Derry Girls: A New Arrival Part 2

Chapter 3: Choosing your path

The group of five friends sauntered towards Our Lady Immaculate College with a sense of unity. With the knowledge of Marco's hopes of Belfast college coming to non-fulfilment still fresh in their minds, they walked a little closer to each other then usual. Without saying anything, each of them hoped that their friendship would remain strong enough to overcome life's obstacles. Orla gripped Erin's hand, and the petite Derry girl placed her head on Orla's shoulder, offering her comfort. Erin's other hand gripped James's hand, their fingers intertwined. As the five entered the hall for morning assembly, Orla picked out the cold stare that Shannon was giving her. But Orla was unfazed and shot her own cold stare back at her, as did Michelle and Erin.

"For the love of God, girls, don't be starting a riot before assembly, I'm not exactly in the mood to go west side story this morning, if it's all the same to yous." Clare began to panic, as usual.

"Pipe down, Clare. We aren't starting anything." Erin said.

"If that bitch wants to start, I got no problems finishing what Orla started." Michelle grimaced.

"Girls, please. This isn't gonna solve anything." James pleaded.

"Shut up, dickweed." Michelle snapped.

"You lose something over here Shannon?!" Orla called.

"Orla, don't!" Clare pleaded.

"It isn't over McCool!" Shannon scowled.

"Ready when you are!" Orla shot back; her eyes were like wild animals.

Just then, Sister Michael made her way through the hall towards the front. The two rivals broke their glare on each other, not wanting Sister Michael to catch the increasing turbulence that existed between them. Jenny Joyce and Aisling took their usual spot of raucously ruining another song; this time it was Boyz to Men-End of the road. Miss Mooney could see that Sister Michael was exceptionally short with her this morning. While the assembly stared in awe and distain at Jenny's incredible ability to butcher yet another song, Miss Mooney leaned towards Sister Michael.

"Put this one on the list?" Miss Mooney asked with a whisper.

"Do I really have to ask?" Sister Michael replied.

"Is that a No then?" Miss Mooney quipped.

"I belong to yoouuuuuuuuuuu!" Jenny squealed.

"Sweet suffering Jesus! Put it on the damn list!" Sister Michael sighed angrily, she stood up and took centre stage.

"Thank you, girls! All I can say is thank God we've come to the end of this road! Now I shall keep it short. From today; There will be an appointment list for the upper years on the main notice board with the career's advisor. The only thing I will say is if you have not yet decided what to do with your future careers, abandon all hope from this point on. The careers advisor is not going to simply grant you an easy life with promises of fame and or fortune, she is a career's advisor, NOT a genie of the lamp."

"Well, there goes my fucking hopes." Michelle quipped quietly.

"But for those of you who are uncertain or are in need of some true guidance in choosing your career path, please be rest assured, the careers advisor honestly won't give a shite." The Nun concluded with the morning prayer.

Despite the hostile warning from Sister Michael, Clare was surprisingly relaxed as the five met after their morning class for break. Erin was braiding Orla's hair as she sat eating a curly whirly. James came along and sat next to her, handing packets of taytos out to the group.

"Cheese and onion ok? That's all there was." James said. The girls took the taytos without thanks.

"That's alright, James. I don't really want taytos,." Orla said, waving the curly whirly like a magic wand.