Chapter 28: Some scars never heal.
The young lad strained hopelessly with the weight of the crate he was carrying. His lanky arms writhed with pain as his non-existent muscles felt like they were stretching like a Stretch Armstrong action figure. He languished behind the male he was with. They were on their way to completing a transaction. The man shifted and knocked on the window of the car before walking round towards the boot. The man then stood in surprise of the demure figure that met him. Shannon O'Driscoll quickly opened the boot, at this point, the man snatched the heavy crate away from the lanky teen and shoved the crate into the boot. Bottles clinked together as it landed with a thump.
"So, what do I call ye?" Shannon asked.
"Just call me Hans." The man said.
"Hans?" Shannon questioned.
Aye, Hans. Look. Do ye have the money?"
"Aye, there's yer money." Shannon scorned as the man snatched it out of her hand. After a quick inspection, he nodded.
"What about ye, Shannon?" The teen said, brushing his ginger hair back. She shot him a cold look.
"So, what ye got planned for all this? House party, hi?" Hans queried.
"Just a gathering." Shannon replied.
"Open invitation, is it?" The teen joked, flashing his eyebrows.
"Wise up Dean, ya stupid prick! Ye know what it's for. Christ, It's bad enough I'm paired with yers." Shannon scowled.
"Are ye two finished back there?" A gruff voice came from inside the car.
"Aye, Danny. We're done."
"Right. Well get in the car." He shouted.
Hans grabbed the lanky Dean by the collar as Shannon shut the boot and got back into the car, MadStab shot a cold stare at her.
"Is it all there?"
"Aye, a crateful of it." Shannon replied excitedly. "But Danny, what does this have to do with…."
"Just shut the fuck up, Shannon. Christ, but yer Da is right. Ye never do know when to keep yer mouth shut. Just make sure ye pass the word around to the lads that there's drink available. I'll make sure it's there."
Shannon frowned at the harsh words from her cousin. She struggled to understand why her dad was permitting such a thing as alcohol to be consumed at the valentine's disco. "Will they fall for it?" Shannon asked.
"If they're as brainless as that McCool gal, they'll fall for it." MadStab sneered. "Now are yer sure ye heard them right, hi?"
"Aye. I did so. So where are we going now?" Shannon asked.
"Gotta make a little stop…. In Strabane." MadStab replied as he started up the car.
At the Mallon's house; James and Marco were sat up in James' room. James was attempting to finish his homework before Erin and Orla came round. Marco was not long back from his apprenticeship study session, as well as working a day shift at the restaurant. Michelle was in her room with Tori Amos "Professional widow (It's gotta be big)" blaring out loudly while she attempted to finish her homework as well. It was Wednesday afternoon and the girls needed to get to Strabane to pick out their outfits for the Valentines disco. Now only 2 days away. Things were beginning to feel tense for the young Mallon. She had been practicing mixing tracks on her decks but was annoyed that remix dance music was not on the list of approved songs that Jenny Joyce had told her to play for the disco. She knew that given the chance, she would undoubtedly rock the disco in comparison to the more eloquent songs that she had to acquire for fear of losing the gig, but figured they might come in handy for other times. Michelle was so determined to have this gig under her belt, she amazed herself by finding the restraint not to thump Jenny for the continuous dictating she had inflicted on Michelle for the past few days. Knowing Jenny got a kick out of ordering others around was one thing, but with the backing of Patrick O'Driscoll now at her disposal; Michelle knew that Jenny wouldn't hesitate to use it. She grimaced at the thought of Jenny Joyce selling out to the man's authority. Michelle brushed the thought off, she bopped her head to the music as she wrote her homework.
The closed door was just keeping the music out as it thumped through the walls while James sat at his desk. Clare and Laurie had agreed to meet the gang at Flaherty's Boutique. James looked at the clock on the bedside cabinet. It was just gone 5pm when he slammed the book shut. James spotted that Marco was laid on the bed reading one of his business study books on Cost Analysis & Decision making.
"Good read, is it?" James chuckled.
"Hmmm, It's dead easy when you think about it. All the outgoings against the money that the restaurant makes, paying for overheads, maintenance, rent, budgeting against ordering supplies for ingredients, tinned foods….. different bottles of drink."
"What, do you think you might wanna take up business studies now?" James asked.
"I'm already learning all this as part of the apprenticeship. Might come in handy." Marco reckoned.
"Really? What? You gonna have your own restaurant one day?" James smirked. Marco raised his eyebrows, and tilted his head, agreeing with James' idea. The music had now faded, and they could hear themselves better.
