Erin and Orla hurried and finished their dinner. Mary had just taken a phone call from Deidre who was now home with Michelle and James. Orla darted over the road to fetch Coco Pops while Erin put her coat on. The thought of James getting kicked out of school just wouldn't leave her mind. Erin's head felt heavy as she sat on the bottom step to do up her trainers, when she felt a small hand suddenly touch her on her knee. She looked up and saw little Anna looking at her. Erin gave her little sister a frowning smile.
"Ern, no sad." She said innocently. Erin reached out and brought her in for a warm hug.
"Aye…. I need to stop being sad, do I Anna, hi?" Erin answered, Anna nodded. Just then, Coco Pops appeared.
"Co Pops!" Anna beamed, making Erin smile. Coco Pops jumped with excitement at the small wain.
"Aye, he needs to go for walkies, Anna." Orla smiled. "Yer ready, Erin?" She asked.
"Go on now, girls. See yer later." Erin pecked Anna's nose and passed her to Mary.
The cousins made their way down the hill towards Michelle's house. Along the way, they were met by Clare; who had also been called to hear the outcome of the chaotic turn of events the day had served. When they arrived at the Mallon house; Erin walked straight in and was met by Michelle who was standing next to Deidre. She was talking on the phone to Cathy Maguire.
"Bout ye, motherfuckers?" Michelle shot. Deidre slapped her arm.
"Ye alright, Michelle?" Clare practically yelled with concern. Deidre shushed them.
"Come in the kitchen." Michelle led them away from Deidre.
They saw James for the first time since earlier that morning. He was standing at the kitchen top talking with Marco, both had their arms crossed, looking deep in conversation. James turned and saw Erin launch herself into him. Hugging him fiercely; James breathed her in, as if he hadn't seen her for weeks.
"You alright?" He asked. Always the same old James, concerned for others more than himself.
"Seriously! What the feck, James?!" Erin groaned.
"What's happening, James?" Orla fretted, grabbing his arm.
"Are they really kicking ye out of school?" Clare panicked.
"We won't let them!" Orla raised her voice.
"We'll…. hold a formal protest or something!" Clare shouted.
"Ach, I'm grand by the way! Just in case anyone wanted to know!" Michelle barked angrily, crossing her arms. She then softened when Orla wrapped her arms around her for support.
"Girls, please!" James went to speak.
"BUT THIS ISN'T RIGHT..." Clare interrupted.
The girls were once again speaking loudly over each other to get their point across. Coco Pops started barking amidst the raised voices. James was too deflated to referee their enraged states. He was just as angry as they were but didn't possess any more resilience. The more the group shouted, Orla became over stimulated and held her head from the familiar throbbing pain.
"Girls…. Girls... GIRLS!" Marco finally shouted; they jumped and fell silent at his bellowing voice.
"Let's just calm…down." He said softly. "Just let James explain where he stands in all this, OK?"
Marco gave James the floor, who moved over towards the table. The girls gathered round while Marco went back to cooking dinner. Orla held his arm while Coco Pops was now sitting on Clare's lap. James took a deep breath.
"Right…. When I went to see Father Peter this morning…. He told me that Mr O'Driscoll wanted me to be removed from school…. it's this whole thing about me mixing in an all-girls school…. And that it contradicts the social morals…. And apparently….. he thinks I'm a risk." James shook his head with confusion.
"What does that mean?" Orla turned to Michelle.
"They reckon that cos he's a fella, he's jumping on every girl in sight."
"It doesn't mean that, Michelle!" Marco shot.
"Is that true, James?!" Orla shouted, repulsed by the statement. She grabbed the wee English fella by the collar.
"What?... No… Orla. It's not!" He shot back with his eyes wide with horror.
"Jesus Christ!" Erin cried in frustration.
"No… Orla, babe, it's not true!" Marco moved in and intervened. Placing his hands on her shoulders. "That's not what it means… OK?"
Orla's eyes were fixed on James with utter rage. Michelle, Erin and Clare were frozen. Marco was astounded by her sudden outburst. He saw her shaking with gritted teeth and wide eyes. He'd never seen her so angry before, but he kept calm.
"Orla? Look at me." Marco said.
"Are ye telling me the truth?" She asked, turning to Marco.
