The gang sung along to Take That-Never Forget as they drove home. As the song played; James glanced over and saw Erin smile lovingly at her wee English fella as he drove. Erin had never felt so grown up before in her young life as she sat in the car. She then turned to see Michelle, Clare, Orla, and Marco sitting snug in the back seats; her cousin Orla snuggled happily on Marco's lap, who was smiling as much as she was. Erin saw that Clare was trembling slightly. She turned back to James, who could feel her eyes on him again. When he came to a stop at the traffic lights, he glanced at Erin who motioned him to look at Clare. James looked in his rear-view mirror, and saw what Erin was getting at.
"Are you alright, Clare?"
"Aye?! Why ye asking, James?"
"…. You just look a bit…. flushed."
"No! Nothing wrong with me!"
Michelle felt what James was implying. Clare's leg fidgeted as she sat. Michelle glanced at Orla, who nodded; she could feel the same shaking sensation coming from Marco. Orla placed her hand on Clare's to comfort her.
"Yer shaking like a fucking leaf there Clare!" Michelle complained.
"I am not!"
"Aye, ye are so, Clare. I can see it." Orla pointed. "And I can feel it." She said to Marco.
"Marco? You alright mate?" James asked.
"Yeah. It's just…. adrenaline." Marco breathed out deeply.
"Aye…. Just coming down from all that excitement." Clare exhaled. Her cheeks now sporting a rouge glow.
"Ye worried about what that dickhead said, aren't ya?" Michelle asked.
"Well…. I wouldn't be sensible if I wasn't just a tiny bit concerned." Clare replied, turning to Marco, he took Clare's hand and held it gently.
"Oi… Don't worry about it, Clare." Marco assured her. Orla smiled proudly at her fella.
"Aye, there's nothing to worry about, Clare. He's just a jacked-up arsehole!" Michelle scoffed.
"I just hope that's all that's true." James whispered, more to himself.
"Fuck MadStab, alright, let's just let our hair down and have a fucking good night!" Michelle stated.
James shot an uncertain look at Marco through the rear-view mirror, knowing the usual drunken state Michelle was looking to get herself into. Marco shot back a reassuring look. As they dropped Clare off; she informed the gang she was having dinner with Laurie and her family, but they'd pop round to see them later. Clare said her goodbyes. The next stop was the Quinn's house. Orla jumped out first. But Erin stayed in the front seat.
"Are ye not getting out Erin?"
"I'm just gonna ride round James and Michelle's. Just tell Mammy I'm with them."
"Can we not come?"
"Orla!" Erin moaned.
Marco whispered something to Orla, she then nodded and understood.
"We'll be back around in about an hour or so. OK mate?" James asked Marco, he nodded in agreement, he patted James's shoulder and exited the car.
"See ya two later then." Erin said to the couple.
"Oi! No funny business!" Michelle shouted. Orla widened her eyes and shot a goofy look. Marco mirrored the same goofy face. Michelle lunged forward to change the radio station. Orla and Marco waved them off as James pulled away.
With his eardrums pulsing from the relentless noise; James grimaced that Michelle had cranked the volume all the way up. While One & One- Robert Miles blared from the car's speakers. James looked over at Erin, who was also swaying merrily to the music. James stared forward and couldn't help but chuckle silently to himself. The madness of living in Derry was summed up by his cousin and girlfriend who grabbed themselves a moment of freedom away from the troubles inside their world within the confides of the car. Michelle jumped out upon arriving home. Seeing the young couple wanted to be alone. She raised a knowing eyebrow at them both.
"Don't do anything stupid, ye two fuckers!" She said. Erin rolled her eyes.
As she walked indoors. James drove towards the outskirts of Derry. James motioned Erin over to work the gear stick as he worked the clutch. He drove carefully, letting Erin know when to shift gears. The gears grinded a few times. Eventually finding their slot. Their hands were tangled together on top of the gear stick.
"I don't think I'd like ye to be a driving instructor!" Erin laughed.
"Why's that?" James smiled.
"Ye might have to show all the girls how to work it!"
"Well, we can't have that, can we?" James chuckled.
"Fucking right we can't!" She whispered.
