The immediate aftermath of having MadStab at the Quinn's front door was not followed with the expected thunderous rollicking from Mary. But the silent tension that weathered inside the kitchen during dinner was so thick, it could be cut with a knife. Friday came as soon as it went. Saturday morning came, and despite the tensions, something they were used to for more reasons than one; Erin and Orla were both exceptionally excited. They opted to sleep together in Erin's room the night before. Sporadic shouting matches between the parents took place downstairs; mostly about why Granda Joe would not tell them why he was summoned to the Police station; but the two cousins had a welcoming distraction. Orla had made sure her homework was finished as soon as she came home Friday afternoon after school. Nothing was going to stand in her way, not even dance class. She was going on her first proper date with Marco. While Erin quizzed her about where they were going; Bowling, Café, Cinema, Archery Range, Art Museum, all of these were wrong. She never would have guessed that her cooky cousin's energetic elation was because she had chosen to go on a hike trail to Sawel Mountain. Orla was oblivious to the frowns and cross expressions that bore the faces of her Aunt Mary and Granda Joe as she got her backpack together.
As they sat in the kitchen, Orla then turned to ask Erin where she was going for her date with James. While Erin had informed Orla that they were going for dinner at Marco's restaurant n Strabane, she wasn't sure why they were going in the afternoon as the reservation wasn't until 6pm. Orla began to feed the idea that some kind of surprise was in store for her cousin. However, the exaggerated suggestions like deep sea diving, Knife throwing, and fire eating made Erin dismiss the idea of a surprise. It was just after 2pm, The cooky girl sat on the kitchen floor with her leg in the air as she strained to slide on her waterproof boots. Already sporting her beret hat, and camouflage jacket. Sarah smiled happily at her daughter's excitement as she smoked her cigarette. Erin couldn't help but chuckle at how erratic she was in her excitement, even for Orla. The parents appeared to have mellowed, but Erin wasn't fooled as they made conversation.
"I take it yer looking forward to it, Orla?" Joe asked.
"Aye, can't wait. Granda!"
"Will ye taking the dog as well, Orla love?" Sarah asked.
"Aye we are so."
"Well, yer best to keep Coco Pops on his leash. Ye don't wanna be losing him up there!" Mary cautioned her.
"Aye, that's true. Can't let those wolves take our Coco Pops. They might force him into joining them, like the Orange Order." Sarah said, Orla snuggled Coco Pops worriedly.
"I didn't know wolves were protestants." Orla asked. Puzzled.
"Wolves aren't protestants, Orla! Besides, there hasn't been any wolves in Ireland since the 1700's" Erin proclaimed.
"But there was a cheetah on the beach in Portnoo that one-time, right Erin?" Marco joked as he walked in. Decked out his in his hiking gear. Orla snapped her head round; grinning happily, she jumped up and ran to him.
"Ach, really funny, you." Erin pulled a funny face.
"All set are ye, Marco lad?" Joe asked, getting up from his chair.
"Yep, all set."
"I've got my hunting knife with me." Orla proclaimed.
"Ach, for God's sake Orla. Yer not gonna go hunting for yer own dinner, are ye now?" Erin joked.
"No, it's just common sense, Erin. Always be prepared." Orla shot back. Erin rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"Right, I'll be in the car." Joe said. Just then James walked in. "Ach, ye alright, James lad?"
"Alright Joe? Ah brilliant, I caught you. Can we talk quickly?" He said to Marco. Glancing at Erin, who shot a curious look at him as he motioned Marco into the hallway.
"See ye all later!" Orla cried happily as she walked out, and past the boys in the hallway.
"So, is everything set? It's definitely happening?" James asked secretly.
"Yes! I rang an hour ago. It's definitely on. Stop bloody stressing!" Marco laughed.
"So, what ye two talking about?" Erin made them jump. Her intuition was heightened. The car horn then sounded.
"Sorry, I gotta go. I'll see you two later." Marco smiled as he went to walk out the door.
"Have a good time, Marco!" Erin called. "So… what were ye talking about?" Erin pressed James. But he said nothing, he smiled as he walked into the kitchen. "James?…."
The picturesque scenery left Orla speechless as she trekked alongside Marco through the boggy section at the start of the trail. Orla paid meticulous attention to the map, even though it was one route in and out, she made sure she informed Maco of what was coming up. The breeze was fresh against a cloudy blue sky which made the peaks and valleys stand out as they trudged alongside the wooden fence which lead the way up towards the summit. Both used a trekking pole as they paused to take in the scenery that stretched over the landscape as they ascended higher up. Coco Pops had been relentless at the start, wanting to bound on as quickly as possible, but was now walking at pace with them. They smiled warmly at each other while holding hands. Away from everything that resided back in Derry. The sound of the breeze was the only noise they could hear, along with Coco Pops panting, his tongue hanging out. They took in the grandeur of the mixture of green woodlands, cropped fields, and the clear water lakes which reflected the blue skies, with a speckle of white farm cottages in the distance amongst distinct farm fields.
Eventually coming to the stone summit after hiking for more than an hour. Orla told Marco that Sawel Mountain was the highest peak in the Sperrins. With her compass, Orla used her dip dab lollypop to point eastwards to see if they could make out the Mourne Mountains. Turning to the west, she pointed out the hills of Donegal. After quenching Coco Pops thirst with some water, Marco looked and saw Orla randomly twirling around, her free spirit personifying the freedom of the land around them while Coco Pops decided to test the surrounding echo with his bark. Marco then moved and wrapped his arms around Orla, cradling her from behind. They looked out at the magnificent landscape.
