Mary Quinn's head swirled with turmoil as she tried to make sense of the scandalous situation that her family was now in. Not even the idea of having some additional income, or potential free chips from Finnuola was enough to calm her nerves. The Quinn matriarch's mind swirled with a mixture of irritation and panic. Erin, being tasked with telling her mammy about the fare needed for the English trip to Belfast only added to her despair. But it was Joe's moaning about the wains going to Belfast that sent Mary into a rage fuelled onslaught. To calm the situation, Gerry suggested the family lay low for the heat to die down. Even suggesting that they avoid ordering Friday Night Chippy. But despite the risky position, Joe shot that idea down. Stating that anything out of the ordinary would arouse suspicion.
For the first time in a long time; having an impromptu visit from Uncle Colm during dinner was a welcome distraction for Mary. While everyone despaired as Uncle Colm drivelled on. It gave Mary a chance to collect her thoughts on the immediate issue. Although she wondered why Erin's English teacher would choose such a place for the class to visit; this wasn't a matter of risking an encounter with an escaped Polar Bear for the sake of a 'This ' concert….. This was a school trip; therefore, it had priority.
Meanwhile, Gerry's worries quickly began to manifest as the days wore on. His journeys home from work were heavy on his conscience every time he drove past a fish and chip shop that has some sort of melee occurring between the owners. Clearly seeing who was, and who wasn't being supplied by Finnuola. The arguments made Gerry worry that somehow, the paper trail would lead the authorities to them. Erin and Orla regarded the state he was in one morning after a sleepless night. Clearly dishevelled. Orla likened her uncle's appearance to the fella in the film with the flying car.
"What fella? What flying car? Ya mean Doctor Brown in Back to the future?" Erin asked.
"No, the child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Orla answered., pulling her eye lids down to mimic a gaunt face.
Mary's own concerns about the 'war of the fishes' also began to manifest. Walking home from work through the high street, besides seeing the same fracases, she thought back to Sunday mass the other day and could have sworn blind that the entire congregation knew of the family's 'wee dabble', and could feel their eyes burning holes through her as she sat in church.
"They couldn't know….. Finnuola wouldn't say anything… would she?" She panicked to herself. "Christ, what am I gonnae say when I take confession this week?" Her shrieking voice echoed inside her head.
As she neared home, Mary saw some odd-looking thing displayed outside Dennis' wee shop. A singing fish on a plaque. The 'fish' was wriggling like it was alive while singing the Bobby McFerrin song, Don't worry, be happy. Mary quickly hurried away, feeling like it was tormenting her. Then her mind shifted to dropping Anna off at playschool earlier that day and thought for a second that the other mammies' heads were in fact fish heads when they were talking at her. Mary then felt her own cack attack build at the thought of one of the wains letting the secret out. Clare or Orla being the prime candidates…. The sheer embarrassment…. Mary thought, her face contorting, her eyes darting in every which direction.
"Ha! Christ, McCool! Ya haven't changed a bit! As big of a dose now as you was in school!" A voice said with a spiteful tone.
Mary turned to see who was talking to her. The Quinn matriarch gawped in amazement, recognizing the woman. A slim, petite brunette woman stood in front of her wearing an office type dress suit. Carrying a leather briefcase, dark brimmed glasses, and an arrogant aura surrounded her. The visual epitome of a success. The woman, to Mary, was a snake in sheep's clothing…. Or was it a wolf? Mary thought briefly, but then snapped back to reality.
"Shiv?…. 'Shifty Shiv' McGuilicuty?!" Mary gasped in amazement, feeling the familiar tremor travel up her spine at the memory of her former schoolmate, brief but certainly memorable. Envy and fear were spread across her face, while discontent stirred in the pit of her stomach.
"See you remember me….. Aye, In all my glory." The woman answered menacingly with her arms outstretched. The arrogance in her voice unwavering, and oh so familiar. "Oh… Nice jumper., McCool." She sniggered.