"We wouldn't lie to you." He replied.
"OK…. Oh…. Sorry, James." Orla frowned sadly and hugged him.
"Aww, It's ok, Orla." James said, he hugged her back to calm her down.
"Aye, James would never do that to Erin, Orla." Clare chimed in.
"You'd be a dead man if you ever did!" Marco joked towards James.
"Aye, I was only having a wee craic, Orla…. As if anyone's ever gonna believe that anyways! I mean, look at him for a start…." Michelle joked. Everyone shot a look at her.
"…. Well, ye know what I mean…. It's fucking ridiculous! I mean, I know he looks like a pervert, but he can't help the way he looks." Michelle replied.
"Really, Michelle?" Erin snapped.
"Well, it's a step up from being a closet case!" Marco quipped, making Michelle snigger.
"Piss off Marco!" James rolled his eyes, unable to hold his own laughter in.
"Joking, mate." Marco replied, patting James before turning back to the cooker.
"Ye don't reckon it's cos James is English, and he's with Erin, do ye?" Clare asked worryingly. The gang paused.
"Well… it's not impossible." Michelle answered. Erin gawked and was just about to unleash when James spoke up.
"Well, that's sort of one of his reasons." James revealed, frowning.
"What?" The group were shocked at James' words.
"Well…. He said the reason why I'm a risk…. Is because I'm English, and he's convinced the board that me being at school could pose some sort of…. Threat to the other students' safety?" The statement sent a chill down Erin's spine. Marco pondered what James had said.
"Are you fucking serious, Jay?" James nodded sadly towards his friend.
"But…. You've been at school for 2 years now. There's never been any hint of…. that happening…. Plus, they declared Peace! That sort of thing can't happen anymore!" Erin scowled.
"Of course, it fucking can, Erin! Some people don't want Peace! They just wanna be arseholes and just keep things fucked up for everyone else!" Michelle shot. Coco Pops then started barking loudly.
"Oi! Ye mind yer language, Coco Pops!" Orla shot annoyingly. Everyone shot a confused look at her while Coco Pops continued barking.
"Oi…. Just cos Michelle says it, don't mean you have to as well!" Marco shot back at Coco Pops, who fell silent. The group looked strangely at each other.
"Ye know, the more I think about it now… Mr O'Driscoll seemed to look over at us a lot when he was making that speech this morning in assembly… It was like he was singling us out!" Clare fretted.
"Ach, it's not like we're the only ones who get into trouble. There's been tons of other things…..worse things that other girls did compared to us!" Michelle shot as she walked over to the cooker.
"Like what?" Marco asked.
"Well, there was the Mr. Mullin affair, for one thing!" She said.
"What's that?" Marco asked, looking at James.
"A couple of years ago; Some forth years cable tied a male teacher to the monkey bars and…." He started.
"They dry rode him…." Orla finished. Marco raised his eyebrows awkwardly.
"That fat prick has a fucking nerve to single us out given what happened to his own wain, Sinead. She were in our school when she fell pregnant…. She were only 17 at the time!" Michelle said.
"James…. Yer mammy wants to talk to yer." Martin poked his head through the door.
"OK, thanks Uncle Martin."
While James walked into the hall; Erin and Marco glanced at each other. She nodded and quickly followed James. Coco Pops walked up and brushed Michelle's leg. She looked down and smirked slightly.
"Ach. And don't ye be trying to suck up to me." Michelle's lip then cracked. She shook her head and bent down and stroked Coco Pops. Marco then spotted Orla with her own look of concern. She had pulled her hoodie over her head.
"Oi. You alright?" Marco asked her quietly. Orla turned into him for a hug. Marco embraced her.
"It's ok… come on…. I don't like seeing you sad." He whispered.
"Can I stay with you tonight?" Orla whispered back secretly. She felt Marco nod his head, she held him tighter.
"Oi! Is this ready? I'm famished." Michelle shot.
"Yeah. Just gotta slice the bread up." Marco answered.
"Ach, I can do that!" Orla said eagerly, spying Marco's knife set.
He smirked warmly and stepped aside. Orla took out the largest knife in the kit and sliced up the crusty bread. Michelle occupied herself with moving the pot of stew onto the table. Marco shared a look with Clare. She motioned with her hand, encouraging him to keep talking.