Erin leaned over and stroked the back of James's neck; her lips gently pecked his cheek. James laughed nervously as he kept his eyes on the road, while hearing Erin purr as she stroked the length of his neck with her button nose. She placed her hand on his leg and giggled as she saw James's struggle, although he was smiling throughout the 'ordeal'. Eventually parking the car; James rushed around to the passenger side. Flinging the door open, he practically launched Erin into his arms. Erin howled with laughter, but quickly stopped when James kissed her. He held her high as he kissed her, leaning against the car. As he lowered her down, they turned and saw an amber sun setting over Derry. Erin turned and leaned onto James. He hugged her from behind as they watched the sunset.
"I have not seen the sunset so beautiful as this!"
"It's not that bad."
"Not that bad? Catch yourself on, James! Look at it!" Erin beamed.
"Not as beautiful as what I'm looking at." Erin looked up and saw James gazing at her. She smiled back at her wee English fella.
Meanwhile, when Orla and Marco had gone into Erin's house. The Quinn's kitchen had a familiar atmosphere with Joe arguing loudly with Mary and Sarah.
"I'm telling ye; I didn't know he meant he was coming round tonight! If that cheapskate of a husband of yours bought an answer machine, we wouldn't be having this conversation!" Joe barked.
"Don't blame Gerry, Da! Ye spoke to him! Ye should have said something!"
"But I've already made plans with Jim!" Joe barked.
"Well, we've had this planed for weeks Daddy!" Sarah echoed "But he does make a point about the answering machine, Mary!"
"Ach, ye gonna jump on Gerry too now, are ye?!" Mary shouted.
"Hiya, Mammy! Hiya Granda! Hello Aunt Mary." Orla called loud enough as she walked in with Marco.
"Ah, hello you two!" Joe said.
"What? just the two of ya? Where's Erin?" Mary demanded.
"She just went for a quick drive with James and Michelle, Mary. They said they won't be long." Marco answered. Mary rolled her eyes.
"And why did ye not go with them, Boy!" Joe barked.
"Don't jump down the lad's throat, Da!" Mary barked.
"But they could be up to any sort of funny business!" Joe shouted.
"Michelle is with them, Joe. I promise." Marco said.
"Ye look cracker, Mammy! And you do Aunt Mary." Orla said. Mary was dressed smartly in a long black skirt and white blouse. Sarah was wearing a turquoise vest top and black jeans.
"Thanks love. Oh! How did ye get on, Marco?" Sarah asked, looking up. Marco barely got a word out.
"He did it! Mammy! Marco got accepted" She bounced ecstatically, hugging Marco.
"Ah love, that's grand!" Sarah cried.
"Congratulations, Marco!" Mary said, smiling.
"Thanks." Marco beamed.
"Well done, son." Joe beamed, patting Marco's shoulder.
"Thanks, Joe!" Marco smiled proudly. Shaking his hand.
"So where are ye going, Aunt Mary?" She then asked.
"We're just going out." Mary answered quickly, applying her makeup.
"Aye. We're meeting some of the girls in town for a catch up." Sarah said.
"And you wains are watching Anna tonight? Everyone's out." Joe said.
"Aye. Gerry's working late. There's money for chippy, so yer all going to have to take care of yourselves while ye babysit Anna…. But it turns out that yer Uncle Colm's coming around as well." Mary said, glancing a glare at Joe.
"Aye, no problem, Aunt Mary. It'll be grand! Marco hasn't met Uncle Colm yet." Orla beamed. Joe huffed ironically.
"Brace yerself, lad!" Joe gruffled. Marco shot a confused look as Joe walked away, but Mary glared dagger eyes at him.
"Uh, not so fast! I haven't finished talking to ye, Da!" Mary called.
Orla was now holding Coco Pops as Mary and Joe began arguing again about Uncle Colm. Orla took Marco's hand and led him out the front door to her own house.
"Uh…. Where are we going?" He asked. Orla turned and handed Coco Pops over.
"They might be going at it for a while. Ye best go and get changed." Orla shot the same goofy look with wide eyes.
"Oh ok. See you in a minute then." Marco mirrored the same look again. "Come on boy!"
