It took Orla some time to get to sleep once she got home from the Mallon residence that night. While she was able to comfort Niall, she was emotionally drained from everything that happened. She'd never been involved in that sort of confrontation before, even the argument between Erin and Michelle over Niall didn't get that bad. She really did hope Ryan would change his feelings towards Niall. It didn't feel right for family to have such feelings towards each other. Even though Granda gave Uncle Gerry a hard time, it was still obvious he cared; he'd just never admit it. Alone with her thoughts, sleep took a long time come before she eventually dozed off to sleep.
Breakfast at the Quinn household was quieter than usual. Orla wasn't really talking, and was eating her food at an alarmingly slow rate. She seemed to be in this mood since having dinner at Michelle's house last night. Nobody was sure what to make of her mood, most of all Erin and Clare.
"Doin' alright there, Orla?" Erin asked in a concerned tone.
"Grand, so I am," Orla replied with no real emotion. "Why do ye ask?"
"Ye just seem a wee bit off," said Clare.
"Just had a wee bit of trouble sleepin' last night," Orla shrugged, taking the last few bites of her Pop Tart.
The two figured they shouldn't pester her too much on the matter. Maybe Michele and James would be able to answer that.
Like usual, the three had a stop by Dennis's Wee Shop to get whatever snacks they'd need for the day. Unusual was Orla not grabbing anything, not even Pick n Mix!
"Orla, ye didn't grab any Pick n Mix," Erin pointed out.
"Oh... just not in the mood for it, I s'pose," Orla shrugged.
"Not in the mood?" Clare shrieked quietly.
"What the fuck's up with this one today?" Dennis asked in an almost concerned tone. "Runnin' a fever or somethin'? I can't afford to be catchin' some sickness!"
"She's not sick," Erin replied. "I don't think. Orla? Ye feelin' sick?"
"I'm just not in the mood for anythin' right!" Orla exclaimed. "That a crime?"
"No... I s'pose it's not," Erin replied timidly.
"Ye best get her to a fuckin' doctor," Dennis said as they walked away.
The three made their way to the bus stop, with Orla walking a few feet behind Erin and Clare.
"What do ye s'pose is goin' on with Orla?" Clare asked. "Ye think it's... that time of the month?"
"For God's sake, Clare, ye can just say period," Erin groaned. "We all get 'em. And no... it's definitely not that. It's never made her like this. I'm not sure I've ever seen her like this. Hopefully Michelle and James can shed some light."
Michelle and James were at the bus stop before the rest, their expressions looking about the same as Orla's. The usually bombastic Mallon simply waved to everyone. The wee English fella gave Erin a light peck on the cheek, which was far less enthusiastic than other mornings when first seeing each other.
"Ok! I can't take it anymore!" Clare exclaimed.
"What the fuck is she on about?" Michelle asked, albeit in a more subdued tone.
"First, there's Orla not gettin' any Pick n Mix at the Wee Shop!" Clare shrieked on. "Now you's twos got faces like slapped arses! What in under God is goin' on!?"
"Calm the fuck down," Michelle groaned. "Will tell you's in a bit."
Boarding the bus, the Girls managed to get seats in the back where they could avoid as much prying eyes as possible. Michelle did most of the talking, with James chiming in occasionally for minor details, while Orla just stared out the window. Once finished explaining, the wee blondes had distressed looks on their faces.
"Sweet Jesus," Clare said quietly. "He really said all that?"
"Almost verbatim," James answered.
"Orla really slapped yer brother?" Erin asked in disbelief.
"He was red as a fuckin' tomato after, he was," Michelle replied.
"Then he just left?" Erin asked.
"Probably back in Belfast by now," Michelle shrugged.
The rest of the drive to school was silent.
It was Monday morning at Our Lady Immaculate College. Last week of school terms, and the last week for the class of 1998. Sister Michael seemed to have more of a spring in her step than usual.
"Monday Mornin' Announcements will be brief and to the point," the headmistress began. "It would appear the usual song and dance has been canceled, because Jenny Joyce has apparently lost her voice."