"It's …. it's…." He failed to find a word.
"Cracker? Class?" Orla tried to finish the sentence. Smiling at him, He turned and smiled back.
"Non e bella come te." Marco said."Ah. Merci beaucoup." Orla beamed.
The lad fluttered his eyes, knowing he hasn't spoken French, but before Marco could say anything, Orla moved in, and they shared a tender kiss. Letting the moment pass them by. They began to descend back towards the beginning of the trail. Saying hello to random hikers who walked past them. Both pairs of legs were now feeling heavy and were aching with pain. Arriving back at the car where Joe had been waiting for them. He would have opted to go with them but accepted that the ascend might have been a bit too much for him. The opening of the car doors awoke Joe from his slumber.
"Ach, hello wains. How was the hike?" Joe asked warmly.
"Brilliant Granda!" Orla stated. Gasping with a huge smile. Her cheeks red from the breeze.
"So, where to next? As if I don't know." Joe said.
"Why, where we going?" Orla asked, glancing with excitement between Joe and Marco. Who didn't answer while Joe began to drive them back to Derry.
James had also managed to stay silent; he smirked innocently while Erin fidgeted with her fingers. Still unaware of why they were going to Strabane so early. Gerry was in on what was going to happen, he peeked and smiled at his daughter, who sported a look of unknowing confusion, and intense curiosity. Erin was more confused when James was dressed in what could only be described as casual, everyday dress. Having seen the plush surroundings of the restaurant they were going to; she would have thought they would have had the chance to dress up. But James insisted that she not wear anything too fancy, only to make sure she had her makeup on. When Gerry pulled up in Strabane, he wished James the best of luck before driving off, at that point, Erin wanted answers.
"Right. What was that all about? I feel like I'm about ready for the hills here. I've got my make up on, but not my best clothes. I ain't going another step until yer tell me what's happening, James Maguire!" She demanded.
"Just come with me a bit further, and I promise… you'll know." James insisted.
Erin huffed annoyingly as they walked along the high street, taking in the sites they'd seen during Christmas break. They came upon a small boutique named Flaherty. James opened the door to let Erin inside. She stepped inside and took in the plush furniture along with the eloquent looking dresses that were hung up on racks, an assortment of different colours and cuts. She turned and flashed a curious smile towards James.
"What's going on, James?" She asked.
"Well, you remember when Michelle stole my aunt Deidre's credit card to get those dresses for the prom?"
"Aye, course I do! I remember my mammy losing the absolute run of herself when I walked through the front door." Erin fluttered her eyes at the recollection.
"Yeah, you were still the prettiest girl there, even though you were covered with tomato juice." James smirked, seeing Erin's cheeks turn red at the compliment.
She smiled, remembering again how he'd rescued her from being stood up. "Aye. Ye did show me a grand time…. But what's that got to do with us with being here?" She asked.
"Have a look at this." James handed her a business card from the counter. It displayed the Boutique's details with a chic line design. FLAHERTY BOUTQUE.
"So?" Erin asked.
"This is a business card my mum made."
"I thought it was stickers that she made?"
"…. She doesn't only make self-adhesive labels… she also makes business cards too, Erin." James explained. "When she was over here, she dropped off an order to the owner. Mrs Flaherty. They're old school friends. And…. Mrs Flaherty said as a way of advertising her shop, she and Mum came up with an idea of hiring out a couple of dresses. And she needed some Models to showcase one of her dresses…. and I suggested…... You'd be perfect for it."
Erin's face was a sight to behold. "Me? Ach, catch yourself on…. Are ye being serious, James?" She asked with a change of tone; her eyes bulged as wide as her grin in utter amazement.
"Yeah. Mrs Flaherty gets free advertising, and you ain't gotta pay anything. She said you can have it for tonight and then wear it for the Valentine's disco…. If you want?" James said, slightly worried.
"Oh my God!... Hehehe….I don't think even that Cara girl was a model for a boutique!" Erin suddenly gloated, sporting one her classic eccentric looks. She launched into James with a huge hug. Just then, Mrs Flaherty walked up behind the counter. A neat slim middle-aged woman with dark short hair.
"Hello there, you must be Erin?" The lady asked with a warm smile.
"Aye, Hello." She answered, her voice carrying an obvious nervous tone.
"I'm Mrs Flaherty. Why don't ye come with me and ye can pick something out." Mrs Flaherty suggested. Erin followed her, an astonished grin planted across her face as she looked back at James. Who mirrored the same smile.
After a quick change of clothes. Joe drove Orla and Marco into the city centre. Having told her where they were going, not even the aching muscles in their legs could stop them. They rounded a corner and walked towards a site that made Orla gawk with excitement. A new American style diner had just opened near the river foyle, and it was already garnering a reputation for its popular food. The décor reminded Marco of TGI Fridays, the latest pop music, and classic rock songs played as they observed the American pop culture figures strewed over the walls, in addition to electric guitars, LPs, American flags and neon light signs. It was a plethora of colour.
Scanning the menu. Orla slipped her tongue out, gently biting down on it and squinted her eye, trying to decide what to have. The hike had fuelled her appetite to a ravenous peak. As the waitress came over, she didn't have time to ask the all-important question. Orla slammed her finger down on the menu, pointing at the biggest burger on offer. Marco nodded with approval and requested the same.