"Michelle?" Marco spoke.
"What?" She turned to him.
"James isn't going anywhere." He said.
"What ye talking about, Dicko?!" Michelle huffed "I'm not worried!"
"He's right Michelle. Yer Aunt Cathy knows James loves it here." Clare echoed.
"Also, James isn't gonna want to go back now cos he's with Erin." Orla spoke up.
"Exactly." Marco concluded.
Hearing their words; Michelle resided and sighed, releasing some of the built-up tension within her. She admitted her own concerns without words and nodded in agreement. Deidre then walked into the kitchen followed by Martin. Deidre rested her face in her hands, her elbows resting on the table.
"Christ almighty. But my sister can talk for the whole of fecking Ireland when she wants to." Deidre despaired.
"It'll be fine, love." Martin replied, sitting at the table. Michelle dished up and placed the dinner for her parents. Orla placed a plate of sliced crusty bread to go with the stew.
"Ach that smells good, thanks, love." Deidre forced an exhausted smile at Michelle. Martin smiled at Marco, showing his appreciation.
In the hallway, James was now sat on the bottom stair as he picked up the phone. Erin sat next to him, and held his hand for support. She was still unwavering in her opinion of Cathy Maguire and wanted to see what she had to say on the matter. She was convinced that she would not be making an appearance, and she grimaced inside her mind while James still regarded her with the same affection as he'd always done.
"Hello, Mum?"
"Hello, love. Are ye alright?"
"Yea… I'm fine. Erin's sitting with me." He turned and smiled at her.
"Aww. That's good to know…. Well…. I'll be coming over this Friday." This was certainly news to Erin.
"Yea. Father Peter said you were gonna come over. Mum…."
"Yes, James?"
"I don't want this to affect me living here!" He said, Erin clutched his hand tight and listened intently.
"…. I understand how ye feel, James…. And I wish I could give you the answer ye want to hear. But we can only wait until Friday and see where we stand, Hi? I mean, I didn't understand why this was such an issue now. You've been there for 2 years, and ye haven't gotten into any…. Well…. You've had a few…." Cathy was unsure how to finish the sentence.
"… Incidents?" James threw out.
"Yes…. But ye never actually hurt anybody or been…. 'targeted'… Thank God. And you've worked hard and completed yer GCSE'S. But when yer Aunt Deidre mentioned Patrick O'Driscoll's name. I knew there'd be trouble." Cathy shot.
"You know him?" James was startled. Cathy took a deep breath.
"Aye. So, I do. He's an absolute pig of a man, James. Ye must be very careful around people like him. They go on about the rights and wrongs, but if they find out anything…. promiscuous about your past, they will take it and drag yer name through the dirt, and they won't think twice about it. Even when I were younger, he was always the same… Acting all holier than thou he was…. Acting oh, so puritan… Putting himself up as some sort of model moral citizen." She said.
"What do you mean, Mum?" James had never heard his mum talk so openly before.
"It were people like Patrick O'Driscoll that made me…. Leave. Ach. When people found out I was pregnant with you. They'd be looking at me…. Their faces all full of distain…. Judging me, shouting things at me in the street, ye couldn't begin to imagine the ridicule I went through, love. And Patrick O'Driscoll was certainly one of those people."
"I had no idea you went through that, Mum!" James' face bore a true sympathetic look. Erin continued to listen as Cathy went on.
"Aye. He liked to voice his opinion about people like…me. Women with…. What he called "Loose morals" …. He used to say that children from single parent families were a stain on society…That was the attitude of quite a few within the catholic community back then…. It was one of the many reasons why I wanted to get away from Derry, and why I've chosen to stay away. I know I made mistakes in the past…and I had to think about the family, and myself, and you."
"Bloody hell." James gasped.
"They were different times back then James. The ridicule was too much for me to take. Yer Aunt Deidre said I were a coward for walking away… But…." Cathy choked back tears.
"So…. Is that why you went to England…. Because…. I was a mistake?" James pushed. Erin had a sorrowful gaze as she shook her head.
