After Dennis left, Michelle couldn't help but rummage around the drink's shelf behind the counter. But Clare's presence thwarted any attempt of a sneaky sip. While it was relatively quiet in the shop, Michelle revealed the real reason behind Dennis' visit to the dentist. Far from a standard wisdom toothache, Dennis had cracked his wisdom tooth on a dare with the small blonde-haired regular.
"Jesus. How did he do that?" Clare asked.
"Remember those proper manky bonbons he gave us for free that time? Ya know? The whole dog piss dripping on Big M?"
"Yes, I think I recall, Michelle." Clare groaned.
"Well, he cracked his tooth when that mouthy wain, Owen dared him to eat one." Michelle explained. "Ach, here he is." She then said excitedly.
Clare turned to see Michelle dart round and greet a tall, dark haired young adult sporting a trimmed goatee, who came to the shop with a delivery. She tried to distract herself from Michelle's merciless flirting with the man by reading a magazine. Sitting at the counter, the incessant innuendos between the older lad and Michelle turned her stomach. When the lad was finished, Michelle gave the lad a wink and a flittering wave goodbye.
"Ach! Ride a-fucking- rama. I might have gone blind if I kept looking at that arse!" Michelle growled lustfully as she walked back behind the counter.
"That was EMBARASSING, Michelle!" Clare exclaimed.
"Ach, don't tell me ya don't have a wee think about Laurie's arse now and again….. or is it her tits that float ya boat?..." Michelle asked pitilessly.
"I am not prepared to broadcast what I fantasize about when it comes to Laurie….. It's a bit of both if ya must know, but that's beside the point!" Clare answered.
"I knew it!" Michelle cackled. "Besides which, Laurie's older than yourself, so what's the problem with me liking an older fella?"
"You…. Prefer older fellas?" Clare quizzed.
"Oi, age doesn't matter, a ride's a ride. Even that Chief Byers is quite a ride. I've had a few dreams about him, I can tell ya." Michelle answered.
"Christ, I feel sick!" Clare stressed.
"Shut up, Clare. They're here." Michelle said suddenly. Looking out the open door.
"Who's here?" Clare asked, she glanced out and saw a car outside. She then saw Michelle pull out James' walkie talkie.
"Are ye out there?" Michelle said into the walkie talkie.
"Yeah, we're waiting now." A voice came through.
"Alright…. Sit tight, aye?" Michelle said.
"Over and out." The walkie talkie crackled.
Clare seemed puzzled. "Who was that? What's going on Michelle?"
"Getting revenge. Look who just turned up." Michelle pointed.
Clare gawped at who she saw outside. "Is that Dominic Malarkey?" She rasped.
"Aye. He's been coming to the shop ever since he found out I work here. Mona and Henry are outside in their car. They always send Dominic in to get their stuff. Well, I got a wee surprise cooked up for them…." Michelle explained.
"What? Ya mean Mona's outside?" Clare scowled.
"Oi, don't shite the tights, alright? Just act normal…. Actually, just don't have a cack attack, Aye?" Michelle instructed as she started to unbutton the top of her school blouse.
"Michelle, what are ye doing?!" Clare exclaimed. She then quickly grabbed her book to hide her face as Dominic walked in. His eyes immediately went to Michelle, who was flicking her hair back.
"Oh, why hello Dominic…. You're looking mighty grand today." Michelle said in her classic seductive tone.
"… Ah….. uh, what?... I mean, yeah I'm grand thanks, Michelle?" Dominic stuttered with wide, ogling eyes.
The lad cluttered into shelves and wandered around like an aimless eejit as he picked the usual items for himself and his cousins. Unable to take his eyes off Michelle, who was now donning her lips with lip gloss. Dominic stood helplessly as he seemed to drift off as he placed the items on the counter.
"You are shameless!" Clare whispered to Michelle.
"Wow, that's a lot of stuff, Dominic. Think those big arms of yours can carry it all?" Michelle teased, leaning over the counter so he wouldn't be able to not look down her blouse.
"Nah, I can hold them all day." Dominic gasped aimlessly.
"She means the items!" Clare said, peeking over her book.
"OH! Uh, Uh, yeah. Do ye have a bag?" Dominic asked, his face red from being caught out.
Michelle looked under the counter, then smiled. "Ach, ya know what? I think there might be some bags in the back. Would ya like to come help me look for them, Dominic?" Michelle said, winking at him.
Dominic looked dumbfounded. Michelle walked round and took Dominic by the hand. Before he knew what was happening, she was leading him into the back room. Clare sat looking dumbfounded herself, feeling uncertain about where this was all leading. Five minutes went by, and Michelle and Dominic were still in the back room. Then, Henry Malarkey barged into the shop, looking for Dominic.
"Oi, you seen my Dominic anywhere?" Henry asked.
"Ach, Henry Malarkey! It's yourself!" Clare proclaimed loudly.
Meanwhile, in the back. Michelle had a helpless Dominic pinned against the wall. "What is it, Dominic? Is that a mars bar in ya pocket, or you just pleased to see me?" Michelle said, flicking her hair back.
