RUNT! (OPEN)

[Stephen Colly]

“Its of a brisk young ploughboy…he was ploughing on the plain…” the words of the old folk song hung in the boy’s head as he pushed on the red bay across the field. ”Come on boy, come on…that’s it…good boy.” he lent harder into the plough as it pulled through the soil, cutting traces easily.

A goose watched from the gate, flapping its wings now and again, ”Good boy, c’mon Joey, pull boy, that’s it!” it was early spring, seeds were being sown. Stephen who was pushing on his horse was on leave for a few weeks again. He had brought his horse back from France home just three days earlier and had got into the fields as soon as possible to go back to his old life for a few days at least.

The horse blew through its nostrils, flicking his ears back and fourth as he heard the boy’s voice calling out to him.
”You found him then.”
A voice was heard, and then a hissing of a goose and a loud swearing from someone nearby. Stephen stopped Joey and turned to see his cousin, Billy Colly, a spiteful Corporal who Stephen disliked hugely.

”What do you want Billy?”
”Not getting a warm welcome from my younger cousin? Oh come on Stephen, be nice.” Billy gave Stephen a grin and walked over to Joey, stroking the horse. ”This horse could have been mine.” he looked back at Stephen who narrowed his eyes, coming closer.
”Well, he wasn’t, he is mine now…I raised him, I looked after him…”
”Your father put on a stupid bet, which only went in your favour because this horse isn’t stupid.” Billy was getting angry, Stephen could see, Billy continued to speak. ”How is the army for you? You little runt.”
Stephen’s eyes flashed, ”You’re the runt in this family Billy, poor Billy…poor Billy…” he taunted at his cousin who stepped towards him. Billy was wearing farmers clothes like Stephen, and as he came closer…he was indeed about a foot higher than Stephen.

”Me? The runt? Poor Stevie more like.” Billy laughed, pushing Stephen hard in the chest. Stephen nearly fell over but caught himself in time. Billy was indeed strong, stronger than Stephen any day.

A fight then broke out, the two rolled about in the soil, Joey standing there, eyes half closed, not interested in the fight going on beneath him.

[Niamh Dunlevy]

Translations

Grawly talósk for a kuri ride, eh Drummer? - Lovely day for a horse ride, eh Drummer?

Kradʹi! - Wait!


++++++++++++++++++++++++++


It had been her first leave since joining the army, and it was a leave well needed. The fields of England were covered in wildflowers, a cool breeze causing them to sway and dance with the long grasses. Clouds hung overhead - it was another typical day in the United Kingdom - but there was no rain, nor any forecasts for such. The path was nice and dry, Drummer's hooves making a sold clip-clop on the pavement, his owner humming an old Irish tune. Dressed in a simple, grey-violet riding skirt and a white blouse with little purple flowers, she was on her way to a friend's house, even though she wasn't...really that welcome in his town. However, Niamh Dunlevy had learnt a long time ago that there were more things to be afraid of then a person's opinion of oneself.

"Grawly talósk for a kuri ride, eh Drummer?" Niamh said, a smile on her face. She gently rubbed the side of her horse's neck, and then looked down at a little figure trotting beside them. It was a young foal, a black dun by the name of Grooskilly; Niamh had found him back in France. With the help of a certain hairy Scotsman, she had been hiding Grooskilly at an Allied base, feeding the little horse and getting him used to human contact. Unfortunately, Grooskilly had pretty much ratted himself out by bolting out of the base's stables, and running rampant through the grounds of the base. Even worse, the foal had stolen a pack of cigarettes from a high-ranking officer, and had proceeded to fling them around all over the place and stomp on them!

So, to prevent Grooskilly from being used as target practice, Niamh had promised to find him a place to stay when she went on leave. She had tried her father first, but Fionn Dunlevy had no room - he was already expecting six horses for boarding. Her second option were some of her cousins, but she either couldn't get in contact with them, or they didn't have any room. Then, she had tried the horse market, but no one wanted a foal! Everyone wanted something big and strong for their fields, or something they could send overseas to the troops.

The only person left that she hadn't tried was Stephen Colly. He was a lover of horses, and said that he'd gladly do anything for Niamh as a thanks for finding Joey. The Collys had a big stable...so maybe they could find a place for Grooskilly? Niamh couldn't keep the little creature forever.... She was to head back to France in a few days....

