Business at Our Lady Immaculate College was indeed undeterred despite the worldwide impact of the previous week. It was business as usual. However, Sister Michael stewed with annoyance as she waited on the phone, powerless against the newest problem she was compelled to deal with. She wondered to herself that if it wasn't for having to deal with the actual issues that arose when running a school the job would be very passable. Alas, the nun's wish of a problem free environment could not even be granted on the first day back, already having her fill of it. She stared up at the ceiling, waiting for someone to pick up the phone and put her out of her misery. The newly popular Elton John song of 'candle in the wind' had played 6 times already.
She growled desperately under her breath. "I swear if I ever meet that ginger Timmy Mallet lookalike, I'll take that pudding basin wig and shove it right up his…."
"Good morning Sister Michael." The caller finally picked up.
"Aaaaah, Father Ashton." The Nun exclaimed. Quickly switching her tone to a more amicable one. "And how might you be this morning?" Grimacing with repulsion, thankful that he couldn't see her.
"I'm well, thank you. And yourself?" The cheerful priest replied.
"Absolutely grand. I do happen to have a wee problem…." Sister Michael began.
"Well, I can't be helping ya there, sister. You best go and see a doctor."
"HAHAHA, sharp as always William….. Ye fecking prick." Sister Michael lowered her voice.
"What was that, Sister? My hearings a wee bit off."
"I said, Aye, that would do the trick." She said cheerfully. "Now, William…. Willy….. I do have a slight issue and I need your help." She said.
"Ach, well I try I best, Georgie. What's the bother?"
"I'm glad you asked. It's about the kitchen staff….." Sister Michael took a breath.
The September morning was overcast and cold as the girls jumped out of the car while James opted to stay inside the car while they made the usual stop at Dennis' wee shop on their way to start their last year at school. Marco clasped hands with James and called goodbye to the girls before making his way to the bus stop. Orla had noticed that he seemed quiet on this particular morning. He even seemed distant when kissing her goodbye. Orla made a beeline and grabbed Erin by the wrist with haste before she entered the shop.
"Erin, can ye grab us a Dip Dab and a Curly Wurly?" She quickly placed some money into Erin's hand.
"Catch yourself on. Why can't you do it?" Erin moaned. Seeing her look in Marco's direction, Erin melted at her pleading expression. "Aye, OK." Erin watched with concern as Orla ran after him.
Marco was startled as he was spun around, and Orla gripped him tight. He huffed with a smile as he reciprocated.
"Hey, what's up?"
"What's wrong Marco?" Orla asked worryingly.
"What?" Marco asked.
"I know that something's wrong. What is it?" Orla frowned at him.
Marco lowered his face. Realizing his demeanour was obvious. "….. It's nothing, really." He sighed.
"Then why won't ya tell me? What's wrong, Bear?" Orla frowned sadly, grabbing his hands, she made eye contact with him.
"It's just…. Look, I'll tell you later, OK?" He said. Orla said nothing. She shuffled awkwardly; she didn't want him to go looking so down. She then lowered his head and nestled herself in his hair, brushing the newly cut short back and sides against her cheeks. Just then, they were distracted by a pair of students staring awkwardly at them as they walked past.
"Jesus Christ! Looks like McCool's lost something in there!" One smirked.
"Aye, well I wouldn't imagine it's her brain!" The other shot, maying the first girl laugh. Orla felt Marco tense up.
"Oi! Ignore them. It doesn't bother me." Orla said, holding him.
"Well, it bothers me." Marco asked, clearly rattled. "I don't like people saying things like that about you." He admitted.
Orla smiled and hugged him warmly "Then just don't listen to it, I don't. I'm more bothered about you.
Marco melted and hugged her back. "Thanks, babe." He sighed. Orla then felt Marco shudder. "Are ye cold?" She asked.
"Just my head." He said. Orla stroked her hands over his bristly haircut. Brushing the rough texture of his shorter back and sides with her palms. "It's like ye have a wee hedgehog on yer head." Orla said. Marco broke into a laugh. "See, made ye smile again."
