Erin's thoughts carried over into her prayers during Sunday mass. She looked up and prayed to find the strength she needed. Following Mass, Michelle stole a chance to urge her again to pluck up the courage, or words to that effect.
"Dry your eyes, grow a set of fucking balls and just ask them!" Michelle has said so eloquently.
Back at the house, while the rest of the family were downstairs; Erin paced back and forth in her bedroom, her stomach began to squirm from abject fear at the thought of asking her Mammy to allow her to go away for a camping trip with James, even though they would all be going with the rest of the group.
The situation was far more different from the previous outdoor pursuit weekend which involved the protestant boys. Erin vividly recalled the aftermath of that weekend, along with the embarrassing warning given to them before they'd set off about not getting pregnant. But now that warning would sound valid in her Mammy's eyes. Erin was convinced in her own mind, due to one of the members of the camping party being her actual boyfriend now, and the storage room fire incident still fresh in their minds. Erin resigned herself that this was a losing battle before it even started.
The situation did not just involve Erin's relationship with James, but Orla's relationship with Marco. While Erin was able to recall how both James and Marco had been respectful towards them both, her thoughts then shifted onto Orla. Knowing that she'd been alone in Jim's house the night before with Marco, Erin began to wonder, given that they had the opportunity but clearly didn't take it; she wondered if Orla was even at the point of taking the big step in her relationship with Marco. Erin knew she herself was most certainly ready, at least she thought, and felt that she was.
Her mind then shifted to the subject of moves. While she had admitted in the past that she didn't really have any moves, per say. Erin had certainly picked up a few moves along the way, going with what James responded to whenever they were alone together. She was equally thankful to find that James did indeed possess some moves. Her mind shifted again to the times where the wee English fella had surprised her with his ever-growing confidence, and boldness.
"Where did James learn those moves? She thought, smiling to herself. "Did Marco teach him or something?" Her trail of thought was suddenly interrupted.
"Erin! Can ye come down here, now!" Mary called.
Erin's spine trembled at the tone of voice her mammy had used. She quickly made her way downstairs, not knowing why she was being summoned, but knowing that the moment of truth was upon her.
"Wh... what is it, Mammy?" Erin forced out as she now stood in the kitchen, feeling her knees wobble.
"Well, I don't know, Erin. You tell me. I've just finished having a wee conversation with both Deidre and Geraldine on the phone, so I have. Something about all yers wanting to go on some camping trip…. Including the boys?" Mary asked sternly.
Erin's eyes grew wide with horror, quickly snapping her head towards Orla who sat reading one of her Mammy's magazines while Sarah braided her hair at the kitchen table. She then looked towards her Da, who surprisingly seemed reclined. Erin felt that she could have reached and strangled Orla there and then for not warning her. Now she was stuck in the crossfire through no fault or action of her own. Unsurprisingly, Erin struggled to find the words to answer the question, they were jammed in her throat. With only her bulging eyes and contorting expression to express how awkward and nervous she felt.
"Well, Erin? Don't keep us in suspense. Honestly, Mary, I swear that wain is just subnormal sometimes." Sarah said, not turning away from braiding Orla's hair. "Did I use the right word there, love?" Sarah asked Orla, who hummed a yes answer.
Erin was flabbergasted that such a word was used to describe her. And of all people, it had been her Aunt Sarah to use it. Finally finding her voice, Erin turned to face Mary.
"Yes, well…. we were chatting about it last night, so we were. And after Orla had suggested it…." Erin amplified. "We thought about doing something together now that exams have finished…. Also, with Clare still being here, we thought we could…" Erin felt herself cracking under the ever-knowing gaze of Mary.
"Could what exactly?" Mary asked, her arms crossed, holding the wooden spoon.
Erin crumbled under the pressure. The sight of the wooden spoon was enough for her to know better than to answer that question, yet she was unable to skirt around the sensitive issue. While Orla and Sarah just stared at her. Anna couldn't help but laugh at the straining, contorting nervousness her older sister was showing.
"Erin making funny face again, Mammy." Anna giggled. Erin couldn't help but shoot an annoyed look at her little sister. Anna then scooted off into the living room.
