The gang had spent the rest of the day discussing their plans for Hallowe'en night.
They had decided to dress up as angels inspired by Claire Dane's costume from Romeo + Juliet. Actually, it was Erin's idea and she had insisted they all went along with it.
Romeo + Juliet. Bit ironic, thought Erin, given her current situation with James.
She hadn't had a chance to speak to him alone all day. She hadn't had the chat.
She had tried to enjoy the afternoon and the excitement of planning how they were going to hit the shops over the weekend and make their costumes. However, she couldn't.
She thought that maybe they would naturally drift apart after a few days, and he would get the message. He had to know it couldn't go on after how Michelle had reacted. The trouble it had caused. Michelle would never back down.
But he deserved more than that. He deserved her telling talking to him in person and saying it to his face.
"I'm going down for some more crisps does anyone want anything?" asked Erin.
The consensus had been Tayto cheese and onion all round. With Orla opting for salt and vinegar.
"I could do with some water actually," said James. So quietly he could be barely heard over the Fat Boy Slim cassette they were playing.
"I'll get you some." suggested Erin.
James stood up: "I'll come with you"
Michelle was too engrossed in debating whether the mad lad from the fight in town was actually 'a bit of a ride' or not with Clare to notice them sneak off.
Erin stopped him in the hallway. The hallway where she had been so happy to see him the night of the prom. She felt like she was breaking that lovely memory in to pieces by doing what she was about to do.
"It can't happen anymore James" said Erin in a whisper. She knew Granda and her parents were watching Coronation Street the other side of the wall.
"Do you really care that much about Michelle thinks?" asked James.
"She's right in a way. Look at today, all of us not talking. And that's just now but what if it goes on and if this doesn't work out then we won't be friends anymore and I'll lose you and I can't do that. So, I can't do this ok. You don't have to wait anymore because it can't happen" said Erin resolutely.
"That's how you really feel?" asked James.
"Yes, I'm sorry. I..."
He reached out and rubbed her arm: "It's ok. I'm disappointed but it's ok"
They stood in silence.
"I better go home," said James. He knew if he went back upstairs, he wouldn't be able to hide how miserable he felt.
"I'll get Michelle. I'll say Deidre rang and wants you home," said Erin. She started to cry. She felt like if she didn't get away from him, she would turn in to blubbering mess in front of him.
"Ok. I'll see you tomorrow I guess?" asked James.
It really hurt. The fact they couldn't be together like that. But he needed to make an effort to be her friend and to have her in his life. No matter how awkward it would be.
"Yeah, bye James" replied Erin as she ran up the stairs to get Michelle.
"Bye Erin" said James ruefully.