Most of the student body let out some snickers, as they all had a good idea as to why the head prefect/valedictorian lost her voice.
"It would appear prayers do get answered," Sister Michael said under her breath, although some may have still heard. "Anyway! It's the last week of school. So there's hardly anything to really bring up. Just do your best to stay out of trouble. I hope that's clear."
"Yes Sister Michael," every student said in unison.
The Girls avoided any sort of drama for the day, the major topic being about Aisling O'Connell having a go with David Donnelly on Jenny Joyce's bed after the dance. Last thing any of them wanted was to get involved.
Niall was doing his usual duties at Brooke Park, albeit at a slower pace than usual, still rattled from the night before. His parole officer, Fergal Tobin, came for a routine visit that afternoon. It was his second visit, and he got a kick out of all that had happened to his parolee in such a short period. Today, he definitely noticed the somber look on the young man's face. They greeted each other, took a seat, and Niall explained what happened.
"Fuckin' hell," sighed Fergal. "Seen that b'fore, i have. More than I'd like to have seen, hi. Family so close bein' torn apart from petty shite."
"Part of me can't really blame 'im," Niall shrugged.
"Don't ye be lettin' his words get to ye now," warned Fergal. "Compared to other fuckers out there I've dealt with over the years, ye're definitely at the top of the list of model parolees."
"I've only been out 2 weeks," said Niall.
"Shit, I've seen lads not make it a fuckin' day on the outside without gettin' themselves locked back up," retorted Fergal. "Trust me, ye're doin' good, Niall. Sounds like ye also got yerself cracker support too. Ye're luckier than most, only havin' the one person turn their back on ye."
"Christ, but I hope Orla's doin' alright," sighed Niall. "She put on a brave face last night, but I know it was a lot for her."
"Just do yer best to cheer her up," suggested Fergal. "Guessin' she'll pay ye a visit when school lets out. Surprise her with somethin'."
"That's a cracker idea," replies Niall with a warm smile.
As expected, Orla did stop by the park after school, the others tagging along. The usually energetic Golden Princess was still walking at a slower pace, only sporting a light smile when she saw her Champion, managing to only give him a light hug and peck on the cheek.
"Doin' alright there, Orla?" Niall asked softly.
"Grand, I am," Orla shrugged.
"We... heard about what happened yesterday," Erin chimed in.
"So sorry that happened, Niall," added Clare.
"Much appreciated, Girls," replied Niall with a warm smile.
He turned his attention back to Orla, her expression still dour.
"I got somethin' I need to go take care," Niall said to Orla directly. "Go have a seat over there. Won't take long, promise."
The Golden Princess gave a simple nod and her Champion gave her a quick peck on the cheek before running off.
As they sat down, Orla noticed this was the same bench she and Niall first met (well, after he got out of prison that is), which did help put a wee smile on her face. Erin sat left of her, while the others remained standing. Michelle was the first to notice her brother showing back up. He was clearly holding something behind him, and he gave her the sign to stay quiet. He slowly approached, stopping behind the bench.
"I'm back, Orla," Niall greeted. "But, don't turn around, hi."
"What's goin' on?" Orla asked, still facing forward.
"I got a wee surprise fer ye," he answered. "I want ye to close yer eyes first. No peekin' now."
The thought of getting some kind of gift, especially from her fella, was getting Orla excited. She immediately shut her eyes tightly, with Erin confirming they were closed.
Orla could hear Niall sitting next to her, her smile growing wider from the anticipation. She could hear her friends giggling, when she suddenly felt something soft lightly tapping her nose. She arched an eyebrow, but kept her eyes closed, then felt a few more wee taps to the nose. She slowly opened her eyes, coming face to face with an old looking monkey hand puppet wearing a white surcoat with a red cross pattern on the chest and wee helmet on its head.
"Hello there, me Golden Princess!" Niall exclaimed in a high pitched voice.
"Hello there, Mr. Monkey," Orla giggled.
"Ach! Mr. Monkey is me Da!" Niall replied. "Ye can call me Sir Chimpion!"