Mary felt her face flush with an angry embarrassment as she swallowed hard, looking down at her jumper, catching the Woolworths name tag in her sight.
"Wh….. well, it's Quinn now! h-h-h How long have you been back in Derry, Shiv?" Mary forced the words out, trying to stay civil. Her disdainful look told a different story.
"Just a wee while, on business. Ya know how it is… The never-ending grind…. Making multiple executive decisions…. Meeting interesting people…. Going to different places….. So, ya managed to find someone who'd put up with yous? Christ, the poor critter must be mental." Shiv said with a condescending chuckle.
Mary felt the sting of her words. Reaching to stroke her wedding ring. "Aye, I'm married, 20 years, nearly…. Almost….. To a loveliest of men!" She exclaimed proudly with her arms now folded. "I'm…. also going back to school…. University, in fact! To get my degree…. With any luck. And my Gerry is supporting me all the way!" Mary stumbled.
"Really? Ach that's grand, Mary. Really it is!" Shiv said with affection.
"Oh, well…. Thanks." Mary answered with a twinge of uncertainty.
"Aye, I'm sure many others need to go to university to get a degree in housekeeping." As Shiv chuckled, Mary felt herself stir with anger as Shiv went on. "And to think…. All those years ago, you were gonna change the world…. Well, I think you did, Mary. You stayed out of the way made sure ya didn't fuck it up any more than it already is." Shiv said mockingly. Her tone then became more sinister. "How's ya sister?" She hissed.
"Sarah's grand!" Mary barked, cutting to the chase.
"Surprised she didn't throw herself in the foyle after her wee…. Entanglement." Shiv said with resentment. "Sure, you must kick yourself up the arse every day for not dropping her when she brought that slur on your family." Siobhan cackled slightly. "Christ…. Such a brainless dose!... But then again, so was HE!" She said venomously.
"Well, if anyone knows about entanglements, it's yourself, Shifty!" Deidre Mallon snapped, suddenly appearing behind Shiv, rattling the woman.
"Maguire!... D-D-D Deidre Maguire!" Shiv's voice cracked with fear, her eyes shot open at her other old acquaintance.
"Aye…. in all my G-G-G-Glory….." Deidre mocked. "Well, this is strange. Don't ya usually say hello to people whilst lying on ya back?" Deidre shot. The tension between the two began to build. "…..How goes it, Mary?" Deidre snarled. Her glare focused on Shiv.
"Fine, Deidre. Just fine." Mary shuddered with relief.
"Well, it's been grand catching up girls…. I'll be seeing ya round, with any luck." Shiv smirked as went to leave, but Deidre quickly grabbed her by the arm, pulling her close so they were nose to nose.
"You just keep your distance from our Sarah…. Or so help me God…." Deidre said menacingly. Shiv's lip quivered at the warning. she released herself from Deidre's grip, hurrying away. "How long has she been back?" Deidre asked with a sneering tone, staring daggers as the woman disappeared up the road.
"Dunno…. She didn't say. Do ya reckon I should tell Sarah?" Mary asked with concern.
"No…. don't give her a cack attack. Maybe she'll just feck off, or get herself blown up, God willing…. and Sarah might not be any the wiser." Deidre suggested. "Ach, what's ya bother, Mary?" Deidre asked, seeing the perplexed look on her friend's face.
"Nothing…. Nothing." Mary shuddered.
It was only a half day at school the next day. It was the day of the Belfast theatre trip. The class gathered to wait outside the school gate. It was a particularly cold afternoon, and the cold wind cut through them. Waiting for Father Peter to bring the bus round to the front. Erin braved the situation and pulled James' arm around her to keep her warm. Shooting him a warm smile.
"You're braving it, aren't you? Jenny's only over there." James chuckled, his tone a mixture of anxiety and excitement.
"Who cares? We're not inside the school now, aren't we?" Erin smiled. Shooting in to give him a kiss, James gladly returned the gesture.