"Well, I don't think I'd put Michelle in charge of ordering the drinks." Marco suddenly quipped.
James gawked "Ooooh, you're better hope she don't hear you!" James whispered as they laughed together. "Seriously though, you're not mad with her, are you?" James asked, carrying a hint of concern in his voice.
"No, I'm not mad with her… not really. Alright, I was annoyed at first, but I get why she did it. I mean, you heard what Jenny told her. She panicked. It's no big deal." Marco calmly explained.
"Yeah, give Jenny an inch, and she'll take a mile." James agreed.
"Just a shame they won't allow any proper drinks at the disco. Would've been a laugh if they did, wouldn't you reckon?" Marco beamed. "Give Fatty O'Driscoll a few more grey hairs, wouldn't it?" The two friends laughed. "God, what a prick!" Marco shot.
"Yeah, well, from what I gathered from the girls, Jenny said they to be on their best behaviour… This whole thing's supposed to be this all conservative, prim and proper affair. Like she's trying to impress somebody." James explained.
"Or is it him whose trying to impress somebody?" Marco suggested. He then saw the awkward pause on James' face.
"What is it, J'?" Marco smirked.
"I dunno. Something's really been irking Erin…. She's been going on about these things that she heard O'Driscoll say about the school. Like there's debt issues or something. And then, last night, she was over here, and we were watching The Shawshank Redemption….." James paused.
"Oh yeah? How'd she find it?" Marco asked.
"Oh yeah, she loved the film. But…. As it got to the bit where the Warden starts to get really shifty with all that money, Erin suddenly had this look in her eye. Like a lightbulb just went off, I asked her what was wrong, but she wouldn't say what it was." James finished. Marco scrunched his face with confusion.
The wee English fella paused, he then bit down on his tongue. "Co, Can I ask you something? You don't have to answer if you don't want to…. I mean, I want you to, but…"
"You wanna know about…. that, don't you?" Marco asked, exhaling deeply.
"Yea. I get why you don't want to talk about it…. Bu…"
"What's the craic ye wee English pricks?" Michelle barged in and sat on the bed; Marco quickly shifted before she sat on him. "What ye talking about?"
"We were just thinking about shopping you off to the cops for nicking my booze." Marco shot.
"Fuck off!" Michelle groaned. James laughed when Marco flinched from Michelle's raised arm, looking as if she was about to elbow him below the belt.
"So, what are ye talking about?" Michelle asked. She sighted the pause between James and Marco.
"James was asking me about my… thing." Marco said.
"What the fuck are ye doing asking questions about his dick for? Ye fucking homo perv! I was right about ye all this time! Christ, wait till Erin hears about this!" Michelle disgruntled.
"Piss off, Michelle. That's as old as the walls now." James said. "I was just gonna ask Marco…"
"What? If his dick's bigger than yours? Quick answer, Yes, it probably is! Not that it'd be difficult or anything." Michelle shot.
"Oh, something you two aren't telling me, is there?" James suddenly shot back.
"Piss off!" Michelle and Marco cried together, making James laugh.
"AS IF!" Michelle shot.
"Yeah, She stole my booze, not my heart" Marco shot back. He smiled a cheeky grin as Michelle returned a glare back at him.
"I was asking about his inheritance, Michelle!" James revealed.
"And?" Michelle asked him, now intrigued. At that point, they heard the front door open.
"It's just us!" Erin called. "Are ye ready to go?" She asked in haste. James got up and left the room leaving Michelle alone with Marco.
"And…. I said nothing." Marco teased Michelle. He went to get up from the bed.
"Hold on a sec. I actually wanna ask ye something." She stopped him getting up from the bed. Marco could see a look of concern on her face as she shifted to face him.
"… We're ok, hi?" She asked, motioning her fingers back and forth.
"Yeah, why?" Marco asked.
"Cos, I feel like I need to explain why I did what I did…. With the drinks." Michelle admitted.
"Yeah, I know. You panicked and you needed the money….." Marco began.
"It's not just that….." Michelle paused, she was looking down, she then frowned as she looked at Marco. "I didn't want ye to think I was taking the piss, Marco. It's something Clare said, about her saying I was stealing from yer….."
"Well, technically, she's got a point." Marco tried to joke.
"That's what's bothering me. I didn't look at it at 'stealing' stealing. I just felt I could do it…. because ye could trust me to sort it out afterwards. And I woulda done. I promise." Michelle stressed.
"Alright, alright. Michelle. Seriously. Calm down. I'm really not bothered about it."