"Fuck-a-doodle-do," Michelle chuckled, then getting shushed by her friends.
"Pleasure to meet ye Sir Chimpion," Orla shook his wee hand.
"The pleasure is all mine, Golden Princess," Niall continued. "Yer fella, Niall, has told me lots about ye."
"Has he now?" Orla asked, blushing slightly.
"Aye, he has," replied Niall. "He says ye're the sweetest, funniest, most beautiful girl in all the land, he does!"
"Seriously, I'm gonna boke here," Michelle quipped to the others, who shushed her again.
"That's very sweet of 'im," replied Orla. "I think he's quite wonderful too, I really do."
"Ach! He'll be really happy to hear that, he will!" Niall exclaimed. "He also tells me ye've been feelin' a wee bit sad today? Hope ye don't mind me askin'?"
"I don't mind, Sir Chimpion," replied Orla. "Niall has a younger brother... and he's not too happy with a mistake he made years ago. He said some really mean things. I don't like seein' people I care about gettin' yelled at and insulted. I... I slapped his brother cos of those mean words. I feel a wee guilty over it."
"Ye don't need to feel guilty over it, Golden Princess," said Niall. "But the fact that ye do means ye're still a good person. I'm certain your Champion would think the same thing."
Orla gave Sir Chimpion a wee peck on the nose, then she wrapped her arms around her Champion.
"Thank ye," she whispered.
"Anytime," Niall whispered back.
Erin and Clare were misty eyed from what they just saw. James had a big smile on his face, even Michelle was smirking, though she was trying to hide it.
"Right, so, where the fuck did yet get that puppet?" Michelle asked.
"Folks leave shit behind all the time," Niall shrugged while still hugging his Golden Princess.
"Well, it was real class of ye," said Michelle.
Orla pulled away slightly from the hug to give her Champion a kiss on the lips.
After that, the week went by a wee bit more smoothly, especially with Orla in higher spirits. Basically every class was just a free period, with most teachers not really caring all that much, since it was the last week. Jenny regained her voice by Wednesday, and she was quick to assure Aisling that, despite the shock of seeing her performing the mattress mambo with David Donnelly in her own bed, this wasn't the end of their friendship. The only real issue was Myra Callahan and her cronies, who were mocking the shy girl any chance they got. The motivation seemed to be just because they could, it's all some bullies ever needed.
By Friday, their very last day, things finally came to a head. Lunch was ending, Aisling was simply walking past Myra's table, when a foot popped out from nowhere, tripping the shy girl and causing her glasses to fall off. As Aisling reached out for them, Myra stood in front of her and slowly cracked one of the lenses with her foot.
"Oops! So sorry, Aisling," said Myra with nary a hint of sincerity. "I didn't seem em there."
Aisling timidly clutched her now cracked spectacles, her eyes clearly starting to well up. A lot of other students were starting to notice.
"Aw, are ye gonna cry now?" Myra asked condescendingly.
"What's wrong with ye!?" Jenny exclaimed as she crouched down to embrace her best friend. "Aisling never did anything to ye, Myra!"
"How can ye still defend this goer, hi?" Myra chuckled. "She rode David Donnelly on yer own fuckin' bed, she did!"
"It's not like any of you's are innocent of not havin' a go with the fellas!" Jenny retorted with an unusually angry look in her eyes.
"Wow, didn't expect ye to actually grow a pair, Joyce," Myra smirked. "Color me fuckin' impressed."
"What the fuck do ye think ye're doin' there, Callahan?" a familiar voice suddenly asked.
Myra turned to see none other than Tina O'Connell standing not too far from her. To say her expression wasn't friendly would be an understatement. Everyone in the cafeteria was now watching.
"This is none of yer fuckin' business, Tina!" Myra exclaimed.
"It is when someone decides to harass my sister," Tina retorted. "Just like Jenny said, she's done nothin' to ye or yer gaggle of eejits. So ye best fuck off right now!"
Myra took a step towards Tina, there only a few inches away now.
"Ye may have had a growth spurt, but ye're still no Big Mandy!" Myra hissed.