"Oi! Pack it in you two!" Michelle snapped. Swiping James' arm. "I can't tell yous about my dream with you two snogging, it puts me off!" Erin and James huffed with embarrassment.
The feisty Mallon was buzzing from her most recent sordid dream that ben swirling inside her mind the night before. The same steamy scenario, but this time not with… 'him'… thankfully, this time, but with a lad who's face she couldn't see. James felt a familiar twinge of embarrassment inside him whenever his cousin began to speak vividly about sex. Erin, on the other hand seemed very intrigued.
"And are ya having these dreams often?" Erin asked while she huddled next to James for warmth.
"On and off." Michelle said.
"Erin, don't encourage her." James groaned.
"Ach! What's your big bother Dicko?" Michelle snapped. "I would have thought you two would have gotten over all that awkwardness given that you two are now riding each other."
"Jesus! Shut up, ya great Mouth! I don't want the whole class to know!" Erin hissed in a panic, quickly pulling Michelle by the arm.
"Aye? And how do I think I feel about it? Fucking embarrassing! So, it is!" Michelle snorted.
"Can ya change the subject please? I don't think this is the sort of thing we should be discussing atter that whole birthday card incident." Clare also panicked.
"Is the dream about the same fella?" Erin asked.
"That's NOT changing the subject!" Clare snapped.
"No…. and that's the weird thing. I didn't see his face in this one, but Jesus, I saw everything else." Michelle let out a lust filled growl.
"OHHHHH! Ya mean he was that fella in that story who rides that wee horse and goes round scaring people?!" Orla exclaimed with excitement.
"Who the fuck's she on about?" Michelle asked with confusion.
"The headless horseman! He's the ghost in the tale of Sleepy Hollow, Michelle! Honestly, try reading a book once in a while!" Clare groaned.
"So what? You're saying he was an ugly bastard?" Erin asked, pulling an odd face.
"No! I do not have dreams about riding ugly bastards! I have standards, Erin!" Michelle replied.
"But who was it?" Orla now asked with intrigue. "Someone ya know?... like…. Proper know?"
"I dunno, I didn't see his face, Orla." Michelle said. "Didn't matter though, all I was seeing was that ripped to fuck body of his." She grunted, her voice filled with lust.
"You talking about me, are you?" Marco interjected, making Michelle jump. Orla snuggled happily into Marco's side. "Whoa, careful!" He chuckled.
Orla's eyes sparkled. "…. Ya got it done didn't ye? Ya got ya tattoo done, didn't ya?!" Orla asked, her smile getting bigger, as she was fit to burst with excitement.
"…..Yeah. I got it done." Marco answered, smiling. The group gawped as Marco tugged down on his jumper collar, pulling a corner of the bandaged area away to reveal a piece of the tattoo on his chest.
"Fuck a doodle doo!" Michelle exclaimed.
"Do you mind, Michelle?" Jenny Joyce shivered in annoyance. Michelle shot Jenny the middle finger.
"Mate, I can't believe you actually got a tattoo." James exclaimed, his smile was wide and warm.
"Yeah! Maybe you should get one next?" Marco teased.
"Ah No!" James shot back adamantly.
"Yeah, catch yourself on!" Erin chuckled.
"Why not, James? I think you'd look cracker with a tattoo!" Orla exclaimed.
"No. No thanks, Orla. I'm not the best when it comes to needles." James replied, anxiously.
"You are such a pussy." Michelle grunted.
"Oh God, Yeah! I remember when he had his BCG done."
"Maaaaarco!" James groaned with annoyance.
"Why, what happened?" Michelle snapped her head round with intrigue.
"Shiiiiit!" James stressed.
"Did something happen, James?" Clare asked.
"No. Nothing- NOTHING happened! Marco, tell them nothing happened!" James stressed, pointing his finger at him.
"Yeah, something did happen." Erin nodded.