"Aye, That she is." Mary said coldly.
"Erin, can ye not just come out and ask us? Are ye asking if we'd say yes to you all going camping, including James, and Marco?" Gerry asked empathically.
"Aye, we are, Uncle Gerry." Orla perked up. "Are ye ok with it, Mammy?" Orla asked.
"Aye, I think it's a grand idea, so it is, love." Sarah said in support, patting Orla's shoulders.
"I'm sorry?! Are ye actually listening to yourself?" Mary shouted at her.
"Ach, Mary. Ye know how much Orla thrives in the outdoors. The wains have worked hard on their exams, so they have. What harm can it do?" Sarah innocently queried.
"Ach, I think ye missing a big factor here, Sarah. The wains are talking about going camping, with their boyfriends…. Do I need to spell it out anymore for yer?" Mary was completely baffled.
"Aye, I know what yer getting at, Mary. Honestly, ye think I came up the Foyle in a bubble sometimes." Sarah shook her head.
"So, what are ye saying? Are ye saying that you'd trust them?" Mary asked.
"Aye I do, Mary." Sarah answered. "You've said so yourself that ye were glad Erin found herself a nice respectful lad like James. And I can say the same for Marco. They're good lads, and they've respected our wishes, so what's the bother?" Sarah said.
Mary was completely taken aback with Sarah's position. In the past, she had known her sister to quickly back her up when it came to cautioning the girls. Erin was just as baffled, as much as she scoffed at some of the things that her Aunt Sarah had said in the past, she was genuinely thankful that someone was on their side for once.
Gerry sat and thought back to the incident on valentine's day and remembered the chat he and Mary had had about Erin. When they had enforced the emphasis of exercising caution in the past, they couldn't deny that apart from the fire incident, they had done as they were told. But they also couldn't escape the fact that their daughter and niece were indeed edging closer to young adulthood, and the time was coming where they would have to take a step back and allow them that freedom, whilst hoping they would still exercise caution.
"….. Mary. I know this might not be what ye want to hear, but I think Sarah does have a point." Gerry spoke up.
"Ach, thanks Gerry." Sarah said.
Mary glanced at her husband. Scowling at first but could feel her eyes begin to frown. She turned away towards the cooker. Erin watched as her mammy attempted to distract herself by tending to the Sunday dinner. Shifting over to the oven. Mary inspected the roast potatoes. She stood still after closing the oven door. Taking deep breaths to calm herself. Erin felt astounded; now she had both her Da and Aunt Sarah backing them. Gerry walked over to Mary and rubbed her shoulders. Mary slowly turned.
"Well….. we will need to discuss this a wee bit more." Mary admitted apprehensively.
"Aye, OK. We understand Mammy." Erin replied, frowning ever so.
"Don't be like that, Erin. Ye have to respect that this is a big issue we need to discuss." Gerry said.
"Aye, we understand, Aunt Mary. No worries, Uncle Gerry." Orla answered, she shifted to Erin to hug her tightly. Erin scoffed with a smile as she shook her head.
Gerry sighed nervously, knowing there was one other person who'd certainly have an opinion on all this. At that point, Joe walked through the door with cousin Eammon and Uncle Colm in toll. He had gone to drive them around for Sunday dinner and had left church slightly early to do so. But not before catching a sneaky peak of James and Marco's football match over at Brook Park. Mary drew in another deep breath before she heard the drooling sound of Uncle Colm's voice.
"Afternoon everyone." Colm said, walking into the kitchen.
"Hiya Uncle Colm. How's it been?" Mary strained to ask.
"Aye, how bout ye, Uncle Colm?" Sarah asked.
"Not grand, but not terrible. I guess." Colm answered.
"I'm sure there's a story as to why that is….." Gerry said, spying the exhausted look on Joe's face.
"Hiya Eammon, how bout ye?" Mary asked, stopping Colm before he could start.