"T'ere's t'e house," said Niamh, brushing some of her auburn hair out of her face. It was neatly brushed, and shining in whatever light was there, down to her shoulders for once in several months. "Leth's hope he's home, boys."

Gently pressing a leg into Drummer's side, Niamh turned the horse to the right, heading up the path into the Dunlevy's front yard. Quietly hoping the drunken Mister Dunlevy wasn't home, Niamh stopped her horse, and quickly dismounted. She held up a finger, barking, "Kradʹi!" to her horse, and then quickly ran up to the front porch and up the few stairs. When she reached the door, she knocked five times, then waited for an answer.

[Stephen Colly]

Rose Colly was cleaning the wooden, kitchen table at the back of the house when she heard the knocks at the door. Her husband, Ted, was outside somewhere and Stephen was in the fields with his dam horse again, Billy had come left just a few minutes ago and Rose wasn’t expecting any visitors so she went towards the door with curiosity.

Opening the door, she saw that it was the young girl, Niamh who Stephen had helped and in turn, the girl had found Stephen’s house. Rose dried her hands on her apron as she looked Niamh over, and then saw a horse standing just outside with a foal attached.

”Hello Niamh, you look well.” she smiled a tired smile as she lent against the doorway, ”Would you like to come in and have a cup of tea?” she asked, smiling again and pushing a piece of her brown hair behind her ear.


Meanwhile, in the fields, Stephen had lost the fight. Billy was standing over his cousin with a triumphant look on his face while Stephen stared up, squinting into the sun at his cousin with a look of disgust.

”Come on Stevie, get up.” Billy kicked him in the side and Stephen let out a slight groan as he got to his feet, brushing dust out of his hair, the two were covered in dirt from head to foot. ”I’ll win next time Billy, just you wait and see.” he muttered as he grabbed hold of Joey’s ploughing bridle.

”As if runt.” Billy muttered, laughing and ruffling Stephen’s hair. Stephen lashed out, hitting Billy hard on the arm, Billy laughed, ”Pathedic.” he walked over to Joey, and began to stroke him.
”No point finishing the ploughing now is there, we both look a state.” Stephen muttered, looking in dismay at the field that was half done, it was boiling hot as well which made things worse.
He began to lead Joey towards the gate where the goose stood, it began to hiss at Billy who stamped his foot, instead of fluttering away, the goose advanced and bit Billy hard on the ankle, Billy kicked out, letting out a yell. ”That fucking goose!” he ran towards it and the goose squawked and took flight, flying away as quickly as it could.

”Even the goose hates you.” Stephen said spitefully as he opened the gate and lead Joey out, shutting it behind him. Stephen led the horse towards the stables, passing the front of the house, noticing two horses…or rather one horse and a foal. Joey’s ears pricked and let out a loud neigh.

”Who’s that?” Billy asked, pointing to the horse and the foal, as Stephen stared at the horse he began to recognise it as Niamh Dunlevy’s one…Drummer…the foal he had never seen before but it did look a beauty.

”A friend.” Stephen muttered to Billy who was now leaning against the barn door where the plough was going to go, Stephen began to unclip the harness from the plough and pushed the plough through the doors, shooing Billy away from them as he closed the heavy barn doors. He then led Joey into his stable and began to un tack him, taking the heavy collar off the horse’s back who shook and went towards the water bucket, drinking slowly.
Billy had already made his way over to the foal that had put his ears back, ”Leave it Billy, every animal seems to hate you here.” Stephen came up towards Billy, watching him.

[Niamh Dunlevy]

"Good afthernoon, Missus Colly; you look well, thoo," said Niamh, nodding in greeting with a courteous smile. "An' a cup of thea sounds lovely, ma'am, buth I 'ave some business I need tho speak wit' Sthephen abouth. Afther t'at, t'ough, I'd happily join you fer some refreshmenths. Do ye know where I mighth find Sthephen?"

++++++++

Drummer was, by nature, a gentle beast. A powerful mixed draft of unknown blood, he was specially bred by his master's father to be ready for anything on the road. He was obedient, still remaining still even though his owner was busy, having no need to be tied because of the way he had been trained. Not even Grooskilly - who was now impatiently trotting this way and that, eager to be on the move again and tugging on his tied rope - bothered the stallion. The only thing that could probably catch his attention was a mare or a mortar shell, neither of which were around at the moment.