Dominic's lips gulped like a fish. "Uh…. Actually, it IS a mars bar." Dominic stuttered, pulling the chocolate bar out from his trouser pocket. Michelle but her lips to stop herself laughing. "Uh, look Michelle…. I wondered if I could ask ya something." Dominic managed to say.
"I know what ye wanna ask. Ye wanna ask me out, right?" Michelle replied bluntly, Dominic's eyes spoke faster than his mouth. "Ya know…. I might consider it, Dominic…. If ya tell me something first…." Michelle suggested.
"Uh….. OK. What do ya wanna know?" Dominic answered, his voice carrying a hint of hope.
"Why did your Mona harass Clare's partner, Laurie?" Dominic's face contorted, conflicting over whether he should tell the truth while Michelle stared at him with alluring eyes…. Back in the shop, Clare searched in vain for an answer to give to Henry, who was getting impatient.
"Are ye deaf? I asked if you've seen our Dominic?" Henry snapped.
"He's….. he's….. He's in the back!" Clare answered. "He's in the back with Michelle." She added.
Henry laughed. "Yeah, right. Catch yourself on!"
"For the love of Christ, Henry. what's taking that prick so long?" Mona barged into the shop. She then caught sight of Clare, who went from fretting to threatening as she stared daggers at her.
"Ach, hello there Mona! How's tricks? Made any phone calls lately?!" Clare snarled in fury.
Mona froze. Giving the game away. "Wha?… phone calls? What ye on about?" Mona stuttered nervously as she began to move back towards the exit.
"Yoooou know EXACTLY what I'm on about, ya wee bitch!" Clare screamed, shoving Henry out of the way. "I'll have you for what you did to my Laurie!" Mona bolted out of the shop in a panic with a roaring Clare in hot pursuit. Henry ran behind the counter to get Dominic.
"Dom! We gotta….. What the FUCK?!" Henry cried out, seeing Dominic with his lips on Michelle's. Henry yanked the smiling Dominic away as he waved haplessly at Michelle before running back to their car. Mona cowered inside, holding the car door shut so Clare couldn't get to her. As they sped away, Clare was left panting. Michelle quickly joined her.
"Nice one, Clare. That was really playing it cool." Michelle mocked.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me. I didn't even get my hands on that wee bitch!" Clare said with regret.
"Ach, it's no bother." Michelle shrugged.
"What ye talking about?" Clare asked, puzzled.
Michelle shot a cheeky grin as she turned to pat her hand on the roof of the nearby car. "Alright lads. Out ya come." She smrked as Joe, Marco and Declan then emerged from the car.
"Did ya do it?" Michelle asked with excitement.
"Very much so." Declan chuckled.
"Aye. mouthy Malarkey shites didn't have a clue." Joe smirked.
"Did you get what you wanted?" Marco asked.
"Don't I always?" Michelle smiled her devilish smile.
"Oh my God, what did you do?!" Marco groaned.
Clare was baffled. "Sort what? Can someone please expand and explain to me what just happened?"
Michelle explained. "Alright, Clare. Don't cack yourself. Declan here was having some bother shifting those fish, and when I told him about what the Malarkeys done to you and Laurie, Joe came up with the idea of planting the last cooler inside the Malarkey's car to get back at them."
"Aye, and to rub salt into the wound, we had our wee Mafia friend here make an anonymous call saying he saw some shifty characters putting a cooler in the boot of their car." Declan beamed.
"Gawd sake. I'm not part of the mafia." Marco rolled his eyes playfully.
"You never!" Clare said, stunned.
"We very much did! Those Malarkeys walk around like they walked out of a gangster film. All mouth, truth be told." Joe answered.
"Aye, that Henry fella certainly is. He's been coming round my flat so much you'd think he lived there. Desperate to ride Siobhan, so he is. Huh… like he has a chance." Declan huffed.
"Henry Malarkey wants ride Mrs Sadhbh?" Michelle wrenched at the thought.
"But won't the Police still trace the fish back to you, Declan?" Clare asked with concern.
"And how they gonna do that? What, the fish are gonna grass us up, are they?" Marco chuckled.
"Relax, Clare. I only sold them through Finnoula, and she's sound. She won't grass and neither will the other chippies. So, it's grand, OK? They'll never find out." Declan smiled, wrapping his arm round Clare, who slowly began to smile as the idea of the Malarkey's finally getting their comeuppance dawned on her, as straight edged as she was, she appreciated the fact that it took a little deceit to get back at them for what they did to Laurie.
"Plus…. I found out why Mona was hassling Laurie. Does the name McGuilicuty mean anything to you?" Michelle asked.
Clare looked confused and shook her head. But Joe now looked concerned.
"Did you just say McGuilicuty, young wain?" Joe asked, Michelle nodded. The Auld man's expression then appeared distant.
"You alright, Joe?" Marco asked, seeing Joe's furrowed expression. The man didn't answer.
"Uncle Joe?" Declan asked.
"Marco, let me borrow your car, son. Come on Declan." Joe took Marco's keys and hurried into the car with Declan following suit.
"What was that all about?" Michelle asked as they watched the car drive off.
