Derry Girls: New Horizons…. coming in 2024.
The congregation of families departed from Our Lady Immaculate College and into the afternoon traffic rush, all going their separate ways. Erin sat silently in the back of her parent's car. Gerry noticed that Mary held onto Anna a little bit tighter as they took a slight detour, picking her up from a family friend's house. Choosing to hold her instead of placing her in the car seat; the young wain cooed and mumbled innocently as she peered out the car window. Mary bit her bottom lip as her eyes welled up, looking at Anna with affection. The mother watched the playful wain turn and smile at her big sister who sat in the back seat.
"Hi Enn." She said playfully.
"Ach, big girl in the front seat, are ye, Anna?" Erin spoke sheepishly and smiled at her.
"Aye yea!" She laughed.
The playful conversation was a welcome distraction for Mary, if only temporary. The totality of the day's events began to sink in for the Quinn mammy. Her mind and heart had gone through a rollercoaster of emotions. Fear, anger, anxiety, stress, and relief had crashed upon her all in one day. Her mind was still rattled with the mere idea of her eldest, Erin being pregnant. Although it had been proven to be untrue; Mary had come extremely close to forbidding her from ever seeing James again. Their exposed liaison being at the forefront of her mind. She then reflected on what Gerry had said to her. As much as the same emotions and thoughts had raced through his mind as well; although he agreed that Erin's 'secret' rendezvous with James in the storage room was not her best move and could have been tragic; He was grateful that his faith in the wee English fella had been justified when it was clear that James had made sure the girls were out of harm's way. Gerry's calmer demeanour, and support for James had calmed Mary from seeking out to throttle him with her wooden spoon. Mary silently conceded that if it hadn't been for James, the day could have welded a more tragic outcome. Erin caught Gerry looking warmly at her in the rear-view mirror. The man regarded his daughter, whilst feeling a sense of impending closure that every parent once faced when they departed the realms of childhood innocence to embark through the peaks and valleys of adult life.
The same feeling of closure weighed on the iron-willed Mary Quinn who choked back tears at the thought that her daughter was no fast approaching adulthood. But also acknowledged that Erin could have easily been in the same spot that Shannon O'Driscoll had found herself in. The older members of the Quinn family had sat in total silence during the journey home. They pulled up outside their house just behind the other two cars. Gerry could sense the tension as they got out; Mary looked yonder and saw Sarah walking arm in arm with Orla; simply thankful that she was safe while sporting a proud smile that the carefree spirit had been so unselfishly brave in putting out the fire, albeit a small one, thankfully. Handing Anna over to Gerry; Mary's heart melted as she saw Erin step gingerly out of the car, awaiting her supposed wrath. The petite blonde had resigned herself that her mammy would want to inflict a swift punishment involving the wooden spoon or worse. As their eyes met; Mary reached out and pulled her daughter in for a hug.
"Aye…. ye were right, love!" Mary said, choking back her tears.
"I'm sorry, mammy, it was stupid." Erin wept.
"No harm done, love." Mary said. She reached out for Gerry who joined the embrace.
Erin clenched her eyes shut as she hugged Mary tighter. Sarah looped her arm through Joe's arm while Orla pulled Marco into the fold, smiling at each other as they looked on.
Coincidently, Deidre Mallon pondered the same scenario as she drove home. While she commended James for making sure that the girls were safe. The hard woman then reflected on the other hero of the hour; her daughter Michelle had been front and centre to the whole affair, and it had deeply moved the Mallon matriarch that the first aid courses she made Michelle go to had indeed left a positive mark on her. Seeing more of herself in her daughter than she ever had before; the numerous scoldings for her foul-mouthed language and rebellious behaviour melted away. Deidre fondly remembering that not so long ago, it was a trait she once possessed herself before adulthood calmed the flame of rebellion. As they arrived home, parking the car; Deidre waited by the gate for Michelle.
"What is it, Mammy?" Michelle asked with caution. Deidre wrapped her arms around Michelle. The younger Mallon instantly felt tears trinkle down her own cheeks as she returned the embrace.
"I am so proud of you, love." Deidre wept.
"Come on Mammy, dry yer eyes, hi?" Michelle laughed, her voice cracking. Deidre cracked a chuckle as James fondly watched on.
"Get yourself over here, James." Deidre said, looping her arm around James' back, embracing them both.
