"Oh aye! Great idea this was, James!" Clare shot sarcastically.
"It wasn't my idea, Clare. It was Marco's. Also, we don't exactly have many other options, do we?" James calmly retorted.
They sat in a spot that was all too familiar to them, only this time it was just Clare and James sitting on the wooden seats just outside Sister Michael's office.
"I mean, I get the logic behind it, but there's no way Sister Michael will lend us one of the school minibuses. Ye know what she's like, she never forgets. Look at that whole malarkey we had with the school van. She was ab-so-lute-ly RAGING when she got the bill back from the recovery people." She stressed.
"OK. First of all, I didn't exactly plan for that flat tyre to happen. Did I? Second, you all reckoned it was because Michelle slagged off the devil. Third….. well, I can't think of a third one." James said.
Sister Michael opened her office door. "Clare, James, You may enter." She moaned as she walked back inside. Leaving the door open. James flashed his eyebrows at Clare as they rose from their seats.
"Ach, that's grand is that. She's already in a bad mood. Listen James. You best ask her, I don't think I can really be of any assistance here….." Clare admitted.
"Oh, thanks a lot." He said.
"I don't have all day you two!" Came an annoyed call from inside.
"Oh sweet Jesus! She's gonna question us why we need the minibus and ye know she's gonna suspect us of some kind of chicanery." Clare panicked.
"Clare. All we're gonna do is ask her. The worst thing she can say is No." James said, trying to calm her.
"Aye, and when she says no. No doubt Michelle will just blame us for not trying hard enough, and she's gonna be raging!" Clare squeaked as they walked inside the office. They then found themselves standing before Sister Michael.
"Mr Maguire, Miss Devlin. State your business quickly." The Nun ordered.
"So sorry to trouble ye Sister Michael. How's the morning finding you? Are ye well?"
"Would you like a detailed answer to each of those questions, or would one answer suit you best, Miss Devlin?" She asked.
"Well, it's entirely your choice, Sister." Clare answered.
"Oh Good. Then I choose not to give one. State your business." Sister Michael said.
"Well…. we were wondering if it's not too much of an inconvenience. We, that is James and me, along with the other girls, and Marco and Laurie, although not here in person are certainly here in spirit….."
"We're looking to go on a camping trip, Sister Michael. And we wondered if we could borrow one of the school minibuses?" James asked, getting to the point.
Sister Michael looked as if she was pondering what James had said, but after what felt like an eternity, she stared off. "Oh God…" She finally said, a look of annoyance suddenly came over her face.
"Uh…. Yes, during the summer holiday? seeing as there's a large number of us…..." James continued.
"Stall the ball, James!" Clare noticed the look on Sister Michael.
"….. Sweet Suffering Jehovah!" Sister Michael stressed with anger. "I completely forgot!"
"Are ye alright, Sister Michael?" Clare asked, starting to feel panicky herself.
"Excuse me!" Sister Michael stood and marched out of her office leaving James and Clare alone.
They looked at each other, unsure of what just happened. As lunch time approached, James and Clare both agonized over having to tell the others how things had gone, or this case, how things hadn't gone. Michelle marched up to the table where they were sitting in the hall, followed by Erin and Orla.
"Alright ye two? So, did ye square things off about the minibus?" She asked with excitement.
"Uh…. What minibus would that be, Michelle?" Clare panicked.
"….. Ach, for the love of the ever-FUCKING LIVING GOD!" Michelle cried.
"Keep it down, will yer Michelle?!" Erin stressed.
"She didn't mean that." Orla shook her head, looking upwards as she crossed herself.
"Ye fucked it, didn't ye! The two of yers fucked it!" Michelle cried angrily.
"Seriously, Michelle. I can't keep up with yer." Orla said, crossing herself repeatedly.
"No, we didn't. Not in the exact sense of the word." James argued nervously.
"Well, what happened?" Erin asked him.
"They fucked up, Erin! That's what they did!" Michelle snapped angrily.
"No, we didn't!" James shot back.