"Ach, never better Mary. Fine and dandy! Boiler's been acting up, haven't had a hot shower for the past few weeks, had to resort to boiling the kettle numerous times just to run myself a bath, so I have." Eammon said to an awkward silence. "So, what's the craic over on this side?" Eammon asked.
"Ach, we were just discussing the girls going on a camping trip." Sarah explained.
"Ach, grand idea girls. Just yourselves out in the wilderness. Mammy herself loved the outdoors, so she did. Couldn't get enough of it. Always said the fresh air breathed new life into her, so it did." Eammon said.
"But isn't she dead now, cousin Eammon?" Orla asked.
"Orla!" Mary scolded.
"Aye. Aye. Still dead, I'm afraid." Eammon replied.
"What does he mean, still dead?" Gerry asked.
"….. and the girls were saying they'd be taking a camping trip with their friends, and their wee English boyfriends." Sarah said. Eammon was slightly taken aback.
"Ohhh, Ho.. Ho…. Ho…. I really think ye should say something about this, Gerry!" Eammon said suddenly.
"I beg yer pardon?" Gerry asked.
"Well, letting these girls going off on some dirty weekend with some random English fellas? Ho… Mammy wouldn't be too best pleased about that, she will not." Eammon exasperated.
"They're not random English fellas for Christ's sake!" Erin shouted.
"Oi, less of the cheek, you!" Gerry shot.
"There's no chance of it being a dirty weekend. it's hasn't rained for weeks now, cousin Eammon. I won't even need to take my wellies with me." Orla shrugged.
"Ach, well that's all the same…. But I think we all know what those English types are all about! I haven't even met the wee buckos yet, and I'm already suspicious!" Eammon asked.
"What in God's name are you on about?!" Joe shouted at Eammon. Colm stood silently, watching the drama unfold.
"James is not a random fella, Eammon! He's our Erin's boyfriend! Ye've met James loads of times! He was at yer Mammy's wake, so he was." Mary shot.
"Aye, and Marco is Orla's boyfriend. Ye met him last year at Christmas, so ye did, Eammon!" Sarah said.
"Did I now?" Eammon asked, looking at Gerry in confusion.
"Aye! Ye did so!" Gerry exclaimed.
"And…. that's who yer going with?" He asked, looking at Erin and Orla.
"Yes!" They answered.
"Oh right… well done!" Eammon said. Colm then decided to speak.
"Now I think I beg to differ with yer there, Eammon, if my memory serves me correctly… The last time I checked… Orla was going with some ayetalian lad called Marcel. Did ye get yourself another boyfriend, Orla?" Colm asked.
"What is going on, Erin?" Orla asked desperately, shaking her head in confusion.
"No. Colm! It's the same lad and Marcel isn't his name, it's Mar…Co!" Gerry stressed.
"Is it now? Ach, well. Ye live and learn." Colm answered.
"Is that who you've been talking about?" Joe asked. "For feck's sake! He's been rattling on the whole time about some Marcel fella. I told him for the life of me I hadn't a baldy's who he was talking about!" Joe huffed.
"And before ye say anything, Da. Michelle and Clare will be there with them!" Mary intervened.
"And I bet you've said sweet fanny fuck about it!" Joe shot at Gerry.
"Da! Not now!" Mary snapped.
"As a matter of fact, I have, Joe. We're gonna discuss it later, privately…. About… tackling the situation." Gerry suggested gently. Erin frowned while Orla acknowledged what her uncle had said.
"Ohhh. Boundaries, do ye mean? Oh, that's a grand idea, so it is Gerry!" Eammon said. Gerry rolled his eyes, perplexed at the sudden change of tune from Eammon.
"Will you shut yer bake, ye great streak of piss!" Joe snapped at him. "I know there's one boundary I wish I put up years ago!" Joe huffed, glaring at Gerry.
"ALRIGHT! That's enough talk about this. I need to get on with dinner. Everyone go on about yer business." Mary ordered.
Erin and Orla wondered into the living room. They sat with Anna who was watching the newest '101 Dalmatians' film on a video. While the youngest Quinn was telling them which one of the multitude of puppies looked like Coco Pops; Joe sat in his armchair, hoping for a peaceful Sunday afternoon before dinner. Those hopes were quickly dashed when Uncle Colm sat down on the sofa and started talking.
