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On the last Friday in February, Tommen were playing their rivals Kilbeg prep on the school grounds for the School Boys Sheil.
Because it was one of the few home games of the season left and a prestigious cup to win, all classes were invited to support their team.
I had a few bits to sort before heading over, but I made sure to show up, even if I caught only the tail end, like the last five minutes or so.
Rugby was a total mystery to me; sports, in general, were a blur, except for hurling, which I knew a bit about thanks to my brothers being into it. Pushing through the crowd, I weaved my way to the front, finding my spot beside my sister and her closest friends.
"Seriously Claire, I don't even know the guy-" Shan began, but the sudden burst of jeers and boos grabbed our attention, prompting us to look over as player number 15 from the opposing team scored a goal.
"Oh, crap," Shan muttered, clearly feeling the pressure. "How much time's left?"
"About a minute- and don't think we're not talking about this later!" Claire exclaimed before refocusing on the game and shouting, "Come on Tommen! Woo! Kilbeg- you're total rubbish!"
The guys appeared drained, except for Johnny, who seemed to have an endless well of energy.
Claire said something but I'd blocked everything out, my eyes on one person only.
Number 7.
In the heat of the moment, the crowd's cheers engulfed me as Claire yanked us down through the stands and onto the pitch. She sprinted to her brother, embracing him tightly, while a familiar voice rang out.
"Princess!"
I spun around as Gibsie started jogging towards me.
"Joker." I smiled as he eloped me in a hug.
"I didn't think you were gonna come." He smiles pulling back.
"I'm ah.. sorry I missed most of it, I had a few things to do."
We chatted for a bit, diving into the game details, just as Johnny's voice echoed in the background.
"Gibsie, you getting in the picture?"
He looked at me before I nodded. "Go on."
"You're coming as well." He smiled, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the photographer.
Johnny stood to the left as Shan and I stood in the middle, with Gibsie to my right, his infectious grin lighting up the moment.
"Smile." The photographer said before snapping a few pictures.
"Johnny, Johnny?" One of the women called out. "What's your relationship?"
"Private." He shot back coolly.
"What about yours?" She said, asking Gibsie.
"Private." He copied Johnny as he pulled me away, his eyes gleaming mischievously.
"Are you coming to the party after school?" He asks as we start walking to the changing rooms.
"Ah, I was gonna pop in at some point if I have time." I say as he smiles, his excitement evident in his eyes.
"Just let me know." He starts to say as someone calls his name out.
"I should get going, me & Shan are getting the bus."
"Right, I'll see you later."
"See ye." I smile as I walk away, waving a quick goodbye before heading off to find Shan.
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I should've gone to that party, it was a little after eight when me & Shan had gotten home. Three miles from Tommen and the bus had broken down, for two hours we were forced to remain on the bus while another bus from Cork City was sent out to transport us home.
"Where were you two?" Dad demanded, watching us like a hawk at the kitchen table as we walked through the doorway, his eyes narrowing in suspicion as we exchanged a quick glance, trying to come up with a believable explanation.
I could see Shannon freeze up as I looked at dad, he held what looked like Ollie's Hurley. "You're late!"
"The bus broke down," Shan squeezed out as I gingerly set our bags down against the wall.
"We had to wait two hours for another bus to pick us up," I added on as he continued looking at us, his expression stern and unyielding.
He nodded his head as he muttered. "Fucking buses."
Shan released a loud gasp while she hurried into the kitchen, pouring herself a glass of water and making a lopsided sandwich.
"Goodnight dad," she whispered as he replied.
"Don't be late again, do ya hear me girl?"
"I hear you," she croaked out as she went upstairs.
I couldn't stand another moment in this house; I had to get out, even if just for a few hours. I made my way upstairs to Joey's room and gently knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" He called out, his voice echoing through the wooden door.
"Your favorite sibling," I say as he opens the door, a playful smile on his face.
"Where's Sean?" he teases as I playfully smack his chest.
"What's up?"
"Is it okay if I go out tonight? I won't be-" I start to say, but he cuts me off, eagerly waiting for my answer.
"Yeah, but I won't be here if something happens, you're always the one looking out for us-" I trailed off, feeling the weight of his care for our family.
"You help equally as much as I do, Aurora; you're practically their mam," he said with a chuckle, acknowledging my role in our family dynamics.
"Thanks," I responded with a grateful smile, wrapping him in a warm hug that conveyed my appreciation.
"Don't be going all soft on me now, Rory," he teased playfully as I turned to leave, playfully flipping him my middle finger before heading out, the tension of the house fading behind me.
________________
I walk over and plonk myself next to him, picking up the beer bottle from his hand. "What's up Mr. Pain?"
"Mr. Pain?" He asks, looking confused.
"You're in pain, don't deny it either, I can see it in your face," I retort, noticing his discomfort.
"My abductor's playing up again," he murmurs, indicating his thigh where he had an ice pack.
I remember him mentioning something about his abductor but did I remember the full conversation? No, I didn't understand it at all.
"I know Claire's mam's a nurse, she could have a look at it?" I suggest, trying to be helpful.
"It's not that bad, honestly Lockheart, I'm grand," he reassures me, downplaying the situation.
"If you say so, Mr Kavanagh. I'm off to find Gibsie," I say, getting up as he chuckles.
"Off to find your boyfriend, you mean?" He teases, and I roll my eyes in response.
"Not my boyfriend, he doesn't like me like that," I clarify, feeling a pang of disappointment.
As I search for Gibsie, I finally spot him with Lola Murphy, and jealousy washes over me. Despite my feelings for Gibsie, I know we can only be friends. The sight of them together makes me realize I need to leave; the emotions swirling inside me are too much to handle in that moment.