"Definitely!" Michelle agreed.
"Did ya cry, James?" Orla asked innocently.
"No!" James answered desperately.
"Fiver says he did." Michelle shot.
"Marco, tell them I didn't cry!"
"He didn't cry." Marco insisted.
"Thank you!"
"He just fainted a little bit." Marco's word make Michelle break out into a laugh.
"Honestly….. I fucking hate you sometimes!" James sighed as they shuddered in the cold, as did the rest of the class. Still waiting for Father Peter to drive the bus round to the front. The class huddled close together.
"Bet ya proper buzzing ya not coming with us on this trip, aye?" Michelle asked Marco.
"I still don't know why Mrs Sadhbh lost the run of herself when Orla asked her about Marco coming with us." Clare spoke up.
"She did what?" Marco asked, unaware.
"Shut up, Clare!" Erin stressed.
"Aye. Mrs Sadhbh shouted right in Orla's face, so she did! I was there! She told her the trip was for the students only, and not some…. Some…." Clare paused anxiously.
"Some what?" Marco asked.
"I think the term she used was 'Kitchen boy'." Jenny Joyce chattered.
"Who the fuck asked you?!" Michelle snapped.
"Mind ya own business, Jenny!" Erin snapped. The group turned to see the vexed look on Marco's face.
"You alright there, Marco?" James asked with caution.
"Yeah….. No….. You're telling me that Mrs Sadhbh just shouted in Orla's face?" He asked.
"Very much so!... Oh, sweet Jesus! Why can't I stop talking?!" Clare cried, grabbing her head with despair.
"Clare….. Ya know that wee voice people have in their head that tells them, 'This is the time to stop talking?" Erin asked softly.
"… Yeah?" Clare answered.
"You clearly don't FUCKIN' HAVE ONE!" Michelle interjected.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Michelle! I've just been a wee preoccupied, what with Laurie not returning my calls, and the fact that I might have essentially been dumped by my girlfriend over something I didn't do, so forgive me if MY JUDGEMENT IS SLIGHTLY FUCKING CLOUDED A WEE BIT RIGHT NOW!" Clare's scream caused the entire class to turn and stare at her while Orla covered her ears.
"Clare Devlin! Can you keep it down? We'll see plenty dramatic outbursts in the play, but I don't want to hear them here. Is that understood?!" Mrs Sadhbh shouted.
"Sorry, Miss!" Clare cried. The wee lesbian twisted with embarrassment, her face now a shade of red.
"Yeah, you definitely don't need that wee voice, Clare." Michelle answered sheepishly.
"Right. All of you. Let's get a move on. We've got a long drive ahead." Mrs Sadhbh ordered with an irritated tone.
At that point, the bus finally drove round the corner. Father Peter pulled up and the class moved with haste to get onboard. The class made a queue and began to file inside the bus, Orla kept hold of Marco's hand as they walked along. Mrs Sadhbh stood by the bus door with a face of thunder.
"Well, SHE looks happy, don't she." Erin scoffed quietly.
"Are ye needing glasses, Erin? I'm pretty sure she looks pissed off to me." Orla answered.
"No, Orla! Oh, for God sake!" Erin despaired as she walked onto the bus.
"Do ya think if we ask enough of the class to crowd round us, we can sneak Marco on the bus?" Orla asked hopefully. The others rolled their eyes as they filed on.
"Might have a bit of difficulty getting Marco into the theatre without a ticket, Orla. See you later, mate." James said regrettably as he followed the girls.
Orla frowned sadly and snuggled up to Marco. As Orla breathed in, she stopped, she smelt something. Something… not potent, yet prominent. Sweet, but not sickly. A scent, a pleasant scent. She felt her senses light up as the sensuous aroma sent a tingle down her spine. Slightly puzzled at the fuzzy sensation she was feeling all the way down to her wee toes. Orla started to tug at Marco's jumper collar again, noticing the smell was coming from inside.