Mary shared the same sentiment as her Da when Sarah began spouting a tale about a customer in the salon who had a mishap with a hair dye choice. Joe slowly turned his head towards his brother, he frowned desperately knowing there was no retreat.
"… So, as I was saying in the car on the way here, Joe…. I was on my way into the town, so I was… Going towards Pump Street to buy myself a cream horn. Now ye know very well, Joe…. I am particularly partial to a cream horn, compared to an apple turnover…."
Eammon and Gerry had now come into the living room, trying to zone out what Colm was talking about.
"… So, there I was…. standing in the queue…. Waiting my turn to buy myself that very same cream horn… And I remember saying to myself says I - Colm, there might be a fair chance that ye might not get a cream horn today, seeing as it's absolutely rammed inside the bakers. - But I was undeterred, as I really fancied a cream horn on this particular day…. But to tell the truth, I would be fond of a cream horn on any day…."
Erin stared in despair as did Gerry. Orla was too hooked into the film with Anna to pay any heed to the story this time as they sat on the floor together, their eyes fixed on the TV.
"… So, as I was standing there…. Having a conversation with the young lady behind the till…. When an aul fella…. Although by comparison to myself…. He was younger…. But aul enough for people to look at him and say - Look at that aul fella! - walked right up to me and proceeded to shout and swear at me…. Ranting and raving so he was!"
"Jesus wept; I wonder why?" Gerry asked ironically.
"And it was at this point, did the Baker, who was distinctly younger than the aul fella, then proceeded to swear back at him…. And said to the aul fella says he -Get out of my shop, yer Orange marching bastard!"
"Ohhhhh! Shifty fellas, so they are, those Orange fellas, Colm." Eammon said.
"They are indeed! ….. And I remember standing there watching this whole affair unfold before my very eyes…. and eventually the Orange Order fella walked out the bakery…. And no sooner had he left…. Did this young lad barge straight past me and out the door concealing a small white paper bag….. And I remember saying to myself says I – That's very peculiar. – So, I turn towards the till lady to order myself a cream horn…... but Lord behold, they'd sold out. And I remember saying to myself says I – Christ, but the Orange Order did indeed cost me the last cream horn in the bakery, so they did! - So, I then had no choice but to settle for an apple turnover instead." Colm concluded.
"Colm. Are ye honestly trying to say to us that the Orange Order deliberately prevented ye from getting a cream horn?" Joe asked.
"I think that's exactly what they motive was, Gerry." Colm answered.
"That is sooo out of order of them, so it is! And I thought they were class as well!" Orla shook her head in disappointment.
"Shut up Orla!" Erin whispered.
"Is there even a moral to this story, Colm?" Gerry felt compelled to ask. Colm pondered for a minute.
"… Well, if there is, Gerry…. I guess what they say is true when they ask the question; what the difference between an apple and an orange is." Colm shrugged.
"For the love of God, Daddy, make it stop!" Erin whispered in despair.
"Why? What is it they say, Colm?" Eammon asked.
"Why? For the love of God, Eammon. Why?" Gerry now whispered in despair.
"The difference being that there's no such thing as an apple bastard!" Colm said. The family glanced at each other, not knowing what to think. Joe rolled his eyes and took his leave to go to the bathroom. A cracking static noise was then heard.
"…. Cheeky Monkey! Cheeky Monkey! This is Polar Bear and Doctor Who! Do you read me? OVER"
"What that?" Anna asked. Orla beamed a smile. Reaching into her jacket inside pocket, she pulled out the walkie talkie.
"Polar Bear! Doctor Who! This is Cheeky Monkey! Receiving ye loud and clear. How did ye get on?" Orla asked excitedly.
"Cheeky Monkey, this is Doctor Who…. tell the General we won 3-2." Came the answer.
Orla giggled cheerfully. "Ach, that rhymes, James! Well done lads, that's class!"
"Are ye lads over at Jim's now?" Erin asked in haste, grabbing the walkie talkie from Orla.