"Ach, that also bothers me. I've never done something this mental before, I mean, stealing a bulletin board, making funny scones, breaking into the school is one thing…. All those things aren't even half as bad as this, I know Erin was pissed off with me, and that really gets up my ring, need I tell yer….. but yer not even pissed off with me just a wee bit?" Michelle questioned.
"No. Michelle. I get it. James has said that things aren't easy to come by for you girls. I know that. I didn't exactly have the most privileged upbringing myself, did I? That's why I've not wanted to tell you about this… inheritance thing." Marco then paused.
"Why?"
"Because I'm worried that you all might look at me differently." Marco replied.
"What's going on?" Orla asked as she entered the room. Sensing the tension in the room. She smiled as she lunged into a hug from Marco. "What are ye talking about?" She asked.
"Come on now, we gotta shift!" Erin called from downstairs.
"Come on, I'll tell you all about it in the car." Marco said. Michelle nodded.
"OK. Wank features. Yer driving!" Michelle called as she lead the way down the stairs with Marco and Orla following her.
As they started off, the roads were slightly busy with the afternoon rush, but eased as they drove further out of Derry. James continually glanced in the rear-view mirror to see Michelle and Orla listen intently to Marco. Erin was also listening. However, James couldn't help but notice there was another car behind them. He drove appropriately, but the other car constantly kept its distance, which for Derry was quite unusual. Most cars would overtake him once they were out on the open road. But this car opted to stay a fair distance behind them. Marco finally revealed what he 'd tried to keep secret since coming back. Except now, unlike last time he wasn't here for just a visit. Like James before him, this was his home, these were his friends, and deep down he knew that keeping something like this wasn't fair on them after how they'd accepted him as one of their own. Marco asked Orla if she was ok, who was expressing a bewildered look after hearing what he'd just said. After all, this had been the reason why Marco had to go back to England in the first place. Between watching the road, and the other car that was still trailing behind, James now sported the same shocked look as Michelle, Orla and Erin.
"Jesus Christ!" Erin gasped.
"Did ye just say Seventy-seven?" Michelle asked in a methodical tone. Marco nodded.
"£77? Is that all?!" Erin moaned. Michelle groaned and threw her head up in disbelief.
"Wise up, Erin! Oi, watch the road, you!" Michelle barked to James. "He means Seventy-seven hundred…. right?" She asked, turning to Marco.
"…..Go up one more." Marco was impassive. Erin shot a wide gawking expression.
"What. Seventy-seven hundred and one? That's a weird number, isn't it, hi?" Orla asked.
"Oh, Jesus Christ!" Marco laughed. "I mean go up one more unit!"
"You mean…SEVENTY-SEVEN THOUSAND POUNDS?!" James shouted into the rear-view mirror.
"JAMES!"
Erin reached and yanked the steering wheel hard to the left just in time. James squealed as he grabbed the wheel to straighten the car up. The oncoming Lorry shot by with a deafening horn sounding. The car was full of hysteric screams. Orla yelled with excitement as if she were riding Barry's roller-coaster. James slammed the brakes down, and the car came to a screeching halt. His hands were gripped the steering wheel, short breaths entered and escaped him. Erin trembled as she slowly turned round to see Michelle and Marco mirror the same look of horror. Michelle was gripping Marco's arm. Orla's eyes looked all around her.
"Is everyone alright?!" Erin asked, petrified by what had just happened.
"Ach. That was class, James! Can we do that again?!" Orla cried with excitement. Her look then went stern. "Stall the ball, where's me fruit pastilles?" She dove over Marco's lap and began to search for them on the car floor.
James turned to look to his left, his eyes met Erin's. They launched into each other for a passionate snog.
"Oi. What the fuck are ye two playing at?!" Michelle reached and slapped James on the back of the head. "Ya stupid English prick! Ye could have killed us all!" She shouted!
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Everyone alright?" James checked.
"Aye, I think so…. Orla, what are ye doing down there?" Erin asked.
"I can see my fruit pastilles under the seat." Orla said, her face rested on Marco's leg as she stretched her arm to reach them. Spying the situation, Michelle chuckled.
"I hope no one comes knocking on the window. Or this'll look a little suspicious." Michelle shot a suggestive smile at Marco, causing him to gawk at her. Just then, they jumped at a knock on the window next to James. He wound the window down and saw Chief Constable Byers standing before him. He quickly leant down and came to eye level with James.
"Is everyone alright in here?" He asked with concern.