"Can ye not just let them explain themselves for fuck's sake!" Erin argued.
"I swear we didn't, Michelle!" Clare whined.
"Alright, that's it. I give up. If ye end up in Hell, it's yer own fault." Orla sulked, pointing up.
"Good afternoon, girls." Sister Michael suddenly appeared before them, Jenny Joyce and Aisling stood next to her. "I'll make this quick. Clare, James. About your request about loaning you the school minibus…. The answer is No." Sister Michael confirmed Michelle's fears. The gang sighed with disappointment.
"The reason is because the minibuses will now be in use. But since you mentioned the idea of going camping, I've decided that you five, along with Jenny and Aisling here will be assisting the School's lower year camping expedition." Sister Michael informed them.
"Come again?" Michelle startled.
"What camping expedition?" Erin asked. "We never had one of those in the lower years. How long has this been in place?" She pressed.
"Since this morning, Miss Quinn! I admit, it's not been easy sorting through the mess that…. A certain individual made during his time here….. Thankfully, you two reminded me, and now I need volunteers, and I've chosen yourselves. That's the end of it." Sister Michael said.
"When would this be happening, Sister?" James asked.
"Shut yer bake, Wank Features, we aren't agreeing to this!" Michelle whispered.
"The first week of the summer holiday. It's the best I could do on such short notice." She said. The group groaned.
"Well, I'm afraid that does put us in an awkward position, Sister!" Erin contorted as she tried to argue. "We were actually…."
Sister Michael cut her off. "There is no awkwardness, Miss Quinn. I've spoken to your parents, and they're more than happy for you to go. Father Peter and Sister Josephine will be in charge. Funny, your mother said something about you wanting to show you could be responsible?" The group gawked in astonishment that the Nun had turned their request for independence against them.
"Aye, that's sounds really class, Sister Michael!" Orla smiled.
"I'm sorry, Sister. But I think I really must protest!" Jenny suddenly spoke up, sounding extremely worried.
"I beg your pardon, Miss Joyce?" She asked nonchalantly.
"Ach, this I have to hear." Michelle scowled, crossing her arms. The others looked to Jenny to hear what she had to say.
"Well, are you sure about this? Need I remind ye, Sister, of the scandal from the friends across the barricade excursion, where these five were found consorting with those protestant boys in the dorm room…. Not to mention the theft of the computers…. And…. not that I'm trying to insinuate anything, the fire on Valentine's day!" Jenny said. Erin's face twitched angrily while the others stared coldly at Jenny.
"You made some very valid points there, Jenny." Sister Michael answered. Jenny Joyce smiled proudly.
Sister Michael continued. "True. They have a very chequered past to say the least, and due to their past indiscretions, they would be the last bunch I would reach out to. But if I'm honest, I can't be bothered to find anyone better. Take this as a chance for you to redeem yourselves and repay your debt." She shot towards the group.
"…. What?" Erin asked.
"Debt? Who are we in debt to?" Michelle asked, confusingly.
"To me…. Let's be honest, girls. There were many occasions in the past where you could have easily faced expulsion for some of the stunts you've pulled. Sister Declan….. the weeping statue fiasco…. the statue of the Child of Prague... Should I continue?" Sister Michael asked.
"No! Please! There's no need to, Sister!" Clare cried with embarrassment.
"But what about all the good stuff we did? Orla put out that fire single handed, Michelle saved Shannon, Erin sussed out what Mr O'Driscoll was doing, and Clare took a stand for the pupils." James defended them.
"That is true, James. But it doesn't erase the fact that I have done more favours for you all than you could imagine. Let us not forget your little situation as well." She shot a look towards him and Erin, seeing their intertwined hands. "Not to mention helping Marco find his feet. Now the day has come, that I ask you to do a service for me and I expect you to do so. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Sister Michael." The group answered.
"… Very well. I expect Marco to help as well. James, tell him so. Also, Clare. Speak to your partner. I have it on good authority from Chief Byers that she has camping experience. Here is the information on the camping site where you'll be staying." She said, handing the details to James. Sister Michael walked away leaving Jenny and Aisling with the group.
