Chapter 8
Summer finally came, and Nicky and Bryan went back to Dublin, taking Alessia and Helen along with them. They went to Sligo on weekends to hang out with the rest of their friends. Meanwhile, Shane, Kian and Mark had been very busy on a musical play, as they had gotten parts on the production of “Grease” at the town in the local theatre. Sandra, Patricia, and Toni spent the days with them during the rehearsals. The girls helped them memorize their lines and they were giving suggestions as well about the play. It was a major hit when it was finally shown and everyone was talking about it all over town. There was an after show party that they attended but before going home, all of them decided to go to Mark’s house to hang out for a while. “Do you think we should?” Shane asked as they all sat down on the sofa. The others were sprawled on the floor. “Well, it won’t be easy…” Mark added. “I really thing you guys should.” Toni urged. “It’s worth a try.” Patricia added. “Besides, you guys have got nothing to lose.” Sandra said, resting her head on Shane’s shoulder. The others nodded in agreement. “Why don’t we meet some place tomorrow and try singing a few songs, or write a few even.” Kian said. “I have a feeling this will really work out.” Sandra said. Someone at the party told them that they had great singing ability and that they should take it further. They decided to form a band with three other people who they were going to meet up with tomorrow. They talked about it a few minutes more. “Oh, I better go home.” Kian said after looking at his watch. “And we have to get up early so we could start early and finish early.” Shane added. Patricia and Sandra were waiting for Toni at the door. “I better go with them.” She said as she gave Mark a quick kiss. She turned around to leave when he grabbed her hand and pulled her back. “Don’t go yet… I’ll just take you to the dormitory later.” Patricia, Sandra, Shane and Kian waved goodbye and left, leaving a protesting Toni behind. “I might get locked out!” “No, you won’t. I just want to talk to you some more.” Mark said as he held Toni closer. They didn’t get to spend time alone together for quite some time because of the play. Most of the evenings, Mark was so tired that he just took Toni back to the dormitory after the practice because he just wanted to go home and sleep. In between kisses, they talked about what would happen if the band became successful, and they tried to think of a name for the band.
Toni looked at her watch as she pulled away from Mark. It was a good excuse as well to pull away because things were getting a little too “hot” between them. “Well! It’s too late! Looks like I’m locked out! It’s past our curfew. Are you happy now? Isn’t that what you wanted Mr. Mark Feehily?” Toni kidded, punching him playfully on the arm. Mark smiled mischievously. “How did you know?” he kidded.
Toni spent the night in Mark’s room, while he slept on the couch in the living room. She was about to drift off to sleep when there was a soft knock on the door. She got up and opened it. It was Mark. “I couldn’t sleep there…” he said sheepishly. “Couch too small?” she asked. Mark nodded. “I could sleep there instead if you like.” she offered. “No. Can I just sleep here with you instead?” “Well, this is your room, and this is your house, I don’t really have a choice don’t I?” Toni said, smiling as she looked up at Mark. They lay in the bed, and they began talking about their childhood. Toni cuddled up to Mark as he held her close. He felt so happy he couldn’t ask for more. Both of them did. They felt so much love for each other. Mark held Toni closer, never wanting to let her go. He imagined what it would be like to wake up everyday beside her. He smiled, thinking of what it would be like if they shared their whole lives together as he drifted off to sleep, the smile still on his face.