Clare sat quietly in her room. Her place of sanctuary; surrounded by her childhood memories, a bedside cabinet adorned with trinkets and photos of herself and her family and friends. While the scheme of Patrick O'Driscoll had been thwarted mostly due to their intervention and feeling a sense of personal vindication for standing up to the man on behalf of the school year, and for herself. The triumph felt bittersweet for the wee lesbian as she felt that it had been the last hurrah for her. She turned to look at the dress that was hung up. She thought again about the sad truth that in a few short weeks, it would be the end of the easter term, and she would not be returning to Our Lady Immaculate College. Her mind then thought of her Dad who wouldn't see her wear the dress she had chosen. She then glanced at the flowers that had arrived for her that morning from Laurie. The whole ordeal from earlier had played havoc with her nerves. She felt dizzy as her mind swirled with multiple thoughts, as well as intrusive thoughts that she tried to bat away but was unable to do so. She then heard her mother call.
"Clare, love. Erin's on the phone." Geraldine called. Clare quickly brushed away her tears as she walked downstairs.
"Hello, Erin?" Clare asked.
"Hi Clare, just a quick one. Do ye want to come round here and get ready? Cos Marco said he'll come and get yer when he's back from walking Coco Pops." Erin quizzed, but Clare didn't answer.
"Clare…. Clare are ye there?"
"Ach…."
"Yes, Orla, I know that rhymes." Erin stopped her. "Clare? CLARE?!" The line went dead.
"What is it, love?" Mary asked.
"I don't know, Mammy. She just hung up."
"See, I told ya, Mary. Ye can't rely on these old phones no more. Cordless is the way of the future." Sarah said.
"Jesus wept." Mary whispered, rolling her eyes; Erin dialled Clare's number again. She stood and waited for a response. Orla had moved to stand next to her.
"What's going on?" Orla asked before turning to look up at her balloons.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Mrs Devlin? Is Clare ok?" Erin asked.
"I don't know, Erin love. She just ran up the stairs and said….. she's not going." Geraldine answered. Erin was stunned.
"…We're on our way." Erin hung up the phone. "Orla, with me, now!" She said. Orla immediately followed her out the front door. Mary and Sarah watched curiously.
"What do ye think that was all about?" Sarah asked. Mary walked over to the phone, the line was still active.
"…Hello, Geraldine? What's going on love?" Mary asked.
The cousins bounded over to Jim's house. Erin knocked urgently on the door but there was no answer.
"JIM?... MARCO?... Ach, shit! No one's in."
"Shouldn't we just go in?" Orla suggested.
"Ye can't just walk into someone else's house uninvited, Orla!"
"What ye talking about? I do it all the time!" Orla shrugged. She reached and pulled down on the handle which was surprisingly unlocked. Erin was shocked as Orla walked in.
"Well, of course she just walks in!" Erin said to herself, throwing her arms up, following Orla inside.
"MARCO?... MARCO?... COCO POPS!... Aye they're not in." Orla concluded.
"What are we gonna do?" Erin asked.
"I dunno, what'd ye wanna do?" Orla asked back.
"I wanna talk to Clare!"
"So, let's go round and see her." Orla said.
"We don't have time, Orla. We need to start getting ready!" Erin stated.
"So, let's take the car!"
"Little problem there, Orla! Neither of us can drive."
"I can!" Orla shrugged.
"What?"
"I can drive a wee bit. Marco's shown me. Come on." Orla picked the keys up from the table. Erin was startled but followed Orla outside.
"Orla! Catch yourself on! Ye can't drive! Ye don't even have a learner's license!" Erin as she jumped into the passenger seat.
"Aye, but I've sent off for one. Don't worry it'll be grand!" Orla smiled. Turning the key.
"OK. YOU'VE ACTUALLY TURNED THE ACTUAL KEY!... NOW YOU'VE MOVED ONE OF THE ACTUAL PDEALLY THINGS….. AND NOW YOU'RE MOVING THE STICKY THINGAMIGIG!" Erin commentated as she began to have a cack attack as she fastened her seat belt.
"Before ye pull out, check your mirrors, and yer blind spot." Orla said to herself, following her own instructions. "Done…. OK. Here we go!" Orla turned the wheel, brought the clutch up and moved out.
"OH MY GOD!" Erin screamed.
BEEEEEEEEEEEEEP! Orla pulled out just as another car came up from behind them, it screeched to a halt, missing her by a whisker. Orla was unmoved as she drove off down the road. Erin's eyes were frozen wide as she clutched onto her seat for dear life.