"Uhhhh this is Polar Bear speaking, that doesn't sound like the proper code!" the voice teased, Erin supressed herself, unable to stop herself smirking slightly.
"Alright then yer great awkward dose! This is Firecracker here, are ye back now?" Erin said.
"… Yes, Firecracker, this is Doctor Who confirming we're back." Came the answer, Erin smiled as she recognised the chuckling voice.
"Mammy, how long till dinner's ready?" Erin called. "The lads are back, we just wanna go see them."
"40 minutes or so, but don't be over there long. Deidre told me the lads are going to hers for dinner." Mary ordered. Nodding, Erin and Orla gathered themselves together quickly and made their way across the road to Jim's house. Gerry began to snigger to himself while Anna came to sit next to him while Colm and Eammon had moved into the kitchen.
"Where are the girls?" Joe asked, coming back into room, he sat back in his armchair.
"They're just across the road, General." Gerry smirked. "The lads won their game 3-2!" He then said.
"Did they now? Ach, that's grand! They were 2-0 down at half time." Joe smiled jovially.
The old patriarch smiled to himself, pleased to hear the lads had turned the game around. He then turned and smiled at the photograph sitting on the sideboard. A picture he'd stopped to stare at so many times with affection. The photograph of his late wife, Marie smiled back at him. He then flashed back to a time when he and Marie had been parents to teenage daughters, a time that seemed like yesterday to him, a time where his own daughters were on the threshold of adulthood, and he had found himself in the same position that Mary and Sarah had now found themselves in.
While Sarah had strong traits of their mother, not caring about class, or origin, simply accepting people as they are. Mary most certainly had the same overprotective nature as he did. He reminisced to how they had tried so hard to just live and simply get on amidst the chaos of the troubles. Where persecution, prejudice, and animosity were as common as breathing air. Joe then remembered what Marie would be able to anchor his temper and quick judgement. No matter how hard he tried, she would not be moved in her position. The one thing he would never admit to Gerry was how right she actually was. He could hear her voice echoing in his head as clear as day.
"I don't care what ye think, Joe. She likes the fella, and Gerry's a nice fella, so he is…."
"Don't you be talking to me about the free state thing again…. He could come from Timbuktu for all I care…."
"I couldn't give a shite what people might say, Mary loves him, and that's all there is to it!"
"Catch yourself on, Joe! Ye can't stop life going on…."
"If he's everything our Mary says he is…. Then ye have nothing to worry about…. trust them, Joe….Joe…. Joe….."
"Joe? Are ye alright there, Joe?" Gerry asked, seeing the distant look on his father-in-law.
"…. Aye, I'm fine." Joe said.
There was silence between them again, only the sound from the TV filled the room. Joe allowed his mind to drift again about the changing times. After the announcement of the ceasefire, finally halting decades of killings, and the prospect of peace of the horizon; Joe felt relieved that his granddaughters may be spared the same struggles that the previous two generations of the family had endured through. They were on the verge of facing a brighter future than they could have ever imagined. Despite his instincts in the past to fend off any person who would cause his daughters or granddaughters any possible harm. Marie's word rang loudly in his mind.
Joe looked to see Mary and Sarah peering out the living room window with just the net curtain in front of them, Sarah smiled warmly with a lit cigarette in her hand, while Mary did her job, keeping a watchful eye on the girls, as she'd always done for the past 17 years. Joe could see the unrest in Mary while seeing the prideful smile coming from Sarah. Gerry had thought to go over and comfort Mary, but thought better of it, not wanting Joe's overprotective vigilance to ignite again, which had been the case for more than 20 years. Joe slowly walked over and stood behind both Mary and Sarah. He was just able to catch sight of Erin and Orla outside through the net curtain, they were chatting and laughing away with James and Marco. He smiled at them as he stood with his daughters.
"It's hard to let go, isn't it, love." Joe said.
"Aye…. But it's more than that, Da." Mary admitted sadly, biting her lower lip to stop it from quivering.
"What do ye mean, Mary?" Sarah asked.