Back at school, the lunch hour began. It was a surreal situation for Erin and James to not be surrounded by the others, but more surreal that they weren't holding hands. James seemed distracted. He looked around to catch sight of Orla. But there was no sign of her. He also couldn't help thinking about the comment Erin made to Michelle earlier about Niall. He didn't trust himself to say anything, so decided to keep it to himself. Although he wished Erin hadn't said what she said, he didn't want to start a row. Erin could also feel a slight tension between them. Coming to the end of a corridor, James knew he about to part ways with Erin, wanting to get some time to himself to clear his head.
"James, what's bothering ya?" Erin asked.
"Nothing. Nothing really. I just wonder where Orla is." James said, diverting from the subject.
"Ach you know Orla. She's always wandering off in her own wee world. She always turns up. Ye not wanna grab some lunch?" She asked, hoping he'd say yes.
"Ummmm, no. I'm not really hungry. I'm just gonna go to the computer room and mess about a bit."
"Have I done something wrong, James?" Erin asked bluntly. James was too blindsided to give a quick enough answer. "Ach, ya know what? Fine! Suit yourself if ye wanna be on ya own." Erin huffed, walking off towards the hall.
"No, Erin wait!" James sighed desperately as he watched Erin walk off in a strop.
The computer room was quiet, and James was able to get away from his thoughts as he worked on a new compilation video. The wee English fella reached into his blazer and pulled out a folded-up leaflet from Belfast Queens University's Film Studies course. In his solitude, he pondered on the future, and what he wanted to do with it, and who he hoped would be a part of it. He then turned his attention back to the screen, feeling his mouth tug at the sight of Erin smiling.
"Good afternoon, James." A pleasant voice said. James snapped his head round to see Mrs Sadhbh standing next to him. James felt a sudden feeling of awkwardness envelop him, given what he now felt for the teacher. But Mrs Sadhbh still shot a smile at him.
"Uh, Good Afternoon Mrs Sadhbh." James mumbled at best.
Meanwhile, in the hall, Erin slouched with her arms crossed as she queued up for lunch on her own. It was lonely without the others. Even more lonely without having James with her. The previous night's shenanigans and the worry about whether Sister Michael knew about it had shot her nerves, she felt conflicted over the comment she made about Niall Mallon, despite feeling justified in saying it. But in her heart of hearts, she didn't mean to snap at James. Arriving at the front of the queue, Erin thought to herself that she should clear the air with James. Picking up a sandwich for herself, and one for James. She then hurried towards the computer room to make it up with him.
Erin came closer and closer to the computer room. She bit her lower lip nervously. Noticing the classroom door was open; she went to walk in but stopped at the doorway when she saw James and Mrs Sadhbh having a conversation. With their attention on each other, Erin quickly hid out of sight and listened. Mrs Sadhbh continued to hover over James and observed his work.
"I should have known you were the creative type, James." Mrs Sadhbh said in a slight flirtatious way. Erin's blood boiled when Mrs Sadhbh rested her hand on James' shoulder.
"Um, thanks, Miss." James said, adjusting himself to loosen the grip on his shoulder.
"What's this then? Film studies?" She asked, noticing the leaflet. "So, ya wanna be the next James Cameron or something?"
"Well, I wouldn't say that. Maybe Martin Scorsese one day?" James answered, sheepishly.
"That's grand, James. Don't be so modest. I mean, I'm sure Erin and the rest of the girls would rather laugh at it then be supportive. But it doesn't mean you shouldn't go for it." Mrs Sadhbh said suddenly.
James was puzzled by her words. "Erin…. Is supportive, Miss."
"Really? That wee tiff I saw in the corridor didn't seem very supportive."
"Well, I wouldn't say that wasn't being supportive, it was more…." James paused.
"Selfish…" The teacher replied definitively. James furrowed his eyes with confusion, and Mrs Sadhbh noticed his expression. Erin gawped angrily at what she heard.
"I'm sorry for being so blunt, James. But it's a bit obvious that Erin is the type of person who's too self-centred, even at the best of times. No doubt she'd be expecting you to go where she goes when it comes to university choices." Mrs Sadhbh shrugged.
"I wouldn't call Erin selfish, Miss." James replied, attempting to defend Erin.
Mrs Sadhbh smiled at the wee English fella. "That's what I like about you, James. You look past people's flaws and try to see the best in them. That's a sweet quality you have. I hate to see all that effort go into someone as shallow as Erin." Mrs Sadhbh said, Erin's temper began to boil as she looked into the classroom, she saw Mrs Sadhbh run her fingers through James' curly hair, causing him to shiver. Erin's eyes grew wider, somehow keeping herself from barging in.
"Please, Miss. I'm not really comfortable with you doing that." James shifted away. But Mrs Sadhbh twirled his chair to face her. She placed her hands on the chair arms and leaned over James.
"What's the matter, James? I thought we were friends." She said softly. Gazing at him, her eyes soft and alluring. "Ya know, James. I've admired you for a while now. And I think if you were to just loosen up a wee bit and let me guide you. I could make things a lot easier for you in getting into Queens University." She said in a suggestive tone.