Marco took Coco Pops and dashed across the road while Orla went indoors and changed out of her uniform. She wore her favourite dark blue track suit trousers, tye-dye t shirt, and purple hoodie. Marco was his room with the door almost shut, he had already changed into his black jeans but still had his shirt on, which was unbuttoned. He went to walk out of his room.
"Hiya." Marco jumped out of his skin as he saw Orla suddenly standing in front of him. Orla burst out laughed as Marco was doubled over with shock.
"Did I scare ye?" She sniggered.
"Just a bit." Marco laughed back, gasping for breath. "How did you even get in? I didn't even hear the door go?"
"I'm like a phantom! Or a ninja!" She teased.
As Marco straightened up. Orla gazed at the sight of him in his opened shirt. Orla bit her lower lip. Seeing him catch his breath, she placed her hands gently on his side. Their eyes caught each other's; Orla then slowly slid her hands inside Marco's shirt; He felt his chest tense at her touch. He then placed his hands on her waist and pulled her close to him, gently gripping her sides, Orla gasped as Marco picked her up; Orla instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist.
"Is this, ok?" He asked her.
Orla bit her lips again. "Aye!" She nodded.
As he held her aloft. They smiled as their lips met again, snogging passionately. As they gasped for air. Marco lowered her down and she hugged him tight. She then spied a chest of drawers with framed photographs on top.
"Is that them? Yer Grandparents?" She asked.
"Yeah…. that's them."
"They look really nice. They'd be proud of ye. I know I am." Orla looked at Marco.
"I couldn't have done it without you."
"I can't believe it! Ye really are staying now!" Orla exclaimed.
"Yeah, and I ain't going nowhere this time!" Marco whispered. "…. Orla."
"Aye?" Orla smiled. Marco looked as if he was going to say something. "…. I…"
Just then, they heard loud music and a car pulling up. Orla moved to the window and saw it was James with Erin and Michelle arriving back.
"Ach, it's them…. Michelle's trying to drive the car!" Orla laughed.
"Better get moving then." Marco threw his shirt off and pulled a black sweater on. Orla watched with a crooked smile.
"You lose something over here?" Marco teased.
Orla grinned and flashed her eyebrows. "Very nice." She walked out of the room; Marco grinned and followed her.
"Not bad, hi?" Michelle asked. Erin and James laughed as they exited the car. James smirked as he saw Marco and Orla come out of Jim's house.
"Hiya James!" Orla called.
"Oh… hiya Orla!" James shot a suggestive grin.
"And where have you two been?" Michelle smirked.
"Just in Jim's house." Orla said.
"Ach, really? and what have ye two been up to?" Erin asked suggestively.
"Nothing, Erin." Marco replied mockingly.
"Nothing?" Michelle shot back, her fist on her hip.
"Aye, nothing…." Orla paused as they squinted her eyes. "…. Well apart from…"
"OOOOOOOHHHH!" Michelle shouted with excitement.
"Will you wains keep it down!" Mary said. Coming out the door.
"Where ye going Mammy?"
"Me and ya Aunt Sarah are going out!"
"Bye wains. Have a good time babysitting." Sarah followed.
"Babysitting?! What the fuck?" Michelle snapped.
"Will ye mind yer tongue, young lady!" Joe snapped as he stepped out.
As the five of them watched the parents leave. Orla waved them goodbye while the others stood in silence. Once they were inside; Erin and Michelle stared at Orla as she walked into the kitchen and picked up Anna.
"Do ye mind filling us in, Orla?" Michelle shot. "What the fuck's going on?"
"They all made plans to go out. We have to babysit Anna." Orla shrugged.
"Ach, for fuck's sake!" Michelle yelled.
"Since when do our Mammies have a social life?" Erin snorted and contorted her face.
"Well, since now, by the looks of things." James remarked.
"Who asked you, Dick weed?! Ach, hold on… If they've gone out. That means we got a free house! Go and get that booze, Marco!" Michelle rubbed her hands together.
"Ye can't get drunk when we're supposed to be watching a baby, Michelle!" Erin argued.
"Ach, and Uncle Colm's coming round too." Orla added.
