After The Prom

Erin and Michelle were walking to school on their own for once. Orla had left early to hit the sweet shop to stock up for the week and Claire hadn't shown up yet.

"Why are you acting weird Erin?"

"I'm not acting weird...no way.... Jose!"

"You are you. You're making Clare look like that little fat fella? What's he called? Dead calm all the time? The wee statue fella?"

"Buddha?"

"Aye that's him"

Erin rolled her eyes: "Well maybe it's because your mum found out about the dresses, and you know, robbing her credit card"

"Oh that"

"Oh that! THAT is just fraud Michelle!"

"Wise up will ya"

"She could have rang the police!"

"My ma's no rat. She doesn't deal with them peelers"

"No, you're just grounded for a week"

"It will be grand calm down. She'll forget about it by Wednesday"

"You definitely didn't mention my name?"

"Cool the jets. John Paul did you a favour there. I was able to bring your one back"

He'd done her another favour. Letting her see what was right in front of her all along.

They walked on in silence for a few minutes. Erin's mind drifted back to the present and she started to panic. Michelle was never this quiet. Really? What the hell? Why wasn't she speaking? Had James mentioned something?

"Where do ye get to on Saturday?"

Erin laughed. She was laughing too much. Why was she laughing?! The question wasn't even funny: "Saturday?"

"Saturday. After the prom? Where we got dunked in tomato juice for no fucking reason! We should have let Jenny Joyce get drenched. Jesus why are you being such a melt Erin?"

Shit what does she know! "I am not!"

"I just thought you might have got off with someone"

Shit shit shit: "But I smelt like a lasagna Michelle"

"Didn't stop me"

"Jesus Michelle!"

"My dress was ruined didn't mean my night wasn't going to be"

"You really thought I'd gotten off someone?" asked Erin.

"Yeah. I didn't see you leaving, and Orla said you got in after her"

"Well, she still can't tell the time so..."

"But then I was like this is Erin. Gerry Adams would get off with the Queen quicker than Erin would get off with a fella"

"Thanks a lot"

"I can't believe Orla took your Granda Joe to the Prom"

"I thought it was kind of sweet actually"

"Aye. He's not bad looking for an aul fella"

"Oh my god Michelle!"

"I'm just saying..."

"Please don't say it..."

"If I was like 30 years older."

"Oh god..."

"I would"

"Jesus"

"I mean I would ri..."

"I get the picture Michelle I'm gonna boke"