"If I have to go to work, can you come with me?" Marco asked.
"No, silly. I've got school."
"Shame."
"Ach, I got something that'll keep yer head warm." Orla reached into her rucksack and placed a monkey patterned woolly hat with a yellow bobble on top onto Marco's head.
"You seriously have a monkey woolly hat in your bag?" Marco laughed.
"Aye, it floundering out today. Also, it's looks cracking." Orla smiled. Shaking the bobble on the top. Marco smiled wide.
"GAAAAAEEEEETTTT AAAAOOOUUTTTT!" A loud voice was heard, they turned to see the same pair of snarky girls hurrying out of the shop in a panic.
"Did you hear that?!" Marco asked.
"That didn't sound that Dennis." Orla said, scrunching her face.
Michelle smiled proudly as she strutted out with Erin smiling and Clare shaking. "I gotta admit. That does feel pretty cracker. Mouthy wee fuckers!" She exclaimed.
"Was that you just then, Michelle?" James called, popping his head out of the car.
"Aye, fucking right it was! Good aye?" She smirked.
"Ya could have given me a warning, Michelle! I jumped outta skin just then." Clare moaned.
"Where's the fun in that?" Michelle shrugged, getting back into the car.
"Come on Orla, put Marco down now. We need to shift!" Erin shouted out.
"Ach, I gotta go." Orla frowned. "You're gonna be alright, aye?"
"Yeah, I'll be alright. Have a good one, ye wee Monkey." Marco smiled. Nuzzling her nose.
"Yeah, OK. See ya later, Bear. And don't lose that hat." Orla hugged him again.
"Oi! Aye tye! Nice hat!" Dennis called out, as he put out the morning newspapers. The bus then pulled up.
"What's the matter, Dennis? Are ya jealous?" Marco called back.
"Huh! Are ye joking? I wouldn't even sell such a crappy thing let alone admit owning it." Dennis smirked as he turned to walk back inside.
"Well, that's funny…. Cos I got this one outta your mum's drawers." Marco shot back.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Dennis yelled with rage. Orla laughed as Marco jumped on the bus.
"You are so mental!" Orla called up to the bus window. "But I love ye anyway!"
"I love you too!" Marco mouthed to Orla, blowing her a kiss.
As the bus pulled off. Orla rejoined the others in the car, devouring the Dip Dab as James parked up in the usual place. They walked up to the gates of Our Lady Immaculate College. Erin took in the moment.
"This is it, girls. The beginning of the end. We walked through these very same gates back in 1991…. And now we begin the last year." Clare nodded with agreement while Michelle furrowed her eyes at Erin.
"Oh fuck sake! She's getting dramatic again." Michelle sighed. James looked on, ignoring his cousin. He could see what Erin was trying to say.
"Once we step past this threshold, we will never have another moment like this for the rest of our lives. The new threshold awaits us on the other side. But we're ready, aren't we girls?" Erin asked the group.
"I know I'm ready to boke!" Michelle shot. "Come on, let's shift." She made her way past Erin and walked past the gate.
"Does anyone want the rest of my Curly Wurly, I don't really fancy it." Orla said sadly.
"Jesus, are ye alright, Orla?" Clare asked as they followed Michelle. Leaving Erin and James alone. She turned to see a distant look on James' face.
"What ye thinking so deeply for?" Erin asked. "Ye got something sarcastic to say like Michelle?" She shrugged.
"No, I think you made a good point. The last three years have been mental. But I remember hearing someone say. 'A straight line may be the shortest distance between two points, but it's by no means the most interesting.' James said.
Erin paused to take in what he said. She felt a familiar warm feeling build inside her. "That's a really good. I like that." She purred. "Who said that? Francis Bacon or someone?" She asked, leaning towards James.
"Actually, it was John Pertwee when he played Doctor Who." James wrapped his arm around Erin.
