Ballylaggin Cork County Ireland 1998

“do i really have to go?” Johnny groaned from the backseat for the millionth time that day. The Kavanaghs had just moved to Cork from Dublin and his parents were hellbent on getting him new friends. Johnny had friends. He met a few kids at his new school that he actually really liked. Hughie, Patrick, and Gibsie. Gibs was definitely his favorite. So he didn’t understand why he had to go to this event with his parents. It’s not like it’s for kids anyway.

“Yes Johnny” His mam told him from the passenger seat. “It’ll be good for you. There might be kids there”

“it’s an event for some rich guys company” he rolled his eyes. “I doubt there’ll be kids there”

“you never know Johnny, love.” she brushed him off.

It wasn’t fair. Even his parents didn’t wanna go. They were only coming to make a good impression in the new town. He might only be 11, but he’s been to enough of these events to tell they were all fake. His mam was a fashion designer and his da was a very well known barrister, so everyone wanted them to attend their events. Usually, Johnny was able to stay at home and play rugby, but this time they insisted that he come along.

Eventually they reached the venue. He walked in between his parents, trying his best to behave. Just like he predicted, it was all adults. He didn’t see a single person who didn’t tower over him or held a champagne glass. That was until-

“Look Johnny” his mam grabbed his attention “she looks your age”

He looked over to where his mam was pointing. Sitting at a table by herself was a small girl in a yellow dress. She had mid-length dark brown wavy hair, and light green eyes. Most would say she’s pretty, gorgeous even, but Johnny didn’t care about girls. All he wanted to do was play rugby and maybe hang out with his dog, Sookie.

“go talk to her” his mam pushed him forward

“mam please” he begged “do i really have to?”

“yes, look, she looks just as miserable as you. Maybe you’ll bond over wanting to go home” she smirked

“da help me out, will ya?” he turned to his father

“listen to your mam, son. She seems sweet. And like she could use a friend” he told him calmly

“maybe she’s going to tommen” his mam added.

Tommen College is the private secondary school he was supposed to go to in 2 years. It was supposed to be next year, but he got held back when he moved. All the kids his age were in sixth class while he was stuck in fifth. He supposed it would be nice to meet someone his age. But then again, all his friends were also going there in 2 years so it’s not like he needed to meet her.

“fine” he sighed and walked over to the girl.

The girl eyed him warily as he took a seat next to her

“Hey. I’m Johnny Kavanagh” he gave her a small smile “well, my real name is Johnathan but everyone calls me Johnny.”