"Or…. Orla, what ya doing?" Marco asked, he then snorted, flinching as her nose tickled him.
"What's that smell?" She asked, feeling herself heightened by the aroma. She took a few deep sniffs. "Wha… what is that?" She asked with eagerness, her nose deep inside Marco's jumper.
Marco chuckled with affection as he turned away from the prying eyes at the bus window. Orla continued to inhale the aroma coming from inside his jumper. "Oh, it's just the cocoa butter on my tattoo." He said. Orla's eyes lit up. An alluring smile began to appear on her face.
"Is that what it is?" Orla beamed. "It makes ya smell like a human size pop tart!" She exclaimed.
"Is that a good thing?" Marco asked, smiling warmly.
"I'd say that's a really good thing." Orla stretched her words as she growled faintly, her eyes and smile were wide, almost hungry looking.
"Orla? Are ya coming?" Clare asked, leaning out the bus.
"Aye I'm grand! I'll see you lads in a minute." She rasped. Marco suddenly felt tense, seeing Orla's eyes were locked on him.
Marco tried to break the tension that was brewing. "So…. Mrs Sadhbh shouted a-" His mouth was suddenly engulfed as Orla lunged at him, throwing her arms round his neck. Marco staggered back before finding his feet again. Orla felt her chest pound hard as she exhaled. the couple lost themselves, mirroring their affection, deepening the kiss.
"Jesus Christ, Orla!" Erin exclaimed, looking out the window. the class turned to stare, a mixture of cheers and gawping stares were directed at the couple.
"Fuck a doodle doo! Orla's eating his face off!" Michelle laughed.
"Orla McCool! Do you mind pulling yourself away from that boy and get on the bus!" Mrs Sadhbh shouted, leaning out of the bus.
The noise startled Orla so much, she covered her ears in agony. Mrs Sadhbh marched angrily up the stairs and ordered the bus to settle down. As the class quietened, Erin glared at the teacher for shouting at her cousin again. Outside, Marco cradled Orla's head, feeling her shake. His chest burned as he glanced towards the bus. He went to move forward but was suddenly distracted by a familiar voice.
"Ah, Mr Galluci, you're needed. Give me a hand onto the bus, please." Sister Michael was now standing beside them on a pair of crutches. Sporting her latest leg injury from Judo class. Grunting her way through the discomfort, Sister Michael ascended the stairs. While Marco walked Orla down to sit with the others. The bus quietened as Sister Michael went to address them.
"Now…. Before you go, I would like to stress that while this trip is part of your English coursework…. I do not…. Under ANY circumstances, want to hear of Mrs Sadhbh telling me of any incidents of drunkenness, inappropriate behaviour, or any form of consorting!"
"She better behave herself then, Sister!." Michelle quipped, making the bus chuckle.
"I'm glad to hear that, Miss Mallon. Because that goes double for you." Sister Michael shot back. "I am expecting you all to follow Mrs Sadhbh's lead. Since I'm in no fit state to travel. I'm not prepared to explain to your parents why you couldn't follow a simple instruction of not mingling with the local heathens. Why Mrs Sadhbh chose Belfast of all places, I will never know. So, be on your guard girls, mixing with the inhabitants of that city will be a troublesome as a Roman with a harem." Her comment made the girls glance awkwardly amongst themselves.
"I didn't know Romans invented motorbikes." Orla said.
"No. No. She said Harem. Not Harley." Marco said.
"Ohhhh…." Orla was still puzzled. "What's a harem, Sister Michael?" She asked.
"Shut up Orla!" Erin panicked. "Ignore here, Sister. She doesn't know what she's sayin'!"
"Yes. I assumed as much, Miss Quinn." Sister Michael answered.
"It's where a fella has a whole bunch of women around him." Michelle explained.
"Oh, ya mean like James and Marco?" Orla asked.
"HOW is that like James and Marco?" Erin asked with a huff.