"Hmmm, interesting." Erin replied, biting her lip. "Maybe I should watch more Doctor Who." She suggested, smiling at her wee English fella.
"OI! Will you two stop feeling each other up and get in here?!" Michelle shouted from a distance. The young couple shrugged their shoulders and walked in.
The gang walked through the familiar corridors, seeing the usual faces and the apprehensive faces of the new generation of pupils on their first day. Walking into the main hall, they were suddenly startled as thy were flanked by a very panicky first year pupil, she had her blonde hair in a single ponytail with thick purple spectacles.
"Excuse me? Can any of yous tell me where I can find Jenny Joyce? I was told she was the head prefect, and she was going to tell us where we need to go for our first tutorial, but I'm absolutely lost in this place, and I don't want to make a bad first impression to the teachers!" She asked, her voice was shaking.
"Jesus, it's Clare in Polly Pocket form!" Michelle chuckled.
"I was just gonna say that." Orla eyes bulged. Moving in to further inspect the small pupil.
"Orla, give the wain some space." ErIn pulled her away before she took the girls spectacles.
"I don't look a thing like that!" Clare argued.
"She definitely sounds like you." Michelle quipped.
"It's hard not to argue, if I'm honest Clare." James chimed in. Clare pressed her lips together in annoyance.
"Aye, we'll help ya wain. But calm down. There's no need to have such a cack attack about it." Clare huffed, taking the wee girl with her.
The others stood stunned at what Clare had just said before they followed her into the hall. Indeed, it was business as usual. The pupils were gathering into the hall for morning prayers and assembly. The congregation of teachers sat up on the stage. Jenny Joyce was seen tapping the microphone to see if it was working. There were some familiar faces on the stage. But James spotted a new face straight away. She was talking with Father Peter, who was combing his ponytail back, seemingly flirting with the woman. The wee English fella gawked with amazement as Sister Michael then appeared on the stage, appearing indifferent as always to the morning assembly. The room fell silent as she stared out from the stage.
"Good morning girls. Here we are again. A new start. For the new first years. I would like you to bring your attention to Jenny Joyce, your Head Prefect. She has all the information you'll need for what rooms you will be stationed in for your tutorials. I suggest you pay close attention, because if for some reason, you're not sure, or simply choose not to listen…. Don't be knocking my door expecting sympathy. We're not here to wipe your…. tears away." Managing to stop herself.
"Also, as you can see we have a new face amongst the teachers. I would like to introduce you to Mrs Sadhbh. Your new English Language and Literature Teacher. Would you like to say a few words?" Sister Michael stepped aside as Mrs Sadhbh gladly stepped forward. Her distinct Dublin accent rang through the hall.
"Good morning girls. It's a real pleasure to be there again. I feel like I'm in the same spot as you first years out there, because not so long ago, at least, i'd like to think…." She chuckled. "I was in your position. I used to come to this very same school. And it was a grand time for me. And now I'm here as a teacher. Well, rest assured, I'll do my best to make sure we have a gas. See you girls around." She smiled warmly, stepping away from the podium, there was evident applause from Jenny Joyce and Aisling, as well as a smidgen of scattered claps from the assembly.
"Christ, Somebody Gas ME already." Sister Michael whispered, looking up.
"She looks very familiar." Orla whispered, scrunching her eyes.
"That's that Siobhan woman from the Gay bar, Orla. Your cousin Declan's flat mate." Michelle whispered. Orla snapped her fingers.
"She seems like a good craic." Clare said, smiling.
"Yeah, she seems really nice." James agreed.
"Yeah, a real craic." Erin huffed, staring daggers at the new teacher.
"Thank you Mrs Sadhbh. And now, all I can say is… brace yourselves. I would like to hand you over to Jenny Joyce and her… quartet." Sister Michael scoffed with despair. The foursome bounded on to center stage. "But may I please stress…. If you're going to be singing 'Candle in the wind' please tell me now!"
Jenny Joyce stood frozen. "Well, actually Sister, we were going to be singing just that." She admitted, smiling like only she could. The other members nodded with excitement.
