Deep in Ballylaggin, Ireland, recovering from his parents’ death was Joey Lynch, on the bumpy road to recovery months after rehab, six months being clean, and in the middle of the school year beside you at Tommen. You were the year younger, but because he was held back a year you two were both in your sixth year now, after you skipped your fifth year.

He was taking a mechanics course and working his arse off to pass with the best grades possible, after being offered a job at a garage to co-own. He was much happier and healthier; living with the Kavanagh’s and Edel force feeding him so he had some more weight and muscle on him, after restarting with hurling and training with Johnny and Gibsie, and you two dating was the cherry on top.

At lunch time he winds an arm around your shoulders pressing a kiss to your cheek. You sit with all the others, Shannon, Johnny, Gibsie, Claire, Lizzie, Hughie, Patrick, and Katie. “Last night was wonderful baby,” he murmurs, still pleased with last nights’ events.

“What was last night?” Claire pipes up, with a curious smile. You blush and Joey smirks, “I took the night off work and we went for a picnic in the fields.”

Shannon, Claire and Kaite awwh.

“The daisy fields?”

“That’s so romantic.”

”Hughie takes me every anniversary.”

You blush and snuggle into Joey’s arm side. “Yeah. He came to mine and we made a whole picnic basket.” Joey interrupts. “And you, made the best cupcakes ever didn’t you?” He sweetly compliments. A different boy around you, truly.

Hours later, you and Joey walk out of school alongside your friends, hand in hand agreeing to meet with the girls’ tomorrow. When you walk to Joey’s car you’re stopped by a growled shout of your name. You look up, your Da.

He was asleep when you came home way later than usual last night and you avoided him this morning. “Where on gods fucking earth where you last night girl?” Your eyes widen in panic, “I had a shift at work.” You stammer out the lie.

“Don’t lie to me!” The vein on his forehead bulges. “You left your apron at home in your room!” You take a step back. “Da-“

“Is everything okay over here?” Joey smoothly asks, sliding a hand on your waist. He nods respectfully to your father. “Sir.”

“Step away from her boy, this is a private conversation.” Your father demands. You step forward trying to quieten or soothe him but to your surprise you feel a stinging pain across your cheek. He slapped you. As a natural instinct tears come to your eyes, and you retreat back a few steps. “Teach you a bleeding lesson.” He spits.

Joey steps in front of you. “Apologise to my girl.”