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We must've been in the cafeteria for at least six hours by now. The tension in the air was thick, but no one said much. Everyone was just waiting—waiting for some sort of news, good or bad. I'd been resting my head on Gibsie's shoulder, eyes half-closed, trying to drown out the sound of the ticking clock on the far wall along with people talking around us. Shannon finally came down from Johnny's room. The sight of her made my heart skip. Her face was pale, lips trembling ever so slightly as she walked over to us.
I lifted my head off Gibsie's shoulder and gave her a soft look. "You alright, Shan?" I asked, my voice cutting through the 'quiet'. Everyone turned their heads toward her, waiting for her response.
"Yeah–ah..." she started, her eyes flickering nervously toward Mr. Kavanagh. "Mr. Kavanagh, Johnny asked for you."
Her voice was shaky, like she was barely keeping it together. We all felt it.
"Right," Mr. Kavanagh responded, his voice steady but tired. "Thank you, Shannon. I'll be back soon." He kissed Edel on the head, a brief, tender moment amidst all the uncertainty. Then he left, disappearing down the hall toward Johnny's room. Shannon watched him go before collapsing into the seat he'd vacated, leaning her head back with a heavy sigh.
"We best be going, Shan." I said softly, giving her a knowing look. My stomach was in knots. Da was most likely going to kill us if we stayed out much longer. And this time, I had no doubt he was deadly serious.
"Right, yeah," Shannon nodded, her movements slow as if she was fighting exhaustion. We both stood up, the weight of the day pressing down on us.
"If you wait a few hours, I can drop you two off?" Edel's voice was soft, her smile warm, though worry still lingered behind her eyes.
"It's alright, honestly," I replied, trying to sound casual. "Plus, I've a few things to do at home." The lie slipped out easily enough, but the guilt tugged at me. I forced a smile.
"If you're sure—" Edel started, her concern evident, but Gibsie cut in before she could finish.
"You can stay, can't you?" His voice was hopeful, almost pleading.
"No... no, I'm busy today," I sighed, avoiding his eyes. He frowned, his disappointment obvious.
"I could get us three a hot—"
"We're fine, Gibsie, okay?" I interrupted, trying to give him a reassuring smile. The last thing I needed right now was more questions.
"Yeah... okay," he muttered, clearly not convinced. He stood up, pulling me into a tight hug, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered, "Text me when you're home, 'kay?"
"I will," I promised, hugging him back for a moment longer than usual, feeling the comfort of his arms around me before finally pulling away.
________________
It was 6 p.m. on a Saturday evening, and Dad probably wouldn't be home yet. At this time of night, he was usually half-dead in some dingy pub or sprawled out in an alley. The thought sent a shiver down my spine, but I pushed it aside. I dropped Shannon off at the house, her figure disappearing into the front door without a word, and then headed to the shops to pick up a few bits and bobs. My phone buzzed in my pocket.
'You home yet?' Gibsie texted.
'Just on my way back from the shops,' I replied, my fingers flying over the screen.
'Call me when you're home :), miss you.'
That cheesy fucker. I smiled to myself.
'I saw you a few hours ago haha,' I shot back.
'I have a question.'
'Shoot.'
'Since it's the Easter holidays, d'you wanna come over for another sleepover :)?'
I was just about to reply, a small smile playing on my lips, when I stepped outside the house. The bag in my hand swung lazily as I walked up the path. But before I could type out an answer, a loud, blood-curdling scream pierced through the air. It came from the house next door.
My heart jumped into my throat. I froze, my fingers trembling over the phone.