"I thought as much. Well, in that case, we'll go straight into prayers." Sister Michael ordered. There was an obvious scatter of laughter from the assembled students as they gave the sign of the cross.
Erin began to feel a sense of trepidation as they sat in their form room following assembly. They were waiting to get their new timetable, once again, free periods and different classes would separate them again. Just then, her trepidation grew as Mrs Sadhbh walked in. Michelle scoffed as she spotted Jenny Joyce and Aisling walk straight up and introduced themselves to her. Beaming with enthusiasm, they greeted the new teacher. Mrs Sadhbh then walked straight up to James. He caught sight of her warm smile, her curly dark hair was styled in a ponytail, her sparkling green eyes met his.
"Well, hello again James." She said.
"Morning Mrs Sadhbh. Nice to see you again. Are you our new form tutor?" James asked pleasantly.
"I certainly am. And I hope we're not going to be having any issues." She said playfully.
"Uhh… I'm sorry?" James asked.
"Well, handsome young fella like yourself surrounded by all these girls. Hope Erin isn't the jealous type." She chuckled.
"Uhh, No. She's not." James said emphatically, he appeared to be blushing.
"Jury's still out on whether he's Gay though, Miss!" Michelle shot. Making some of the class members laugh. Erin shot an annoyed look at her.
"Alright, let's settle down girls." Mrs Sadhbh smirked and turned to sit at her desk.
The bus had been stopped by a roadblock, which added on for time in the midst of the morning rush hour. But Marco was relieved to finally get to Strabane. He walked through the doors of the restaurant with haste. He was quickly met by Mickey, the manager.
"Had a wee delay did ye, lad?" He asked.
"Yeah, sorry I'm late, Mick. There was a roadblock. I swear I could have walked here quicker." Marco replied.
"Yeah, well. Sorry to tell ya this lad, but ye best turn round and head back to Derry. I just had a phone call from Sister Michael. You're wanted at the school." Mickey informed him.
"You ARE joking, right?" Marco groaned but Mickey shook his head. "What she want me for?" He asked.
"You'll find out when ye get there, son. Now shift it. Oh, you'll need this." Mickey replied lightly. Handing Marco his knife collection.
Marco was puzzled but quickly about turned to make his way back to the bus terminal. Luckily, the bus he just stepped off was still there. He was soon on his way back the way he came. Luck was on his side on the return journey as the bus was allowed to go straight through the roadlblock. Stepping off the bus for the second time. Marco arrived back in Derry and made his way to Our Lady Immaculate College. Nearing Sister Michael's office. He could hear an annoyed, despairing voice on the other side of the door. Miss Mooney knocked on the door and they entered.
"Ach, thank God! He's here now. Yes, talk soon." Sister Michael hung up the phone. "Well, I must say you certainly took your time getting here." Sister Michael moaned.
Marco wasn't sure what else to say. "Uh, You did want to see me, right Sister Michael?"
"Yes, Marco. I'm in a bit of pickle. I came in today and found that the Kitchen staff we had from a neighbouring monastery weren't best pleased with their pay, but instead of talking about it, they went behind my back and walked out on me." She stressed.
"Ooooh dear. Some people!" Marco quipped sarcastically. "Why are you telling me this?" He asked.
"I'm telling you this because I've been hearing good things about you and your apprenticeship. Mick has told me you've moved on to the final stage a lot sooner than expected. Well done. You said you wouldn't let me down, and you've proven that. So, in the words of Don Corleone "Someday, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me." The nun quipped.
Marco chuckled. "Well played. And I take it that service is?" He dared to ask.
"To work here in the kitchen until I find a more permanent replacement." Sister Michael answered. "I'm not sure how long that will be, but you'll be doing me a great favour. I don't normally reach out to foreigners, but I'm a wee bit desperate." She admitted.
Marco was a bit taken back, but shrugged it off, knowing it wouldn't do any good to protest. "…. Right, no worries, Sister Michael. I'll take care of it."
