Derry Girls: A New Arrival Part 1

Chapter 7: Revelations and dinner

Mary was chastising Joe in the kitchen for the latest ban from Fionulla. She was livid. The friends were grouped together on the sofa in the living room. The tv was on but nothing could be heard for the verbal onslaught that Joe was facing. No one dared to turn the tv up any more for fear of facing Mary's wrath. Marco couldn't help but glancing in the direction of the kitchen every now and then. He jumped when the voices snapped. He caught his breath and tried to break the tension.

"We're not gonna see plates flying, are we?" Marco asked James.

"No. She's too house proud for that." James replied.

Marco then looked down the sofa and spotted Orla covering her ears. He tapped James.

"Is Orla ok?" He asked James quietly. Tilting his head in her direction. James turned and looked at Orla.

"Yeah... she does that when there's shouting going on. She doesn't like it." James replied quietly. Remembering their talk outside, James turned to Marco.

"Oh yeah, what was that idea you said you had?" James asked.

"Would you two shut up?!" Michelle snapped and she turned back to the tv.

Orla then got up from sitting on the sofa arm and walked out. Marco watched her go but Orla's eyes were facing down. He felt so bad for her. This was the first time he'd seen her look so sad since he'd arrived. Erin admitted defeat, switched off the tv and followed her. The other girls followed suit, along with James. Marco got up and left the room as well. By the time Marco had made it to the hallway, everyone except James were upstairs. Marco caught James's attention and motioned him to follow him back downstairs. They walked into the kitchen area where Joe was grimacing at the kitchen table. Mary had just stolen a moment to catch her breath. Her hands were on the side of her head, clearly stressing over the ban.

"OK...OK...So..." Mary said, breathing heavily.

"Mrs Quinn?" Marco asked.

"Oh, hello boys, everything alright?" Mary asked, regaining herself.

"Yeah, we're good thanks." James said. Unsure why they were there.

"Well... I was wondering if I could ask you something?" Marco asked.

"Oh, well. Ask away." Mary said.

"Hi there, Mary." Sarah's voice came.

"In here, Sarah." Mary called back.

"Oh, hello boys." Sarah said, walking into the kitchen.

"Hi. Ms McCool." They both said.

"Enjoying your time together. Aye I'm sure you are." She said. Both boys shuffled in awkwardness.

"Good day love?" Joe asked.

"Ach, good thanks, Da. But awfully long, so it was. Couldn't wait for it to end. How's your day been?" Sarah asked.

"Not bad, thanks." Joe lied.

"He got us banned from Fionulla's again!" Mary snapped.

"Hi Love." Gerry called, as he came in from work.

"More fucking bad news." Joe grimaced.

"In here, Love." Mary snapped, looking at Joe.

"Ach, hello boys. How's it been?" Gerry asked.

"Hi Gerry. Good thanks." The duo uttered between them.

Mary walked over and hugged her husband.

"Ach, that's nice of you, Love, what's wrong?" Gerry enquired.