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“We’ll have a family,” he continued to say. “One of our own, and I’ll stand by you right back. In whatever you choose to do. No matter what.”

“This won’t break us,” I croaked, touching my brow to his.

“Nothing can break us,” he whispered. “I promise.”

82

A New School Year

Shannon

It was September 1, 2005. A brand-new term, and my first day of fifth year. Deciding to take the leap year option with Lizzie and Claire, I walked through the doors of Tommen for my second-to-last year of secondary school, dressed in a brand-spanking-new uniform—ironed to perfection, courtesy of Mrs. Kavanagh—with my best friends at my side.

Everything was different now. I wasn’t the same girl from nine months ago. I was a completely different person, with a new home and a new family. All because I made the reckless decision to take a shortcut through a rugby pitch and crash into the boy who had changed my life. The boy who hadsavedmy life.

“This is going to be our best year yet, girls,” Claire declared, looking her usual pristine self, with her hips swaying and her blond curls bouncing as she walked. “I can feel it in my bones.”

“No. Just…no, Claire,” Lizzie grumbled, trudging along beside her, looking like the angel of fury. “It’s way too early for your demonic optimism.”

“Ladies,” Ronan McGarry purred, stopping in front of us when we reached our lockers. “I heard you three took the gap year.”

“I hopeyoudidn’t,” Lizzie shot back, releasing her glower on him.

“I did.” He smirked. “You’ll be seeing a lot more of me.” Turning his attention to me, he winked. “Hey, Shannon.”

“No.” My lip curled up and I had to repress the urge to gag. “Just…no.”

Ronan’s face reddened and he stalked away, clearly furious.

“That was epic,” Claire laughed, throwing her arm over my shoulder. “Johnny would be proud.”

“Yeah,” Lizzie agreed, cracking an actual smile. “He would’ve loved to have seen you put that toe-rag back in his box.”

“Don’t,” I groaned, stomach twisting up in knots. “I don’t want conflict this year. I just want to get on with my life.”

“Aww,” Claire squealed, distracting us both. “Look at him.”

Swinging around to see who she was pointing at, I smirked when Tadhg stalked toward us, scowling.

“Oh, that boy is going to break some serious hearts,” she added, pressing a hand to her chest. “I want to eat him up.”

“Yeah, look at those baby first-year girls checking him out already.” Lizzie chuckled, pointing to a group of young girls openly staring at my little brother. “He’s going to be the man.”

“No, he’s not,” I said, horrified. “He’s not even thirteen yet.”

“Look at the cute first year!” Shelly and Helen said in unison as they rushed over to us. “He is so cute.”

“That’s Shannon’s brother,” Claire explained. “And yes, we’re aware that he is beyond adorable.”

“Hey, Tadhg,” I said, giving him a bright smile when he approached. “How are you finding everything—”

“Don’t talk to me,” he warned, giving me a horrified look. “Jesus Christ, you’re mysister. You don’t know me when we’re here.”

“You’re in the wrong area,” I shot back, eyes narrowed. “The first-year locker area is downstairs.”

“Whatever.” Rolling his eyes, he shouldered his bag and turned around, heading back toward the first-year common area, growling, “This school fucking sucks,” before quickly backpedaling to us. “By the way,youcan absolutely talk to me,” he said, winking up at Claire, who was towering over him.

“Uh, thanks?” Claire laughed, grinning down at him.

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