Niall Mallon huffed out a long breath as he felt the ability to breathe again, feeling the veil of guilt and regret lift as he walked further away from the consultation room with the prison psychiatrist. He'd been going every Friday for the past year. While most young men his age would wish for Friday to come quickly, leaving the responsibilities of work behind in exchange for the weekend. Niall faced a sombre time of reflection on a mistake which cost him his youthful years, and more importantly, the life of the man killed in his act of recklessness, fueled by blind hatred, stoked by others. An act which cost him his own family as well. He spoke endlessly about wishing that he was never party to such an atrocious offence but had been left carrying the burden of guilt ever since. He reflected sadly about wishing that he'd known that he had a choice to walk away instead of being led astray by the persuasive, manipulative words of the one who now occupied the same prison as himself.
It had been the convincing words of Patrick O'Driscoll in particular, which drove the young Mallon, and many others like him to a fever pitch, in which they felt they were fighting for a just cause; only to have their lives, along with innocent others destroyed. A sad a tragic consequence of the troubles. While their passion for the want of freedom and independence was understandable, the method in which they were coaxed in to acquire it could never be justified. Especially when it resulted in the deaths of innocent people being caught in the crossfire. This was the harsh reality that Niall had lived with ever since that day. As he re-entered the main building where the general population resided. His blood boiled at the sight of the man he once listened to. Patrick O'Driscoll was now mixing with the other prisoners under supervision. He sat in the middle of the seating area with his arms crossed. Knowing he was protected; He looked as though he was sporting an audacious aura of arrogance towards the other inmates. His nose was turned up as he watched the TV. His mouth crooked as he relished the cold stares being directed at him. It was almost as if he was baiting someone to dare to take a swing at him. Niall certainly felt the urge to satisfy the wishes of the other inmates as well as his own as he began to come closer to the rotund man, his body shook, and his fists clenched tight.
"MALLON! YOU GOT A VISITOR!" An officer suddenly called. The red mist disappeared as he made beeline for the door.
He rushed with excitement as he made the familiar route towards the visiting rooms. It was here, albeit only for a small smidgen of time, he could feel normal. The weight of the world was lifted from his young shoulders as he saw her. Sinead O'Driscoll, his teenage love, Patrick O'Driscoll's oldest daughter. Her warm smile struck him like a bolt of lightning. The sight of his young son, Liam smiling at him gave Niall a joy he never knew existed. As the young family embraced, Niall shivered as her warmth melted away the cold thoughts that had festered in his head.
It had been Niall's love for Sinead that had been used against him by her father. Sighting his passion, Patrick had convinced Niall to join the paramilitary group that he became so embroiled with, but once he'd been arrested, Patrick ensured that his family kept their distance from Niall altogether, especially with the revelation that Sinead had fallen pregnant out of wedlock. In an act of love and defiance, Sinead stuck with Niall through the darkest of his days when his own family would not visit him. Sitting down with his wain on his lap. Sinead smiled as Niall played with Liam. She listened intently to Niall as he spoke about another session with the Psychiatrist.
"That sounds grand, Niall. Ya sound like it's doing you a world of good, it really does." Sinead beamed, gripping his hand tight.
"Thanks love…. How much longer do I need to keep seeing him though?" Niall moaned.
"As long as it takes, love. Ye know this could help ya if ye ever get offered parole. There was something on the news about the English Prime Minister wanting to meet Gerry Adams. It could be a sign of something?" Sinead said hopefully.
"Wouldn't get your hopes up Sinead. That ceasefire didn't last long, did it now?" Niall shrugged.
"We have to hope, Niall. It's all we've got. Don't lose hope. Alright? For us. For wee Liam." Sinead pleaded.
"… Aye. Alright love." Niall kissed her hand with affection. He then turned and smiled at Liam's smiling face. "Oi, can Daddy have one of ya chocolate buttons? Did ye see that crazy Dennis again?" Niall playfully asked Liam.
"Aye. And we saw someone else in the wee shop too." Sinead chimed in. "Got a wee bit of news for ya. Your Michelle's only gone and started working in the wee shop, of all places." Sinead revealed. Making Niall burst out laughing loudly.
"Stall the ball! My Michelle? My mouth of a sister is working with that mental job? Christ all fucking mighty!" Niall cried with laughter.
"Oi Niall! Not in front of Liam!" Sinead moaned as Liam laughed with his dad.
With the new term now in full swing at school. The end of the Friday afternoon was quickly approaching, as was the weekend. Mrs Sadhbh had briefly removed herself from the English class, leaving James standing at the front of the class reading from their assigned book. the Arthur Miller play 'A view from the bridge'.
Meanwhile Clare sat quietly, oblivious to what was going on in class, pondering on the departure of Laurie. Watching her partner depart for new horizons only a week ago to begin her new journey to Belfast University to study Law. An astonishing common ground that Clare had found in their blossoming romance. Laurie had extended an invitation for her to come to Belfast once she was settled. She smiled, yearning for the moment to feel her arms around her again. She noticed Orla to her left, who also seemed oblivious, sighting a moment to draw something on a large pad of paper.