"ORLA, FOR FUCK SAKE! THAT CAR ALMOST HIT YER!" Erin shouted.
"Will ye calm down Erin! I checked my mirror before I pulled out, so it's fine. The highway code says that before ye pull out, check yer mirrors and yer blind spot." Orla explained.
"I'm pretty sure it also says STOP if there's a fecking car coming up yer arse, Orla!" Erin shot back hysterically as Orla made her way down the street. Spying Marco as she drove up to the entrance to Brook Park; Orla braked harshly, causing Erin to scream. Marco spun and was startled at the sight of them both. He dashed up to the car.
"Bloody hell! What's going on here?" He asked in alarm.
"Hiya love! How did I do?" Orla asked, beaming happily. Erin's knuckles were white as she gripped the dashboard. She looked up at Marco.
"Get in the car!" Erin whispered. Marco grabbed Coco Pops and climbed into the back seat.
"Oh no! No No No No No No! Marco, please, can't you drive!" Erin begged, her voice growing more hysteric.
"Calm down, Erin. I'm sure Orla's doing fiiiiiine!" Marco shot back into the seat as Orla accelerated.
Erin shot a look of panic to Marco, who awkwardly chuckled while Orla started to wave at the passers-by as she drove towards Michelle's house. Coco Pops barked as he perched himself up onto the window.
"What's he doing, crying out for help or trying to fecking escape?" Erin shuddered, feeling the car speed up.
"Will ye shush Coco Pops, I'm trying to concentrate!" Orla said. The dog obediently settled down.
Erin exhaled with relief as they pulled up outside Michelle's house. Orla sounded the car horn with excitement. Almost immediately, Michelle came to the window. The two cousins soon darted out of the house together, without explaining the situation, they dived in. Orla repeated the sequence of checking her mirrors before pulling out. The others shrieked as she pulled out, repeating the same mistake of not waiting for the way to be clear.
"Fucking prick! We're driving here!" Michelle shouted out through the window.
"I should have known we'd all end up dead inside this car one day!" Erin panicked as she clutched onto James.
"Go on Orla…. speed up a bit." Michelle said, daring her while sporting a devilish grin.
"Oh God! I really am gonna die a virgin, aren't I?!" James panicked.
"Ye saying that like yer surprised!" Michelle said, looking in the rear-view mirror to see Erin and James shoot an annoyed glare at her.
"Well, this conversation got morbid real quick, didn't it?" Marco said casually.
"Huh, what ye saying, Marco, yer not gonna die a virgin?" Michelle asked.
"Aye, he is, his birthday's only a few days after James' birthday." Orla said. Michelle snapped her head towards Orla, her eyes furrowed.
"What are ye on about, Orla?"
"Marco's a virgin. His birthday's in September." Orla stated. Erin and James spotted that even Marco had palmed his own face at that remark.
"That's Virgo, Orla. Not Virgin." James corrected.
"I'm not talking about his fucking star sign, Orla." Michelle said.
"Are ye not?" Orla looked puzzled. "Ach, sorry I get those mixed up… But he is a virgin also." Orla said. Michelle gawked mockingly at Marco.
"Thanks Orla!" Marco rolled his eyes.
"Yer welcome." Orla beamed.
"Will ye just concentrate on the road, Orla. Ye almost had a collision…. TWICE!" Erin panicked.
"Well, it's three less from the last time she went out on the road." Marco said, seeing the fearful looks on Erin and James' faces.
"Thanks Bear." Orla smiled.
When they pulled up to Clare's house. Erin saw that her mammy and Aunt Sarah had also made their way the Devlin's.
"Hiya Mammy." Orla called, poking her head out the window.
"Ach, hiya love, getting some practice in, are ye now?" Sarah asked.
"Aye, it is sooooo cracker!" Orla exclaimed.
"By Christ, Mary. Erin looks pastier than normal, doesn't she so?" Sarah remarked as she turned to see Erin frantically exit the car.
"Ye alright Erin? Are ye not feeling well?" Mary asked.
Erin whispered slowly "I'm… fiiiine." shooting a dramatic face.
Geraldine sported a sad look as she stood in the open doorway. Mary addressed why they were there. Geraldine was thankful that they'd come. While Mary and Sarah escorted her into the kitchen to make a cup of tea. The wains made their way up the stairs. The bedroom door was shut. Erin looked to the others before she knocked with caution.