"Well, cuz they're always hangin' round us all the time…. Does that make us their harem?" Orla asked.
"FUCK NO!" Michelle cried.
"Sweet suffering JESUS!" Clare despaired.
"OK. I'm going now. See you lot later." Marco laughed as he moved back down to help Sister Michael off the bus.
She turned to both Mrs Sadhbh and Father Peter before leaving. "And I trust the two of you to make sure you look after these girls, are we clear on that?" Sister Michael stared through them both before leaving the bus with Marco's help.
Mrs Sadhbh huffed arrogantly as the nun departed. "Fecking auld battleaxe." She said under her breath.
"Here we are now. Mrs Sadhbh, just for yourself." Father Peter showed her to the conductor seat which was next to the driver seat. The seat was facing the opposite way, enabling her to overlook the class. "Ya know if you'd like…. There's a pub a short way down from the lyric theatre. Maybe, we could get ourselves a quick drink before the show starts, would ya like that?" Father Peter suggested.
Mrs Sadhbh crooked a blasé eyebrow at the priest. "Well, that sounds tempting, Father….. but isn't that a tad irresponsible? Ya know, given that you have to drive us there….. and back?" Mrs Sadhbh spoke with a condescending tone before taking her seat.
"So, I take that as a maybe?" Father Peter quipped curiously.
"Take it any way you like. I could care less." Mrs Sadhbh rolled her eyes and looked away.
"Right! Let's get going then!" Father Peter sighed, looking slightly dejected as he started up the bus.
"Ach look. Father Peter's tried to pull Mrs Sadhbh again." Michelle smirked from the back of the bus.
"Unsuccessfully from the looks of it." Clare added.
"Urgh. Aye, well that seems about right. Seems like he's only attracted to slags." Erin wrenched.
"What was that, Miss Quinn?!" Mrs Sadhbh shouted.
"We didn't say anything, Miss!" Clare shrieked innocently. As the bus drove off, Sister Michael turned to Marco.
"Well, Mr Galluci. I trust you're not preoccupied this afternoon?" She asked.
"Uh, no. Not really. Why?" Marco asked.
"Well, it wouldn't matter if you were. I need you to drive me to Belfast." Sister Michael said.
Marco stood confused. "I'm sorry, what? I thought you said you were in no fit state to travel?" He asked.
"Of course I'm not. I can't drive myself with my leg like this, can I now?" She replied.
"….. Yeah, I suppose. But if you wanted to go to Belfast, why didn't you just go on the bus with the others?" Marco asked.
"Three reasons. One. Bus journeys and a hurt leg aren't a good combination. Two. I want nothing to do with this trip, mostly because I despise Shakespeare. And three, I would rather sit and watch an England football game than be near that woman." Sister Michael answered.
"Well, that's only half insulting…. So, you like her as much as I do. Do ya?" Marco quipped.
"Mind your cheek. But yes, that's precisely right. I have business at Belfast University. Come along. We'll take my car." Sister Michael threw him her car keys.
"Well, where's your….. Sister Michael, this is a DeLorean! You have a DeLorean?" Marco asked, astounded that he was looking at an actual DeLorean.
"No, I have a Reliant Robin…. Yes, I have a DeLorean. Let's just say I have friends in the right places." She answered in irritation.
"Who? God?" Marco quipped.
"Yes, 'God' works at a vintage car dealership on the weekends. Are we going to Belfast or not?!" Sister Michael snapped.
"Yes Sister." Marco said with a glint in his eyes, helping her into the car before taking his spot in the driver seat.
"So, if this baby hits 88 mph, are we gonna see some serious shit?" The lad couldn't help but ask. Sister Michael just turned and glared at him.
"Ya know, it's a line from Back to the….. I'll just start driving then."Marco turned the ignition.
"Wise move. Now let's a move on before the Libyans turn up." Sister Michael said, donning her sunglasses. Marco turned to see the nun smirking, almost.