"You sure you can eat that much?" He asked.
"Can you?" She replied, almost cockily, shaking her head, giddy with excitement.
"Is that a challenge?" He shot.
"Aye, it is so." She nodded.
Washing down two large chocolate milkshakes on her own; Orla chatted with excitement about what she'd been studying in her A-Levels, and her dance routines, with the inclusion of Oliver Cromwell thrown into the conversation. After Marco was moved to tell her that she had been talking for a while sporting a milk chocolate moustache, he told her a new story about himself and James before he moved to Derry just as their food arrived.
"No way you two did that!" Orla laughed.
"I promise you. We did! Oi, if you don't believe me, ask James!"
Orla playfully scrunched her face, giggling. "Why'd ye do it?"
"I dunno, I thought it'd be funny!" Marco shrugged.
"Ach, I can understand the importance wanting to know how fast a golf cart could actually go… but did yer have to nick it?" Orla asked.
"We didn't nick it. We just borrowed it! It never left the golf course." Marco defended himself.
Spotting that she couldn't wait any longer. Marco chuckled as he watched Orla plough her way into the stacked burger. She chewed with her cheeks bulging out, mustard and tomato ketchup trickling down the corner of her lips. The conversation had now gone quiet, the odd glance at each other as they consumed their dinner.
"Enjoying it?" Marco asked, unable to stop smiling at her.
"Abolue quacker!" Orla said with a mouthful full of food, pointing at the burger.
"Mmmmmm, Amit, is ooood!" Marco replied, chomping down on his own.
"Manners, Marco; Don't talk with yer mouth full!" Orla shot.
They munched, crunched and chewed their way through. Finally lifting their heads, Marco reclined in his seat. Orla then reached over for the dessert menu. Scanning down, she slammed her finger down again, she offered the menu to Marco, but he kindly declined. The dessert came over. A small pile of pancakes coated with fruit and chocolate sauce. Undeterred, Orla eagerly tucked in. She then looked up at saw Marco regarding her with a crooked smile.
"What is it?" Orla asked.
"I'm just…. its amazing how much you can eat!" Marco smiled.
Shrugging her shoulders "I don't think I eat so much. Mind you, Erin says I can give any lad a run for his money when it comes to what I can eat."
"Well, I know I couldn't eat that much. But then again, I eat quite a bit cos I train."
"Ach, yer training leaves yer raging hungry as well?" Orla asked.
Marco nodded. "Oh yeah… all the time."
"Aye, I know it does me. All the walking, step aerobics, dance class, It's a right chore, so it is." Orla slid her fork, stacked with cut up pancake int her mouth.
"Oh yeah, I can tell, Right chore!" Marco quipped.
"Ach, well, if I can eat more than you, that makes me more man than you, hi?" Orla teased.
Marco pondered what she just said, tilting his head sideways, he regarded her. "You know what?... I think you're right." He smiled.
Orla suddenly sported a look of pride. "Aye, do ye accept that?" Orla asked. Marco reached and took her hand.
"Yeah, I do." He said. Orla leaned over the table, and they kissed.
"Thanks." She said.
"You're welcome." Marco answered. Orla beamed a warm smile towards him. Her attention was then drawn on someone with their back to her.
"Oh my god! It's Sister Michael!" Orla cried. "Look! It's Sister Michael!" Pointing her finger.
"Where?" Marco turned to see a woman make a hasty exit out of the diner. There was no headdress on her, so he wasn't sure if it was Sister Michael. "Are you sure that was her?" He asked, shooting a confused look at Orla.
"Aye, I swear!" Orla insisted.
Erin was now staring at her reflection in the mirror for the 8th time. After trying on seven other dresses, she nodded with approval at the cold shoulder black dress, which bared a remarkable resemblance to a sketch that she'd drawn in her diary from a while back. Accompanied by a silk blue neck scarf and black high heels. She stepped out of the changing booth where James had now sneakily changed into a smart light blue shirt and black trousers. He released a gasp of air from his lungs, she looked absolutely breathtaking.
"Well…. What d'ya think?" Erin asked. She hoped he liked what he saw, but it was obvious that he did.
Looking around to make sure no one was in earshot. James walked up to Erin and held her at her sides. "I can't believe I gonna say this… but fu-"
"Ah, Erin. Ye look absolutely delightful, dear." Mrs Flaherty said.
"Thank ye. This is the one." Erin gushed at the compliment as they walked towards the cashier desk. It was getting close to their dinner reservation.
"Aye, it certainly suits yer. Well then, here are some of our business cards, be sure to pass them round the school to let them know about us. Hope ye enjoy your evening, love."
"Thank you, Mrs Flaherty." James said. Opening the door for Erin. They said their goodbyes and made the short walk to the restauarnat, Holding Hands, regarding each other with warm smiles. Gerry was now standing by the car outside the restaurant with a polaroid camera in his hand. He spotted them walking along the pavement, Erin could see the astounded look on her Daddy's face.
"Erin? Is that yourself?" Gerry asked.
"Aye, it is Daddy? Are ye alright?" Erin asked.
Gerry suddenly sported a perplexed, yet proud expression. "Sweet Jesus. Ye look amazing, love." He said warmly.
"Aww, thanks Daddy." Erin hugged him.
"Pass the camera, Gerry." James said. "Let's get you two together." With a flash, James took a picture of Erin and Gerry. The Quinn patriarch told Erin and James to get together, and he took a picture of them together.