There was someone else who had their minds on something other than the subject matter. James couldn't help but stumble over his words whenever he caught Erin gaze at him with a sly, crooked smile when he spoke the lines of Rodolpho. Erin bit her lower lip as a familiar feeling began to swell inside her again, a fond memory of the summer came flooding back to her; A tender, exciting, intense feeling of firm skin on skin, she swallowed hard as she felt a tremble all over her body, finding herself lost in his words, Erin unbuttoned her top shirt button as James continued reading. Mrs Sadhbh had now rejoined the class. Catching James' eye, she shot him a crooked smile. Distracting James, the teacher then saw Erin almost shivering with pleasure. Miming the words from the book, synching with her wee English fella.
"WELL! Nice to see you so entrenched with the subject, Erin!" Mrs Sadhbh shot, almost sharply. Causing Erin to jump out from her daydream. The class turned round and snickered at the rouge cheeks she was now displaying.
"Thank you, James. That was very well read. Take a seat, please." Mrs Sadhbh gently patted James' shoulder as she walked to the front of the class. She surveyed some of the class appearing uninterested.
"Well, it's nice to see you all trying so hard to hold your focus before the end of the day!" Mrs Sadhbh sniped. "So, how are we feeling about these characters, girls? Do you notice any similarities that ring true with yourselves?" She asked.
"What, like James being as Gay as the Rudolph fella?" Michelle shot, making the class laugh. James and Erin mirrored each other as they shot an annoyed look towards Michelle.
"Very funny, Michelle. Did ye come up with that just now or while working one of yer…. wee shifts." Mrs Sadhbh huffed in a sarcastic tone. Some class members snickered, Michelle scrunched her face, not knowing how to respond.
"I think Red Hook's community is a lot like Derry's community. How everyone knows about everything about everyone, because it's that closeness that protects them from the hostility outside their world" Orla spoke up.
"Interesting." Mrs Sadhbh replied, unimpressed. "Obvious but interesting…." She said more to herself. "Anyone else?" She looked round.
"Also, you can feel the sense of dignity in their poverty, and the need to protect what they have because they don't have much." Jenny added.
"Ach, what the fuck would you know about not having much with that massive place you call a house?" Michelle huffed.
"Yeah, yer Da took my tonsils out, Jenny, and he still hasn't given them back! I'm pretty sure he already has a pair of his own. Why would he want mine as well?" Orla asked with sincerity, which confused Jenny Joyce, but not Mrs Sadhbh. She simply shot an unimpressed look at the quirky girl.
Erin quickly intervened. "I think the morals of the community play a very significant role when Eddie betrays his family. When the community finds out that he informs on his own, it makes them turn on him. But Eddie is so blinded with hatred, he can't see the mistake he's making."
"What mistake would that be, Erin?" Mrs Sadhbh asked. Erin froze.
"W…. Well…. I think… Oh God! Ye know what? I'm actually stumped for words." Erin chuckled nervously, throwing her hands up. "Why the hell can I not think of anything." She whispered angrily.
"Well, maybe you weren't swooning so much over James like a gormless lovesick puppy when you're supposed to be paying attention… maybe you would have contributed something worthwhile." Mrs Sadhbh huffed sternly. Erin sat puzzled at why their teacher was being so short.
"Well, that was a wee bit harsh, wasn't it? What's her bother?" Clare leant and whispered towards Michelle, who shook her head, unsure herself.
"Time of the month, maybe?" Michelle ventured a guess. James' stomach turned at the sound of such a subject being discussed. "Ye know how it sometimes. I get like that when Aunt Flo comes to visit."
"You must have it every day of the week then." James quipped; Erin couldn't contain herself as she turned away to snicker. Prompting Michelle to give him a swift kick to his shin.
"Fucking cheeky prick!" Michelle shot.
"Is there something you want to add, Michelle?" Mrs Sadhbh turned to her.
"Uh… no, but I think James does." Michelle said, pointing to him. The teacher's stare softened as she looked towards James.
"Uh, well…. Uh….." James was taken aback as he searched in vain for a response.
"Jesus! Sometime this year would be nice, James!" Michelle shot. The class laughed.
"Shush!... James?" Mrs Sadhbh asked.
"Well, I think Eddie's character is very complexed. In his house, he sees his word as law, but when he comes up against anything that opposes his way, or a man like Rodolpho who's everything he isn't…. Eddie starts to come apart because really…. he's trying to…." James stalled for a word.
"Suppress?" Erin suggested.
"QUIET ERIN!" Mrs Sadhbh shouted. The tension in the classroom was thick.
James took Erin's word. "Yeah, supress his…. Attraction to Catherine, and his jealousy, and maybe even his own possibly surpressed homosexuality."
"Sounds like you a wee bit too much." Michelle quipped
The class snickered, but Mrs Sadhbh kept her eyes engaged on James so as not to lose his concentration. "Keep going, James." She encouraged him.
"I was just pointing out that he's comes up against a moral dilemma but like Erin said, he's so blinded by jealousy, he can't recognize the mistake he's making." James said awkwardly, looking at Mrs Sadhbh. Who nodded slowly with approval, her look carried a glint in her eyes.