The journey to Belfast was filled with the usual bottle necking through security check points outside Derry, and then Maghera, and even Randalstown. As the radio played, Father Peter's enthusiastic bobbing to Next-Too Close didn't go unnoticed by the students. But the priest's attention was solely on the sultry brunette sitting next to him with her legs crossed, showing more leg than would be expected of a teacher. He also couldn't help but notice Mrs Sadhbh's nervous temperament whenever they went through the check points, which he didn't think was unusual for anyone. Yet, for someone who always appeared so poised, Father Peter couldn't help but wonder why. As the class talked amongst themselves, Mrs Sadhbh seemed to show a peculiar interest in the ones sitting at the back of the bus. The Priest couldn't help but see the intriguing glint in her eyes as he drove along.
"So, what ya got going on in that wee mind of yours?" Father Peter asked playfully.
"More than your own." Mrs Sadhbh answered flatly. "…. If you must know, I'm sifting through the class grades, and seeing who needs some extra help. I'm gonna set up some private tuition." She added.
"Ooooh. Well, I hope you're not banking on getting paid extra for that, Mrs Sadhbh." Peter quipped pathetically. "I mean, unless you intend to tutor Jenny Joyce exclusively. You never said you did private tuition." He quizzed. Mrs Sadhbh was not amused.
"I know I didn't. There are some things we rather keep to ourselves. Ya know? Like getting cheated on by some slutty hairdresser?" She said rudely.
"No…. that's very true." The Priest answered awkwardly. "So, who do ya think needs the extra tuition?" He asked.
"That, right there Father, is none of your business." Mrs Sadhbh rudely answered.
Mrs Sadhbh rose from her seat and proceeded to hand out task sheets to the class as she walked down the bus. "I want you girls to make sure to pay special attention to these scenes. Your coursework will be about them. So, attention is vital when watching the play tonight, Understand? Clare Devlin… I want a word with you." She said sternly, signalling Clare to join her.
Clare glanced nervously at the girls before sheepishly doing as she was told. Sitting down next to Mrs Sadhbh in a free row of seats.
"Is…. There a problem, Miss?" Clare asked nervously.
"You could say that. What's going on with your work, Clare?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all. Quite pleasurable in fact." Clare shot nervously.
"Well, that's not what I'm seeing. Your last paper wasn't up to scratch, Clare. And neither was your friend's work. Well, James being the exception. What's going on?" She asked bluntly.
Clare was flabbergasted. Guilt by association with the girls was one thing, in her mind. But never had she been singled out for falling behind in her schoolwork. Clare's mind raced as the usual feeling of dread, panic and hysterics began to stir quicker than ever before.
"I'm sorry, Miss! I….. I…. don't know how…."
"Clare, I'm sure I know why. I understand you were given a lot of leniencies when your father passed. But now, clearly it's some other thing, but I'm not going to accept it. What is it? A lover's tiff with that scruffy girl you were seeing, what's her name? Lauren?" Mrs Sadhbh asked with a condescending tone.
"I'm sorry, Miss. Well, it's more than a tiff." Clare admitted sadly. "I admit, I've been a wee bit preoccupied…. Only cuz she won't give me a chance to explain myself…. To tell the truth, I haven't anything to explain, well, except that I have nothing to explain. But I promise you I will do whatever it takes to…. Hold on, I'm sorry, what did you mean 'scruffy'?" Clare asked, she was now even more puzzled. "And it's Laurie!" Her mind screamed.
"Clare, I'm not here to discuss your private life. Just get your head out of the clouds, and off that scruff. Clearly she's not bothered with yous. If ya don't buck up, you're gonna fall behind like the rest of your friends back there. I'm sure your mother wouldn't want to hear that, would she now? I'm doing this for your own good, Clare. To make sure you don't get dragged down beyond the point of no return, if you know what I mean." Mrs Sadhbh said sternly. Tilting her head towards the back of the bus.
