Shearwater

Chapter 4

 "Go ahead," Jackie laughed, "You're not in the U.S. anymore. Underage drinking isn't a big deal here, at least not for us. And anyway you've only got a few more years until you're 18."

After the beach, I'd cycled home and taken a shower, then pulled on some fresh, albeit travel-wrinkled clothes. I hadn't thought to bring any formal clothes with me, so I was wearing jeans and a black sweater.

Aedan and I walked down to his friend Liam's pub (I looked for a sign with the pub's name, but there wasn't one; just a little neon light in the window that said 'pub'). He introduced me to Jackie—the neighbor he'd mentioned. She was also the international school president, a grand title for a group she confessed included only two exchanges students and me: a transfer from the USA.

We'd slipped into one of the corner tables. The bar was small but cozy, with gleaming wood counters and dark leather furniture. The wall lamps cast a warm glow over an assortment of framed prints and news clippings, a splash of green from glass coasters completed the Irish theme. It smelt like hops and wood polish.

I must have looked unsure as I pondered the menu, so Jackie called out over my shoulder for two half pints of Guinness. Jackie was thin and elegant, like my mother, moving with precision and self-control that seemed wonderful and alien to me.

"So Aedan wanted me to explain our school system to you," she said. I couldn't help admiring her gorgeous, curly red hair that bounced when she spoke. She had deep blue eyes, flawless skin with perfect red circles on her cheeks (which was probably well-applied blush, but could easily have been caused by her hiking up towards the pub in her black dress and heels).

"First, second and third year is the Junior cycle. After the third year we take a test to get our Junior Certificate—you'll need to take it at the end of this year. Next year, after you pass, we'll be together in the Senior Cycle, which is Fifth Year and Sixth Year. Then there's another big exam, and then we get a Leaving Certificate."

I nodded my head, trying to pay attention, but most of it slipped in one ear and out the other. I couldn't think that far ahead. I was having trouble thinking through to the end of the week.

"You can take the bus with me on Monday," Jackie continued, "There are about 15 of us from town, most of the students are from Portrush or Ballymoney. This one is Derry!" she said, as an older looking boy with broad shoulders set our Guinness on the table. He was wearing a tasteful plaid button-down, and his sandy-brown hair was combed neatly to the side. He smiled and reached out his hand. I shook his hand and smiled back at him.

"Hi, I'm Clara."

"'Course you are, love," he said with a grin. "And let me say how sorry we all are... about your parents." Jackie shot him an apprehensive look and then glanced at me. Was it rude to bring up someone's dead parents after just meeting them? I didn't know either, so I wasn't sure how to react.

Jackie reached across the table and squeezed my hand. "If you ever need to talk about anything, you know, I'm here for you. I hope we'll be great friends."

"Thanks," I murmured, taking a moment to look Jackie and Derry in the eye, a gesture I hoped conveyed my sincere appreciation.

Aedan came back to the table and put a hand on Derry's shoulder.

"I know you had a funeral in America for your parents, but in Ireland we do things a little different with a Wake; it's a kind of glorious send off for the deceased. I'd be a lousy father if I didn't give Branna a proper one, so I've asked some of the guys from town to play some music tonight."