"No! You weren't a mistake, James... From the moment they put you in my arms, I knew I made the right choice. I just had to get away from their spiteful judgement, so I could just love you. And I know people still say things about me, and how I seem to not care…. it hurts…. and it's my cross to bear, not yours. For all the mistakes I ever made in my life, you certainly weren't one of them…. Seeing you become the young man you are, ye can't imagine how proud I am of you. And I'll be damned if that fat prick thinks he can use my boy like some sort of political pawn!" Cathy stated, sounding more like Deidre.
"Bloody hell, Mum!" James' face lit up. Erin's face mirrored his shock, she heard everything Cathy had said.
"I love you, Jamie." She said proudly.
"I love you too, Mum."
"Is Erin there? I'd like to talk to her."
"Yea, hold on." James handed Erin the phone.
"Hello…. Mrs Maguire?" Now Erin felt tense, given everything she had previously thought about James' mum, she now felt guilty after finally hearing her side of things.
"Hello, Erin, Bout ye?" Cathy asked.
"Not bad, I guess. How about yerself?" Erin asked awkwardly.
"I'm not too bad. Thought it was about time we spoke given that Deidre said you two have gotten very close now."
"Aye, we are so." Erin's eyes stung as she felt her heart pound hard, her eyes meeting those of her wee English fella, who smiled at her admirably.
"Well, he's very lucky, so he is. See ya both Friday, Erin. And don't worry, I promise I won't try and kidnap yer this time. Bye for now."
"Aye, ok! Bye Mrs Maguire." Erin laughed nervously.
Upon placing the phone down, Erin pulled James into herself. She thought back to the many times she'd held Cathy Maguire up as a bad example for a mother, her over exuberant opinion of others had not always been correct, more wrong than most. But now she was able to see more through James' eyes. His patience with people was one of his many virtues, most likely is strongest.
The week that followed felt like a month. Each day was a Jackyl and Hyde rollercoaster of positive and negative thoughts. Michelle had been grounded as well as being given two days detention following the altercation with Shannon and chose to distract herself with her DJ decks. The silence was deafening to James as he sat alone in the small office with only Sister Josephine watching over him. His mind lingered sadly at the possibility that things may become worse if he was shifted over to the Boy's school.
Erin would find herself glancing over at the desk or table where James would normally be sitting. Knowing he was shut away like some sort of social leper boiled her blood. The thought of her boyfriend being shut away was one thing, but like James; Erin fretted about the possibility of him being amongst more harsh hostility if the school governors chose to send him away. Every morning, James was escorted away by Sister Josephine as the group reached the gates to Our Lady Immaculate College like some sort of convicted criminal. Clare couldn't help but notice that Patrick O'Driscoll was always loitering nearby at the start of each day. The wee lesbian's own blood boiled at the sight of him smirking. Sadly, Clare had also just received some unfortunate news from her mother but thought it best not to mention anything until the matter with James had been settled.
Early on Friday morning. Marco had risen early as always to take Coco Pops out for his morning walk. Orla had taken to going with him every morning. The darkened Derry streets allowed the young couple time to themselves as they talked about their own thoughts and worries about James, while making sure no one knew that Orla had slept across the road with Marco. Later that morning, Joe and Gerry were gripped in another battle of words while trying to install a brand-new dishwasher. The table had been shifted halfway out of the kitchen and halfway into the living room to give them space. Michelle couldn't help but smirk to herself as she listened to the men argue while the gang sat round eating toast. Seeing the long face on the wee English fella; Mary walked away from the squabbling pair and gently placed her hand on James' shoulder.
"How ye coping James,love?" She asked softly.
"Not bad thanks… Mary." James answered, putting a brave face on things.
"So, What time's your mammy coming in, son?" Mary forced herself to ask.
"She said she'd meet me at school." James said.
"And what time's the meeting again?" Mary asked.
"After Assembly. 10ish." James said, Mary nodded, compressing her mouth, she rubbed his shoulder for support before returning to the kitchen. Erin acknowledged her mother's act, knowing that Mary had her own reservations about Cathy Maguire, but thought it best to leave that matter for another time.
"It's gonna be alright, mate." Marco said.
"You reckon?" James asked, worryingly.
"…. Well…. if it comes to the worst, and you get moved to the boy's school, we can always get Orla to be your bodyguard." Marco joked. The girls smirked at the quip.