"H-H-How?" James asked, sinking back deeper into the chair.
Mrs Sadhbh shot him a soft smile, tilting her head in an affectionate way. "Just…. Trust me." She whispered, again sliding her fingers through his hair. Erin turned away in horror.
James pushed her hand away and shimmied away in the chair. "Mrs Sadhbh! I just said I wasn't comfortable with you doing that! Can you please not touch my hair! Only Erin's allowed to touch it….. and Orla!" James' stance caught Erin's attention; she turned to listen on.
"I don't understand, James." Mrs Sadhbh replied innocently.
James threw himself into a stance. "Well, if I can be blunt, Miss. In the last few minutes, you've run your fingers through my hair twice, and you've said you've admired me, which I don't think is very appropriate….. but I've also heard you call my best friend a scrubber and another best friend a charity case. AAAAAND….. you've made numerous negative comments about my girlfriend! I don't know why you have some sort of problem with Erin, but if you have a problem with her, then I have a problem with me!….I mean you….. I mean….. you probably guess what I mean." He grimaced after correcting himself.
Outside the computer room, Erin felt her heart melt and her mouth tug into a soppy smile at James' clumsy declaration. Mrs Sadhbh's expression slowly turned sour. "Is that so?" She asked coldly.
"Mrs Sadhbh, I love Erin. And I love my friends, and I don't like anyone disrespecting her." James felt his knees wobbling but he stood firm.
"Ye know, I wouldn't bank on it." Mrs Sadhbh then said with a sting in her tone.
"I beg your pardon?" James asked.
"The relationship AND the career choice, James! Take your pick! Because they won't amount to anything! You don't want my help? Fine. Just don't cry about it when it all comes crashing down!" Mrs Sadhbh snapped; she went to leave the computer room but stopped in the doorway. "Oh, and if I were you, I wouldn't go round telling anyone about this conversation, James."
"Why?" James asked nervously.
"Have ya ever heard the saying "If ye keep yer mouth closed and your legs crossed, you'll never get in trouble…" Mrs Sadhbh challenged him. James shook his head, frowning. "I thought not, but then again, ya Mam never did either, did she? I thought you had potential, James. But next time I'll know better than to waste my time on some English prick like yourself!" She scowled as she left.
Mrs Sadhbh turned down the corridor, missing Erin. She glared at the arrogant teacher with disgust and rage as she walked through the double doors. Erin felt her lip quiver as she looked into the computer room. She frowned sadly at the sight of her wee English fella, clearly shaken by what Mrs Sadhbh had just said to him.
"James?" Erin said softly.
James' expression was full of hurt. "How… much of that did you hear?" He asked, feeling very self-conscious. Erin walked straight up to James and threw her arms around him.
"I heard it all… I love you, James." She said sadly, thinking of the only thing she could say in the circumstances.
"Thanks, Erin. I love you too." He replied. His sad voice mirroring hers. Holding her tight.
On the walk back to school. Michelle relished in telling Clare and Marco how she made Dominic give up the identity of the mysterious McGuilicuty woman. While Clare would have normally squirmed at such detail, she was too concerned about who this person could be to notice Michelle, and why she'd set out to harass Laurie…. A jealous ex-partner? An admirer? She then wondered why Joe McCool became so distant upon hearing her name. What was the connection? Michelle then snapped her back to reality.
"Ach, look. It's Orla over there!" Michelle said, pointing towards the swings. "ORLA!"
Sure enough, it was Orla. She was sitting on the swing, but she wasn't swinging, merely swaying. Her head was down, and her face was long.
"ORLA!" Michelle called out again, but still no answer. Marco furrowed his eyes with concern.
"Something's wrong." Marco said.
"Come on, let's go see!" Clare panicked.
Marco sprinted ahead of Michelle and Clare towards the swings. Turning the lock to get into the small play enclosure, he walked up to Orla who was looking at the ground.
"Orla?!" Marco asked. Orla stopped swaying on the swing. As he got closer, she slowly brought her gaze up to meet Marco's. Orla's lower lip was quivering. Her expression was long and sad. While she fidgeted with her wee fingers, Marco saw that her eyes looked red, as if she'd been crying. Marco now stood flabbergasted. He felt his chest ache to see Orla, the group's beacon of joy look so broken.
"Oh my God, Orla! What's happened?" Marco asked.
"Oh…." Orla moaned sadly. She stood and shuffled towards him, her arms around his waist, she hugged him for comfort. Feeling her shake, Marco took his coat off and wrapped it round Orla. Marco's eyes stung as he heard her muffled cries and hugged her tight. Just then, Michelle and Clare ran up.
"It's alright, Orla. We're here. You can talk to us." Clare said.
"What's happened?" Michelle asked softly.
"…..Ma… Ma….. Ma…." Orla stuttered with her face buried into Marco's shoulder.
"Orla, What ye trying to say?" Clare asked softly.
"S'alright, Orla. Take ya time." Marco said.
"…..Ma…. Ma…. M-Mrs Sadhbh." Orla wept, holding her head which throbbed in pain. The threesome looked at each other. Completely shocked.