But when little Grooskilly pinned back its ears, nervously moving underneath Drummer's legs, the draft knew something was up.

Striding over to the pair was a human, a man by the looks and scent of it. He resembled another human nearby, one Drummer knew as a friend of Niamh's, and named Stephen. The one approaching Drummer was named "Billy", and he looked to be on the roguish side. Grooskilly had already begun to make a sort of chewing motion, one that foals used when a older horse was nearby; it was his way of telling Billy that the foal was harmless. Drummer watched Billy carefully, eyes trained upon the man-stallion with ears in his direction.

For some reason, Stephen yelled at Billy, sounding annoyed and tired as he did. Niamh's horse looked the young human's way, but then quickly back at Billy. Drummer's head moved forward, and he blew in the human's face as a sign of greeting. He would then inhale Billy's scent, trying to get a better sense of what the human was like.

Grooskilly, however, scooted further underneath Drummer's form. If the little foal moved any farther, he would be on the other side, the rope attached to Drummer's halter crossing behind the stallion's front legs. Should either of the equines bolt, one of them could possibly end up tripping the other, and even injure themselves in the process.

[Stephen Colly]

”Billy come away from that horse.” Stephen said as he strode towards Billy who was bending down with his hand outstretched.
”Shut up runt.” Billy muttered as he came closer to the foal who was now underneath the other horse.

”Billy!” Stephen grabbed his arm and with unknown strength dragged him around to face him, ”That’s a foal, and foals are scared of people like that…-“
”I know what it is! I’m not an idiot.” Billy retorted and jumped slightly as Drummer blew into the man’s face when he turned back to face the two horses.

”STEPHEN!” a shout came from the doorway and Stephen looked up, seeing Niamh and his mother standing there, he hadn’t noticed them standing there…”Hello mother; Niamh.” Stephen waved and began to walk forward, dragging Billy with him who was watching the two animals with curiosity.

”What the hell happened to you two?” the woman asked as she nodded at the clothing, ”You two haven’t been fighting have you?” she asked as she smiled briefly at Niamh. ”That’s fine dear, Stephen, your friend here wants a word with you.” she motioned to Niamh who was standing next to her.

”Oh, really?” Stephen asked surprised, ”You alright Niamh?” he asked as he saw Billy’s eyes trail over the woman and he rolled his eyes at his cousin’s stupidity.

”Come on Billy, let’s go and get you cleaned up.” Rose began to retreat into the house and Billy followed, glancing again at Niamh. ”See you later runt.” he muttered at Stephen and pushed him hard on the shoulder as he walked in.

Once the two were alone, Stephen looked over at Niamh, ”Is that your foal?” he asked suddenly, looking over at the foal as he spoke.

[Niamh Dunlevy]

Niamh could not help but raise her eyebrows. The two boys were covered in dirt, a few bruises here and there on their skin. Stephen seemed to be related to the other, unrecognizable man beside him; they had a similar hair colour and face shape. Other then that, they were complete opposites, with the other one's eyes trailing down Niamh's body. She narrowed her eyes slightly to make a silent point.

"Yes, Sthephen...mind if we thalk?" said Niamh after Missus Colly had spoken. "I'm fine, buth I justh have a couple o' questhions tho ask ye. An' t'ank ye, Missus Colly; I'll only be a shorth while wit' Sthephen."

Once the unknown man and Stephen's mother were inside, Niamh threw a glare over her shoulder at the man's retreating form. He seemed to be on the rough side, just like some of her cousins - Stephen wasn't meant to be pushed around, though. Stephen was a good person, and to treat someone so rudely was, in the Pavee's eyes, the ultimate sign of ignorance. She would have to watch out for him, just in case he had decided to join the army like Stephen did.

But that was not an issue at the moment, so Niamh turned her head towards Stephen, smiling at him. Clearing her throat slightly, she said, "Well, 'tis nice tho see ya again, Sthephen. I'm sorry if I was bot'erin' ya by comin' o'er, buth ye remember when ye said you'd pay m'back fer findin' Joey...?"

Niamh smiled sheepishly.

"I...uh...I need t'at favour back...y'see, t'at lil' foal's 'ere fer a reason.... He needs some place tho sthay, y'see."