Erin, James, and Michelle snapped their heads towards Orla. Marco watched as the drama unfolded.
"…WHAT?" Erin hissed silently.
"Are ye FUCKING shitting me, Orla?!" Michelle growled.
"Yeah, who IS Uncle Colm?" Marco asked, turning to James.
The trio shot wide eyes at Marco. It then dawned on them that Marco had not met Uncle Colm when he was over the first time. Marco gaged James's look. Erin and Michelle walked into the living room; a faint giggle could be heard.
Marco laughed nervously "James…. J', why are they laughing?" He quizzed.
James looked down, his mouth was open, trying to supress his own laughter. Knowing exactly what Marco was about to encounter. Without giving an answer, the doorbell rang. Orla bounded towards the front door. "Hiya, Uncle Colm." They heard.
They looked towards the doorway, and the demure, white haired, mousy looking infamous Uncle Colm. Marco spied Erin and Michelle sporting the same mischievous grin. Orla stood next to Uncle Colm as he walked into the kitchen.
"Ah, hello wains."
"Hello, Colm. Alright?" James nodded slightly.
"How bout ye, James? Oh…. Hello?" Com said to the stranger in the midst.
"Hello."
"Uncle Colm…. This is who I want ye to meet. This is my boyfriend." Orla proclaimed happily, pointing at Marco.
"Ach…. The mysterious Aye-talian I've heard so much about?" Uncle Colm asked. He reached his hand out, a blank look on his face. Marco approached him and the two shook hands.
"Nice to meet you Colm." Marco said cautiously.
"Famous last words." James quipped.
Erin and Michelle spurted out a laugh. Marco turned and shot a confused look at all three of them. Marco spotted Erin and Michelle turn their attention to Anna, who was playing with Coco Pops on the carpet. Orla playfully joined in while James stood nearby.
"Ach, It's a nice pleasure to be meeting ya finally, so it is. But I have to say, Ye have a very odd name for an Aye-Talian if I do dare say so…." Colm began.
"Do I?" Marco went to speak again but it was too late.
"…. Aye ye do; indeed, For I remember saying to meself says I…. Colm, Marcel does not sound like an Aye-Talian name…. Now if had been Mario, or Lucas, or Salvatore, that would have been different…"
James pulled a chair out and beckoned Marco to sit down. Marco sat, still confused. Still standing, Colm continued.
"Now there was once, I can recall, an Aye-Talian family who lived two streets away from me…. or it might have been…. Three! And the father of the family, his name was Luigi, but I cannot recall his last name….and he had a second wife called…. Felicia, I think it was. Now the first wife that he had, this is Luigi I'm talking about, she was not around… she was living in a place called…. Sardines I think it was…."
"Don't you mean Sardinia?" James corrected him.
"Aye that's the one, James. And I remember saying to meself says I; Colm…. Luigi is a dandy fine name for an Aye-Talian man, and Felicia is a lovely name for an Aye-Talian lady. Although there were another woman called…. Felicity who lived only one street away from me, but she preferred to be addressed as Felix…. And her husband, now he was a Belfast man, and I remember him saying to me once said he; There is a new Aye-Talian restaurant in the town that I should try. And this was, possibly back in '77 I think it was…."
Marco had lowered his eyebrows, wondering where this was all going. James had now sat down opposite him. While Marco stared at Colm, who's eyes looked as if they were staring off into space. James smirked at Marco's astonished expression.
"… And I remember saying to meself says I; Colm! That sounds like a good idea. And I went along one night, it might have about 7:30…. Or more precise…. 7:33…. and I remember sitting down at a table that was near the entrance, and this was a very brisk night, and every time the door opened, there was a brisk wind that came wafting into the restaurant…. now that's not to say that I do not mind a breeze. In fact, I prefer it… But I remember thinking to myself, this is not the best of nights to be out."
Marco had now raised an eyebrow. He glanced across the table at James, who nodded knowingly at him. Marco turned back to Colm.
"….. And I remember the waiter coming over to me and asking me what I would like…. Now I can't remember his name, and I am no expert on Aye-Talian food, but I recognise a bowl of spaghetti when I see it. But I remember seeing a whole different load of choices on the menu…. Now, thankfully, it was in English instead of Aye-Talian…. And I remember thinking to meself I thought: Colm, it's a good thing ye didn't need to learn a new language before ye came in here..."