"Mrs Sadhbh? Why, what she done, Orla?" Michelle asked. Softening her tone slightly.
Orla shook her head, not wanting to repeat herself. She covered her ears.
"Come on now, Orla. Ya have to tell us now." Clare urged.
Orla's lip quivered as she slowly began to tell them. "She….. said I wouldn't go far with my dancing unless… I….. did sex favours for people…" Orla's lips twitched with revulsion. Michelle and Clare stood gobsmacked.
"She said what?!" Marco hissed angrily.
Orla went on. "There's more. She said I was just like my Mammy back when they went to school together….. Then she said something about….. my Mam being stupid, and that's the reason my Da left my Mammy cos he couldn't stand her anymore… and she said the same would happen with me and you, and that I was stupid to think ye actually like me, and I'm gonna fail at everything and I then my head starting hurting…. And I didn't like how it was hurting… So, I ran off!" Orla wept again, hiding her face in Marco's shoulder.
"Her Dad?" Marco mouthed to Michelle and Clare, who could only shake their heads, unable to give an answer.
"Who the fuck does she think she is?!" Michelle cried with distain.
"She's mental! No, she's insane! I don't care if she is a UCAS referee! Teachers DON'T say things like that to students!" Clare repulsed. "First, she blames Erin for something she didn't do, she uses my situation just to call me a charity case, she insults Sarah and makes Orla cry, she calls Marco a scrubber…. Have I missed anything?" Clare asked, her voice high pitched.
Anger burned inside Michelle's chest. "That fucking mouthy bitch." She thought to herself.
Marco looked down at Orla pressing herself into his shoulder. The lad remembered back to that morning when Orla had comforted him when his own past had been laid out. Being his rock. He remembered how she made him smile when he was at his lowest. Marco cradled Orla's head.
"Orla….. You listen, OK? I don't know why Mrs Sadhbh said any of that, but it's NOT true. Alright? You are MORE than she could ever be." He said.
"How do you know that?" Orla asked, biting her lip with uncertainty. Marco glanced at Michelle and Clare before he answered.
"How do I know that?…. where do I start? Ok…. Everything you do puts a smile on someone's face….. You prove people wrong every time with everything you do….. You are who you are, and you don't change for no one… that's what makes you the incredible person that you are….. You can make other people smile when they're feeling low. You're like sunshine on a rainy day." Marco said warmly.
Orla came out from Marco's shoulder to look at him, her expression had softened. "…. What, you mean like in the song?" She asked.
"Yeah…. Just like that first morning when we met here in the park, remember? And you asked all those questions? You made me smile then; you made me smile after….. well, after all the stuff I went through came out. You didn't care about any of that, you only cared about making me smile again….. You've always made me feel better about myself. Ask me a question, I'll tell you the truth, right?" Marco replied. Orla's smile grew as she gazed at him with affection, knowing he wasn't just saying it, he meant it.
Clare's heart melted at Marco's words. "Aye, he's right, Orla. Plus, you've gotten so much better as a dancer, your cousin Declan says so. Mrs Sadhbh hasn't got a clue, or the right to say anything like that to you." She stressed.
"Aye. She's talking a load of balls, Orla. Like Marco said, you are who you are, and you don't give a shite! I've always loved that about ya. That's what makes you sooo cracker. So don't pay attention to that bitch!" Michelle exclaimed.
"Plus, you're definitely more man than me and James, and I'm not afraid to admit that." Marco said warmly.
"That doesn't take much though, does it?" Orla suddenly quipped. Michelle and Clare burst into laughter as Marco gawped at her sarcasm. Marco nodded helplessly as he burst into a laugh as well while Orla's normal manner, whatever that was, seemed to return.
"Thanks, you guys." Orla rasped. Smiling thankfully, drying her eyes. "That was a good craic just then, wasn't it Michelle?" She giggled.
"Fucking class!" Michelle cackled, giving Orla a fist bump. "Question is, what do we do about Psycho Sadhbh?" She asked.
"We could put a hit out on her." Orla suggested. "I mean, we've got the connections, don't we?" Thumbing at Marco.
"Orla, just cos I'm part Italian doesn't automatically mean I'm part of the mafia." Marco huffed.
"Ach, that's desperate." Orla sighed.
"Plus, a contract killing probably isn't the way to go, Orla!" Clare advised.
"Aye, plus the mafia wouldn't last five minutes over here." Michelle added.
"We gotta go back and tell Sister Michael about all this." Clare decreed.
"Oh yeah! And what good's that gonna do, smarthole? We're gonna sound like a bunch of first years, aren't we now?" Michelle shot.
"Alright, so what do you suggest?" Clare shot back.
Michelle couldn't answer that. It truly was a tricky situation. As they got closer to school, Orla explained no one else had heard what Mrs Sadhbh had said to her. They then came upon a police presence. They spotted what looked like the Malarkey's car pulled over with a Police car parked behind it.
Clare lowered Orla's waving hand as they watched the bewildered Malarkey cousins squirm and plead innocence to the Police. Knowing exactly why the Malarkey's had been pulled over. They quickened their pace back to school. Erin and James sat on a wall outside the main entrance. Erin stroked James' arm, squeezing his hand in comfort. Ironically, they also wondered what to do. Seeing her wee English fella rocked by his own encounter with Mrs Sadhbh fuelled Erin's internal rage, which wouldn't subside as she let out a huff of frustration.