"Cracker." Gerry said, smiling. "Ye better get inside. Have a good time, ye two." He said. Nodding proudly.
Erin mellowed to the sound of soft music playing overhead as they walked towards the table. Erin felt a new sense of confidence coming out of her. She was certain that there were more than one pair of eyes of her as she sat down at the table, which was covered in a crisp white tablecloth. Three sets of cutleries on both sides of the plate. Everything felt so eloquent. She immediately reached out to hold James' hand. Neither of them said a word; they stroked and held each other's hand, completely lost in each other. Erin then threw a comment about feeling the urge to jump on James there and then. The wee English fella mentioned it was a shame that Gerry was only outside, otherwise he just might have let her, offering no resistance.
Remembering where she was, and what she was wearing, she wasn't prepared to get her new dress stained in any way before the valentine's disco. Erin meticulously checked her dress for any food stains between courses. It was too good to be true that they finally had some space for a change, with no one breathing down their necks. Dinner seemed to flash by, as the young couple joked and chatted between courses. When the dessert came, Erin then thought of something that frightened her, snapping her back from the dream like state she had enjoyed so much. Perhaps it was because they had the space they'd craved, but once the thought was in her head, like all things that truly concerned her, it wouldn't leave without her finding a resolution.
"What's wrong?"
"Ach, it's nothing…." She said, caving in quickly to his knowing expression. "Well, it's just…. This is so nice…. This. You. Us…." She began.
"Yeah, I know. It really is." James smiled.
"That's what's bothering me." Erin said, frowning slightly.
"What is?"
"It's not always going to be like this, is it?"
"How do you mean?" James was now slightly worried.
"It's just… what if ye get into a real fancy university, or what if it's a university back in England?"
"Why would you think you won't get into a good university, Erin? You're brilliant."
"I just need to know. The other night, I'd never done anything that crazy before."
"Funny enough, neither have I." James chuckled.
Erin couldn't help but chuckle as well. "Ye see, that's what I mean. I'm loving every moment we get together, James. I guess im saying…. I don't want it to stop." She said.
"Me too." James happily admitted.
"But what if…"
"Erin, calm down. I know we've got another year or so before we finish school. But trust me, I'm not gonna let go of you…. I love you, Erin Quinn." James said.
Erin's eyes welled happy tears. "I love ye too, James Maguire."
"That neck scarf really suits you." James said. Smiling as he shifted the subject.
"I guess we both suit wearing wee scarfs." Erin replied. James chuckled. "I take it yer mammy sorted the other girls out as well, hi?" She asked.
"Yeah, well, mum didn't want to leave anyone out. So…" He didn't need to finish.
"How did Michelle take it?"
"The usual, she ranted and swore, said things about mum, and then she 'reluctantly' accepted." He said.
"Christ, I wish she'd mellow out sometimes. She has a real problem with anyone who has a difference of opinion to her own." Erin moaned.
"Now, come on. I think you know why she's like that, don't you? Plus, she has mellowed, look at us." James defended his cousin. Erin thought it best to hold her tongue. She tilted her head, knowing James had made a point.
"What about Orla? Is she getting a dress as well?" Erin asked.
"I told her about it, but she didn't say what she wanted to do." James answered.
"Oh my god! I hope she doesn't turn up to the disco in that ski jump suit thingamigig." Erin worried. "What would Marco think, What would he say, or do?"
"Knowing him, he'd turn up dressed like Al Capone or something!" James quipped.
Erin spluttered. "Ach, that's a bit harsh, James. Stereotyping yer own best friend, are ye now?"
"Oh, look who's talking." James answered. Laughing.
"I am NOT as bad as that!" Erin said, laughing with him. James playfully scoffed at her meek defence.
"Catch yourself on." Erin shot, threatening to throw her napkin at her laughing wee English fella.
"Well, on that note. I think I better give you an early valentine's present."
"Ye what now?" Erin said, seeing James reach under the table, retrieving a small white box, he happily handed it to Erin. She quaintly opened the lid, revealing a white, wooden picture frame with carved roses protruding out. She squinted her eyes at James.
"Well… it's nice. I guess." Erin was truly puzzled.
"There's a canvas inside it." James said.
"Why's that?" Erin asked.
"It's called an autograph frame, I thought it you ever met a celebrity, you could use it to frame their autograph."
Erin scoffed. "Yeah, like that's ever gonna happen!"
"Well, if you turn around, you might be surprised." He said, glancing behind Erin.
The petite blonde was puzzled, but curiosity quickly took over. She turned around. She quickly turned back to look at James, her eyes were wide with shock. Her hands immediately began to tremble uncontrollably. Her lips quivered with the awe of the person she'd just seen sitting behind her.
"JAMES… Is that…" She got her answer with James's nodding, joining in her excitement. James stood up and walked over to Erin, he took her hand, which was shaking rapidly.
"Whoa, wait…. What are ye doing?" Erin panicked.
"Why don't you go and say hello." James encouraged her.
"No, wait, James!" Erin somehow found herself standing up.
Erin found herself looking upon the person again. Her legs felt like a pair of twigs that were ready to buckle and snap under a ton weight. James whispered her to take a deep breath as they slowly walked over to the opposite table. James took the lead and walked over, leaving Erin standing timidly just a few feet away.
