SKYFALL, Johnny Kavanagh

The Fantastic Four

The rest of the school week passed by in a blur, with a whole lot of new classes, new classmates and a few familiar faces. I was in the 5A class with a few other girls, including Niamh, and a particular group of boys I liked to refer to as the Fantastic Four – Johnny, Gibsie, Hughie and a lad named Patrick Feely, whom I hadn't yet had the chance to speak to.

Coming into class early as always on Friday morning, I went to sit in my usual place in the back of the class. Imagine my surprise when in the chair next to me I found the Boy Wonder himself.

"Move." I stated.

"Hello Sunshine. It's nice to see you too. I'm fine, thank you for asking. How are you?" he grinned.

"You do realize Niamh is coming any minute now and when she sees that you're in her seat she's going to forcefully push you out of it." I continued to say.

"She can try, I won't guarantee that it will get her anywhere." He shot back.

Looking at him, I debated my options. I could either sit beside him or occupy his usual seat, which was in the front. Ugh.
Choosing the lesser evil, I went to go sit in the first row.

"Well, look who has finally decided to sit next to me in class." Smiled Gibsie.

"Stop being delusional, you know that I'm only here because Johnny basically planted himself in Niamh's seat." I said knowing Gibsie had been watching the whole ordeal the way an old grandma would watch her favourite soap opera.

"Still, you weren't frowning when you went over here. Admit it, you are secretly happy that you get to spend these two hours next to me, I'm much better company than Niamh." He chimed.

"Sure, Gibs. All of this was actually part of my intricate plan to get Johnny away from you and take his place as your favourite friend." I retorted.

Five minutes later, when the lesson was just about to start, Niamh decided to grace the class with her presence. On her way to her seat, she noticed me next to Gibsie and gave me a look as if to say What the fuck?
Probably already piecing two and two together, she saw Johnny and glared at him, deciding to smack his head on her way to sit down next to him.

Halfway through what I could only describe as the most boring lecture known to man Gibsie handed me a note. You know Johnny just wanted to talk to you. He's not that bad. – G

I took the note and wrote just beneath his sentence. We are so not talking about this. Not to mention, you're biased, you're his other half. Also, what could we possibly have to talk about? – M

Checking to see whether the teacher was looking at us, Gibsie took back the note and continued writing. He's probably worried about your cousin, she hasn't been in school all week. – G

That's because she's been resting at home after your dear friend gave her a moderate concussion. – M
I wrote back.

Almost grimacing when he read the note, Gibsie decided to drop the subject and pretend to listen to the lesson, which turned out to be almost impossible to him since he forgot the material for today at home.
Deciding to be a decent person, I took out my book from my backpack, put it between our desks and opened it.
I thought Gibsie's eyes were going to pop out of their sockets from how shocked he was. I shrugged my shoulder as if to say what?
Deciding against commenting on my sudden kindness – probably fearing I'd take it back – Gibsie just smiled at me. And not just a shy, small smile but a full, dimpled one, which in return made me smile too.

Once first two hours of the day were over, the whole class went to recess. It was a pretty short one of about 15 minutes, but we could do whatever we wanted, including going to the bar across the street and get a coffee if we wanted to, so I wasn't complaining. I usually spent my break with Niamh discussing the various book we had been reading recently, but she had gone to the bar and even though she offered to pay for my tea too I felt too guilty to accept her offer, so I just told her that I wanted to stay inside because of the cold.

Knowing Johnny Kavanagh was still looking to talk to me I hid in the fifth-year wing, hoping he would get the hint and leave me alone. As usual, I was mistaken.

"Well, here you are Sunshine. I've been looking for you everywhere." He said in an almost scolding tone.

"Why? Are you that obsessed with me?" I stated dryly.

"Your sunny disposition is charming as always. I just wanted to know how your cousin is doing, Gibsie told me I did a real number on her." He proclaimed.

"Sure did. I'm positive your soulmate also told you that she's resting, so what are you doing here?"

"Maybe I just wanted an excuse to talk to you."

"Are you that desperate for company?" I replied.

"You always have a comeback ready, don't you?" he stated looking amused.

"It's one of my many, many talents." I announced.

"So, who are you bringing to my game?" he said suddenly changing the subject.

"Oh, so it's your game now?" I replied, avoiding the question.

"Well, I am the star player of team."

"Glad to know that your ego is still intact." I rolled my eyes.

"Back to my original question, who are you bringing?" he asked again.

"Why don't you wait and find out, the game is tomorrow. And before you ask, no, I'm not bringing Shannon, she still needs to rest."

"So, you have no idea."

"Pretty much, yeah." I admitted. "Niamh already has a ticket and Gibs is playing."

"What about your boyfriend from BCS, Podge or something." He said while waiting for my answer, almost looking like he wanted me to say no.

"I don't know where you're getting your information, but I don't have a boyfriend." I blurted out. "My personal life is none of your business."

"No need to get testy, I was just trying to help." He stated, confused at my sudden change in temperament.

"Yeah well, next time keep your suggestions to yourself." I said storming out, or rather trying to before Johnny Kavanagh once again grabbed me by the arm.

"You know, I really don't want this to become a habit." I said referring to his armed wrapped around mine.

"Every interaction I have with you leaves my head spinning." Stated Johnny. "I really don't get you, one second it's barter the other you're ditching me."

"I don't get you, what is it exactly that you want from me?" I questioned equally confused.

"I just want to be somewhat amicable with you, is that too much to ask? You're a childhood friend of Hughie's and you've even befriended Gibsie, you're practically part of my friend group."

"I'm an acquaintance of Hughie's and have a weird relationship – which maybe some people would describe as friendship – with Gibsie. I'm definitely not part of your friend group nor do I want to be." I replied.
I had been part of a friend group once and it had been enough, I didn't need to be hurt again.

"God, you have more mood swings than my mother" said Johnny putting his face in his hands. "Whatever, you know what, come or don't come to the game. As you said, it's not like we're friends." He stormed off.

Knowing I had, once again, majorly screwed up with Johnny Kavanagh I decided to head back to class and sit in my old seat, hoping Johnny would sit next to me and I could apologise, not only for today but also for my behaviour on Monday. Because after a few days of thinking about it, I came to the conclusion that I may have slightly overreacted, especially when Shannon woke up on Tuesday and explained the whole situation to me, assuring me that Johnny Kavanagh had, indeed, been helping her.

I didn't know why, but Johnny Kavanagh managed to push all of my buttons, even if he wasn't trying to.