Derry Girls: A New Arrival Part 2

Chapter 27: Walking into the unknown

The immediate aftermath of having MadStab at the Quinn's front door was not followed with the expected thunderous rollicking from Mary. But the silent tension that weathered inside the kitchen during dinner was so thick, it could be cut with a knife. Friday came as soon as it went. Saturday morning came, and despite the tensions, something they were used to for more reasons than one; Erin and Orla were both exceptionally excited. They opted to sleep together in Erin's room the night before. Sporadic shouting matches between the parents took place downstairs; mostly about why Granda Joe would not tell them why he was summoned to the Police station; but the two cousins had a welcoming distraction. Orla had made sure her homework was finished as soon as she came home Friday afternoon after school. Nothing was going to stand in her way, not even dance class. She was going on her first proper date with Marco. While Erin quizzed her about where they were going; Bowling, Café, Cinema, Archery Range, Art Museum, all of these were wrong. She never would have guessed that her cooky cousin's energetic elation was because she had chosen to go on a hike trail to Sawel Mountain. Orla was oblivious to the frowns and cross expressions that bore the faces of her Aunt Mary and Granda Joe as she got her backpack together.

As they sat in the kitchen, Orla then turned to ask Erin where she was going for her date with James. While Erin had informed Orla that they were going for dinner at Marco's restaurant n Strabane, she wasn't sure why they were going in the afternoon as the reservation wasn't until 6pm. Orla began to feed the idea that some kind of surprise was in store for her cousin. However, the exaggerated suggestions like deep sea diving, Knife throwing, and fire eating made Erin dismiss the idea of a surprise. It was just after 2pm, The cooky girl sat on the kitchen floor with her leg in the air as she strained to slide on her waterproof boots. Already sporting her beret hat, and camouflage jacket. Sarah smiled happily at her daughter's excitement as she smoked her cigarette. Erin couldn't help but chuckle at how erratic she was in her excitement, even for Orla. The parents appeared to have mellowed, but Erin wasn't fooled as they made conversation.

"I take it yer looking forward to it, Orla?" Joe asked.

"Aye, can't wait. Granda!"

"Will ye taking the dog as well, Orla love?" Sarah asked.

"Aye we are so."

"Well, yer best to keep Coco Pops on his leash. Ye don't wanna be losing him up there!" Mary cautioned her.

"Aye, that's true. Can't let those wolves take our Coco Pops. They might force him into joining them, like the Orange Order." Sarah said, Orla snuggled Coco Pops worriedly.

"I didn't know wolves were protestants." Orla asked. Puzzled.

"Wolves aren't protestants, Orla! Besides, there hasn't been any wolves in Ireland since the 1700's" Erin proclaimed.

"But there was a cheetah on the beach in Portnoo that one-time, right Erin?" Marco joked as he walked in. Decked out his in his hiking gear. Orla snapped her head round; grinning happily, she jumped up and ran to him.

"Ach, really funny, you." Erin pulled a funny face.

"All set are ye, Marco lad?" Joe asked, getting up from his chair.

"Yep, all set."

"I've got my hunting knife with me." Orla proclaimed.

"Ach, for God's sake Orla. Yer not gonna go hunting for yer own dinner, are ye now?" Erin joked.

"No, it's just common sense, Erin. Always be prepared." Orla shot back. Erin rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Right, I'll be in the car." Joe said. Just then James walked in. "Ach, ye alright, James lad?"