"Ye wanna see how true that is, Callahan?" Tina replied in a calm tone. Her eyes briefly shifted from Myra then back, a smirk appearing on her face. "But, I think someone else is gonna beat me to it."
With a confused look, Myra turned around to see Orla standing not too far from her. It was a very similar situation to last week, only now the rest of the Girls were standing with her. The quirky Derry Girl's had a much more serious expression on her face than anyone there was used to seeing. Myra seemed unimpressed, letting out a chuckle.
"What? Ye got some random shite to say to me, mental case?" Myra asked harshly.
Erin and the others clearly took offense to Myra's remark, but the quirky Derry Girl's expression didn't change.
"Nah," Orla simply replied, a wee smirk spearing on her face. "I don't think words'll be satisfyin' enough in this situation. B'sides, they never seem to penetrate that thick skull of yers."
Those that could hear Orla's retort started chuckling, which definitely got a rise from Myra.
"Fine then!" she exclaimed. "Take yer best fuckin' shot, McCool!"
Orla then shrugged ever so slightly, and punched Myra right in the face. Everyone in the cafeteria let out audible gasps as she fell to her knees, both hands holding onto her noticeably bloodied nose.
"Holy shit!" exclaimed Erin.
"Sweet Jesus!" exclaimed Clare.
"Blood hell!" exclaimed James.
"Fuck-a-doodle-do!" exclaimed Michelle with a chuckle. "Ye really socked it to that bitch, Orla! A regular Mike fuckin' Tyson, ye are!"
The quirky Derry Girl then turned her attention to Jenny and Aisling, neither of whom has stood up yet. Both were very shocked by what they just witnessed.
"Are ye alright there, Aisling?" Orla asked in a calm voice, holding her hand out to the shy girl.
"I... I'm ok," Aisling fumbled to say as she took Orla's hand and stood up. "Thank ye, Orla."
"Ach! It was nothin'," Orla replied with a warm smile
Aisling immediately embraced Orla into a hug, with Jenny joining in.
"That wasn't nothin', Orla," Aisling said quietly, her voice trembling.
"Aye, it was extremely class of ye, Orla!" Jenny exclaimed as she hugged tighter.
"I'm just glad I could help," replied Orla, hugging them back.
"What in the name of sweet sufferin' Jehovah has happened now!?" Sister Michael exclaimed from the cafeteria entrance.
The headmistress stood there with a glare that could put the fear of God in any living creature. As she walked, students moved out of the way like Moses parting the Red Sea. She looked at Orla, Aisling, and Jenny embracing one another, then looked at Myra on the floor, one of her friends finally bringing something to help with the bleeding, then she looked at Erin and other Girls.
"I was in my office but a moment ago," Sister Michael began, her voice unusually calm. "Enjoyin' my lunch. Thinkin' of how wonderful it was bein' the last day of the school year. Thinkin' how there's no possible way anythin' could happen. No way any student would cause some needless drama. When suddenly, some student comes rushin' in to inform me that some other girls are causing a problem in the cafeteria. I didn't even need to guess who was involved."
She gave another glance towards Erin and company, then to Orla, Aisling, and Jenny, then to Myra.
"I'm only goin' to say this once, and ye best listen carefully," her voice raised slightly. "All those involved in this... situation... ye have 10 minutes to meet me in my office! Ye better not make me come lookin'!"
"Why 10 minutes?" James suddenly asked.
"Ye're such a dick," Michelle said under her breath.
"Because I want to finish my lunch, Mr. Maguire," replied Sister Michael. "Is that a problem?"
The wee English fella shook his head rapidly. The head mistress rolled her eyes and walked out of the cafeteria.
A few moments later, the Girls, Jenny, Aisling, Tina, Myra and Filomena were waiting in the hallway leading to Sister Michael's office. Aisling had her glasses back on, with the left lens not being cracked. Myra was tilting her head back, with a rag pressed against her nose.
"You's all didn't have to come with me," said Orla. "I'm the one that punched Myra."
"Catch yerself on, Orla," Erin replied. "We're not gonna let ye go in there alone."