"I know what she means, Sarah. I went through the same thing when you two were their age. They don't stay as wains forever, no matter how much ye wish them to, there's no stopping it. And there comes a time when ye know ye can't always be there to protect them."
Mary soaked in what Joe was saying but didn't answer.
"Are ye really that worried that they won't use protection, Mary? Cos I've read that condoms have become so much more advanced these days." Sarah asked.
"For the love of God!" Mary raised her head to the ceiling.
"There's no point beating about the bush, Mary! That's what this is all about, isn't it now!" Sarah protested.
"That's not what's worrying me, Sarah... Well, not in the exact sense of the word…." Mary shuffled.
"there's more to this than just…. That!" Joe struggled to say.
"Sarah, I think Joe was trying to say…." Gerry started.
"I don't need ye to finish my sentences for me, boy!" Joe snapped.
"Look! It's not that I don't trust Erin, or James with…. That…." Mary stumbled; she was at a loss.
"Mary. I know back in the day; things were hard compared to now. But I'm sure they'll be responsible when the time comes. Both the girls and the lads." Gerry said.
"Ye stupid great dose!" Mary glared at him. "Ye must have all come up the foyle in a bubble today! That's not the big issue here!"
"Well, then what is it, Mary?"
Mary took a moment to look out the window again before answering. She smiled as she frowned at the sight of the two couples laughing together.
"Up until now, our wains have been lucky compared to us in tackling things that occur around here. But once they finish school and venture out into the real world. They're gonna have to deal something much bigger…. Ye know what I'm talking about Gerry."
"… It's the English thing, isn't it?" Gerry asked.
"Aye, it is so. Ye know how much I care for that wee English fella. He treats our Erin like the most precious thing in his life. But countries change faster than people. And it petrifies me that out there…. what they have now…. They look so happy…. And I'm scared that those arseholes out there might…. break them." Mary finally broke down.
Mary pressed her lips together. She closed her eyes as Gerry walked over to her. He frowned sadly as he hugged Mary. He exhaled as he reminisced back to the persecution they had faced when they started courting.
"By Christ. I never really thought of it as much." Sarah started to fret. "That mean's Orla's gonna have to deal with that as well, so she is. Just like I did when….." Sarah stopped herself from speaking, the side of her head throbbed from the memory.
Gerry and Joe looked at each other. Knowing what Sarah was referring to. A distant past, a former acquaintance, a bitter parting, a promise made between them both. Gerry then turned back to Mary.
"Mary, I know there's a chance that the girls will face the same crap we dealt with. But there's one thing you've forgotten. We had yer Ma and Da backing us…. Well, more so her Ma, hi?" Gerry jested.
"Cheeky dose!" Joe shot.
"The point I'm making, is Erin and Orla have all of us backing them. They also have the lads, and I have every confidence that they won't break." Gerry said supportively.
Joe beat himself "As much as I can't believe I'm saying this. But Gerry's got a point, love. Yer Mammy said the same thing….. Those lads could be from Tim-buk- fecking -Tu for all I care. But If they're everything the girls say they are, then ye have nothing to worry about. Trust them."
"Aye, Daddy's right, Mary." Sarah agreed.
Mary acknowledged her Da's words. Remembering the last time she'd heard them. Mary turned to the sound of laughter. Anna was sitting talking into the walkie talkie like a phone.
"Hello? Hello! Daddy phone's not working."
Gerry chuckled "Ye have to press this button and speak here, Anna love."
Pressing the button down, Anna tried it again. "Hello?" A loud barking noise came through the earpiece. "Coco Pops!" Anna cried happily. There was then distinct laughing in the background. Mary gently took the walkie talkie.
"Coco Pops. Can ye pass on a message for me, love? First, tell those girls to put them boys down….." She smirked at the groans coming though the earpiece. "Second, I'm just gonna phone Deidre and say it's ok for them to go camping." Mary smirked when she heard the huddled sounds of excitement.
"Ach, thanks Mammy!" Erin cried excitedly.
The other parents smiled collectively as Mary made her way to the hall. Feeling pleased with herself, she rang Deidre with her decision.