"Excuse me, Ms Lansbury?" Erin heard her wee English fella speak to the person sitting at the opposite table, none other than Ms. Angela Lansbury. The famous actress from Murder, she wrote herself was there in the restaurant. As cool and calm as her Jessica Fletcher counterpart, she smiled warmly at James as if she was expecting him. The actress then turned shot her warm smile towards Erin herself, making eye contact. Erin could feel her eyes popping out of her head, as she crooked her smile nervously towards her. Ms. Lansbury motioned Erin to come over, but she was too frozen to move. James calmly doubled back; his touch snapped her back to reality.
"Erin, you ok?"
"It's…. it's really her?" She gasped.
"Yeah. Come on, she wants to say hello." James held Erin's hand and guided her slowly over to the seat next to Ms. Lansbury.
"Hello there, Erin, is it?" She spoke her name. Erin shook as she nodded her head, just able to contain herself, only the incessant rambling of nervousness came out of her mouth.
"Are you alright, dear?" She asked. "It's nice to meet you." Offering her hand to Erin. Taking Ms. Lansbury's hand, Erin then found herself curtseying before Ms. Lansbury as if she were the Queen. James was completely flabbergasted as Erin's face turned red at what she'd just done. She tried to hide her face from the embarrassment. Ms. Lansbury couldn't help but chuckle.
"Sorry, Ms. Lansbury, she's just a bit starstruck." James said.
"Oh, that's perfectly fine. Take a seat, dear." She said politely, still holding Erin's hand. "Your boyfriend said you were a fan of my show?"
"…Aye." She said sheepishly. "…..Yes! Aye, that I am so. I….. I think you're amazing!" Erin exclaimed, finding her voice.
"Aw, thank you very much." She answered, still holding Erin's hand. "If I'm honest, I was expecting you."
"You were?"
"Yes. Your friend who works here. Marco is it?" Ms. Lansbury asked.
"Aye… he's James'… ach, well, he's like our best friend." Erin answered nervously. Glancing back at a smiling James, who was now standing behind her.
"Yes, he said the same about you. Nice lad, he is. Well, after he told me how much of a fan you were. I let it slip that I would be having dinner here tonight. I guess he must have told James, here."
Erin turned to look at James, then quickly back at Ms. Lansbury. "So, are ye working in the area?"
"Actually, yes. I'm here making a commercial. Have to grab all opportunities when you can, dear." She said. "Would you like me to sign this for you, Erin?" Spying the picture frame. Erin nodded emphatically.
"Yes please… So, any upcoming projects?" Erin asked as Ms. Lansbury signed the blank canvas.
"Well, this might interest you. There's going to be a new Murder, She wrote movie out sometime later this year." She revealed.
"Are ye serious?" Erin cried happily.
"Absolutely." She was unfazed. "Keep your eyes open." Handing back the frame.
"Thank ye so much." Erin welled up.
"Not at all, dear. I wish you all the best." She said, as she stood to go, Erin stood with her.
"No need to courtesy this time." She joked, opting to shake hands instead. As she walked away, Ms. Angela Lansbury looked back and gave Erin a final wave goodbye. James stepped behind her. Erin turned and collapsed into her wee English fella.
"Happy almost Valentine's day." James said. Erin wept happily as they hugged.
She couldn't take her eyes off the autographed canvas as she leant into James on the journey home. Gerry glanced repeatedly into the rear-view mirror, taking in the sheer joy that his daughter was radiating. He thought of the reaction that Mary would give when they got home.
"So, I take it, dinner was quite uneventful?" Gerry asked the young couple.
"Well, one or two things happened, Gerry." James smiled. Gerry smiled warmly back at him.
It was a quick goodbye for Erin and James; Gerry dropped him off first. It was the only regret Erin was now feeling. She wanted to kiss him more passionately, but it was back to reality now, under the careful gaze of their families, making sure there was no funny business.
"If it weren't for the fact that Daddy was made chaperone…." Erin began, gripping James' hand tight, hinting at some kind of promise. The wee English fella tensed, "I really need to make it up to ye, if yer know what I mean." She whispered as she moved in for their snog goodnight.
"How'd it go?" Michelle flung the front door open. "Did she cack herself when she saw Angela Lansbury, James?" Michelle laughed.
"She was fine." James sighed.
"Class frock, Erin! Give us a twirl!" Michelle said, Erin was kind enough to oblige. Michelle nodded with approval. "Seriously, that is CRACKER! Can't wait to get my one next week now!"
Gerry lightly bibbed the horn. "Ach, Come on Dicko, Say good night and get in! Gerry needs to get home." Michelle shot at James before going back indoors.
"See you at church tomorrow?" James sighed.
"Aye. Thank ye for dinner, and the dress, and the autograph. It was incredible! Erin said, smiling uncontrollably with each thing. James kissed her good night and watched her walk back to the car. He waved her off as Gerry drove home.
The atmosphere in the Quinn huse was still tense. Nothing had changed since earlier that day. Joe was across the road with Jim. Mary managed to subside her anguish as she caught sight of Erin in her dress as she walked in.
"D'ya like it mammy?" Erin asked.
"My god. Ye look…. Amazing." Mary welled up quickly. She stroked Erin's stray hair behind her ear. Her wain truly looked grown up. "Ye just make sure ye keep it clean now, do ye hear?!" Pointing her finger, returning to her usual stance. "It's one thing having to pay out so ye can go to this disco, I don't need a cleaning bill on top of it."
Closing her eyes, Erin sighed. "No, Mammy, I won't. I promise."