"I should have just come to the computer room with ye instead of storming off like that." Erin frowned.
"You can't blame yourself, Erin. I'm fine, really." James insisted.
"But ya not, James. I can tell, ya know. She can't get away with this…. I won't let her get away with this. Not after what she said." Erin went to walk away, but James quickly grabbed her.
"No, Erin! Don't! If you say anything, she'll only use it as an excuse to put a bad word against you, and then that'll be your university prospects up in smoke. I care about you too much for you to risk that, even for me." James replied.
Erin gazed at him with compassion, seeing how he cared more for her than what was said to him spoke volumes, but her distain for Mrs Sadhbh still simmered when they heard Michelle calling out to them.
"Motherfuckers!" The couple saw the rest of the group walking up to them.
"Marco? What you doing back?" James asked. Seeing his friend walk up with the group.
"We're gonna go talk to Sister Michael. There's something you need to know." Marco replied.
"What is it?" Erin asked.
"We found Orla in the park. In absolute bits, so she was, Erin." Clare explained.
"Why? Orla, what happened?" Erin asked, seeing the redness in Orla's eyes.
"I'll tell ya…. That Head melter Psycho Sadhbh is what happened! She jumped all over Orla and took the piss outta her dancing and then talked some shit about…. About yer Aunt Sarah and…. Her Da!" Michelle finally pushed out.
James was repulsed beyond words. He turned to see Orla covering her ears to block out what was being said. Erin's eyes bulged out of her head; the anger she felt seemed to build tenfold. James forgot about his own encounter and was more concerned for Orla.
"You alright, Orla?" James said, joining Marco to comfort her.
"Mrs Sadhbh did the same thing to James a short while ago." Erin answered.
Michelle now stood shocked. "….. What?! What she say?" She demanded.
"Aye! what did she say?" Clare asked.
"She…. Insulted Erin, saying she was….. self-centred….." James paused; Michelle went to speak but Clare shot her a look.
"…..And then she said she would help me get into university if I….." James paused again.
"She propositioned him and started running her hands through his hair." Erin finished.
"Oi! That's MY job!" Orla spoke up. "Ach, and she's made a right mess of it!" Orla reached to re-adjust James' hair.
"Yeah, thanks, Orla…" James gently paused her. "I told Mrs Sadhbh I didn't like it, but then she insulted Erin some more, and then she…. she made a remark about my mum, and then she called me an English prick." James frowned.
"Oi! No one calls my cousin an English prick! Except for me!" Michelle cried.
Marco's face contorted with disgust. "Jesus Christ! You alright, mate?" He asked as Orla leaned on the wee English fella.
"Yeah, I'm alright. I can take it. It's what she said about Erin that got me more." James admitted.
Michelle began to snort with anger. Clare felt the tension building "Take it easy, Michelle. We need to speak to Sister Michael, right Erin?" She asked.
"Uh…. Where is Erin?" Orla asked.
The group looked round to find that Erin was gone. Just then, the bell sounded for the end of lunch time. It was time for the next lesson. It quickly dawned on the group of friends that there only one place Erin could have gone.
"Oh shiiiiiiit! Get after her!" Michelle cried out. The group hurried towards the English corridor.
Erin marched towards Mrs Sadhbh's English class in a daze. With her arms swinging and an intense scowl etched on her face. Hearing Mrs Sadhbh insult James and herself was one thing, but to insult her family was another. As far as she was concerned, they were the same. As soon as she reached the door, she caught sight of the teacher turning away from the chalkboard to address the class. Without a second to spare, Erin flung the door open and charged.
Mrs Sadhbh's class address was abruptly stopped when Erin swatted her work papers into the air. The class gasped in shock. The teacher was stunned as she turned to see the raging petite blonde who then grabbed her by her suit jacket and pulled her in, their eyes met.
"Erin! What in Heaven's name…."
"WHO THE FECK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!" Erin shouted with utter rage. The classroom erupted as the teacher and student began to scuffle.
"Oh my God!" Jenny Joyce cried, running out of the classroom. "SISTER MICHAEL!" Her high-pitched voice was drowned out as the class descended into chaos as Erin and Mrs Sadhbh tangled with each other through a commotion of screams and cheers. The teacher struggled to hold Erin back as she grabbed hold of anything she could. As the group burst into the class. James and the others stood in awe of what was transpiring.
"SWEET SUFFERING JESUS!" Clare screamed.
"Will someone get her off me!" Mrs Sadhbh managed to shout to the class, holding onto Erin's wrists.
"None of yous move! She's got this coming!" Michelle ordered the class.
"You spiteful auld Bitch! I'll feckin ..!" Erin struggled to get her wrists free.
"UUAARGH!" Mrs Sadhbh screamed as Erin grabbed her long hair, pulling her to the ground. "Let go!" Mrs Sadhbh screamed in pain as Erin mounted her.
