SKYFALL, Johnny Kavanagh

What's the plan?

Johnny's Point of View

I was still buzzing with leftover rage when my mother's car pulled up outside the school.
She hadn't even fully stopped before I was yanking the passenger door open and sliding in.

"Seatbelt." Ma said, barely glancing at me as she pulled away from the curb.

I yanked the strap across my chest and clicked it into place without a word, my jaw still tight, my hands still clenched.

"You're quiet." Ma flicked on the indicator.

I exhaled sharply through my nose, slouching back against the seat. "Long day."

"Hmm." She threw me a sideways look, but didn't press. "Your car should be ready by tomorrow."

"Great." I muttered, dragging a hand over my face.
I needed a fucking distraction.
I needed to hit something.
I needed to stop thinking about her.

Mam turned onto our street, the engine humming steadily. "Training's at six tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah."

"Coach called me earlier."

I stiffened, turning to look at her. "What?"

Mam shrugged, eyes on the road. "He just wanted to check in. Said you've been off your game the past couple of weeks."

I forced my jaw to relax. "I'm fine."

She didn't say anything for a second. "I didn't ask if you were fine."

I rolled my shoulders, trying to shake off the weight of the day.

Mam sighed through her nose but didn't push. "Are you eating at home?"

I shrugged. "I'll figure something out."

The car pulled into the driveway, and before Mam had even turned the key in the ignition, I was already unbuckling my seatbelt, grabbing my bag.

She studied me for a moment, then said, "Johnny."

I stopped, one hand on the door handle. "What?"

"Just don't let yourself get too wound up, love. You've been walking around like a storm cloud lately."

"Yeah."

Mam didn't say anything else. Just gave me that look – the one that meant I know something's up, but I'm waiting for you to talk about it.

I wouldn't.
Not yet.

I climbed out of the car and shut the door behind me, heading inside.

As soon as my Ma went to her room, I dropped my bag by the stairs and pulled out my cell phone.

Come over.

I stared at the screen, waiting.

Ten seconds.
Fifteen.

King Clit
What did you do?
Wait let me guess
You finally cracked and murdered Bella.

I huffed out a breath, rubbing my temple.

I wish, but no.

King Clit
Then why does it sound like you're in desperate need of an alibi

Just come over

A pause.

King Clit
On my way. Should I bring snacks or weapons?

I exhaled.

Neither.

Another pause.

King Clit
No seriously, should I bring snacks?
Because if you're going to drop some heavy emotional shit on me, I'll need at least two bags of crisps and a Coke to get through it.