"Well, ye best to get yerself upstairs to bed. Church in the morning." Mary said. Blinking her eyes to hold back prideful tears as Erin went upstairs.
Erin found Orla already asleep on one side of her bed. Quickly changing out of her dress, hanging it up in her wardrobe, she climbed into bed. On queue, Orla turned over to face her, eye still closed.
How did it go, Erin?" She asked sleepily.
"Grand. Orla. How about yerself?"
"It was cracker."
"Tell ye more in the morning. Night, Orla."
"Night, Erin."
For the stupendous day that Saturday was, Sunday was already proving to be the complete opposite. Sunday service was a tumultuous affair for the Quinns. Everywhere Mary looked, she could see more than one member of the congregation glancing a suspicious look towards Joe McCool. Mary's emotions swung between anger for the nosy people staring at her father, and anger towards him for being so secretive. Yet, he stood next to her without a care in the world as Orla sang hymns with her head resting on his shoulder. Mary then chastised Erin using only her eyes when she caught her daughter glancing back to look at James.
The Quinn matriarch stewed as Gerry drove them back home. The parents drove back in one car while the wains drove in the Clio. Gerry could feel the tension inside the car, while Sarah and Joe appeared to be relaxed, unaware of the volcanic eruption that was building inside his wife. Mary slammed the car door shut as she made her way up the pathway. By the time Gerry managed to utter a word to find out what was wrong, Mary was already inside the house, the door still open.
"What have ye said to my Mary now? Yer great big ballache!" Joe demanded. Gerry shot his own look of anger towards his father-in-law, without saying a word, he walked up the pathway, followed by Joe and Sarah. He was now determined to find out what had happened.
"Ye know what? I don't think it's wise that ye two come in. I reckon my mammy's gonna kick right off." Erin said to both James and Marco.
The boys took heed and walked over to Jim's. Changing out of their Sunday clothes, they were now draped in old tracksuit trousers and sweatshirts. The day was breezy and overcast as they started to go about their task of checking the car engine. Jim was kind enough to loan some spare oil before making his way over to Erin's house. Orla eventually sauntered over, confirming that it was kicking off indoors. Opting to give her ears a rest. Between inspecting the car engine with the boys, Orla sat and swung her feet out the side of the car, eating a packet of Taytos while she listened to the radio. Switching the station, Hedonism by Skunk Anansie began. James couldn't help but notice Marco turning his head away in a failed attempt to hide his sniggering.
"Alright. What's so funny?" James asked. Smirking at his friend. He suspected an awkward question coming his way.
"I was just thinking about the other night, you and Erin in the living room."
"Why's that funny?"
"Well, if you two were gonna do it, why didn't you go to your place?" Marco asked.
"Aye that was not a wise move, James. Ye were lucky we came in when we did." Orla chimed in.
"I don't know…. Didn't really have time to think." James huffed helplessly.
"Yeah…. You were too busy thinking of something else, weren't ya?" Marco suggested, sporting a cheeky grin. At that point, Orla switched the station. 2 Become 1 by The Spice Girls came on the radio.
I need some love like I never needed love before….
I wanna make love to ya baby!
"Oh, fuck off! Will ya!" James laughed, throwing his rag at Marco. Orla laughed as James went to give chase after Marco bolted off down the street. He stopped as soon as he started, his legs still sore from the hike. He then spotted Michelle and Clare walking towards him.
"What are you two gay pricks doing?" Michelle called. "Aren't ye a bit old for playing kiss chase?!"
"Why, ye jealous?" Marco shot. He suddenly felt Orla jump on his back, planting a kiss on his cheek.
"Caught yer! I win!" She smiled and ran back to the car. Marco laughed as he walked back with Michelle and Clare.
"How'd it go yesterday, Marco?" Clare asked.
"Yeah, we had a great time."
"And we saw Sister Michael!" Orla exclaimed.
"What? Was she working in the diner?" Michelle asked.
"We're NOT sure if it was her." Marco said.
"It's definitely not who we saw last night." Erin proclaimed, walking across the road.
"What about ye, Erin?" Clare called. "How was dinner last night?"
"It was absolute MURDER!" Erin stated happily.
Before Clare could ponder what that meant. Erin proudly handed her the signed canvas.
"To Erin, Best wishes…..Angela Lansbury…. THE ANGELA LANSBURY?!" Clare screamed.
"How many Angela Lansbury's do ye fucking know?" Michelle asked.
"Thaaaaaat is class, Erin!" Orla stretched her words.
"How did that happen?" Clare asked, pleasantly amazed.
"Well, let's just say I had a couple of wee English fellas helping me out." Erin smiled at Marco.
"Hey, don't look at me. I just told Jaime. It was all his idea." Marco stepped away, standing next to the car with James.
"So did ye get yer dress yesterday, Erin?" Clare asked.
"Aye. It's up in my room. It is so cracker!"
"I didn't see it!" Orla said.
"It's in the wardrobe, Orla. I'll show yer later, Clare. It's proper kicking off in there." Erin thumbed back towards her house.
"Yer mammy still raging?" Michelle asked. Her eyes widened.
"Aye, she is that!" Erin answered. Just then, Mary appeared at the door.
"ERIN! All of yers! I want you wains in here, NOW!" Mary called over, she pointed into the house.
The gang glanced amongst themselves before walking over. As they walked into the kitchen, they saw Joe, Jim, Sarah, and Gerry sitting quietly at the table. Mary took a deep breath as the wains stood collectively.