"Clare?... It's us….. Can we come in?" Erin asked. There was no answer.
"Oi, Clare? Ye better not be dead in there!" Michelle shouted, banging on the door.
"Oh my God!" James rolled his eyes.
"Are you mental or something?!" Marco scoffed. Clare then opened the door. Orla moved forward and wrapped her arms around her little friend.
"Thank Christ." Erin said, relieved.
"…. Come on in." Clare sadly walked back into her bedroom with the others following. She sat on the edge of her bed with Orla resting her head down on her shoulder. Erin and Michelle stood in front of her with James and Marco behind them. They observed the redness in her eyes and could see that she'd been crying. Erin lowered herself down to meet Clare eye to eye.
"What is it, Clare?" Erin asked softly, placing her hand on hers.
"Aye, talk to us." Orla followed. "Why are ye so sad?"
Clare blinked back her tears "It's just…. This is it. Us, all together…. It's all gonna change after Easter. I won't see any of yers. And I can't go to the disco knowing this. Seeing all of us together. It's gonna be like the very last time." She winced.
"Are you moving far, Clare?" James asked, frowning sadly. Marco glanced at him, remembering that he once asked James the same question so long ago.
"Well…. It's not on your level, boys….." Clare admitted. "But it feels like it."
"Where?" Michelle asked.
"….. Strabane." Clare revealed.
"Strabane?" Erin repeated. "Ye reckon yer not gonna see us again, but you're only moving to Strabane?!" She was slightly stunned.
"Fuck a doodle doo, Clare! Ye had us shiteing the tights here! We thought ye were gonna say you were moving to somewhere like Belfast, or Dublin, or worst-case scenario, London!"
"OI!" The boys moaned together.
"Ach, dry yer eyes, Dickos!" She shot.
"It's a big move!" Clare argued. "It's not like Marco's situation where he just goes to work there. I'm going there, permanently! And you'll all just move on with yer lives without me…. like I never existed. No doubt you'll find someone to take my place in the gang before soon." Clare panicked.
"But that's balls, Clare…." Michelle argued. But James then interjected.
"I get what she's saying…. When I came here, it was only slightly easier for me to accept because I was on another island…. But 20 minutes or 200 miles. It's the same. You feel like everything you held dear has just been replaced, and there's nothing you can do to stop it." Frowning, he turned to look at Marco who frowned back.
"Aye, dead on." Clare agreed.
"Aye…. I understand that I guess…. But you two never gave up though, did ya?" Erin asked, looking at both James and Marco.
"Aye…. that's right, Clare. If the lads could stay in touch, and they were in different countries… than we'll definitely stay in touch." Orla stated with enthusiasm.
"Aye! Marco works in Strabane. He can always drive yer back here whenever ye want to, and James can drive yer back, won't ya lads?" Michelle asked the boys who both chimed in agreement.
"Or any of us can drive can ye! I can drive now!" Orla stated proudly, Clare looked shocked at the new piece of information.
"Well, I wouldn't exactly boast about it just yet, Orla!" Erin shrugged.
"See, Clare? No one here's giving up on you." Marco said.
"Yeah, we'd never lose you." James said.
"Aye, Who else is gonna keep us straight?" Michelle quipped.
"And besides, we can never find anyone to replace ye, even if we tried! No one can have a cack attack as grand as yourself, Clare! Ye one of a kind!" Erin said.
"Aye, Erin had a cack attack earlier in the car, but it weren't as funny as yours." Orla said.
"Well, I'm sure Clare would have had a cack attack as well, Orla, if she saw a car almost ram her up her ar…!"
"Also…" Michelle interjected. "Ye HAVE to be there tonight…. It was because of you that all the girls in school could go with their partners. The way ye stood up to Fatty O'Driscoll, ye would have made Bernadette Devlin herself proud!" Michelle proclaimed.
"Bernadette Devlin, who's she?" Marco asked.
"She was a civil rights leader, she stood up the people of Derry in the house of commons after the battle of the Bogside." Michelle said.
"Aye, what was it she said….. I will take my seat, and fight for your rights!" Erin quoted vigorously.
Clare sat astounded. "Ye think so?" perking up slightly.
"Aye, Clare. The way you took a stand was really cracker." Orla nodded.
"Plus, you don't wanna miss out on your first Valentine's day with Laurie, do you? I reckon she can't wait to show off her gorgeous girlfriend to everyone, Right?" Marco smiled.
"What he said." James agreed, smiling.