"Aye, I'll protect ya, James." Orla laid her head on his shoulder.
"What, you mean like Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston?" James smirked warmly at her.
"Nah. Orla more of a man than Kevin Costner." Michelle joked.
"Aye, I accept that! He can't throw a knife to save his life!" Orla said. Michelle hiked her eyebrows at Marco who chuckled.
"Ach, I wouldn't say no to Kevin Costner. Bit older but uuhhh… massive… massive ride!" Michelle quipped.
Everyone rolled their eyes. Now they were silent again. Joe's raging insults to Gerry were the only thing making a noise. The group started to listen as Joe grew redder with frustration as Gerry continually angered him with each failing attempt to install the pipework under the sink. Erin looked up with despair as she took in another battle between her Dad and Granda.
"What is yer fecking problem, Gerry?"
It won't reach, Joe!"
"Just do what I tell yer and slide yer hand a little further down…."
Michelle shot a curious look. The rest of the group shot the same knowing glance at their promiscuous friend while Orla played to Anna with Coco Pops in her hands.
"Michelle, what is wrong with yer mind!" Clare asked.
"She has to make up for it in some way cos she can't talk 'sex' stuff round me and Erin, it turns her stomach." James said.
"Ach, well it's not like I'm praying for the day to come when you two finally say you've done the nasty, is it now, Dicko?"
"That's right, broadcast it, Michelle! My mammy's only over there." Erin whispered awkwardly.
"Broadcast what? Ye haven't done it yet, have ye?" Michelle shot back.
"Aye. Michelle's right, Erin. Ye should totally do it. It's class! Me and Marco have." Orla blurted cheerfully.
Clare spat her tea out, making a mess. The group dropped everything. They all turned and looked at Orla who ate her cereal without a care in the world, including Marco.
"Jesus! What the actual fuck, Clare!" Michelle shouted.
"I'm sorry!" Clare shrieked.
"What's happened here?!" Mary shouted.
"Nothing Mary! I just…. Sneezed?" Clare shot with a fright.
"Sweet suffering Jesus. The mess here." Mary walked over. The group stared at Marco while Mary wiped the table.
"No! Bend down a bit more!" Joe shouted. Mary rolled her eyes and went back to the kitchen.
"….. What sort of dishwasher have they got in there?" Marco laughed nervously, trying to shift the subject.
"Shuddup you!" Michelle pointed at him without taking her eyes off Orla. "…What did ye just say, Orla?" She whispered with utter shock.
"Now… ye should be able to slide it in… just give it a good hard thrust, but don't jiggle." Joe explained. Everyone then shot looks at each other and started to snigger.
"Now… just wait an' gimme a minute…. I need to catch my breath." Gerry gasped. James and Marco strained to stop the laughter. Orla's head bopped with amusement at the group laughing.
"Does yer Da say that often to ya mammy, Erin?" Michelle shot hysterically.
"I am seriously gonna boke in yer lap, Michelle!" Erin groaned as her face contorted hysterically.
"That's it…. Now! Push it through now!"
At the point they caved in and collapsed laughing amongst themselves, except Erin.
"Excuse me, is there something I'm missing here?" Mary demanded to know, standing over the table.
"No, Mammy. We're just heading off" Erin panicked as she darted out into the hall to grab her coat, followed by the others.
"Aye, I think ye better. On yer ways now. Good luck James." Mary called.
James threw a hand up to wave goodbye just as Erin shoved him out the door. She then charged down the pathway and pinned Marco against the car.
"Marco…. Please tell me Orla doesn't mean what I think she means?!" Erin blurted with a maniacal look. The pin against the car caused him to grimace, his body was still recovering from the rugby game.
"Are yers getting in or not?" Michelle ordered everyone into the car. She had Orla sit on her lap; the perfect trap to interrogate her about what she had revealed at the table. James and Marco shot a cautionary glance at each other as they sat in the front. As they drove to school, Michelle took charge of the situation.
"Orla… spill!" Michelle asked, half excited.
"What? All I said was that Erin and James should sleep together. Me and Marco haven't even had a first date yet, but we've slept together." Orla said innocently without missing a beat. Marco buried his face in his hand.