Just then. The bell came, signalling the end of the class and the start of the weekend. The class began to disperse. James waited to walk out with Erin.
"Thanks for the assistance." He gasped for air.
"You're welcome." Erin smiled warmly at him with affection.
"Excuse me. Erin. I want a quick word with you." Mrs Sadhbh called, now sat at her desk. Erin stood at the desk while James made his way out.
"Right, I'm only gonna say this one time. I understand you and James are a couple. But you're not here to answer each other's questions for each other, nor are you here to use class time to ogle, Erin. Is that clear?"
"I'm sorry, Miss?" Erin was stunned. "… I wasn't answering for James, I was just…."
"You were just busy ogling James and not paying attention." Mrs Sadhbh interrupted. "James is more than capable of answering his own questions and doesn't need any assistance from you. Or is that the dynamic of your relationship?" She asked with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
"Mrs Sadhbh… I …." Erin was perplexed at what she'd just said.
"I don't want to hear any excuses, Erin. I've heard them all before. Just don't let me catch you wasting class time again. Have a nice weekend." The teacher said nonchalantly.
She didn't even look up from the paper she was reading. Erin scoffed with annoyance as she walked out the class. The others were waiting for her. Erin didn't even stop for them. They all stared with confusion. They gathered themselves and attempted to catch up to her.
"Erin? ERIN!" Michelle shouted out as they reached the school gate.
"I don't wanna talk!" Erin shouted back with anger as she power walked further away from them. The others stood together.
"What the fuck 'ave you done, wank features?" Michelle groaned, grabbing James by his blazer.
"I haven't done anything; I was out here with you!" James moaned.
"What do ye reckon Mrs Sadhbh said to her?" Clare asked.
"I dunno. Should I go after her?" James asked.
"No. She's looked proper fierce, James. I'd let her be." Clare suggested.
"Yeah, besides, you to need to shift home, Marco's waiting to go to the airport, Remember?" Michelle reminded him. "I gotta get to Dennis's. Talk later." Michelle waved and walked off. Orla waved her goodbye.
"Orla, could you?..." James asked.
"Chat to Erin for yer, James? Yeah, I will." Orla answered, she smiled as she patted his shoulder.
"Thanks. See you all later?" James asked. He said his goodbyes, leaving Orla and Clare together.
"What do ye think's going on with Erin?" Orla asked. Clare could only shake her head. Orla then spotted Clare was frowning.
"Are you alright, Clare?" Orla asked as they walked. "Ya don't look so grand."
"I'm fine, just having a wee off day." Clare confessed, reaching into Orla bag of sweets.
"Why, what's wrong?" Orla asked while she chewed.
"Just a few things, thinking about Daddy, and Mammy still wanting to sell the house. Also, Laurie's away at University." She sighed sadly. Orla looked away, seemingly deep in thought, she then widened her eyes, as if a lightbulb had just come on in her head.
"I have an idea! I've just started reading this book Marco gave me called The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Apparently, there's this whole other country that exists inside this wee wardrobe, maybe if yer Mammy moves, you can come and live with me in my wardrobe?" She suggested with a large smile.
Clare sighed and smiled at her quirky wee friend. "Orla….. That's really nice of ye. I'll keep that in mind." Clare chuckled. Unable to have the heart to break the news to Orla that such places only existed in fairytales.
"Aye, ye do that. Laurie's welcome to stay too. Are ye gonna go see her while she's at university?" Orla asked.
"Aye, Once she's settled, I'm gonna go up and visit her." Clare answered.
"Ach, class. Aaaaand…. you know ye can talk to me when you really miss her, I'm sort of an expert on long distance relationships, ye know." Orla said proudly.
"Aye, so ye are, Orla." Clare smiled. "So, how ye feeling about meeting Marco's Dad?" She asked.
"Ach, I'm buzzing like you can't believe!" Orla happily exclaimed. Clare beamed a warm smile. "Also, Ye know you can talk to us when yer having a down day about your Da, Aye? I read about the stages of grief in Psychology, and you seem to be handling things very well, if I do say so." Orla said kindly.
"Awww. Thanks Orla. Marco and I have had a few chats here and there. He seems to be coping well too." Clare said.
"Aye, It's been a year since his Nanna died." Orla's tone dropped.
"Has it been on his mind lately?" Clare asked.
"Yeah…." Orla answered. Thinking then about something else Marco had been thinking about.
Clare noticed Orla looking down. "He's also said you've been class helping him through it all."
"Really? He said that." Orla said.
"Aye, he did so." Clare said, wrapping her arm round her friend.
"That's what best friends are for aye?" Orla hummed. Clare nodded happily.
Orla looked down at the bag of nearly finished pick n mix. "Clare, do ye reckon if I ask Michelle nicely, she'll give me the auld pick n mix that Dennis doesn't want anymore?" She asked.
"I beg your pardon?" Clare asked, puzzled.
"Well, the way I see it. I reckon if I get them for nothing, I can sell a 10p mix for just 9p and make myself a nice wee profit. All I need to do is get my hands on the gear, and then bung Michelle a wee bit so she won't tell Dennis." Orla explained.