"Uh… I think we better skedaddle." Aisling suggested.
"Aye, we shall. Bye you guys." Jenny smiled nervously.
"Aye, why don't you just skedaddle in that direction." Michelle shot, using the middle finger as a guiding point while Jenny and Aisling took their leave, scrunching their faces.
"Those are cracking new glasses ye have, by the way, Aisling." Orla called.
"Ach, thanks Orla." She called back. Michelle broke her stare as soon as they were out of sight and turned back towards the group.
"What the fuck just happened? We were meant to be sorting a camping holiday for ourselves, instead we've been lumbered with minding a bunch a fetuses! How does that even work?"
"I should have known she'd use all those things to get back at us one day." Erin snapped.
"Well, she does bring up a valid point." James admitted.
"Shut up, Dicko!" Michelle shot.
"Well, at least we're getting a camping trip of sorts." Clare tried to make light of the situation.
"But we won't be able to do anything, Clare! We've been left in charge of the lower years." Erin moaned.
"Well, at least there's no worry of anyone coming back pregnant from this trip either." Michelle quipped. "Can ye imagine that. Erin and James trying it on in a tent, and there's Jenny Joyce having a wee perv into the tent!"
"Honestly." James sighed.
"That is NOT FUNNY, MICHELLE!" Erin snapped.
"We could always tie them up and gag them, so they don't say anything." Orla suggested.
"Catch yourself on, Orla. That won't work…." Erin said.
"NO ERIN! IT WOULDN'T WORK!" Clare exclaimed, spotting the intrigued look on Erin's face.
James read out the details of the camp site. They were heading to a place called Drum Manor Forest Park. A camping site on the southside of the Sperrin Area of Natural Beauty; next to a derelict shell of an old manor house near the town of Cookstown. With the afternoon and early evening now free of any homework duties. The group chose to drive to Strabane to pick Marco up from his shift and deliver the news.
In the dining area of the restaurant, The young lad slumped into a chair as he sat alone at a singular table which was next to the full-length window that looked out onto the high street. Marco was still in his chef's uniform as he allowed himself a quiet moment. He had just completed a hectic culinary exam. Weeks of meticulous, repetitive practice and revision had come to fruition as he sat and reflected at what he'd accomplished. Mickey had advised that he go for his Level 2 Commis Chef qualification early. Marco stood up as the Examiner walked over and congratulated him, all but giving him the indication that he'd passed. Mickey smiled proudly at his apprentice and left him to digest the news. Marco sat down again, and the news began to sink in. His emotions began to build up, when his attention was quickly drawn to the sound of rapid knocking on the window. Pleasantly surprised to see Orla waving excitedly at him. She bounded towards the restaurant door. The others had already walked in.
"Alright, mate?" James smiled, clasping his hand. "What's up?"
"Yeah, I'm good. You alright? What you lot doing here?" Marco asked happily.
"Marco, what's wrong? Ye look upset!" Orla frowned, grabbing his arm.
"No, Nothing's wrong. It's all good." He smiled.
"What's been going on?" Erin asked.
"… Well, I think…. I THINK…. I just passed the level 2 exam." Marco said, smiling.
Orla beamed a large smile. "Ach! That's class is that!... What does that mean?" She then asked while hugging Marco.
"It means he's moving up in his apprenticeship. Level 3 next, hi?" Clare asked.
"Of course it's level 3, he just done level 2. Pay attention, Clare." Michelle scoffed. "Oi. Well done Wank Features!" She smiled. The group echoed her congratulations.
"Thanks girls." Marco laughed. "OK. So, how'd it go with the minibus?" He asked. "… Yeah, I thought so. What happened now?" He asked knowingly, seeing the annoyed looks on their faces.
"Best we talk about it on the way back, mate." Erin suggested.
"OK. Let's go home, I'm done here." Marco said. Grabbing his chef's hat. Michelle lead the way out. James patted his arm as he walked on with Erin. Orla and Marco intertwined their fingers together and walked behind them.