"Uh…. Ye… yeah! Yes sir, we're good, we're fine, good, very fine. Good thanks." James babbled.
"Snap out of it, James!" Erin barked. "Yes, we're fine thanks, hi."
"I just saw what happened back there. Are ye…. Oh my God!" He looked away embarrassed at what he thought he saw. Orla then sat up.
"Ach, Hiya Constable. Yer looking well. Would yer like a fruit pastille?" Orla smiled, holding the tube of sweets up. Michelle turned her head away hiding her laughter.
"Uh, no thanks, love." The man regained his composure. "Look don't worry, I'm off duty, yer not in any trouble, but the love of God. Keep yer eyes on the road, lad, do ye hear me?" He said crossly.
"Yes sir. Definitely." James shook from the adrenaline.
"Alright, where are ye off to now?" Mr Byers asked.
Erin scoffed. "Ach, I'm not sure if that's any of your…"
"We're Just going to Strabane, sir." Marco interjected.
"….. Ach, right. Well, on yer way then. But be careful. Is that clear?" Mr Byers sternly said James before walking away. James gasped with relief. Erin leaned over and hugged him.
"Well, come on Dicko, ye heard him! Shift it!" Michelle ordered.
They were only 5 minutes outside of Strabane. James started up and drove on, the trailing car had held back, and began to follow again.
Inside the boutique. Clare regarded her reflection in the mirror. She had chosen an azure blue evening gown. As she regarded herself, her expression was mixed with a smile and a slight frown. She knew remembered her dad's last words to her, know he would be proud of her, at the same time, she knew this would be one of many monumental moments of her young life that he wouldn't be able to see in person. Clare began to think about how far she'd come, Laurie's support had truly been indispensable to her, as well as the support of the gang. Her trail of thought was broken when Laurie suddenly peered inside the changing cubicle and shot her a loving smile. Clare caught her reflection in the mirror and smiled at her presence. Laurie pulled the curtain aside, Clare gawked with delight as she saw that Laurie was wearing a cyan blue evening gown. It hugged her figure beautifully.
"Ye look…No ye go fir…" They laughed as they found themselves saying the same thing to each other.
"Ye go first." Laurie said.
"Well, I can't now. Ye just went first." Clare answered.
"Are ye always gonna argue every point I make?" Laurie chuckled, stroking Clare's cheek. "Christ, ye can give Margaret Thatcher a run for her money."
"I hope yer not comparing me to Margaret Thatcher in the looks department." Clare said.
"Oh aye, proper ride, so she is." Laurie teased. Gently pecking her lips. "Ye look gorgeous, babes." She said. They heard the boutique door open. They peered out of the cubicle and glanced to see Michelle looking quite peaky. Orla was staring with astonishment at a mannequin standing near the window.
"Hiya girls." Clare smiled. Their gaunt expressions brightened when she joined them.
"Wow! Clare ye look amazing!" Erin said. "And you too Laurie!"
"Aw, Thanks Erin!" They said in sync.
"Are ye alright, James?" Clare suddenly spied James' pale expression. Orla peered round to inspect his him, rubbing his shoulders with concern.
"Yeah….. You look lovely girls." James said faintly.
"Jesus, what happened to yer?" Laurie asked.
"We nearly hit a Lorry on the way here, but we're alright." Orla said. "Ye two look absolutely cracker!" Orla nodded approvingly, pointing towards Clare and Laurie.
"Not a fan of the fantango myself, but as lezzers go, ye both look dead on!" Michelle winked.
"Ci, Donne straordinarie." Marco agreed. "What does that mean?" Laurie smiled. "Stunning women." He answered."Aw, thanks you guys. Come on you two, we need to get ye sorted." Clare said, taking Orla by the hand. Erin was just about to follow them to the back to see Mrs Flaherty when she turned to see that James' face was still white.
"Marco? Could ye…." Erin started.
"Already on it. Oi you, come with me!" He said.
"Where we going?" James asked.
"The restaurant. You need a stiff drink." Marco pointed at him.
"Ah, get us one too, will ya Marco?" Michelle asked.
"Funny, I thought I already did!" Marco winked as he walked out with James. Michelle gawked and scowled again as Erin covered her mouth, sniggering as quiet as she could.
"Ohhhh, I'm gonna kill that fucker one day!" Michelle grimaced.
"Oi you girls, ye gotta come see this!" Laurie said with excitement.