"Very well, familiarize yourself and get to work. It's already 10 o'clock."
Marco went to leave, he then stopped and turned. "Oh, sister. Just one question. What's the job pay me?" He asked.
"In your case; Experience. That's what it pays. You'll get paid the same as you do on your apprenticeship. Consider yourself lucky. If I had my way, the kitchen staff wouldn't get paid at all." She huffed.
"Huh, and there's me wondering why they wanted to leave." Marco replied, walking out the office.
Erin was happy to snatch a quiet moment to herself as she read in the school library during her free period. The lunch hour was about to start. She had read an article about love language from a magazine her Aunt Sarah had but was now indulging herself in the book The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman which she managed to find in the town book shop. She pondered which of the five best suited her and James, for they had indeed done all of them. From quality time to words of affirmation, Acts of service, giving and receiving gifts, and physical touch- to which she smirked fondly at that, her mind then trailed off uncontrollably about when they would get another chance to…"Fuck a doodle doo!" Michelle broke her trail of thought before she could even start. Just as well. "What ye reading?"
"Well, it looks like a book." Erin shot sarcastically.
"Yeah, I can see it's a book. What's it a book about?"
"Relationships. You should give a try. It talks about the different types of love language that define what best suits you." Erin explained.
"Does it include riding?" Michelle asked.
"Well, there are more ways that define physical touch." Erin said.
"Hmm, tell me about it!" Michelle smirked.
"But it also explains how love language extends into family." ErIn explained.
"What, it says it's ok to ride yer own family members?! That's sick! Give us it here!" Michelle snatched the book out of Erin's hands.
"No, it doesn't say that! Honestly Michelle! Not everything is about riding!" Erin groaned.
"Bet you were thinking about it just now, aye?" Michelle pressed mischievously.
"I wasn't!"
"Ach, there's that face again. Get your mind off James' cocktail sausage and shift. It's lunch time."
Erin scoffed as Michelle got up from the table. She then agreed that she was also hungry. She quickly packed the book away and followed Michelle down to the hall. Erin felt her cheeks flush as she caught sight of James who smiled back as they met up with the others. Orla swayed with impatience as they queued up for lunch. Clare remarked on how nice the lunch smelt. The word was spreading down the line.
"Well, maybe Sister Michael finally got a proper cook in, about time too, I say." Erin remarked.
"Oh, thanks for the compliment!" The gang gawked together as they saw a familiar face smiling at them.
"Oh my God! The new dinner lady fella looks just like Marco!" Orla scrunched her face in disbelief.
"I knew she wouldn't recognise me in this get up!" Marco laughed.
"Orla…. that IS Marco!" Clare stressed. "Can you not recognise your own fella?"
"Bear, is that really yourself?" Orla asked, her face still astounded.
"Yeah, it's me." He laughed.
"Can't keep you away from this place, can we?" James chuckled. "What are you doing here?"
"He's fucking skiing, Genius!" Michelle shot. Rolling her eyes.
"Oi! Can yous lot move! We're fucking starving here." A voice in the queue shouted. Marco breathed with relief when he saw Father Peter and Sister Josephine come in to help him out.
"Never fear! Helps at hand, young Marco." Father Peter smiled.
"Thanks Father. Right, come on guys. What d'ya want?"
"What ye got?" Orla smiled.
"Soup, Cottage Pie, Chips and chicken nuggets down there, and I've made a batch of Lasagna."
"That's easy is that, give us chicken nuggets and Lasagna." Orla beamed. Marco happily obliged.
"Yeah, I'll have lasagna as well I f ye made it yourself." Clare smiled.
"Same." Erin and James agreed. "Mate, I'm gonna come talk to you when I'm done." James said before he walked on.
"Oi, that wee hat looks fucking ridiculous on ye!" Michelle laughed.
"Do you want me to spit in your food?" Marco quipped.
"Oh aye. Loads of phlegm please!" Michelle chuckled.