"Whaaaaat?" Marco queried as he warmly regarded the warm smile Orla was giving him.
"Ye said Let's go home. It sounds nice." She said. "I am absolutely buzzing for you, Polar Bear." She smiled warmly.
"Thanks babe." Marco whispered. Orla hummed happily as he wrapped his arm around her for a hug. She then reached and grabbed Marco's chef hat.
"Oi, you guys! Do you reckon this suits me?" Orla laughed.
"Catch yourself on!" Erin chuckled.
After arriving back in Derry. The gang congregated around Erin's house again before James and Marco went off to football practice. The situation had now been explained to both Laurie and Marco. Unable to continually moan and complain anymore, they decided to stick on Cool Runnings to kill some time. The group had commandeered the living room space with Anna and Coco Pops now sitting amongst them. While the film played, Erin took a moment and looked around her living room and smiled. She snuggled up to James on the sofa who noticed her smiling.
"What is it?" James asked Erin.
"Ach, it's silly." Erin shrugged.
"No, what is it?" James asked.
"Just, taking it all in. Our wee pack." Erin said, looking at everyone.
James followed suit and smiled as well as they regarded the bigger pack of 'animals', he wrapped his arm around Erin. Orla sat on the floor with Coco Pops, Anna sat on Marco's lap. Michelle, Clare and Laurie were packed with them on the sofa.
"Sarah, can ye answer that?" Mary asked. Hearing the phone ring. "My hands are full getting dinner ready."
"I just got done doing my nails, Mary." Sarah stated.
"How does that stop ye from answering the phone?" Mary asked.
Sarah paused. "….. Alright, I'm worried it might be Uncle Colm. I actually got stuck with him only yesterday. On my way out to the salon I was. I was 30 minutes late and I'd left it a good hour to make sure I was on time. I'm not getting stung again."
The phone continued to ring.
"So, I hear your exam went well, lad?" Joe asked Marco as he sat in his armchair.
"Yeah, more or less." He answered.
"Good man." Joe shot him a proud smile and a wink. Marco glanced a knowing look towards Orla, who sported a large beaming smile.
"Sorry Bear, I couldn't wait to tell him." Orla said as she snuggled up to Marco.
"Da! Can you answer the phone?" Mary called.
"I'm talking with the lad here!" Joe shot. "Where's that lousy layabout free state shite of a husband of yers?! Get him to pull his finger out!"
"See, if ye bought a cordless phone, Mary. Ye could keep it in your pocket and answer it willy nilly!" Sarah stated. "It's the future, so it is."
"Aye it is so love. Not that that useless prick would ever shell out the money for one. Wants to keep us in the stone ages, he does!" Joe said.
"For the love of God! Will someone answer that fecking thing?!" Mary shouted as she heard the phone ring.
"Fecking thing!" Anna shouted happily. Coco Pops barked in unison. Michelle hid her face for laughing.
"Ach, for God sake! I'll get it!" Erin shot out from her seat and stropped out into the hall to pick up the phone.
"Hello, this is the Quinn household where there's no real use of a phone cos no one can ever be arsed to answer the fecking thing!" She mocked.
"Uh. Less of the cheek you." Gerry said as he walked down the stairs.
"Hello Erin, nice to hear from yer."
"Oh, hello Mrs Maguire." Erin recoiled with embarrassment. "Are ye well?"
"Aye, I'm good thanks, love." Cathy said. "It's probably a silly question, but…."
"Aye, he's here. Hold on. JAMES! It's your Ma on the phone." Erin called walking back into the living room. James got up and took the phone.
"You alright, Mum?" James asked.
"Hello love, aye I'm doing fine thanks. There was a wee question I wanted to ask, Jamie. Have ye given any thought to your 18th birthday yet?" Cathy asked.
"Uh, no. Not yet, but it's still a few months away, Mum." James said.
"What's she asking, James?" Mary asked.
"Mum's asking about my 18th." He answered.