Marco nodded sarcastically. He then saw Orla sit down next to James, she smiled widely at Marco.
"What's Uncle Colm talking about, James?" She whispered.
"Spaghetti." James whispered. Orla scrunched her face at James.
"So, I turned to the waiter, and I remembering saying to him said I. What pasta would ye recommend? And he said to me says he; It depends on what ya like…. So, I says to him said I; Is there a difference? And he told me that there were very specific differences…."
"Really?!" Marco asked in an ironic tone. James could barely hold his laughter in as Marco rubbed his eyes.
"…. Now the differences between some of the pasta dishes, is that there's only a matter of millimetres between a string of Spaghetti, and Tagliatelle, and Fettucine."
"I did not know that!" Orla gasped in amazement.
"Only a few millimetres, Colm?" James said.
"Christ, James, Don't encourage him!" Erin whispered.
"So… what did you end up ordering?" Marco asked in a hurrying manner.
"Well! Now this was the tricky part. Because the spaghetti had a tomato sauce, whereas the other two choices, but remember there was only a millimetre or two between them…. One had a cream sauce with mushrooms, and I think the other one just had chicken with it…." Uncle Colm paused.
"And?" James asked, who was now beginning to feel anxious. Uncle Colm took a deep breath. He squinted his eyes, deep in thought.
"…. I believe I chose something that they called Aye-Talian wedding soup?"
"…. How long did you take to make your mind up?" James asked.
"I believe about half an hour, or it could have longer…" Colm replied.
"…. The waiter wasn't standing there with you the whole time, was he?" Marco sniggered.
"Aye, that he was." Colm replied.
The boys turned and shot each other a bemused look. "…. Hold on! You mean to tell me that you had the waiter explain the differences with all the spaghetti dishes, you sat there for half an hour with him standing over you, choosing what to have…. and you just went for the soup?" James shot. Unseen, Erin and Michelle were now listening.
"Aye that's right…. For me starter, it was." Colm said, Erin and Michelle shot their own look of bemusement.
"Well, didn't the waiter take your order for your main course as well?" Marco quizzed, almost despairing.
"Well, the astonishing thing was, was only a few minutes after the waiter walked off. He came back… and I remember him saying to me said he; I am very sorry sir, but we're completely sold out of everything else on the menu! So, we'll give ya a nice big bowl of the wedding soup, and ye'll have to come again another time. He says."
"And did you?" Marco asked.
"Well, the strange thing was… the next time I went round there. There was a huge sign in the window saying, "SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE; WE HAVE RELOCATED TO DUBLIN."
"Really?!" James asked ironically.
"Aye. As true as I'm sitting here! Couldn't believe it!"
"….hahaha….. I wonder why?" Marco shrugged his shoulders, he turned to James, and they started laughing. Erin and Michelle burst out laughing in the living room.
"That really is a mystery." Orla said. James and Marco hid their faces.
"Christ! Ye certainly can tell 'em, can't ye Colm?" Gerry shook his head. The boys turned to see him standing by the kitchen top.
"Alright, Gerry?" James asked.
"Watcha son. How's it been?" Gerry smirked, patting James on the shoulder. Glancing at both the boys, they shot him an exhausted look, making Gerry snigger.
"Daddy! De ye want anything from chippy? We'll go get it!" Erin said. Shooting into the kitchen.
"No thanks, Erin, I already ate. Steak and Kidney pie, Colm?" Gerry dared to ask.
"Ah no thanks. Gerry, I just came round to help babysit for a while, as Joe said to me; because ye were being a skiving little shite again. So, I'll be on my way now. Ye take care. Nice to meet ya Marcel. Bye now Wains." As Colm walked out. Gerry and the gang stood and sat, stunned.
"Well! We appreciate that, Colm, Thanks very much so!" Gerry shouted.
"And his name is Marco, Uncle Colm!" Orla shouted.
"He's gone, Orla." James said.
"Go on Erin, I'll watch Anna." Gerry gasped as he sat down. Exasperated.