"Goes with that whole pack animal shit," said Michelle, the others nodding in agreement.
"Are we suddenly invisible?" Tina chimed in.
"It's a wee bit of a surprise to see ye come along honestly," said Clare.
"Orla stood up for Aisling," Tina shrugged. "Seems only right."
"Do ye really think ye'll get out of this scot free!, McCool!?" Myra exclaimed, her voice sounding off from holding her nose. "Everyone saw ye hit me!"
"After ye told Olra to take her best fuckin' shot!" Michelle retorted with a chuckle.
"I think we should all keep calm now," said Jenny.
Before anymore verbal attacks could be exchanged, Sister Michael's office door opened. There stood the headmistress of Our Lady Immaculate College, her expression as stern as ever.
"Ladies," was all she said.
It was enough to get everyone shifting themselves inside, a light smirk appeared on her face from said response as she closed the door behind them.
Everyone stood there as Sister Michael took a seat behind her desk. She turned her chair to meet her students nervous gazes.
"Every year, I hope that the students of this school have enough sense to not cause trouble during the last week of terms," she began. "And every year, someone causes some sort of ruckus. It's not always on the last day. But it still occurs during the last week. This is far from the first incident of a student punching another student, and I highly doubt it will be the last. No doubt all of you have your own Rashomon style version of the events that transpired in the cafeteria a moment ago. Fortunately, this year, that will be unnecessary."
The headmistress then picked up a remote and motioned everyone's attention to a nearby tv.
"After last year's computer theft," she said, eying particular students in the process. "I took the liberty of having CCTV cameras installed."
While everyone suddenly looked a wee bit more nervous, Myra Callahan in particular was looking the most nervous.
The headmistress hit the play button on the remote, and the black and white footage started up.
"Here, you can see Aisling O'Connell walkin' along the cafeteria, nary a care in the world," Sister Michael began, giving live commentary. "When all of a sudden, a wee foot sticks out from a nearby table. Eagle eyed viewers will notice said food belongs to none other than Filomena Finnegan"
Michelle was doing her hardest to hold in her snickering.
"Naturally, this causes Aisling to fall," Sister Michael continued. "Her glasses immediately slip off her face. Then walks over Myra Callahan." The headmistress pauses the tape briefly to eye Myra, whose pale complexion is probably not caused from the bloody nose. The tape continues. "Miss Callahan then proceeds to intentionally step on Aisling's glasses. There's no audio, and I can't read lips, but this exchange definitely doesn't appear friendly. In walks Jenny Joyce, doing what any friend would do, provide comfort.
Jenny squeezes Aisling's hand, who gladly squeezes back.
"More presumably unfriendly chatter occurs," she continues. "Then walks over Tina O'Connell, no doubt unhappy that her older sister has been treated so poorly, given her expression. Then, after some more unfriendly chatter, we see Orla McCool walk up behind Myra. Her expression a very rare one. I dare say, a very unhappy one. Wouldn't you agree, Miss Quinn?"
"Definitely not, Sister," Erin replied.
"Finally, we reach the end," she continued. "As we can all clearly see, Orla punched Myra right in the face. Which leads you all here."
Sister Michael then turned off the video, leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes, let out a sigh, then looked back at her nervous students.
"It's the last day of school," she began. "Those involved in this altercation will be graduating tomorrow. So, I see no reason to actually do anything about this."
"Then why'd ye call us in here?" Michelle asked.
"I only recall asking those involved in the altercation to come to my office, Miss Mallon," Sister Michael retorted. "I called those involved in to show that I had video evidence of what transpired today; in case anyone tried to tell their parents otherwise. The rest of you's came on yer own."
Michelle couldn't argue that.
"So, Orla isn't bein' punished, Sister!?" Myra exclaimed.
"For what exactly, Miss Callahan?" Sister Michele asked. "Coming to the aid of a fellow classmate, who was bein' bullied?"
"Can't argue with that, eh Callahan?" Michelle asked sarcastically.
"Piss off, Mallon!" Myra shouted.