"God's sake Michelle, Yer making me feel sick over here!" Clare stressed as she walked on. Orla then doubled back.
"I think that wee hat looks cracker on ye." She reached over and pecked Marco's cheek. The girls in the queue wooed at Orla's bold move. She giggled as she walked off.
"Jesus, that has to be the world's biggest shit eating grin!" Michelle chuckled.
"You are really tempting me." Marco laughed. "Come on, what'd ya want?"
"Aye. Gone. Count me in on the lasagna. Are there any chips left?"
"They're coming out. Give us 5 minutes, I'll bring it over so you ain't gotta pay for it." Marco whispered.
"Ach, you legend!" Michelle smiled.
As the line began to die down. James took a chance to wander over to the serving hatch. He reached and happily clasped Marco's hand.
"So, what's the story here then?" James smiled.
"Kitchen staff walked out over pay. Sister Michael rang the restaurant and… here I am."
"You gonna be here permanent?" James asked.
"Uh… don't know. But it's all gonna go towards the apprenticeship." Marco answered.
"Brilliant. Seems to have gone well. Food was good. No one's thrown up…. Yet." James quipped.
"Yeah, that's a good sign, thank god." Marco laughed.
They jumped as they heard a clang to their left. Father Peter practically fell over himself to get to the counter. James and Marco were now watching the priest smiling like a cheshire cat at the new teacher.
"Ach, afternoon Miss Sadhbh." Father Peter said.
"Uh, actually, it's Mrs." She huffed, unable not to smile at the calamity.
"What am I saying? Of course, it's Mrs. How could such a charming lady NOT be married, or is it separated?" He suggested. The girls couldn't help but overhear them as they walked down the line.
"I hope that's not a hopeful thought, Father." Siobhan said playfully.
"Oh, I'm always hopeful." Father Peter tried to sound suave.
"I would have said hopeless." Sister Michael was suddenly standing next to Mrs Sadhbh. Staring blankly at Father Peter. "Come along, Siobhan, I'll save you." Rolling her eyes as they walked on. Father Peter turned to find Sister Josephine staring at him with her arms crossed. Siobhan then caught sight of James and Marco.
"Ach, hello again boys!" She said politely.
"'Hello, nice to…. See you again." James answered.
"Again?" Sister Michael asked.
"Oh yes. I've met James and Marco here on a… social basis shall we say?" Siobhan said, looking at them both.
"A social basis?" Sister Michael asked.
"Yeah! Mrs Sadhbh is sharing a flat with Erin and Orla's cousin, Sister Michael." James quickly interjected.
Sister Michael narrowed her eyes at James. "Hmmm…. Well. I'm not going to eat out of the cooking tray, Marco. Hurry along." She ordered. Marco promptly served her. "It's a good start. Just hope you're capable of cooking more than just Italian food." She remarked as she walked on.
"Is she always like that?" Siobhan asked.
"Oh no, most days she's in a bad mood." James quipped.
"Ach, that's good to know. Think I'll go for the lasagna, Marco." Siobhan asked. "Well. I'll leave you young men to it. See you in English class, James." Mrs Sadhbh smiled broadly at the wee English fella and walked on.
James smiled back and watched her walk on. He was then startled when Marco slapped his shoulder.
"What was that for?" James asked.
"Put your eyes back in your 'ead. You plonker! You were staring at her worse than Father Peter was." Marco laughed.
"I wasn't!" James argued.
"You bloody well was." Marco chuckled. "You better hope Erin didn't see you."
James huffed with defiance but quickly turned to see Erin was busy reading her book.
"Oh, there was one more thing."
"Tell Michelle I said no more free chips." Marco said.
"Actually, Orla asked if she could have some." James answered.
He smirked as Marco narrowed his eyes at him before dishing a plate up. After they agreed to talk later, James wandered back to the table with the plate of chips. Orla turned and smiled happily at Marco. James sat next to Erin, and while the girls chatted amongst themselves. He sat and began to question why he was looking at Mrs Sadhbh so intently.