Clare observed everyone and thought about what they had said. She couldn't help feeling guilty for making them rush over to her side. But her apprehensions about losing their friendships were vanquished in that moment. She glanced at each of them, with a tear rolling down her cheek. She nodded.
"Thanks, girls…. Ye know I…." Clare stumbled, overcome by their support. The gang moved in for their custom group hug, relieved that she'd changed her mind. it wouldn't have been possible to enjoy the evening if she wasn't there.
Agreeing to get ready around Erin's house; once the girls were dropped off, James had walked over to Jim's house to get ready with Marco. The duo had been taking turns to play on a new games console, the Sony PlayStation, playing a game called Tekken; while the other took a shower. James was now ready, he sat in his black suit, his top button undone. He hadn't yet put his matching blue tie to match Erin's scarf. James glanced over at the bedside cabinet and saw a small photograph propped up. Pausing the game. He reached over and gazed at the bent and tattered image. He recognized Marco's parents straight away but was shocked beyond words when he saw the third figure. Marco then walked in wearing his suit trousers, white shirt and purple tie. Marco paused when he spied what James was looking at.
"Oh, sorry, 'Co. I was just…" James was startled as he spoke.
"It's alright Jay. It's only a photo." He replied.
Looking back down at the picture, James did a double take at Marco and the image. The likeness was uncanny.
"This is him, isn't it? Your real Dad." James asked. Sitting down next to him; Marco nodded.
"Did they know each other?" James asked. "Him and your….."
"Well, my Dad only knew of him. My mum knew him, obviously. He also knew about me." Marco answered.
"Well, where is he now?"
"He died in a car crash before I was born." Marco answered nonchalantly. James sat astonished.
"Bloody hell. You never told me that!" James gawked. Looking down at the photo.
"Well, it's not the sort of thing you broadcast, is it? Anyway, what difference does it make? I never knew him, never will, and I ain't bothered." Marco replied lightly, shrugging his shoulder.
"So why keep the photo?" James asked, treading gently.
"To remind me of who my real Dad is. That's my Dad!" Marco said, pointing at Tony Galluci. "I wouldn't wanna be like him for anything." Marco pointed at the other man. "He was an arsehole, James. Dad said he proper fancied himself as a right 'jack the lad'. You know, a raver, heavy drinker, treated women like objects, or worse."
"So, in what way are you different?" James joked. Marco glanced at him.
"You Wanker!" Marco sniggered. The two friends laughed together.
"I honestly don't think you've got any worries there, 'Co. Orla definitely wouldn't be with you if she sensed anything like that about you." James said as he started to put his tie on. "She's got a bit of a sixth sense thing going on there!"
"Yeah, and a massive hunting knife to boot." Marco joked as he put his tie on. James had now stood up and had his back to Marco. The lad pondered before addressing his friend.
"James?"
"Yeah?"
"I never did say Thank you." Marco said.
James looked puzzled. "What for?"
"….. For saving me."
"Ah, come off it mate. It was only one punch." James shrugged with a smile. "If I remember right, you saved my neck enough times as well."
"I'm not just talking about knocking that twat out. But for never giving up on me. And for bringing me here." James smiled as he heard the sincerity in Marco's voice. "I don't know what I'd been doing now, or where I'd be if you hadn't brought me here. I don't even wanna imagine it." Marco said.
"Always said we'd have each other's back, right mate?" James said as he sat back down next to him.
"Yeah…. I've definitely got yours, James." Marco held out his hand. "To the end."
James smiled and clasped Marco's hand with his own. "Me too. To the end."
"Christ, Why don't ye kiss each other and get it over with!" Michelle laughed, her head poking round the door.
"Piss off Michelle!" The duo said. Laughing with embarrassment.
"Christ, but you two English pricks scrub up well enough!" Michelle mocked as she walked in.
"Where's your gown, Michelle?" Marco asked.
"Ach, can't DJ with that thing on!" Michelle confessed. "Feel more comfortable in this. Listen, can one of yous drive me to school? I need to set up."
"Bit early, isn't it?" Marco asked, spying the clock.
"Aye, well, like I said, just a few things I need to do." Michelle answered.
"….. Michelle. What are you doing, or what are you planning to do?" James asked with suspicion, spotting the familiar twinkle in her eye that she had every time she was about to do something devious.
"I'm not doing anything." Michelle insisted. The boys looked at each other ironically.
"You just wanna drive the car, don't you?" Marco laughed.