"But Mrs Sadhbh…." Clare went to say.
"No buts, Clare. Universities have no room for charity cases." Mrs Sadhbh said rudely.
Clare's heart pounded fast with worry. "I w-w-w-w I will, Miss. I promise." Clare shook with panic.
"See that you do. And Clare, don't go broadcasting this to your friends. I can do without their belly aching as well." Mrs Sadhbh scowled before leaving her.
As Clare sat, bewildered, she went someone come sit next to her. "Ye alright, Clare?" Erin asked. The wee lesbian just turned and stared blankly at her friend.
Father Peter also sat bewildered as he suddenly saw a DeLorean speed past him. Driving into Belfast; Sister Michael gave directions to Marco as they drove past the sights of the city, taking in the bewildered looks on peoples' faces as they drove by. Arriving at Belfast University campus, the car came to a stop outside a large campus building. As Sister Michael released the passenger door, her sunglasses still adorned, glanced back at Marco.
"There's no need for the sound effects, Mr Galluci." She groaned.
"Sorry, last time. I promise." Marco sniggered. The nun shook her head as she stepped out with a slight struggle.
"I shall be finished some time this evening. 7ish. In the meantime, amuse yourself. And be back here to pick me up." Sister Michael ordered.
Taking the keys from Marco, she went on her way. Marco looked down at his watch. '5 hours?... What the bloody hell does she expect me to do?' He thought to himself.
"MARCO?!" A voice called. Causing him to snap his head round.
"LAURIE!" He cried with a pleasant surprise. "You alright?" Marco smiled as Laurie bounded towards him.
"Aye, I'm not bad! What's the craic with you? What ya doing here?!" Laurie exclaimed happily as the two friends embraced.
"I'm good, thanks. Bloody hell! What are the chances?" Marco laughed.
"Aye. So….. Are you here alone?" Laurie asked curiously.
"Well, yes and no…. James and the girls are here too." Marco said.
"Clare's here?" Laurie asked, her tone was mixed.
"Well, she's not here here. But she is here. I mean, she's in Belfast, with the others. They're seeing a shakepseare play tonight." Marco stumbled.
"Oh?..." Laurie remarked.
"Yeah. Lauire, I've been wanting to talk to you for ages. What happened?" Marco asked.
"Ach ye know what? It doesn't matter." Laurie scoffed; her tone didn't match the glum expression she now had.
"Ah no, Come on Laurie. You can tell me." Marco insisted.
"I mean it! I DOESN'T matter! No doubt she's here with that new wee friend of hers anyway, s fucking drop it!" Laurie snapped. She shuffled while her face and tone was full of hurt.
Marco looked at her, confused. "What you talking about? Laurie, Clare isn't with anyone else." He explained.
"Catch yourself on, Marco! I know she is! The fucking mouth left enough messages on my answer machine, so she did!" Laurie huffed.
"You what?" Marco asked.
"Aye! I had to change my phone number to stop the phone calls coming in!" Laurie explained.
"But Laurie, Clare's NOT cheating on you! HASN'T cheated on you! There isn't any other girl!" Marco exclaimed.
"What?... Are you serious right now?" Laurie asked.
"YES! Oh my God! Laurie, Clare's been trying to call you since the party. She went out to find out if you were still coming cos you were running late, she was worried about you! The next thing, she came back and told us you said someone rang you and said she was seeing her…. But there ISN'T!" He couldn't get the words out quick enough.
"Woah! Stall the ball, Marco! Ya sound like Clare on a good day." Laurie regarded. "So, let me get this straight…."
"Huh, there's an ironic statement." Marco chuckled as he caught his breath. Laurie snorted as his quip.
"Laurie, what did this girl say to you to think Clare would have done such a thing?" He asked.
"Ach, ya best come back to the flat. I kept the tape. Come on." Laurie motioned Marco to follow her.