Seeing You - Boys of Tommen

Studying, Injuries, and Granola Bars

June 17th, 2004

Katie:

My junior certs were approaching fast, and I was a nervous wreck. I was good at tests, but this would seriously affect my future.

"Relax, you're going to do great." Hugh said consoling me, as I read through one of my history text books, while taking notes on the content.

"I'll relax when I finish my exams." I say, which earns a laugh from him and Johnny who's sitting with us.

"I've got half the brains you do, and I did just fine." 

"You're really smart, Hugh." He scoffs but doesn't deny it. He was smart without having to put in any effort.

Johnny was quieter than usual, he was nursing a serious injury from rugby and I think it was taking a large toll on him. I also think he was pretending to be healing better than he actually was. I couldn't imagine the pressure that was put on him, I really admired him for not folding under the pressure, I know I would.

I was just taking my junior certs, and the stress had inhibited me from eating and sleeping.

Patrick and Gibsie walked over to our table, and sat down with us. I averted my eyes from Patrick. 

We hadn't spoken anything above surface level since that night at the cinema. I wanted to, I had planned on talking to him, but I chickened out. He was more distant with me than ever, which was probably for the best, but I still missed him.

I don't know what happened or didn't happen that night, but whatever it was, it drew a large line between us. I was with Hugh, I loved Hugh and that was enough.

"What are you studying for? You're the last person that needs to study." Gibsie asks.

Before I can answer, Hugh speaks up, "Don't get her started about it."

"Why?' Patrick asks looking past Hugh and straight at me.

"I just want to be prepared, it's a really important exam." Patrick nods and I smile back in appreciation. It doesn't sound like a lot, but that was more contact than we had made in the last few months.

"So Kav, how's the..." Gibsie  looks at me before continuing. "ya know."

"Thanks for asking." Johnny responds sarcastically.

"Well? Don't leave me hanging." He pushes further, earning a laugh from the lads.

"Grand Gibs, fucking grand."

"Good to hear." Gibsie says, missing the awkwardness that he's brought upon the table. "I can't believe we're going to be fifth years, it's bloody scary."

"Yeah." Hugh agrees.

"But, we'll get to go on the Andorra ski trip, lads." Gibsie says, excited.

"I don't get what's so exciting about a ski trip." Patrick says, and I'm inclined to agree, I've never even skied before, so I'm not overly looking forward to it in my fifth year.

"It's the Andorra ski trip." Gibsie responds like it's obvious.

"And?"

"We've been waiting for this since primary school."

"I haven't."

"You're a real killjoy aren't ya?" Patrick just shrugs. "Any plans for it lads?" 'Gibsie asks.

"Plans?" Johnny asks.

"Girls?" I shuddered, the sking trip was sort of infamous for students losing their virginities.

"No, do you?"

"Only if I'm able to sneak Claire in my suitcase." I laugh at that, but Hugh scowls. 

"We should probably go to practice lads." Johnny said, picking up his stuff and wincing slightly. Hugh leaned over and kissed me before getting up.

Once they were walking away, Patrick slid a granola bar across the table, and turned away before I could thank him. 

That was another thing, that he had started doing. It was almost daily, giving me a granola bar from his lunch. Some days I wouldn't even see him and I would find one in my backpack. I don't know how he managed to be so observant, especially when I felt like we had little to no contact these days.

But he always somehow managed to see me.

Thanks for reading!  - H <3