Clare was perplexed at how the conversation had shifted. "Orla, are ye seriously thinking about stealing pick n mix from Dennis, and then undercutting him?" Her voice raising.
"Not stealing. Just making use of the stuff he doesn't want anymore." Orla explained.
"Where in God's name did all this come from?" Clare asked.
"Well, I was reading this thing in one of James' business study books about profit margins, and then I watched Goodfellas with the lads the other night, and there were these fellas who were doing the same with these wee lorries that were jammed with packets of cigarettes. They had so many of them they were just giving them away. I didn't understand that bit. Why would ya cut into yer profits like that?" Orla asked with confusion.
"Uh…. If it's all the same, Orla. I really don't think I wanna hear any more about this wee scheme for the sake of being accused of aiding and abetting. Honestly Orla! This whole thing sounds like something straight out of the Godfather!" Clare panicked as she walked on.
"No, No. It was Goodfellas. Two completely different films, they are." Orla corrected her as she followed. "Anyways, I better get home, I wanna find out what's wrong with Erin. Bye Clare."
"Bye Orla. See ya later." The friends waved as they parted ways.
Back at the Quinn house, Erin shot straight upstairs without even speaking to anyone. She vaguely heard Mary calling for her. She charged into her room and slammed the door shut. She threw her bag down and heaved angrily as she paced around the room. She could feel her inner thoughts swell inside her head to the point where they began to out into a raged filled whisper.
'Spiteful bitch! Didn't even give me a chance to talk…. I was only trying to help James! How dare she try to make me look bad in front of him, like I'm some sort of hindrance or something!... I should have told her to Catch Herself On!... And I was scarcely ogling him, well no different from what I normally do…. It's not my fault he….. Ach. Thanks, James! Ye turned me on in the middle of class, reading from that book…. She must think I've come the foyle in a bubble if she thinks I didn't spot what she was doing, eyeing up with my fella!…."'
Erin's trail of thought was then interrupted as she heard a knock on her door. Before she could protest, the door opened.
"Erin? What's going on?" Mary demanded to know.
"Nothing, Mammy." Erin snapped.
"Uh, mind yer tongue, young lady. Now what's all this strop about?" Mary argued.
"Mrs Sadhbh told her off after class for helping James, Aunt Mary." Orla stated as she walked in.
"She was doing what?" Mary asked.
"Shut up Orla!... He was just stumped for a word, and I just helped him a wee bit. But Mrs Sadhbh said I was ogling him during class and that was distracting him." Erin protested.
"So, in other words, yer weren't paying attention in class?" Mary began to boil. Erin gawked but she was unable to speak. "Right, well if ye can't answer, then ye must have done. Just be sure that you focus on your subject instead of yer boyfriend, you know what yer Father and me said when ye started dating, don't drag James down as well as yourself, Erin, or you might regret it. Now I need to get downstairs, I have things to be getting on with."
As Mary left the room, Orla looked curiously at Erin's scowling face.
"Ach that's grand Orla! Now ye got my Ma jumping down my throat as well as Mrs Sadhbh." Erin snapped.
"Sorry….?" Orla answered with uncertainty.
"Just…. Go home, Orla. I wanna be alone!" Erin turned her back, not spotting the sad look on Orla's face as she made a quick exit. Leaving the door open. As Erin caught her breath. She frowned, now hating herself for her sudden outburst. She quickly turned and went after her cousin.
"ORLA! ORLA, WAIT!" Erin called out desperately. Orla stopped at the top of the stairs. She turned timidly back to look at Erin.
"I'm sorry." Erin whispered. "I didn't mean to say that. Come on…. I'll let yer read my diary if ye like?"
Erin took Orla's hand and the two cousins doubled back to Erin's room, Orla rested her head on her cousin's shoulder for comfort.
James sat quietly with Coco Pops in his lap as the car radio played "Sit Down by James." The wee English fella's mind festered on what had happened at school. He had briefly explained to Marco that he managed to get the gist of what was said between Erin and Mrs Sadhbh, but he hadn't been able to make sense of Mrs Sadhbh's harshness. They pulled up to the City of Derry Airport. Memories came flooding back to James as he remembered the plane journey to Derry not so long ago. As well as the return journey he almost made that Christmas when his mum came to take him back to England, only for him to have a change of mind, or more a change of heart. He remembered the thought of not seeing one person again being a huge deciding factor, as well as three other reasons. The two 'brothers' sat in the arrivals area with Coco Pops. The plane had landed, and they were waiting for their parents to make an appearance. Anticipation filled them as they waited.
"So, Erin was in a bit of a mood was she?" Marco brought James out of his thoughts.
"Yeah, to put it mildly. Mrs Sadhbh really came down on her. I can't imagine why though. I mean, she was only helping." James said. Marco shook his head with uncertainty.
"How did you leave it?" Marco asked.
"I didn't get a chance to leave it. Erin stormed off before I could say anything." James looked worried. Marco spotted the look of apprehension on is friend's face.