"This is for my cousin!" Erin screamed, pulling the teacher's hair.
"You wee fucking shite!" Mrs Sadhbh shouted loudly.
"Try and touch up my boyfriend, will ya?" Erin screamed back as the class roared loudly.
"Bloody hell! It's like watching Eurotrash on Channel 4!" Marco observed.
"You're gonna regret this!" Mrs Sadhbh screamed at Erin.
"Gone Erin!" Orla cried with excitement, bouncing jubulantly.
"Kick her motherfucking arse!" Michelle cried with enthusiasm.
"That's not helping, Michelle!" James said with a panicked voice.
"I wasn't trying to help." Michelle shrugged.
"Erin! Stop! Marco, give us a hand!" James called out desperately as he tried to pull Erin away. Her hand still gripping Mrs Sadhbh's hair, causing the teacher to scream again before James and Marco convinced Erin to let go. With the boys holding an arm each, Orla then wrapped her arms round Erin's waist. Erin's face was a picture of utter rage.
"I'm gonna make you wish you never met me!" Mrs Sadhbh screamed.
Erin screamed back. "I'm already there, ya spiteful bit-"
"WHAT IN SWEET SUFFERING JESUS IS GOING ON HERE?!" A louder voice bellowed. Everyone froze as Sister Michael stood in the classroom. Jenny Joyce stood behind the Nun, both looking mortified at the scene. Erin looked at the headmistress with abject fear.
Mrs Sadhbh was breathless as she brought herself to her feet. She observed her now dishevelled appearance. Her hair was messed up and her dishevelled blue blouse now had buttons missing. She turned her fury towards the cool faced Nun. "….. Sister Michael!... This….. is an unsafe….. working environment!... and I REFUSE to continue teaching here… when unruly pupils take it upon themselves…. To ATTACK ME!" She screamed. "Now…. You KNOW the terms of my contract….. and you….. best come up with a solution to this…. Or I swear to God…. I will take this all the way to the school board, the Diocese, I'll take it to the Pope if need be! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!" Her voice echoed across the silent classroom.
"Sister, I would like to state for the record that I had NOOOOO part in this, whatsoever!" Clare decreed loudly. The others all turned and gawped at her.
"Really, Clare? Seriously?" James snapped desperately.
"Dickhead!" Michelle whispered.
Erin attempted to defend herself. "Sister Michael! I know this looks bad, but you have no idea what she's…."
"SILENCE! ALL OF YOU!" Sister Michael shouted before Erin could say another word. The Nun looked at Mrs Sadhbh, and then at Erin, who was now crowded by the group.
"Indeed, I will find a suitable solution to this, Mrs Sadhbh….. YOU five! My office…. Now." Sister Michael said in a menacing tone.
Marco stood bewildered as he watched as Sister Michael escorted the girls and James out of the class. Dismissing the class sharply, Mrs Sadhbh's grimaced expression slowly changed to a sinister smirk as she straightened her tousled appearance. The teacher noticed Marco furrowing his eyes at her, she shot him the same smirk before he followed the crowd.
As the group followed the hobbling Nun slowly down the corridor. They were astounded. They couldn't understand.
-Was Sister Michael actually taking sides with Mrs Sadhbh without hearing their side of the story?-
Silently, they dwelled on the reality that there wasn't much they could say in their defence. The glimmers of progression they thought they had made in Sister Michael's eyes were now dilapidated. Clare began to hyperventilate as they got closer to the office, petrified of the consequences that were bound to be permanent this time. Michelle could only scowl with defeat as they walked on while James did his best to help Erin tidy herself following her scuffle.
"Thanks, Erin." Orla said quietly. Erin felt Orla rest her head onto her shoulder, thankful to her cousin for what she did.
The inevitability of expulsion hung stronger in the air than any previous time. Sister Michael grimaced through her discomfort and entered her office. She stood behind her desk as the five stood in front of her.
"Ladies….. Sit." She ordered. Pointing to the familiar seats at the side. Each of them baring a face of anxiety or regret as they sat. Marco then came into the office. He stood defiantly next to Orla, he felt her hand grip his firmly.
"Right…. Let's get this over with. Miss Mooney….. send them in…. oh, and bring Mrs Sadhbh to my office." Sister Michael said formally. Her finger pressed down on the intercom.
The door opened again, and in walked Mary, Sarah, Deidre and Geraldine. The girls felt their stomachs turn as their shock turned to the inevitable. Mary caught sight of Erin's panic-stricken expression.
"Mammy? How'd you get here so quick?" Erin asked.
"We've spent the better part of the morning here!" Mary shot back, annoyed. Erin furrowed her eyes.
"Aye, it's no lie. I've had to reschedule my tanning slot two times already because Sister Michael summoned us all, and said it was a matter of importance. They don't refund ya money if ya don't turn up!" Sarah spoke up.
"For the love of God, Sarah. Wil ye stop going on about yer bastarding tan session!" Mary cried.
"If ye keep this tanning up, Sarah, you'll look like those wee creepy fellas in that Willy Wonka film." Deidre shot.
"Ach, those wee lads are sooo cracker!" Orla exclaimed happily.