"Oh aye. Ye best start giving it some thought love." Mary said.
"See what I mean, it's best to plan early." Cathy echoed.
"OK, I'll…. Give it some thought." James said. The conversation carried on while a thought sprung into Sarah's head.
"Ach, Orla love. When's Marco's birthday?" Sarah asked.
"Why don't ye just ask him? He's right there Sarah." Gerry said. Erin rolled her eyes as the family spoke too loudly for James to hear. She followed him out into the hall where he could hear better.
"I said ye sound a bit down, love. Is everything ok?" Cathy said.
"Yeah…. No I'm fine.… things just didn't go how we wanted. We got roped into volunteering to help the school with a camping trip during the same week we wanted to go." James frowned.
"Oh…. Well, beggars can't be choosers, love. At least yer still going camping, hi?" Cathy asked.
"Yeah, just that we didn't imagine having to look after the lower year pupils as well." James moaned.
"Oh, come on James. It can't be as bad as the last time you went camping, can it?" Another voice said down the phone. James' face lit up and he started to laugh, bringing him out of his slump.
"What is it?" Erin queried, spotting James perking up.
"How are you getting on, young master?" The voice continued.
"Yeah, I'm good thanks, Mr Galluci." James beamed. Erin gawked happily. "How are you? … yeah….. yeah, hold on…. Marco!" James called. The other lad walked out to join them. James handed him the phone.
"You alright, Dad?!" Marco beamed.
"Hiya. You alright?" Tony Galluci chuckled. "How'd you get on today? I missed your call earlier." He asked.
"Yeah, it went really well. I passed it." Marco answered proudly. He held the phone away from his ear so Erin and James could just make out what he was saying.
"Yeeeasss! Well done. I'm proud of you," Tony exclaimed. "Thanks, Dad." Marco replied. They were suddenly swamped by Orla, Clare, Michelle and Laurie.
"Alright, Mr Galluci?!" They called in unison.
"Ooooh, is it a full house now?" Tony laughed. "Are you alright girls?" He asked kindly. The phone was then passed around.
"Aye, we're grand, Mr Galluci. Yer looking well!" Orla called. The gang shot a look of confusion at her.
"Looking well? Jesus Christ Orla, do you ever listen to yourself?" Erin asked.
"Aww Thank you, Orla. You're looking well too, sweetheart." Tony kindly replied. "Hello Erin, I can hear you. Are those two behaving themselves?" He asked.
"Hiya, Mr G. Aye they're behaving, just!" Erin mocked. "What did ye mean when ye said about the last time James went on a camping trip?" She asked. The girls spotted the look of panic on the boys' faces.
"Oh no." They both said.
"Ach, come on Mr G, tell us….. what did these two ballaches do?" Michelle cried down the phone with intrigue.
"I won't say, Michelle…. I won't embarrass them….. at least not until September." Tony said. Everyone was now puzzled.
"Why, what ye doing in September, Mr Galluci?" Clare asked.
"I'm coming over Clare. That's why Cathy was asking about their 18th, we thought since their birthdays are only a couple of days apart, we thought we'd come over and spend it with them." Tony revealed. The gang gawked with delight at the news. James and Marco were astounded.
"Ach, that's grand lads! Yer parents are coming over!" Orla exclaimed with excitement to the both of them.
"Oh my God! Yeah, that'd be great, Mum!" James smiled.
"Yeah, that's brilliant, Dad!" Marco said delightedly.
"Alright so. You lads have a wee think, and we'll sort something." Cathy said.
"ACH. Boys, seriously, don't mean to break this up. But we gotta start to shift for football training." Laurie said, spying her watch.
"James, just pass me over to Mary, will ye. Have a good training session, love." Cathy called.
"Yeah, OK. She's right here now. Bye Mum." James said. Mary smiled warmly as she took the phone, allowing the wains to get themselves ready. The two mammies made small talk until they left. Now she was sitting in the kitchen with the others gathered.
"Aye, they're away now. How goes it, Cathy? How bout ye Tony?" Mary began.