"Oi, Come on, Jay. I wouldn't stress about it much, mate. Just talk to her when we get back. I'm sure she's alright." Marco assured him. "I'd be more worried about Erin thinking there's something going between you and Mrs Sadhbh." He chuckled.
"What you talking about?" James asked in a panicked tone.
"It sounds like she's eyeing you up or something, James!" Marco laughed.
"Piss off 'Co! She's not eying me up! She's…. like…. my Mum's age!" James stressed comically, almost repulsing at the thought.
"Yeah, but you saw The Graduate, right?" Marco asked. "That didn't stop Dustin Hoffman, did it?"
"…. Yeah, but Mrs Sadhbh don't look like Mrs Robinson, does she? She's more attractive for one thing…. I mean…" He groaed, realizing what he just said.
"Ah! So you admit she's fit as well!" Marco laughed.
"What? No!... Well, yeah, a bit. But that doesn't mean…. Hold on. What do you mean as well? You think she's fit too, don't you?" James shot back.
"Well. She's not not fit, is she?" Marco threw back.
"…. No." James admitted. "But just cos I think she's… nice looking doesn't mean anything, does it?"
"No, of course not. I just wouldn't broadcast it to Erin!" Marco chuckled. James shot him a look of agreement.
"Yeah. I wouldn't broadcast it to Orla neither, Marco! Don't forget that massive Rambo knife you got her." James chuckled.
"Yeah alright. Point taken." Marco said, James smirked.
Coco Pops then started barking with excitement. The boys turned towards the arrival doors. Cathy Maguire and Tony Galluci had walked through. Chatting and chuckling together as they always had done since the boys were little. They caught sight of the boys. They smiled and split off and greeted each other warmly.
"Hiya James love." Cathy smiled, embracing her son warmly. "Awwwww. How've ya been?"
"Yeah, I'm alright thanks, Mum. You ok?" James answered happily. Cathy nodded with assurance as she stroked the side of his face with affection.
"Aye, I'm well. Aw, my big boy's turning 18! I'm so proud of you James." Cathy said affectionately..
"Muuum!" James moaned, unable to hide his blushing face. Cathy laughed and pulled him in.
James and Cathy then turned to see Marco and Tony in a silent embrace, Tony had a tear running down his cheek. After 10 months since they'd last seen each other; Father and son were reunited. Both exhaling with emotion. James felt himself welling up at the sight of Marco shaking as he embraced his Dad. For all the troubles they'd encountered after James had left England. James warmly regarded the man who had treated him like his own during his childhood. Despite the underlying truth, seeing Marco and his Dad together again brought a wave of warm memories to James's mind. The bridge had been rebuilt.
"You alright, Marco?" Tony managed to say through his tears.
Marco barely managed to speak. "Yeah…. I'm alright Dad. You alright?" He asked back.
Tony swayed Marco as if he was still little. "Awwww, Mio Figlio…. I've missed you, son." He exhaled happily.
"He's been a wee bit excited." Cathy said to James, her own eyes welling up. Tony then turned and caught James, smiling at him.
"JAAAAMES! SANGUE MIO! GET OVER 'ERE!" Tony cried happily as James was brought into the embrace.
"Alright, Mr Galluci?" James said with jubilation.
"I'm good. How are you, young master?" Tony asked. His arm firmly around James.
"Good thanks. It's great to see you again!" James answered, smiling. The man shook James by the shoulder with playful affection.
"Ahhh, look at this, Cathy. I got my boys back with me! Well, not boys anymore!" Tony exclaimed. An arm around both Marco and James.
"Aye, ye have so!" Cathy beamed. "Smile you three." She held up a camera and snapped a shot of them. "Don't leave me out." Cathy rushed over, joining the embrace.
"Three amigos back together, yeah?" James asked.
"Ooooh I dunno. More like Three blind mice!" Tony joked, making Marco laugh. His attention was then drawn to Coco Pops, who was scratching at his leg.
"Oh here he is! Blimey he's gotten big." Tony reached down and picked the dog up. "What's his name again, Frosted Shreddies or something, was it?" Tony joked.
"No, it's Coco Pops, Dad." Marco laughed, making the dog bark.
James returned to Cathy. "Right. Shall we make a move?" He asked. The party agreed as they made their way towards the car park for the short drive back to Derry.
As the car drove past the familiar surroundings, including a roadblock, the murals, the Walls in the distance, and even Fionulla's chip shop. Cathy stayed silent, stroking Coco Pops to distract herself while the boys served as guides for Tony; Derry had only been a place he'd heard about a handful of times during his long-time friendship with Cathy; a mythical place she seldom mentioned except for when the troubles were mentioned in the news. Yet during his regular calls with Marco, he felt he knew the place already, being a London Taxi Driver, he'd been working in the city at the time of the London bombing by the IRA. Suffice to say, Tony had a more in-depth knowledge of the troubles, and understood that knowledge was power. Deidre Mallon had just gotten out of her car as she saw them arriving. Deidre crooked her mouth as her sister smiled sheepishly as she stepped out the car.
"Alright Deidre. How about ye?" Cathy asked.