"Right! Before anything else is said… I wanna make something very clear to the lot of yer! First... Stay clear of Shannon O'Driscoll! I do not want any more of these shenanigans coming to my front door EVER again, do ye hear me girls? If I hear so much as a peep out of that school that any of yers are getting into a bother with that wain again, it won't just be the wooden spoon, there won't be a disco for you to go to! I'll see to it that yer mammies say the same! Is that clear?!" She barked. The girls gawked with looks of disdain and annoyance.
"Aye, Mammy." Erin frowned with surrender.
Trying so hard not plead her case; Erin knew that this storm had been brewing for the last few days. Gulping at the sight of the wooden spoon. A weapon that made Erin, Michelle and Clare tremble with fear, Orla appeared impassive, but nodded slowly and solemnly. Erin seriously pondered her mammy's orders. She had only just muscled a bit of freedom back from the clutches of the authorities at school when it came to James, now she was faced with a more ferocious authority. One she wouldn't dare defy; even though she was approaching 17, Mary's word was still law.
"The same goes for you two!" She turned and pointed the wooden spoon at both James and Marco. "I might not be yer mammy. But if yer seeing our girls, ye better make sure yer both tow the line! 17 or not, if ye come under my roof, ye'll do as you're told! Do ye hear me?!" Mary eyes were bulging. James and Marco nodded silently in agreement.
"It's alright, Mary. I think ye've made yer point." Gerry wrapped an arm round Mary. "There is a reason why she's saying this, girls." Glancing towards Joe. "Gone Joe."
"Who do ye think ye are, telling me what to do?" Joe barked.
"We've been through this Joe. Ye know why they need to know!" Gerry shot back.
"Know what?" Erin asked.
"And I told ye the reason why they don't need to know!" Joe stood over the table, pointing his finger at Gerry.
"What the fuck is going on?" Michelle asked.
"Joe, will ye stop being a stubborn eejit." Jim suddenly said. "It's best they know."
"All I'm trying to do is protect them, Jim! What good will it do to tell them about something that might not mean anything?!" Joe shouted.
"Daddy, enough! I want no more secrets in this house! Church tday was an absolute nightmare."
"What does she mean, Granda?" Erin asked.
Joe's face bared a pained expression. He steadied himself. "Alright, the other day, someone broke into Jim's house."
"…What?" Clare asked. The group lined up around him.
"Let 'im finish wains." Mary interjected.
"…..Me and Jim just got back after walking the dog….We heard a noise come from upstairs." Joe continued.
"He must have only just got in. It's my fault really, I need to remember to fix that fecking back door." Jim commented. Marco and Orla glanced at each other.
"Before we knew it, this fella, in a balaclava came rushing downstairs, he bowled into the two of us…. We tried to stop him, but the sneaky bastard got away." Joe said. "That's why I was down the police station. We were giving a statement."
"Were ya hurt, Granda?" Erin asked.
"Apart from their STUBBORN man pride, no!" Mary stated.
"Ach, nothing we can't handle, love. Like I said, the wee fecker ran off before I could get my hands on 'im. Lucky for him." Joe quipped.
"Aye, we'd have shown 'im a thing or two, right Joe?" Jim boasted, clenching his fist.
"Ach, and what would ye have done, threaten 'im to death? Christ almighty, ye went through all that, and kept it quiet. There was no need! We've been going out our minds, people were staring at us in church, and you two act like it's a big joke? Ye two really must have come up the foyle in a bubble." Gerry said.
"I wish you'd go and jump in the foyle, yer useless prick!" Joe shot.
"Did he steal anything, Jim?" James asked.
"Funny enough James, No. Well, we don't think so. We must have disturbed him before he found what he was looking for." Jim said. "But I don't have anything of real value, like money or jewellery like that in the house."
"Maybe it was like an off-chance thing, Jim?" Sarah suggested.
"Well, that's what the cops said, Sarah. But the only other person living in the house is Marco here. Ye don't have anything of value in the house, do ye lad?" Jim asked.
"Nothing worth nicking." Marco answered.
"Maybe he was looking for Marco's inheritance stuff!" Sarah suggested.
Mary's eyes widened towards Joe. "Aye, Maybe it was that! Yer haven't been telling everyone in the pub about the lad's money, Daddy?" She asked loudly.
"I haven't said a thing, Mary! Anyway, that stuff is safe, here with me! If anyone would have said anything, it'd been that mouthy shite over there!" Joe pointed at Gerry.
"It's got nothing to do with me, Joe. Yer his trustee, not me! Why would I say anything?"
Joe turned to look at Marco. "Have ye told anyone, lad?" Joe asked firmly.
"I haven't said a word."
"Are ye sure, Marco!" Joe asked again.
"No, I promise." Marco assured him.
"Actually, I can vouch for this, Joe. I've been asking for ages, and he hasn't said a word." Michelle chimed in. The others all agreed. Joe calmed as he acknowledged their answer. He flashed a crooked smile. Marco then saw the girls and James smirking at him.
"What?" He asked.
"Ye chose Granda." Orla smiled. Marco smiled as she hugged him warmly.
"Are yer absolutely certain nothing was taken, Jim?" Mary asked.
Joe scanned his clipboard. "Well, according to my inventory, the only thing that I can't place…. Is the big crate of drinks that Marco brought over from England." He said puzzlingly. Michelle's eyes shot wide open.