"Ach, come on, Marco. I seriously do need to get down early…. And yeah! I wanna practice. Go on!" Michelle clenched her fists insistently.
"Alright then. Come on." He said. Michelle grinned empathically and grabbed his keys. The trio made their way down the stairs.
"Is it OK to go across, Michelle, are the girls ready?" James asked.
"No, they're gonna go starkers! Bet that'd proper float yer boats." Michelle teased.
"Well, thank God you ain't. I don't fancy seeing my dinner twice in one day." Marco quipped.
"Fucking mouth!" Michelle shot, punching his arm. "Come on, let's shift." She laughed.
Michelle bounded towards the car. James stood and watched them skid off in the direction of the school. James then walked across to the Quinn house. As he entered the hallway, Joe was standing there.
"Alright there, lad? Ye gonna have to wait out here a wee bit." Joe said.
"Oh, OK. No worries Joe." James said.
"Where's the other one?" Joe asked lightly.
"…. Oh, uh, Marco's just dropping Michelle off at the school."
"Ah, I see. By Jesus, yer looking a wee bit colourful." Joe chuckled as he regarded the colourful tie.
"Yeah, these were at the girls' request. Marco's got a purple one." James laughed.
"Oh Aye, smart move lad. Rule number 1: Don't ever go against their wishes. By Christ, I did that once, took me months to get back in my Marie's good graces." Joe shook his head as he reminisced.
"Ach, don't listen to him, James. Whatever yer did, sure Mammy forgave ye the next day, so she did Da." Mary called from the kitchen.
"She held that over me for months, I'm telling ye!" Joe called back.
"Why? What did you do, Joe?" James asked.
"Oh, I can't tell ye that…. Rule number 2: Never admit anything!" Joe lowered his voice. "Anyway, James. There's something I've been meaning to tell ye. Now, I had a good chat with Marco earlier, no…. I don't say this often, cos I'm not that big on soft talk and what have ye." Joe paused.
"Could have fooled me." James chuckled nervously.
"Oi, Mind yourself, cos I can't believe I'm gonna say this…... especially to a randy English prick who coaxed my Granddaughter into a storage room, now." Joe's tone had now turned stern. James chuckled nervously again.
"Da!" Mary moaned from inside the kitchen.
"Well, it had to said, Mary!" Joe shouted towards the kitchen, his eyes not leaving James.
"I'm sorry." James frowned; the guilt was plastered on his face. Joe's look then softened.
"….. However, what yer did do today for our Erin… for our girls, we know that ye protected them. So, we'll say no more on the matter. Cos truth be told. Yer a good lad. And ye have been marvellous to our Erin. And I'm proud of yer." Joe said, smiling warmly at James. He placed his hand on James' shoulder.
"Thanks, Joe." James was still frowning slightly, but to earn the respect of a man like Joe McCool brought a genuine smile to his own face.
"Ye can come in now, James." Mary said, smiling warmly at him as she stood in the doorway.
Joe stepped aside and allowed James to walk in. The kitchen table was completely commandeered by the girls; Erin, Orla, Clare and Laurie were chatting amongst themselves while Sarah and Geraldine packed away the assortment of make up brushes and hair spray cans. There was a distinct hue hanging over the kitchen table that looked like Sarah had smoked a million cigarettes, the aroma was a mixture of cigarette smoke, perfume and hair spray.
"Alright girls?" James asked as he walked in. The girls gave a multitude of hellos back.
"James, where's Marco?" Orla asked.
"Dropping Michelle off at the school….. Orla, you look great!" James beamed.
"Ach, thanks James." She smiled warmly.
James then smiled warmly as he caught sight of Erin, who once again had donned her black dress, and blue silk neck scarf. She looked like a vision, he felt as if he'd seen her for the first time all over again. He flashbacked to the prom night where he'd thought the same thing as he did now. She was stunning. He considered himself the luckiest lad in Derry, being that he was going to be on the arm of the most incredibly beautiful girl in the city.
"…. What do ye think?" Erin asked James.
"I know I've already seen it, but…. wow." James smiled. Erin smiled widely at him as they gently embraced each other.
Clare beamed with glee at Laurie; seeing her in her azure blue dress, she mirrored the same warm smile. Taking each other by the hand, they gazed at each other with alluring eyes. Clare's earlier apprehensions were no longer at the forefront of her thoughts. She only saw the tremendous person who had been her rock, her friend, her partner, and this was their night to come out together as a couple.