"What's occurring Cathy? Ya looked like you've slept with a coat hanger in your mouth!" Deidre quipped, sighing with exhaustion.
"Awww well. Just glad to be here to see my big boy turn 18!" Cathy proudly wrapped an arm around James. Deidre couldn't help but snicker at James blushing.
"Ach, dry yer eyes, Cathy. You'll make our James go all broke on us." Deidre chuckled; she then turned her attention to the newest arrival. "Tony Galluci, is it now?" Deidre enquired knowingly.
"Deidre, is it?" Tony enquired back, smiling.
"That I am. Ach. Grand to finally meet ya, Tony." Deidre smiled as she shook Tony by the hand.
"Nice to finally meet you." Tony kindly said. "So, which one of you is the good looking one? I can't tell." Tonny glanced between the sisters.
"Oh my God, Daaaaad!" Marco stressed; he rolled his eyes with embarrassment. Making James burst out laughing.
"Ach, better watch that smooth talk, Tony. My Martin might get jealous." Deidre quipped.
"Oh, not to worry. I couldn't be as lucky as this one. Has he been behaving?" Tony tilted his head towards Marco playfully.
"Hmmmm…. Would ye like the truth?" Deidre quipped. "Ach, only joking. These two have been grand, so they have." Deidre chuckled at James and Marco.
"Motherfuckers!" Deidre rolled her eyes as she heard Michelle coming up the road. James grew nervous while Marco snickered. Tony turned curiously, sighting a petite girl with long curly hair.
"Which is more than I can say for THAT one!" Deidre scoffed.
"Oooh. What you looking so worried about, James?" Tony laughed. "Is that your cousin?"
"Yea, that's Michelle." James sighed, now rolling his eyes.
"Hello Michelle." Cathy called as her outspoken niece came closer.
"How goes it, Aunt Cathy?" Michelle answered casually.
"Thought you was working?" Deidre asked.
"Yeah, but I got homework as well." Michelle shrugged. "I tried to multitask, and do it when we weren't busy, but that psycho prick Dennis wouldn't let me do it." Michelle protested.
"Language Michelle! Right, Cathy shall we go inside?" The sisters walked in, leaving Tony with the boys and Michelle.
"You? Multitasking? Getting you to do one thing is hard enough!" James said jokingly to Michelle.
"Oi, shut yer bake, yer mouthy English prick!" James grimaced as Michelle punched his arm.
"Oooh, even I felt that one!" Tony snickered. Marco mirrored his dad's laughs.
"Well, I wonder who this is?" Michelle asked cheekily.
"Michelle, this is my Dad. Dad, Michelle." Marco said.
Tony chuckled. "How you doing Michelle? That was a solid jab."
"How bout ye, Mr. G? Finally, gotcha here, aye?" Michelle asked. Kindly offering her fist. Tony chuckled as he fist bumped the feisty Mallon.
"Did you have to use the fist with the ring on?" James moaned.
"Serves you right, James. Show some respect for the lady." Tony playfully shoulder shoved James.
"Yeah, James! You heard the man!" Michelle mischievously echoed. "Right, I just got one thing to ask ya, Mr Galluci? Have ye got any embarrassing stories about these two?" Michelle pointed with excitement.
Tony paused; he raised a suggestive eyebrow as he glanced between the boys who shuffled awkwardly. "….. I might." He teased. Michelle cackled as she saw them both rub their eyes with worry.
"Ohh, I like ye already, Mr.G." Michelle beamed, rubbing her hands together.
"She won't need video evidence to believe him, will she?" James quipped to Marco nervously.
"Not unless my Dad brought some old videos over." Marco answered. They then shot wide eyes at each other.
"So, where ye staying?" Michelle asked Tony.
"I'm going to be staying round Jim's house." He said.
"Ach, class. You'll like Jim, he's a great craic, so he is. Just make sure he locks the back door at night." Michelle quipped. Marco's eyes shot daggers at her. James shot his hand back and forth across his mouth to shush Michelle as they stood behind Tony.
"Why's that then?" Tony asked, puzzled.
Pausing, Michelle shrugged. "….. Just common sense."
"How goes it, Tony?" Martin then came out. The two men shook hands. "Thought I'd come out and save yous." Tony chuckled as he walked up the path with Martin. Leaving Michelle with James and Marco. The lads couldn't help but spot the mischievous glint in Michelle's eye.
"Michelle, what are you thinking?" James groaned, feeling like something impending was upon him.
"Nothing, Oi, it's you're 18th lads. You're fair game!" Michelle chuckled as she went inside. James and Marco mirrored each other's look of dread as they followed.
A while later. After the usual Friday night dinner from Finnuola's chippy. Erin sat on the sofa with Orla sitting in front of her on the floor. Mary rushed around in haste to make sure the house was ship shape before the Mallon clan arrived. While Erin plaited Orla's hair, the quirky girl sat with her large drawing pad on her lap. She shaded the image she had been working on. Erin took a moment to look over Orla's shoulder.
"I don't mean to sound like an eejit, Orla….."
"Well then don't say anything stupid." Orla answered.