Erin, Michelle and Clare gawked with astonishment. James had a face like a goldfish. Erin started to panic about the notion that Orla had taken the big step in her relationship before her, not to mention what might happen if their mammies ever found out. But the excitement and panic was short lived. It turned out to be quite a letdown once Orla had explained the whole truth while Marco drove, breathing a huge sigh of relief while the others groaned in a mixture of disappointment and relief.
"Stall the ball Orla! ….. Ye mean to say ye jumped into bed with Marco because ye got scared of a bit of thunder?" Michelle was clearly disappointed.
"Thank Christ for that!" Erin whispered as she looked up, clearly relieved.
"It were raging, it was!" Orla protested.
"And that was all ye did? Ye just…. slept?!" Michelle stressed; her face scrunched.
"It was nice, Michelle!... Marco's very cuddly." Orla flashed a joyful smile towards her fella. James shot a goofy smirk at Marco's reddened face.
"Orla… we really need to have a talk!" Michelle shook her head.
"Ach, Michelle. I know what ye wanna talk about. I know yer go on about riding and such…. But I'm just not ready…. yet… Marco knows that. And he's fine with it." Orla said and smiled.
"That's sounds cracker, Orla. Good on yer!" Clare smiled.
"Aye. That's dead on!" Erin smiled.
"What are you smiling about?" Marco asked, spying Michelle's sudden mischievous grin in the rearview mirror.
"So, Orla…. Is he cuddly like a big teddy bear?" Michelle teased, cackling hard. The others started to snigger.
"Fuck… off... Michelle! What are you laughing at?" Marco turned and saw James laughing.
"Catch yourselves on… Aye, he is like a big teddy bear!" Orla beamed happily.
Marco lowered his head as the gang erupted with laughter. They teased him relentlessly. It was a welcome distraction for James as they drove towards Our Lady Immaculate College. But as they filed out of the car, Patrick O'Driscoll was seen strutting into the school with his wife by his side. Their expressions bared the same arrogant smirk. They were followed by three other senior looking officials in business suits, two men and a woman walked through the main doors. Suddenly, they saw MadStab strutting through the main doors as well. At this point, Clare started to panic.
"Sweet Merciful Jesus! Did yer see their faces?! They know! They're gonna kick James out!" Clare grabbed James in desperation. Orla did the same.
"Jesus, Clare! Don't!" Erin groaned, but her own anxiety began to boil over. She went into hug James as well.
"Ach, for fuck sake, stop talking out of ya holes!" Michelle argued.
"No offence girls, but I'm finding it a bit hard to breathe!" James winced. The threesome stepped away.
"What the actual fuck is MadStab doing here?" Michelle was completely confused.
"I dunno." James frowned worryingly.
"The worst thing is that none of us can go in with yer." Erin frowned sadly at James.
"….. I can." Marco stated.
"What?" James asked.
"I ain't letting you go in there alone, mate. Not with him here." Marco insisted. James then flashed a proud smile at his best friend.
"Good morning, girls." Sister Josephine approached them. "Come along now James. You'll have to wait inside for your mother." She said apprehensively.
"Well…. Is it alright if my brother comes along as well, Sister?" James asked. Putting his hand on Marco. The girls smiled warmly.
"Your brother?" The nun asked confusingly.
"Uhh…. He's more like a long distance relative; Long story Sister." Michelle confirmed. The group nodded in agreement.
"Oh…. Well…. I guess that shouldn't be a problem." Sister Josephine was hesitant as she turned to lead the way. James flashed a nervous smile to the group as he started to follow her. Erin ran up and held his hand. The group followed and they walked up to the main entrance. James quickly kissed Erin's hand before letting go. As Marco went to follow, Erin quickly grabbed his hand.
"Thanks for going with him, Marco. I'm sorry about before." Erin frowned.
"No worries. The big teddy bear's got this." Marco joked. Erin smiled as he ran to catch up with James. As the girls watched them go. Erin exhaled nervously.
"Saying yer last goodbyes to the wee English prick, were ye now, Erin?!" Shannon cackled as she walked past the girls. Orla angrily went to go after her, but Clare grabbed her.
"Not now, Orla!" Clare panicked.