"Feeling better now, babes?" Laurie asked.
"Aye, I am so." Clare answered.
"So, did ye have yer wee talk, Joe?" Gerry asked as Joe came to sit down on the sofa. Gerry had been sitting in the living room watching the TV. Joe sat without acknowledging him.
"Wasn't a wee talk. It was a man to man talk. Christ knows someone had to do it. I gave up years ago for the day to come when you'd finally grow a set!" Joe answered coldly.
"Da! Enough!" Mary snapped.
"James! Erin! Can we have a word?" Gerry stood up from the sofa. James walked into the living room with Erin by his side.
"It's been a long day. But I can't not say this. Whatever Joe said to ye, son. I second it. But for the love of God. As we said before…. Will both of ye…... will ye just… promise to be a bit more responsible? Cos it might surprise ye, but we really like ye James." Gerry stressed. Glancing between Mary and both Erin and James.
"Y-yes Gerry. We promise." James nodded.
"Aye, we will, Daddy." Erin echoed.
"Fair enough." Gerry smiled. Just then, they heard the front door open.
"That yourself, Marco?" Sarah called.
"Yep, is it safe to come….. in?" Marco stopped as he entered the kitchen.
Sarah smiled proudly as she saw the gawking expression on Marco's face as Orla's smile was wide and warm as her eyes met his. Seeing Orla in her purple evening suit for the first time; along with a yellow sleeveless halter neck top. Her hair was combed back with rows of small yellow and purple hairclips while her hair cascaded down and past her shoulders. Marco felt his heart pounding hard as he smiled widely and warmly at the colour clad choices Orla had made. To him, it suited her perfectly. They immediately wrapped their arms around each other as they came together.
"Well? …Do ye like the colours?" Orla asked Marco.
"…. You look…. amazing!" Marco beamed. Orla flashed her signature wide, pearly white smile.
After a few photographs. They were finally ready to get on their way to the valentine's disco. Joe couldn't help but notice that Orla seemed sheepish.
"Are ye alright there, Orla?" Joe asked. She frowned slightly as she looked at him. "What's the matter, love?" Joe asked.
"Aye, Orla. What's wrong?" Sarah asked.
Orla hesitated as her head began to throb, but she stole herself to say what he was thinking. "…. Ye not upset cos I didn't ask ye to take me to the disco this time, are ye Granda?" Orla asked, a look of worry in her eyes. Remembering how it genuinely warmed everyone had been when Orla chose to go to the prom with Joe as her 'Date'.
"Ach, Orla love. No, course I'm not…. Well, maybe just a wee bit. But who wouldn't, hi?" Joe said softly. He then smiled. Orla could tell when he was only joking. She moved in and hugged him warmly.
"Ye'll always be my favourite dance partner, besides yer Grandmother." Joe said.
"And you'll always be the fella I like the most, Granda." Orla said with affection, planting a kiss on his cheek.
"Thank ye love. That makes me the luckiest man in the world." Joe smiled at Orla. "And now, it's time ye make this fella the luckiest fella in the world." Joe smiled at Marco. Who handed Orla a yellow rose.
"Hello everyone." A bland voice stopped everyone cold.
"Jesus wept." Mary whispered.
"Oh shite!" Gerry huffed in despair.
"Sweet suffering Jesus." Joe said under his breath.
"Ach, Hi Uncle Colm. How bout ye?" Sarah waved as the others stared in despair at the mousy appearance of Uncle Colm.
"Well enough, thanks. Have a wee bit of a stomach upset, not to mention…. a slight pile blooming. By Jesus, my toilet doesn't know what's hit it in the past few days." Colm slowly explained. Making everyone groan collectively.
"Well, that's dinner out the window then!" Gerry wrenched.
"Save yourselves, wains." Joe ordered.
"Bye Uncle Colm. We're just off." Erin cut in. pecking him quickly, she lead James out the door. The others quickly followed, saying goodbye to Uncle Colm as they walked out the door.
The mammies gave the girls one final instruction not to spoil their outfits; while Marco drove Erin, James and Orla; Clare and Laurie drove in Laurie's car. With the parents now trapped with entertaining Uncle Colm latest escapade. The friends finally made their way back to Our Lady Immaculate. The crowd filed in steadily as the three couples made their way towards the gymnasium. The sound of thumping rave music could be heard. They glanced happy smiles towards each other as they entered the valentines disco.