Erin sighed and shook her head. "I was about to ask a question, Orla. What is that you're drawing?" She asked.
"It's a bear claw, see it? I'm drawing it so it looks like it's coming out from behind the paper." Orla explained.
Erin narrowed her eyes. "Oh aye. Yeah I see that now. How come yer drawing that?" Erin asked.
"It's for Marco. I'm giving it to him for his 18th as a present." Orla smiled.
"Really, that's what he wants? A drawing?" Erin furrowed her eyes with confusion. "What's he gonna do with it?"
Orla looked towards the kitchen and then al around to see if anyone was listening. Orla beckoned Erin closer. "He's gonna get it put on himself….. Marco said he's gonna get a tattoo for his 18th." Orla whispered with excitement.
"Catch yourself on!" Erin exclaimed loudly. Jumping Joe awake, who'd been dozing in his armchair.
"Jesus Christ!" Joe startled. "What are you playing at, ye great southern state prick! Ye trying to give me a heart attack or something?" He barked at Gerry.
"It wasn't me, Joe! It was Erin!" Gerry protested.
"Ach, blaming the wains again? Seriously, Gerry. Change the channel." Sarah scoffed, making Gerry shot an exasperated look in her direction.
"Uh, that's a good idea." Joe reached for the TV remote.
"Uh, it was Erin, Da. Can you two shift? They'll be here any minute." Mary stressed as she surveyed the living room, not halting in her pursuit of the tidied house.
"Calm down, Mary. The house is fine." Gerry said.
"Not that you did much to help" Joe grumbled.
"I'll not have Cathy Maguire think any less of our 'little houses' than she already does." Mary argued.
"Doesn't mean she thinks the same about yourself, Mammy." Erin spoke up. "Mrs Maguire's…. sound." She said in James' defence.
"Maybe so, but I remember that wee comment. We don't have much, but we look after what we have." Mary replied.
Erin spied the similarities with what was discussed in English. She then took a moment to look at Orla's drawing again. It certainly was big. She nudged her cousin. "So, whereabouts is he gonna have it?" She asked.
"On his back." Orla's demeanour then changed. Erin noticed the sudden glumness on her face.
"What is it, Orla?" Erin asked. Orla took her by the hand and lead her into the hallway, climbing the first few steps of the stairs.
"Erin, there's something I need to tell ya." Orla said. Erin narrowed her eyes, spotting the rare hesitancy from her normal bouncy cousin. She waited for Orla to speak. But then, the front doorbell rang.
"Erin, can ye get the door?" Mary called.
The petite blonde grimaced at the interruption. "…. Aye, alright Mammy." Erin called back. "We'll talk later, aye? Orla?" Erin saw Orla was now back to her normal bouncy self, her smile widened, she hummed, seemingly fit to burst with excitement. Erin widened her eyes with disbelief as she turned to open the door. Her eyes met James' for the first time since the end of school. She then felt a shower of emotions of her own flood her as she saw her wee English fella. She frowned as his soft eyes made her melt.
"Hi…." He spoke softly. He still felt apprehensive coming over after how Erin had left school earlier. His doubts were dashed when Erin happily lunged into him, causing him to stumble back.
"Jesus, Erin! Calm yourself for fuck's sake." Michelle shot, who was right behind James.
"Language, Michelle!" Deidre shot. "Let us in, Erin. We're floundering out here." She ordered.
"Sorry Deidre." Erin wrinkled with embarrassment. Pulling James by the coat, they walked through the hallway and into the living room, followed by the incoming visitors. Deidre and Cathy said hello to Orla as they made their way inside. She stood with anticipation on the stairway and caught sight of Marco. She jumped into his arms with a warm embrace. Spinning her round, her back was turned to the front door.
Marco hummed with contentment. "God, I missed you today." He sighed.
"Awww, I missed yer too, Bear." She said, stroking his head. Coming out of their hug, she smiled at him. "Well, where's your…..?" She went to say with excitement, but then saw Marco's eyes looking past her. She felt a large presence behind her. She turned to see a tall, stocky man with a warm smile spread across his face. Her eyes widened with glee, as did her smile.
"Hello Orla." Tony said warmly.
"…Oh my god! A.…Hiya Mr Galluci…." Her voice shook happily, holding her arms out.
Tony quickly wrapped his arms around her, taking in her embrace. Marco smiled as he saw Orla hug his Dad tight. Tony melted as he swayed her gently. Marco glanced to see Joe was now standing nearby. Joe shot a friendly wink in his direction. Tony let out a huff of contentment. None of the phone calls he'd had with Marco justified the size of Orla's heartwarming personality.
"How are you, sweetheart?" He asked. Tony smiled as he stroked the girl's head gently. Orla tilted her head up to meet his warm gaze.
"Aye, I'm well, thanks." She hummed. "It's really grand to see yers." Her voice shook as she leaned into him again. Tony chuckled pleasantly, hugging her again.
"Ahhhh, and who might this fine fella be, I wonder?" Joe beamed. Catching Tony's attention, shooting a smile in his direction.
"Joe?!" Tony asked knowingly. His warm gaze coming upon the man who had taken his son under his wing.
