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“Shannon’s getting fat,” Ollie tossed out. “She loves Dellie’s food, too.” “I’m a size 8, you thug,” I choked out, offended. “I weigh seven and a half stone. I’m not fat.” “You don’t call girls fat, Ol,” Tadhg groaned. “Remember what Joey told us? They’re always skinny—even when they’re whales.”
Feely was holding his head in his hands and staring at the screen in pure awe. Hughie was bawling his eyes out as he clapped for his friend. The rest of his teammates were going berserk. It was insane…
A single tear rolled down my cheek as I watched the boy who had saved my life on countless occasions finally reap the rewards he so justly deserved. Boy did good…
“My Thor?” Claire demanded. “I guess he’s taking that promise he made to Johnny about watching out for Shan seriously.” Lizzie shrugged. “He’s out there goading the life out of the pair of them.”
We have babies to raise, Gerard Gibson, and a concert to go to, so you’re going to do what you’re told. Now follow me!” “Oh fuck, I love it when you boss me around, babe,” he groaned, hurrying after her like a puppy. “Talk dirty some more to me.” “Get out the door, Gerard,” she ordered, holding the door wide open. “Now.” “Yes, boss.”
I was different now, stronger, and she couldn’t hurt me because I refused to hand that kind of power over to her or anyone else.
So with my head held high, I looked her straight in the eyes and gave her something she would never ask for and probably never deserve. “I forgive you for what you did to me that day.” She could keep her anger and cling to her grudge, but that didn’t mean I had to. “And I hope you find some peace.” With that, I turned around and walked back to my friends.
“Shannon, I love you, and I’ll be home soon.”
“Yeah?” A huge smile spread across my face. “How does she look? Does she seem happy? Is she well?” “She’s definitely something,” he replied with a smirk. I frowned. “What does that mean?” “You’ll see.” Gibsie chuckled.
No, it was the tiny scrap of a red bikini she was wearing, filled out by a body that I didn’t remember her having. I could have caught flies I looked so fucking dumbstruck at the sight of her.
“Puberty? A growth spurt? Vitamins? Three meals a day?” Gibsie offered with a shrug. “She wasn’t stressed out at home or anxious puking every second minute? She’s being taken care of? Shit, I don’t know, lad. I don’t even care. But she’s glorious to look at, so don’t look a gift horse in the mouth and just appreciate it.” “You’ve been looking at her?” I demanded, furious. “While I’ve been gone?” “Ah, just the normal amount,” he coaxed, as if the normal amount would placate me. “Look, look, they’re wrestling with each other. Ah, lad. Fucking winning!”
I wanted to drop to my knees and worship whatever version of puberty that had paid a visit to my girlfriend. It was like waking up on Christmas morning and preparing to find the bicycle you’d asked Santa for under the tree, only to tear off the wrapping paper and find a top-of-the-range BMX instead.
“Good,” I replied gruffly, tightening my hold on her small frame. “Because when it comes to you, Shannon Lynch, I’m all in.” “Me too.” “Where you go, I go.” “Promise?” “I promise.”
Feeling incredibly free, I threw my arms up in the air and laughed. “Shannon!” Claire laugh-screamed my name and I reached out to grab her hand, laughing as all four of us screamed out the words of the song. Cameras were flashing all around us, but for once I didn’t care. We were young and free and together.