"That's enough!" Sister Michael exclaimed, slamming her hands on her desk as she stood up. "This isn't even your first instance of bullying classmates, Miss Callahan. But, this is the first time I have proof of you doing so. Had this not been your last day ever at this school, I would've expelled you and felt not an ounce of guilt for it. Hopefully you feel some guilt for your cohort here receivin' a week's summer detention."
"What!?" Filomena shouted.
"It's not your last year, Miss Finnegan," Sister Michael explained. "You've still got one more year. Your mother, who teaches here, will no doubt punish you, but I must make an example as well."
Neither bullies could retort with what they'd just been told.
"Right," sighed Sister Michael. "Filomena, take Myra to the infirmary to get that nose looked at. After that, the two of you's will spend the rest of the day in detention. Off with you now."
The two bullies silently left the office.
"Can you see with one workin' lens, Aisling? "Sister Michael asked.
"Yes, Sister Michael," Aisling answered. "The cracked lens is my worse eye. I have an extra pair at home."
"That's good then," replied Sister Michael. "Jenny, stick by her in case her vision starts to bother her. You's two and Tina can go back to classes. I need to speak to rest alone."
As Jenny, Aisling, and Tina left, the Girls looked confused as to why they needed to be spoken to alone. The headmistress walked to in front of her desks and crossed her arms.
"B-beg yer pardon, Sister," Clare fumbled. "But... why did ye need to speak with us alone?"
"Christ, Clare," groaned Michelle.
"The last few years have been... interestin'... to say the least," Sister Michael began. "And you lot have been at the center of it in one way or the other."
"Right... but... in this instance," Clare fumbled some more. "We weren't the instigators."
"Relax, Clare, you're not in trouble," Sister Michael reassured the wee lesbian. "I just wanted a private word with you five. What I say now... does not leave this room. I'll deny it regardless."
The Girls looked even more confused than before.
"I'm extremely proud of you lot," Sister Michael said with a warm smile.
Scratch that, they looked EVEN MORE confused now!
"What?" James asked.
"Excuse me?" Erin asked.
"Huh?" Michelle asked.
"Aw, that's real sweet of ye!" Orla exclaimed with her own warm smile.
"Oh my God, Girls!" Clare shrieked. "We finally did it! We've driven her mad!"
"It'd take more than the five of you's to drive me mad, Clare," Sister Michael Retorted. "Though it definitely felt like you came close at times."
"But, what are ye proud of us for?" Erin asked arching an eyebrow.
"I've been at this job for a good while now," Sister Michael began. "I was the same age as you's when I began my training to be a nun."
"Fuck me," Michelle blurted out, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"Yes, people outside my vocation are often surprised to hear we often start quite young," Sister Michael continued. "I've been at Our Lady Immaculate College for 15 years now, 10 years as the headmistress."
"Grand," said Orla.
"Indeed," Sister Michael agreed. "Goes without saying I've been responsible for the wellbeing of many girls. I've seen a fair share ruin their lives, whether it be from unplanned pregnancies, drugs and alcohol, or taking part in this senseless conflict. I've seen friendships and families ruined for the same reasons."
The headmistress turned to her desk to pour a bit of that whiskey she'd shared with Niall the week prior. She took dipped it back and let out a satisfying sigh.
"Then there's you lot," she continued. "You've caused plenty of drama, that is for certain. But, you've also stuck by each other through so many obstacles. One of you gets picked on, the rest will come to their aid. You're even willin' to stick up for those who you rarely see eye to eye with. Because of all that... I'm extremely proud of you's. But again, I'll never admit to it outside this office."
Sister Michael was surprised, yet again, by a strong hug from Orla.
"I'm gonna miss ye so much, Sister Michael!" Orla exclaimed. "I truly am!"
"That's very sweet of you, Orla," Sister Michael replied with a hug. "Now then, you all best be finishin' your last day. Off with you now."
The Girls left the office with big smiles on all their faces. Sister Michael also had a smile on her face, as she sat back in her chair and had another drink.
"Christ, but I hope I'm not still workin' here when their wains are old enough to attend," she groaned.