They turned and followed Laurie. Clare stood just outside one of the changing cubicles, with an excitable look on her face. Orla was already getting changed. Just then, she jumped out through the curtains of the cubicle, throwing them wildly, covering Clare. Mrs Flaherty stood astonished as she regarded the outfit that Orla had chosen. Erin gazed at her cousin. The halter top moment was one thing. Orla now stood with her back to them all. Her eyes and smile were evident as she turned left and right, taking in what she saw. Michelle's eyes shared the same impression as Erin's. Orla caught their looks in the reflection. She spun around wearing a purple evening tuxedo. The trousers were flare shaped with a black swirl pattern from top to bottom. The jacket was plain purple, still wearing her t-shirt underneath.
"What do ya think? I think this is absolute cracker! It's true! There really isn't anything that doesn't suit me!" Orla stated emphatically, pointing at the suit. She bounced happily over to the girls who regarded her outfit with approval.
"That does look cracker on ye, Orla!" Erin agreed.
"Dead on!" Michelle chimed.
"Well, we can get you a nice sleeveless top to put underneath, love. So. it's looks like we have just one more to go." Mrs Flaherty said. Looking towards Michelle.
"Can I just make one request. I need something that's gonna make my tits look cracker,hi?" Michelle declared. Mrs Flaherty eyes shot wide open.
"Jesus Christ!" Erin scoffed.
The sound of wrenching echoed throughout the toilet as the wee English fella hunched himself over the bowl. James gasped and wheezed deep breaths as the sensation of needing to be sick gradually subsided.
"So, you're feeling alright now, are ya?" Marco asked. James staggered out of the toilet cubicle. He lunged towards the sink and rinsed his mouth out. Marco handed him some toothpaste and a new, unopened toothbrush.
"Where'd you get these from?"
"My locker. I always wash up after work." Marco answered.
"Thanks, Mate." James scrubbed his teeth. "So, do you reckon Erin'll be alright with me getting her flowers and a card?" He asked, pausing from brushing.
"Well, it's hard to top what you did a few nights ago. Why don't you ask her mum?" Marco asked.
"Leave it off. How sad is that?" James stated. He spat out the toothpaste.
"Alright then, ask Orla! She's probably got a ton of ideas." Marco joked as they sat in the bar area of the restaurant. He slid a small glass of whiskey in front of James. He downed it quickly to steady his nerves.
"I dont think Erin's a big fan of monkeys. You better hope Orla isn't expecting you to get one for her!" James quipped.
"Good point… I wouldn't know where to get one." Marco laughed.
"Well, maybe you owe it to her once you get your money!" James laughed.
"You mouthy Git!" Marco chuckled, shoving his shoulder.
"Nah, seriously. Have you got any ideas for Orla? One thing I know about her is she'd be expecting something very different." James said.
"Haven't got a clue….." Marco admitted.
"Oi! Marco! Thank Christ yer still here, boyo." Mick came out form the kitchen. "Listen, I know it might sound a bit cheeky. But could ye quickly give us a hand with unloading a delivery? We're run off our feet as ye can see." He asked. Marco paused and looked at James.
"Go on, give him a hand, mate. I'll just meet you back at the boutique." James nodded. They slapped hands and went their separate ways. At the boutique Laurie was asking Orla about if she expecting anything in particular for Valentines.
"Nah, I'm not bothered." Orla admitted as they sat in the changing area. "Mind you, I could really fancy one of those GIANT SIZE Dairy Milk bars, or some Roses."
"So, ye want flowers too, do ye Orla?" Michelle called form inside the cubicle.
"No, a box of Cadbury's Roses." Orla answered, "They have the most cracker selection."
"Aye, I saw Dennis selling those in his wee shop the other day." Clare said.
"So, Erin. Any idea what James is gonna get ye for Valentine's?" Laurie asked.
"Already got it." Erin beamed.
"Aye, she got to meet the lady from Murder, She Wrote. Got her autograph and everything, so she did." Orla said. Erin rolled her eyes at Orla interjecting herself… again.
"Thanks, Orla!"
"Wow!" Laurie exclaimed.
"Personally, I think she was wasted on that show." Orla claimed boldly. Erin shot a look of utter disgust at her cousin.
"I'm sorry?!" She protested. "Would ye care to elaborate on that, Orla?" Erin shouted.
"Well, I just think there were other films she was in that showcased her abilities as an actress in a better light." Orla said so eloquently.
"Like what?" Clare asked.
"….. Mrs Potts?" Orla said.
"Ye talking about the teapot from the Disney film Beauty and the Beast?" Erin asked.
"Aye. Cracker film that was." Orla beamed.