"What, you mean it's gone?!" Joe shot. "Do the cops know about this?"
"Aye, that they do. Sure as I'm sitting here." Jim confirmed.
"You thieving tight wad!" Joe shouted at Gerry.
"What?!"
"Ye hiding some sort of drinking problem, are yer now Gerry?!"
"Gerry, ye didn't steal Marco's crate of drinks, did ye?!" Sarah complained. Gerry gawked at her remark.
"That is an absolute lie!" Gerry protested.
"We need to get the fuck outta here, like right now!" Michelle whispered to Erin in a panic.
As a new argument started up, Michelle made a hasty exit. Erin told the others to follow her. They ran out of the house, catching up with Michelle who was already a fair distance ahead of them.
"Michelle! What's the problem?" Clare called. Coming to a stop at the bottom of the road. Michelle Looked around before she faced them all.
"Alright… I've got a confession to make…."
"Should ye not be in church for that, Michelle?" Orla asked.
"Shut up, Orla!" Erin snapped.
"Marco's crate of drinks hasn't gone missing….. I….. sort of took it." Michelle admitted. The responses came fast and heavy.
"You did what?" James shot.
"What the fuck, Michelle?" Marco shouted.
"Ye stole Marco's drink crate?!" Erin snapped.
"Michelle, why?!" Clare cried.
"Alright, could one of yers repeat all that?" Michelle asked.
"I think they were saying Why the fuck did ye steal Marco's drinks crate, Michelle." Orla complied.
"…Thanks, Orla. That cleared things up." Michelle said.
"Anytime." Orla smiled, opening a dib dab.
"Michelle….. Why?" Marco asked, he was clearly puzzled.
Michelle paused; her eyes darted everywhere before she came clean. "Alright, I panicked! Remember when Jenny Joyce told me why she chose me to be DJ, well it turns out, she wants me to play very specific music for the disco… but I don't have most of the records on her fucking playlist. I thought if I didn't have them, she'd just go and find someone else to do the gig instead."
"And….." Erin pressed.
Michelle took another breath and went on. "At first, I thought of asking my mammy for the money to buy the records, but then Jenny told me that even though I was DJing, I still had to pay the £50 for the fundraising on top of that. And I knew there was NO WAY my mammy wouldn't have the money for both, so I… sold the drinks to raise the funds."
"Ye sold stolen alcohol!" Clare shrieked. "Yer not of legal age to drink yerself, and ye've been illegally selling stolen alcohol, Michelle!"
"Who, exactly, did you sell it to, MIchelle?" James asked.
"Ach ye know, the usual, recovering alcoholics, couple of homeless folks, nuns…. And some of the lads of St. Joseph's." Michelle revealed.
"Sweet merciful Jesus!" Clare panicked.
"The boys school… The all-boys school who are co-hosting the disco? Ye sold alcohol to the lads that are gonna be at the valentine's disco!" Erin snapped.
"Aye. So what?" Michelle argued.
"Erin's right Michelle, what if they try to sneak it into the school. Into the disco?" James asked. "You could get into some serious shit over this if they rat on you!"
"Don't be a stupid prick all yer life James! Even if they did, it's not like it's got our names written all over it, they won't trace it back to us!" Michelle argued.
"Do you really think it's worth the risk, Michelle?" Marco asked. "You've told me that Jenny's like a hawk!"
Michelle then spotted Clare hyperventilating. "OK, Clare, seriously, ye need to calm the fuck down. Nothing's gonna happen!" She pleaded with annoyance.
Clare's cack attack began to build. "But what if the disco turns into some kind of drunken brawl! My god! If they point the finger at us…. Forget being expelled from school! They'll have the RUC down, and we'll all go get thrown into prison! I won't last 5 minutes in prison, girls! You're on ya own this time, Michelle! I can't be having this!"
"OK, Clare, I think it's time to come back from the BAD. PLACE!" Marco stepped in. "Look, Michelle, I get why you did what you did, but if you needed some help, why didn't you just say something? Why didn't you ask me before you took it?"
"Because she'd still be breaking the actual law, Marco?" Clare argued.
"No, Clare. I'm saying if she needed help, I would have just given her the money." Marco replied.
"No! I'm no fucking sponger! I dunno… I just…needed to sort things ASAP." It was all Michelle could say. "I didn't mean to…..I'm sorry, Marco."
Marco saw Michelle was annoyed with herself. "Alright. Alright. Don't worry. We get why you did it. Just say something next time, OK?" Marco asked.
"Aye, OK." Michelle answered. Shuffling awkwardly. Orla walked up and hugged Michelle. "Yer not ragin' are yer?" Michelle asked Marco. He shook his head.
"Well, the police now know it's missing. Looks like we're all sworn to secrecy on this one." James said.
"For God's sake!" Erin strained angrily.
The gang sat down on the nearby wall. Once again, an uncertain cloud was hanging over them, the Valentine's disco was now only 5 days away. They all quietly contemplated what had happened over the past few days. Erin, especially, tried to decipher what this all meant. Why was the disco being used as a Fundraising event?…. Was the School really in debt?… What were the Oversights Mr O'Driscoll mentioned?…. What did he mean by Past Failures?…. Future school trips in jeopardy?-What did that mean? Why was MadStab so eager to get that disc back?... Who broke into Jim's house?... Was it MadStab?... Why was Jenny Joyce such an impudent bitch?... How could Michelle have been so stupid?...