"What are you lot playing at now?! What's this we're hearing about you getting into a scuffle with a teacher?! Did you physically assault her?" Geraldine panicked.
"It wasn't me, Mam! It was ErIn!" Clare screamed in a panic.
"Ach, thanks again Clare!" Erin hissed.
"What? So it is true?!" Mary asked.
"Can I just say, I actually didn't do anything this time. So maybe I should just go…." Michelle went to get up.
"Oh yeah, pull the ladder up, Jack. And SOD the rest!" James huffed.
"Who's Jack?" Orla asked, looking around with confusion.
"Park. Your. Arse. Down." Deidre scorned, making Michelle quiver as she sat back down.
"I had my reasons, Mammy!" Erin pleaded.
"Oh, well I look forward to hearing THIS! What possible reason could ye have for assaulting a teacher in class?" Mary asked.
Clare then shot out her seat and burst into a monologue with her hastened, panicky voice, final getting their point across. "It was ALL Mrs Sadhbh, Mary! She's been going through us one at a time! First she accused Erin of writing sex riddled birthday cards to James in school….. then she said my work wasn't up to scratch cos of what was going on with me and Laurie, and that the school was sick of being a charity case cos of Daddy passing away….. then she called Marco here a worthless scrubber… then she made a pass at James in the computer room and mocked his relationship with Erin, AND insulted Mrs Maguire….. and then she told Orla she'd have to sell herself to get ahead with her dancing ambitions! To top that off…. She's been threatening us with her UCAS referee position and said we would NEVER get into university if we didn't tow the line….. As mental as it was for Erin to actually FIGHT Mrs Sadhbh in class, we were pushed beyond our limits! But if protocol must be followed, it MUST be stated that it WAS Erin who attacked Mrs Sadhbh!"
The mammies stood shocked at the chain of events that Clare spouted out. Sister Michael appeared blank, used to the wee lesbian's outbursts. Erin shot a look at Clare that would have melted an iceberg.
"She said what about my sister?" Deidre scowled in her cold tone.
"She said what about my Sean?" Geraldine squeaked with repulse.
"She said what to my Orla now?!" Sarah spoke up, her voice baring a mixture of disgust and concern. "Orla, are you alright, love?" She asked, rushing towards her daughter.
"Aye, I'm grand, Mammy. Marco cheered me up." Orla beamed.
"Did you not think to tell us about any of this earlier, Sister?" Mary asked, raising her voice.
"Ladies, please sit!" Sister Michael proclaimed loudly, rubbing her eyes in despair as the mammies sat opposite the girls. "Now I don't know what lead up to this fracas….."
"Only cos ya wouldn't let us explain!" Erin hissed under her breath.
"Don't you be cheeky, Erin!" Mary sniped.
"But… I have summoned Mrs Sadhbh to come and explain her side of the story. It's vexing that this has occurred on the same day I put her on probation, which was only this morning, due to her lack of care on the Belfast trip."
"Aye, the woman's some answering to do, that for sure." Deidre growled.
"But THIS altercation between herself and Erin now puts me in an extremely AWKWARD position where I might have to concede and release her from her contract with full pay….. Otherwise, she's threatened to take things further with the school board, a tribunal, possibly the diocese, and God knows what else…... Something I would rather avoid. Now…. While Mrs Sadhbh will explain her side of things, I would like to excuse myself briefly." Sister Michael got up from her desk.
"Ach, call of nature is it, Sister?" Geraldine asked nervously.
"No, I simply wish to say goodbye to what's left of my sanity before I deal with this….. You! Come with me, now!" Sister Michael ushered Marco towards the door, taking him by surprise.
Marco stuttered in protest as the girls and James were just as confused by the shock move as Marco gave one last look back at them before the door was closed. Sister Michael continued to usher Marco along the corridor while Miss Mooney walked in the opposite direction with Mrs Sadhbh.
"Be right with you, Mrs Sadhbh. Go right into my office. Miss Mooney….. carry on." Sister Michael said, passing her. Mrs Sadhbh sneered at Marco as she walked past him.
Sister Michael then looked back and grabbed Marco by the coat. "What?" The lad asked. The headmistress then shushed him. Giving him a knowing stare, Sister Michael motioned him to follow her back towards her office.
Mrs Sadhbh brushed herself down as she neared Sister Michael's office. With a flick of her hair, the teacher walked inside with an aura of confidence. First catching sight of Erin and her friends, scowling at them at she entered. As she came around the door. The four faces she saw next made her freeze. The mammies mirrored the same expression. Mrs Sadhbh's eyes bulged with horror at first, but she quickly regained her former sneer as she saw the shocked looks on the face of the mammies.
The wains glanced between the teacher and the foursome who now stood in silence, shocked at the sight of the teacher who just walked in. Mrs Sadhbh slammed the office door shut, still glaring at the Mammies. The tension in the room was palpable.
"Alright, girls?" Mrs Sadhbh said mockingly.
"….SHIFTY!" The mammies gasped in unison. Only Sarah gawked in silence.
"Aye. In all my glory!" The teacher proclaimed, spreading her arms out, as if in triumph.