"Can't argue with that. Even though that Gaston's an arsehole, he's still a massive ride!" Michelle called.
"I'm sorry, but I can't believe yer saying that Angela Lansbury showed more depth as an actress as a teapot than a detective!" Erin said hysterically.
"I thought that was your department, Erin?" Michelle called.
"Aye, Erin. Ye mentioned something about this earlier in school. What were ye saying?" Clare asked.
"Looks like I got back just in time." James sat down net to Erin.
"How much longer are ye gonna be, Michelle?" Erin asked.
"Well, I'm torn between this black one that really tones my arse, but does nothing for my tits, and a red one that really compliments my tits, but I'm not too sure about the colour."
"Really, Michelle? Do ye mind curbing the language?!" Clare moaned.
"Which one do ye have on now?" Erin groaned. "Mrs Flaherty has to go home, ye know?"
"The red one." Michelle said.
"Well let's see it!" Clare said.
Michelle strutted out wearing a full-length red dress, a slit up to her knee. Complimenting her rack. Orla beamed a wide smile.
"Wow, Michelle. Ye look like that lass in that film 'The Mask!" She cried.
"Massive ride so she is" Laurie gawked. Clare shot her a look.
"Yeah, she has my vote." James nodded in agreement. Erin shot him a glare.
"Aye. But she don't have a rack like mine!" Michelle stated proudly, popping her chest with her hands. Orla nodded.
"Very elegant, Michelle." Clare rolled her eyes.
"Right. So, what's the bars that yer talking about, Erin?" Michelle asked, sitting amongst the girls. Erin looked around before starting.
"Well, between us… I'm sure I've proper solved the mystery around this whole thing…. It came to me last night. I was watching The Shawshank Redemption with James…."
"Ach, cracker film!" Everyone exclaimed. Everyone then began talking amongst themselves about the quality of the film.
"Aye…. Great film. Well, then ye all know about the Warden character? Remember how he uses the prisoners as free labour, and then he gets bribed, and they got into detail about how the main character who's an accountant fiddles the books on everything, hi?.…." Erin paused.
"Aye, but what's that gotta do with the school?" Clare was intrigued. Orla was leaning in with keen interest.
"Well, I reckon the same thing is going on inside the school. And not just our school, other schools as well. Ye see, that must be why O'Driscoll is putting on this valentine's disco. That's why EVERYONE was told they must make a 'charitable contribution'." Erin paused again.
"Other schools? What other schools?" James asked.
"The schools that were on that spreadsheet thingamigig, James. The one Orla had on the laptop? I went and did some investigating and I found out they've got Valentine's discos on as well…. The same day. I've been listening to that phone call I recorded with O'Driscoll talking to someone about things like funds for school trips being unavailable, and that the school has debt issues…. And that spreadsheet we saw, the Stevenson file, hi? It's almost the same name as Mr. Stevens in the film. The man that doesn't really exist? I think what we saw….. was actually, a log of what Mr O'Driscoll has stolen from multiple schools!" Erin revealed proudly.
The gang sat in silence. They stared blankly at Erin. They slowly turned to look at each other, unsure of how to honestly react to such an uninhibited claim from their friend. Michelle then scrunched her eyes together, remembering the last time Erin made such an assumption.
"Well fuck me, Erin! That trumps it! I didn't think ye could get more wired to the moon when Clare thought the plumber was getting off with ya Mammy!" Michelle laughed. She got up to change out her dress.
"Sounds like ye got a wee bit too wrapped up in the film, so ye did, Erin!" Laurie laughed.
"That is a bit over the top, isn't it, Erin?" Clare claimed as she got up. Erin gawked in amazement that no one believed her.
"That is so out of order!" Orla spoke slowly, immediately siding with her cousin. Erin was thankful for the one vote of confidence but wasn't completely convinced that Orla grasped the magnitude of the situation. She turned to James for support, who had stayed sitting next to her, but still has a quizzical look about him as the others gathered themselves together to leave the boutique.
"James, you believe me, right?" Erin asked desperately, frowning sadly. James snapped out of his trail of thought and looked at her. James looked off again, he searched for a word of support for his girlfriend but wasn't fully convinced.
"Ach, that right! Take yer time! That'll convince me that ye believe me!" Erin said crossly and shot up out of her seat. She charged outside with James following her.
"Erin, wait." He said.
"I don't wanna talk about it!" Erin whined as she walked off. James ran after her, calling out her name repeatedly. The gang all came out carrying their garment bags. Orla opted to walk in the direction of the restaurant to walk back with Marco. Clare took her garment bag and they walked on in the same direction without saying a word. No sooner had Orla turned the corner, she nearly bumped into Marco.
