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"Rory, wake up," Shan whispers, shaking my arm.
"I'm up—Jesus, what time is it?" I ask, yawning.
"11."
"Jesus! The lads I was supposed to take them-" I rush out as Shan interrupts me.
"No, it's fine, Aoife's taken them, she's filled the cupboards, cleaned and everything!" She exclaims as I look at her shocked, a mix of surprise and gratitude crossing my expression.
"Really?"
"Yeah- Joey said you've to get ready, we're going to get Chicken fillet rolls." She says, the excitement evident in her voice, the anticipation of a delicious meal spurring us into action.
"I'll be five minutes, here." I say, pulling a present wrapped in green wrapping paper from under my bed.
She opens it, looking down at it in awe, her eyes sparkling with surprise and joy. I had carefully selected the picture of her and Johnny, framed and printed, a tangible memory captured in a beautiful white frame..
"Aurora.." she whispers, her finger delicately tracing the edges of the picture, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"I got you one of me and Gibsie in the picture because who doesn't want it with their favourite sister in."
"You're my only sister." She giggles, the bond between them evident as she envelops me in a warm hug.
I hand her the card I'd gotten her, she opens it as €30 drops out.
"Happy 16th Shan." I smile warmly as she excitedly rushes downstairs.
I throw on a pair of joggers and a white hoodie followed by my runners, I brush my teeth along with my hair before picking up my bag and going downstairs to Aoife's car.
"We're making a pit stop at Johnny's." Joey says as I get into the passenger seat.
"Why?" I ask confused.
"Three words. Drunk, Phone, Gussie."
"Gussie?"
"The blond lad he was with?"
"Gibsie, you mean?"
"Oooh, your boyfriend." Shannon teases as Joey sets off.
"Neither of you are allowed boyfriends till at least 25." Joey pipes up as I roll my eyes.
________________
"Wow." Me and Shan said in union as Joey punched the gates password in.
"You should see the inside, bloody incredible." He said getting out the car as I followed suit, Shan staying behind.
The Victorian style mansion, resembling a Manor House, boasted a million windows and the largest front door I'd ever laid eyes on. The grandeur of the architecture was actually breathtaking.
