm sorry. Have we missed something here?" James asked.
"he's just being a dickhead, James." Michelle scoffed.
"I heard that!" Dennis said.
"Well, I didn't fucking whisper it, did I?" Michelle said.
"I'm sorry. Are you being prejudice because Marco is English? Or because he's Italian? Because I'm sorry, but that doesn't really sit well with us Dennis!" Clare shrieked.
"Aye, Marco's ok. He's one of us." Orla said, Erin smiled at her cousin's words.
"I just don't like the look at him. Look at him. Shifty fucking eyes. Like he's hiding something. Like he fucked a pig or something!" The group stood in silence, unsure of what they just heard.
"I look like I fucked a pig." Marco repeated.
"You heard me." Dennis said.
"That's a bit strong isn't it, Dennis?" Erin scoffed. Clare nodded, gawking.
"Oh, that's what it is. I told you he'd be mad!" James shot at Marco, slapping his shoulder. Marco knew the que as he looked at James. The girls looked at them confusingly.
"Ahhhh. You're right, ok, I admit it, I'm Sorry, I forgot Dennis: is your mum still annoyed with me cos I forgot to pay her?" The girls all turned their heads at him, eyes wide open and mouths gawking. Michelle sighted the insult. She looked towards Dennis who stood frozen, eyes even wider.
"Sorry mate, I'd settle but I've haven't got any coins on me at the moment." Marco smiled.
"GEEEEEETTTTTT OOOOOUUUUUUUTTTTTTT!"
Michelle cracked as they ran out of the shop, the group erupted with laughter once they were outside. Except for Clare who was visibly shaken.
"Oh my god! I thought he was gonna kill you!" Erin laughed.
"Fucking hell! Hannibal Lector eat your heart out!" Marco said.
"That was class Marco!" Michelle laughed. Holding up her drink.
"Thanks for the que there, mate." Marco said to James.
They smiled and high fived each other, and Erin flashed a smile in James's direction without him seeing. They went on to catch up to Clare who was slightly ahead of them. Orla held her arm to calm her from the panic. As the group wandered back towards Erin's house. Clare decided to change the subject as they stood around the wall.
"So, Marco. Have you made a choice of what sort of career you're going to have?" Clare asked.
"Not really, no. I've got an idea of what I'd like to do." Marco said.
"Oh really? What's that?" Clare asked.
"I bet its being a comedian!" Orla said, pointing at him.
"A comedian?" Marco and James said together.
"Aye, that's a good idea. just walk on the stage, that'll make people split their sides." Michelle quipped.
"I'll bear that in mind, Michelle." Marco laughed.
"So, what idea have you got?" Clare asked.
"Hmmmm, I thought, maybe, something to do with graphic design?" Marco said.
"Yeah, he's a really good drawer." James nodded. Erin turned her head, citing another creative person in the group.
"Are ya now Marco?" Erin asked.
"Hmmmm, D'you want a nude study, Marco?" Michelle teased.
Erin tutted at the comment.
"Yeah, well, I doubt I'll get anywhere with that Clare." Marco said.
Clare glanced a confused look towards James, who then looked at Marco.
"What d'you mean mate?" James asked. Marco turned his head towards his friend.
The group all turned to see what he was about to say. James leant forward to try and engage his friend's now distant look. He could see that Marco's expression was heavy. Outside the group, Joe had walked up. He had been hanging back, not wanting to interrupt, but could see that Marco was struggling to find the right words. Marco took a long breath and started to speak.
"Well... I-
But before he could usher another word, Joe stepped in.
"Hello wains. How's things?" He asked as he stood amongst them. As they all regarded him. Orla leant on his arm. Marco nodded and felt relieved.
Before anyone could speak, a large screech came up from behind them. Clare practically jumped out of her skin. Erin and Michelle turned in surprise. As did Joe as he saw the imposing figure of Fionulla leant out of her van window.
"OI! You's tell your ma's they can forget about tonight! If you got a problem with my cooking Joe McCool? You can feck off!"
Erin and Michelle rolled their eyes and tilted their heads back in despair as Fionulla skidded her tyres and drove off down the street. Orla, who was out of the loop of the conversation, waved to the speeding van.
"What the hell just happened?" Marco asked James.
"A miracle." He whispered.
"I'll say what I fecking want!" Joe shouted at the departed van.
"I'll tell ya what just happened! Joe just got us all banned from the chippy AGAIN. For fuck sake!" Michelle whispered.
"Oh yeah. The…. the." Marco started. Unable to finish the sentence, he turned to James flaying his hand around.
"The fire thing!" James confirmed. Marco snapped his fingers in agreement.
"Mouthy bitch. I'll see you wains inside. I better tell ye Ma." Joe said as he walked towards the house. Once he was out of sight, Michelle spoke up.
"Why can't your Granda ever keep his fucking mouth shut?! I just fucking hope my Ma and Da are working tonight."
"Don't blame me! I didn't do anything." Erin protested.
"Why didn't ye check your Granda's fucking chicken burger?" Michelle barked back.
Erin gawked and crossed her arms as Michelle looked around and placed her head in her hand.
"Is this like, a bad thing?" Marco asked James, keeping his voice low while Erin and Michelle argued.
"Absolutely." Clare answered for him, and she walked over to join the conversation.
"There's your answer." James said.
"Yeah, I can see you look really bothered." Marco Joked as he spied the nonchalant expression on James's face. The two friends smirked. They walked over to Erin, Michelle and Clare who were still discussing their predicament.
"Oh fuck! That means it'll be pizza tonight!" Michelle moaned.
"Oh God!" Clare chimed in.
"Wait a minute?! You girls don't like pizza?!" Marco asked.
The girls all shot round and stared daggers at him. Marco was taken aback and slowly stepped behind James, who side stepped to avoid becoming a shield from the potential onslaught.
"The pizza place here is rank!" Clare said.
"Aye it is." Orla said.
"That's cos it is what it is. Absolute shite!" Michelle moaned again.
"Well, No offence, Marco." Clare assured him.
Marco held his hand up as tilted as to say None taken.
"Thing is, my Ma will still go for it, just so she doesn't have to cook." Erin said.
Erin rolled her eyes as she lead the way back into the house. Marco and James followed behind the row of girls. Nothing being said, Orla looked back to see Marco flash a smile at her, she smiled back warmly. James smirked at Marco who looked down to look at his watch. It was just coming up to 2pm. Marco halted James as they entered the house.
"James?" he asked.
"Yeah?"
"Do you think Mary WILL order pizza later on?" Marco asked.
"That is usually the way it goes. Why?" James replied. After a short pause. Marco looked at James.
"I've got an idea." Marco said as he smiled.
James returned the smile with a scrunched brow. He smirked slightly because he knew that smile. Just as James was about to continue the conversation, Erin poked her head out the door.
"What's going on? Are you two ok?" She asked them both.
"Yeah, just talking." James said. Marco nodded in agreement.
"Well, get inside. The pair of ya. Ma wants the door shut." Erin said. She flashed James a smile, and he returned it. Marco spied their look, and shoved James on his shoulder, James knew why he shoved him and shoved him back as they went back to the Quinn's house.