"Come on you, think it's time we saved yer!" Erin quickly pulled James up from his seat.
"Oh, you're so kind. What took you so long?" James quipped with a smile, he instantly regretted saying that; he winced as Erin pinched his arm.
"Oi. Let me get in on that!" Michelle went of James' other arm.
"ARGH! Marco! HELP!" James cried out. Wincing from each merciless pinch.
"Yeah! I'm a little strapped in right now, mate!" Marco laughed, James turned and saw Marco was walking with Orla bear hugging him with his arms trapped as they walked out the door. Gerry shook his head and smiled with Anna in his arms.
The five walked down to Fionulla's for Friday night chippy. The girls took in and relished the bustling Friday night atmosphere inside Fionulla's Fish shop. The smell of grease turned James's stomach, as always. While Marco experienced the infamous aroma shoot up his nostrils for the first time. Michelle warned him not to complain like James.
"Told ya, didn't I?" James choked. Marco could only laugh. Coco Pops whined in agony as well.
Soon enough, The group were back at Erin's. They sat around the table. Orla fed Coco Pops a chopped-up battered hot dog as he sat on her lap. Gerry decided to be lenient in the absence of Mary and Joe, and after hearing about Marco getting his apprenticeship, Gerry allowed the group to drink some wine, providing it as mixed with lemonade. Choosing wisely not to incur the wrath of Mary and Joe. Michelle opted to not have hers mixed. Of course.
"Oi, you lot say nothing to Mary." Gerry cautioned them.
"Aye Daddy. We can't exactly blow yer cover." Erin said.
"Less of the cheek, you. And that means don't throw it back like water, Michelle! I don't want ya Mammy wringing my neck!" Gerry said, watching Michelle down her second glass.
"Aye. THAT is some fucking good shit!" Michelle held her glass up with approval.
"Michelle! Pace yourself." James pleaded.
"Oh, for fuck sake, James! Don't be such a fruit! I know what I'm doing!" Michelle dismissed him.
"Michelle…. He's right, it comes up on you quick if you don't take it easy. Trust me, I know." Marco chimed in.
"This definitely does NOT taste like blood… it's sweeter!" Orla said approvingly.
"That's the lemonade, Orla." Erin said.
"I must say. It's a good drop." Gerry approved, sipping his wine.
"Hiya girls!" Clare called. The group cheered as she entered with Laurie.
"Hiya…. What's going on here?" Laurie beamed.
"Getting pished!" Michelle shot with a smile.
"Hiya Laurie." The muddle replies came. Laurie walked over and met Marco for the first time.
"Nice to finally meet ya, Marco. Heard so much about ye." Laurie said.
"Ah… You stole my line. Nice to meet you, Laurie." Marco laughed.
"Oh aye. What's she been telling ya?" Laurie smiled at Clare.
"All good stuff." Marco assured her. She smiled.
"Hey Daddy, can we do have one drink with no mixers?" Erin pleaded. Gerry hesitated briefly.
"OK…One drink with no lemonade, but that's it!" Gerry proclaimed.
Taking another wine bottle, Gerry modestly poured into each glass. Erin and Orla sat on their wee English fellas' laps so Clare and Laurie could amongst the group. They all chose not to add a mixer this one time. James then caught their attention.
"Hold on…. Marco. What was that saying that your Grandad always said, you remember? On Christmas eve he always gave a toast. How did that go again?" He quizzed. Marco started to laugh gleefully, as he searched for the words. He smiled at his friend, knowing it was actually a fitting sentence to say.
"He always said…. Cent anni di amore e amicizia" Marco said, in a thick Italian accent.
"I just LOVE the way they talk!" Orla smiled widely.
"What does that mean, Marco?" Erin asked. Smiling.
"It means…100 years of love and friendship….
"Well said lad. Slainte!" Gerry said.
"SLAINTE!"
"Motherfuckers!" Michelle concluded. The group laughed. James patted Marco's shoulder gently, both of them still holding their drinks.
"Welcome to your new home, Bruv. Slainte!" James said.
"Salute, Frattelli." Marco said. They clinked their glasses and threw their drinks back together. Erin and Orla smiled together.