"Oi, easy!" Marco laughed, steadying her.
"Ach, hiya." Orla hugged him. "Sorry I almost bowled ye over."
"You already done that once before, remember?" Marco remarked.
"When did I do that?" Orla quizzed, looking at him.
"When I first met you." Marco said, Orla blushed as her lip crooked with embarrassment. She moved back into their embrace.
"Come on. I need to fill ye in on what's been happening." Orla said, locking her arm into his.
As they walked on to meet up with the others; Orla started to fill Marco in with what Erin had said. He listened intently as Orla explained the supposed plot that was hatching. With each explanation, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, but the picture was still unclear. Marco slowly sported the same quizzical look. He smiled at Orla's claim that she believed Erin but paused before voicing his own opinion. Like James, he guessed that it wasn't impossible for such a scam to be true, but at the same time, the chances of getting caught would be too risky for a man in Patrick O'Driscoll's position. James had just managed to catch up to Erin as she neared the car inside the multi-story car park. Coincidently, Laurie's car was only a few spaces down from them. James unlocked the car to let Michelle hang her dress in the back. He spotted Erin sulking as she slouched with her arms crossed.
"Erin! Please, can you talk to me?" James pleaded. Her expression was sour.
"Ach, cleared yer head of images of Cameron fecking Diaz have yer now?!" Erins shot, a tone of jealousy in her voice. "Why don't ye believe me, James?!" Erin's words now carried a weight of hurt.
"I didn't say I didn't believe you!" James assured her.
"Oi. Ye seriously need to wise the fuck up about this, Erin!" Michelle then walked up to her. "This whole thing has made you mental, well, more mental than normal!"
"Aye, Michelle's right, Erin. Also, even if on the absolute million to one chance that it were true… How are ye even gonna prove it?" Clare quizzed. "Listen girls, I don't mean to be rude, but I need to shift. Laurie needs to get me and herself home."
"Ach, James. Go find those two, see where hey are!" Michelle ordered. Just as she spoke, she spied something. "WHAT THE FUCK?!" Michelle shouted.
They turned and saw a figure in a balaclava going through the car. The girls were startled and screamed in horror. The figure slammed the car door shut and ran past them; James managed to tackle him down to the ground. He went to grab the culprit's free leg, but the figure twisted and kicked him in the face. Erin screamed as she saw James writhe in pain from the kick, but the wee English fella didn't let go. He struggled against the larger person but eventually managed to grab at the mask. Yanking it away, the figure stood up. The gang gawked at the culprit, MadStab.
"Danny?" Laurie gawked.
"You!" James grimaced, holding the side of his face.
"What about ye, English... Bet that pissed ye off, didn't it, hi?" He snarled, pointing towards James's face, taunting him almost. "Why don't ye finally grow a set and do something about it?" He shouted, motioning with his hands.
James felt himself burn with anger. Before he could even react. MadStab grabbed him and shoved him down.
"What the fuck are ye doing, Danny?!" Laurie shouted.
"I'M GONNA SEE HOW GOOD HE IS AT STOPPING PENALTIES!" MadStab laughed.
The maniac sprinted forward just as James brought himself to his knees. Still hunched over.
"JAAAAAAMESSSSS!" Michelle bounded towards her cousin as MadStab went to take a punt kick, seemingly aiming for James' face.
Just then, MadStab found himself kicking nothing but air as Marco dove in and tackled James out of the line of fire. MadStab locked up with Marco, both clenching the other in a headlock. Neither person gaining ground to start with, they grappled forcefully like two jousting grizzly bears. Clutching his top, MadStab then flung the teen hard into an adjoining car, smashing the window, setting the car alarm off. MadStab went to throw a punch, but Marco returned the favour and flung MadStab into the side of the car, making him groan from the pain in his ribs. As the girls rushed to tend to James. Orla turned and watched as Marco tussled with MadStab as he tried to free himself. She appeared to be in shock as he held his own against the older lad. Marco managed to pin MadStab against the wall.
"Come on then. Hit me! Hit me! Hit me ya greasy aye-tye!" MadStab screamed to Marco's face. Holding him steady. Marco felt an old feeling burning inside him. He suddenly heard Billy Foreman's voice in his head. The air in his lungs became dense. Everything began to darken.
"Aye. That's right! Come on! Hit me! Punch me as hard as ye can! Ya did it before… didn't ye?!" MadStab freed himself from Marco's loosened grip, he leaned his head forward, daring Marco to punch him.