"Ach, this is my Granda!" Orla proclaimed happily.
"How bout ye, Tony?" Joe smiled. The young couple smiled as the two men approached each other and shook hands.
"Ah, molto bene! Pleasure is all mine, good sir." Tony beamed.
"Ach, it's grand to meet yer, come on in." Joe patted Tony s shoulder and lead him in. They walked in on Cathy saying hello to the Quinns. Their focus was on each other, so they hadn't noticed the tall man walk in.
"Nice to see ye again, Cathy." Gerry said. Cathy thanked him.
"Aye, have ye done something new to yer eyebrows, Cathy?" Sarah quizzed.
"Well, actually, I was thinking of making an appointment down at the salon, Sarah. I might need a slight touch up." Cathy admitted.
"Better watch it, Cathy. You'll be breaking hearts all over the place." A voice said.
The parents all looked knowingly as they let out a burst of warm acknowledgment at the newest face among them. Orla hugged Tony's arm. She caught sight of Marco smiling as he walked up beside her. Orla felt an overwhelming wave of warmth come over her.
"Everyone, this is Marco's Da!" She exclaimed happily. Shaking his arm with excitement, looking up, seeing him smile and the room filled with chuckles.
"Ciao a tutti!" Tony said happily.
"Mammy, Daddy…. Giant!" Anna cried out, pointing at Tony.
"Come ere love. It's not a Giant. It's Marco's Daddy. Say hello." Gerry picked up his youngest. Anna waved sheepishly. "Nice to finally meet yer, Tony!" Gerry walked round and shook his hand.
"No. Pleasure is all mine, Gerry. Nice to meet you. I have to ask. Do you manage to get any work done round here?" Tony asked.
"What? This one? HAHA. Chance would a fine fecking thing." Joe chuckled.
"Yes, thanks Joe." Gerry rolled his eyes. "Why'd you ask that now?" He asked.
"Well, with all these ladies round you…. I'm surprised you get anything done." Tony quipped. Joe and Gerry chuckled while the mammies all blushed as they lapped up his compliment. Michelle laughed as Marco rolled his eyes, unable to hide his smirk. Orla hid her mouth as she leaned in and cradled him.
"Aye, be careful girls. Tony's a bit of charmer in his own right." Cathy teased.
"Aye, he certainly is. How bout ye Tony? I'm Sarah." Sarah offered her hand.
"This is my mammy!" Orla explained.
"Ahhh, now I see who you got those pretty eyes from." Tony said. Making Sarah let out a nervous chuckle.
"Ach, there it is!" Erin laughed.
"Sarah. Sei stupenda!" Tony said, kissing her hand.
"I'm sorry, what was that?" Sarah seemed offended.
"…. Uh, it means you look stunning." Tony said assuring.
"Oh… I thought it sounded like ye were calling me stupid just then. Thank you Tony." Sarah smiled. Tony shot an awkward smile. He glanced at Marco who simply shrugged his shoulders.
"It's ok Tony. You'll get used to it." Gerry chuckled.
"Well, at least we now know where Marco got his charms from." Mary said playfully, Deidre smirked.
"Ah Maria! Sei uno splendore!" Tony smiled at her.
"Ach catch yourself on!" Mary laughed. The mammies began to talk amongst themselves.
"Tony, this is Erin." James said proudly. Tony smiled warmly at her as she walked up to him.
"Hello, Erin. So you're the one who swept James here off his feet, are you?" Tony said. "Has he been behaving?" He joked, pointing at James, who lowered his face with an accepting shyness.
"Aye, just about." Erin crooked the corner of her mouth, smirking at James, lightly shoulder shoving her wee English fella. "It's grand to meet you, Mr Galluci." Erin smiled warmly, hugging him.
"Anyone in?" Clare called as she walked in. "I was just wondering if…." Clare then stopped. She gawked happily. "Mr Galluci?" She beamed.
"Hello, Clare is it?" Tony asked.
"Aye. it is. It's a real pleasure to meet you sir! An absolute pleasure!" She shook his hand enthusiastically. She then bowed her head to him.
"Calm down Clare. He's not the Godfather, you know." Marco laughed.
"Jesus, anyone would have thought she was meeting the fucking Pope!" Michelle quipped.
"Ayyy… leave her alone." Tony put his arm around Clare, defending her. "It's a pleasure to meet you Clare."
"Ach thanks., you too." Clare tilted her head up.
"Hope these two haven't been much trouble." Tony quipped.
"Well, now ye come to mention it…." Michelle went to say.
"Nah, not at all, Tony. They're good lads, the pair of them. Mind you, not to say they haven't had the odd shenanigan here and there with our bunch." Mary pointed out.
"Boys will be boys, aye?" Joe joked.
"Huh, well I can definitely tell you a tale or two." Tony teased. James and Marco scrunched their eyes with embarrassment.
"Aye, that he can, Joe." Cathy agreed.
"Oh Gawd!" James tilted his head up but failed to hide his smile.
"Daaaad!" Marco moaned. Mirroring James. Everyone laughed at their nervous disposition.