"Ye alright, Deidre? ... Aye…. I reckon we can trust them; I pray that we can…. Aye, I am so…. Are ye alright? Ye sound a wee bit down…. Why, what's up? …. Ach, Deidre... when did this happen?" Mary asked sadly.
Erin and Orla had now walked back into the hallway. They heard the tension in Mary's voice. She turned towards while still on the phone.
"…. Ach, Christ... Aye, well, ye know yer can call if ye wanna chat…. Aye…. By for now, love."
"What is it, Mammy?" Erin asked.
"Deidre just got a phone call from an officer at Niall's prison. He's been involved in a fight. With that O'Driscoll lad, no less!" Mary said.
"Is he ok?" Orla asked. Erin seemed inexpressive at the news.
"Aye, he's just been put into solitary confinement for a couple of weeks. They thought it best to inform Deidre." Mary said.
"Should we go round and see Michelle?" Orla asked Erin.
"No... I mean, it's not our business, right Mammy?" Erin looked towards Mary.
"Aye. Best ye not go round there, it's a wee bit tense for them right now, so it is." Mary concurred. She turned to walk back towards the kitchen.
"Ach, that's a real shame, isn't it, Erin?" Orla asked.
"Huh! A shame? Wise up, Orla!" Erin scorned; she walked off towards the living room.
While Orla stood alone in the hall, confused by Erin's sudden coldness. James' jovial mood was about to be brought back down to earth. The wee English fella had beamed a huge grin as Marco happily relayed to Erin and Orla how James, somehow, after coming on as a substitute for the last 10 minutes managed to volley kick the ball which ricocheted off the crossbar, smacked the goalkeeper in the back of his head and back into the goal. James and Marco playfully debated over whose reaction to the goal was funniest, Chief Byers or Laurie's.
The team had shared the same sentiment as they celebrated their comeback win. Their former teammates from the rugby game; Finn, Donald, Shawn, Jimmy, and John had certainly enjoyed congratulating James' stroke of good luck. James took a private moment to smile to himself. No doubt, word of the goal would quickly reach Clare's ears. He felt as if his smile would have to be surgically removed, he walked towards the front door arm in arm with Marco. They couldn't wait to tell Michelle.
They opened the door, and the wind was taken out of their sails. They'd walked into a loud, emotionally charged shouting rant which emitted from the living room. Deidre's torment could be heard as she ranted at Martin, who also ranted back. Marco saw the frown on James' face as he stood just outside the living room. He looked back towards Marco. They paused.
"Where's Michelle?" Marco mouthed.
James shook his head, not knowing having a clue. The two friends then both pointed upwards. They sauntered carefully up the stairs while Deidre and Martin continued their argument. James felt his heart sink for his cousin when his Aunt shouted that she would never mention Niall's name again just as they approached Michelle's room. Marco breathed nervously as James knocked on Michelle's bedroom door.
"Michelle?" James called cautiously. There was no answer.
"Jay, She ain't gonna hear that." Marco said, motioning downstairs.
"So, what do we do?" James frowned.
"Just gonna have to go in." Marco shrugged.
"Mate…. She will kill you if you walk in." James stated fearfully. Marco moved towards the door.
"Michelle?" Marco called softly.
He then turned the doorknob carefully and slowly edged the door open. James followed, staying behind Marco as closely as possible. They widened the door and stepped inside. Michelle was sitting on the edge of her bed, clutching one of her pillows; Michelle stared forward, not flinching at the sound of the floorboards as James edged closer to her. Marco quickly closed the door to shut out the sound of bellowing shouts and emotional voices. The feisty Mallon began to turn her head towards them but didn't make eye contact.
"Did Erin and Orla get permission to go camping?" Michelle asked, her voice was low.
"Yeah…. Yeah, they did." James answered.
"Grand." Michelle sighed.
Marco nudged James forward. They both sat and took a spot on each side of Michelle. James frowned at the sight of his cousin looking so down. Neither knew what they could say. The shouting match went on downstairs while the boys gently pressed against her.
"Thanks, lads." Michelle manged to say, as her voice cracked.