"Lamp 'im Marco!" Michelle shouted.
"Marco… step off!" James shouted, imploring him to back off, Orla shot a look at James, and then towards Marco.
"Aye, that's right Marco! Ye know ye want to! Look what I did to little Jamie over there!" MadStab sneered proudly through gritted teeth.
Marco glanced to see the red mark on James' head. His insides burned like an inferno; his fists clenched as he turned back. MadStab hadn't moved. A maniacal grin was spread across his face again, just as he'd done in the rugby game. Marco suddenly saw his face again, Billy Foreman. Barely managing to hold back. Marco could hear the incoherent noise of everyone around him as MadStab then shoved him hard, forcing him back two paces.
"STOP IT, DANNY!" Lauire shouted.
"FUCKING HIT ME! WHAT'S THE MATTER, HI? TOO MUCH FOR YER AM I? WHAT HAVE I GOTTA DO? SLAP HER LITTLE GIRLFRIEND LIKE YER MAMMY GOT SLAPPED ABOUT ?!"
"OR MAYBE I'LL MAKE HER SIT ON MY THRONE! I'LL FIND HER ALONE ONE DAY….. AND I'LL GIVE HER A RIGHT GOOD…..!" MadStab mocked.
Marco yelled in anger and shoved Madstab hard into the wall, he grimaced in pain as Marco lifted him up with ease. His fist was shaking. James and the girls raced forward as Orla bounded towards them.
"DOOOOOO IIIIIIIT!" He snarled.
"NOOOOOO!" Orla jumped in between them. She bear hugged Marco by the waist, forcing him back.
"No, Marco. Don't do it! That's what he wants! Don't give 'im what he wants! Please, let go of it! If ye hit 'im, they might send yer back to England…Marco… look at me!" She pleaded. Marco broke his focus and looked at Orla. Her eyes were filled with tears.
"Please…. please, Bear. He's not worth it!" Orla cried. She hugged him tight. Marco breathed out heavily. Orla's tender touch snapped him out of his trance. The image of Billy Foreman disappeared. He released his grip from MadStab.
"Danny! Get back here! There's cops coming!" Shannon's desperate voice could be heard in the distance as MadStab ran back to his car.
"I'll get yer one day, Boy!" He shouted as he made his escape. James held Marco up from behind him as he collapsed in Orla's arms. Sirens resounded throughout the multi storey car park.
"I think we better go, you guys!" Clare panicked. They made their way out of the car park just as two police cars drove past them.
The drive back was intense and quiet. Suddenly pulling the car over with a hasty screech into a layby. MadStab marched angrily towards a phone box. Exhaling violently. He exploded when the call was answered. Relentless swearing was exchanged throughout the phone call between MadStab and the caller. Shannon sat in the car knowing full well who Danny was speaking to. She frowned at the realization that she would soon be meeting the cold stare of her dad, Patrick O'Driscoll over some obvious foiled attempt by Danny to incite either James or Marco to react to. She had done what was asked of her and rang the Police to report a fight in the car park. But given how Danny was screaming down the phone, their plan had obviously gone awry. She thought again of the cold empty feeling that would engulf her as soon as she would arrive home.
The clio was quiet as Erin gripped James' hand, regretting her former sharpness towards her wee English fella who sported a red graze on his forehead. Erin lowered her head and cradled his hand. James moved his thumb to gently stroke her cheek. Erin looked up and caught his warm smile. Returning one of her own towards him. Michelle leaned forward, she rubbed James' shoulder while extending her hand to grip Erin and James' intertwined hand. There was just enough room for the show of solidarity as Orla sat on Marco's lap. Her stare was distant as she cradled him in her arms, she frowned sadly, remembering all that he'd gone through, and how close they came to having their happiness spoiled by MadStab. Marco rested his head above Orla's chest, clenching his eyes tightly shut. Having apologised endlessly to Orla. She knew he meant it. She kissed his forehead and prayed quietly that they stayed as they were. Wishing the same for Erin and James.
I just want us all to be together…. Forever.
"Would anyone like a fruit pastille?" She asked.
"Aye, I could go for one." Michelle answered. Erin and James both agreed. Passing the packet round, each taking a fruit pastille before handing it back to Orla.
"Do ye want a fruit pastille, Marco?" She asked.
"…. Yes please." He answered. Taking one for herself, she gave him the last one. The tension faded in an instant.
"… I love ye, Bear." She said quietly.
"I love you too….. so much." He replied. Orla smiled happily.