From beneath Drummer, Grooskilly's nose poked out, the foal still slightly nervous. However, he was curious as to who the nearby man was; he smelt and looked a little similar to the man-stallion that had come up to Drummer. The foal stayed still, ears swivelling, eyes not moving from where they were focused on Stephen.

[Stephen Colly]

”Yeah sure.” Stephen said as he rolled his sleeves up and brushed a hand through his hair to get the dust and dirt out. He felt slightly embarrassed, standing next to Niamh who looked respectable and he didn’t. Stephen noticed the glare that Niamh threw his cousin’s retreating back and laughed. ”That’s Billy, he is a cousin.” he said as so as the door closed behind the two.

”Nice to see you too.” he smiled and gave her a wink as he whipped his hands on his trousers and put them into his pockets. ”Yeah.” he added as she asked him if he remembered about doing something for Niamh now that she had found Joey who was now banging on his stable door.

Her smile detected something that Stephen was sure not going to go down well. Stephen glanced over at the foal that was now poking its head out from behind Drummer, slightly nervous still. Its eyes focused on Stephen who was watching it carefully now.

”I don’t mind him coming here, have to tell father when he gets back, but he won’t say no…I’ll make him not say no…” he came slightly closer to the foal and bent down, taking some nuts out of his pocket and stretching his hand out towards the little creature whose ears were now pricked.

”Like Joey as a foal…I raised Joey you know…just like him.” he straightened and patted Drummer on the nose and then bending down, with his other hand that didn’t have the treats in he began to gentle untangle the rope from the horses. The foal squealed, ”It’s alright fella, good boy.” he muttered gentle, finally the rope was untangled and the foal could come out from underneath.

”There.” he stretched his hand out to the foal so that it could eat the treats, it didn’t seem to want to so he turned around, his hand outstretched behind him and he felt a muzzle on his palm and little teeth as they picked up the treats.

[Niamh Dunlevy]

Now it was Niamh's turn to laugh - well, snort amusedly, rather. A rough-and-tumble cousin of Stephen's, eh? Billy reminded the Pavee of her Uncle Daragh's boys, who were pretty much the same way. Well...they usually meant to be mean in a loving way....

She suddenly frowned as Stephen said that he wouldn't let his father say no. That was the last thing she wanted to hear from Stephen - his father was a beastly man, drunken and abusive to his wife and child. Before Niamh had found Joey, Stephen had been an easily cowed, often hesitant to assert himself. When Niamh had found out who his father was, it had been easy for her to put two and two together, and find the reason why Stephen was so submissive. The Pavee would hate for him to become like that again, especially after how confident he now seemed.

"Sthephen, I - " began Niamh, but she was cut off by Grooskilly's squeal. The foal was panicking a little, tugging and trying to get away, but Stephen's gentle words calmed him slightly. Stephen then stretched his hand out, which Grooskilly hesitantly looked at; moments later, however, the foal was actually sniffing it. He didn't touch the boy-soldier's hand, though, so Stephen turned around, stretching out his arm behind him. Grooskilly reached forward, and hungrily nibbled on whatever was in his hand.

Niamh let out a short, low whistle of appreciation. A smile on her face, she said, "Well...ith seems you're good around 'im. You were always a kind soul, so he knows t'at - 'is name's Grooskilly by t'e way. An' if ye t'ink t'at yer fat'er wouldn'th like 'im 'ere, t'at's all righth. I'm sure t'ere's anot'er farm I can place him at if need be, s'don'th worry. I'm noth one tho force somet'ing on someone, unless ith was fer t'at person's own good. Buth t'at's understhandable, righth?"

Grooskilly, meanwhile, had finished the nuts in Stephen's hand. He stretched his neck out, searching for a few last crumbs, then began licking at Stephen's hand to gather up some salty residue. Once that was done, the little foal would step backwards, waiting to see what Stephen would do next.

[Stephen Colly]

Stephen saw Niamh frown just before he turned away, wondering why she was frowning…but oh well, he wouldn’t let a silly old frown get to him. Her voice was drifting over to him, she began to say his name but was cut off by the foal’s squeal.

He then heard a short, low whistle coming from Niamh in front of him, he looked up and smiled back at her. ”It’s what I did with Joey when he was younger, seems to work all the time.” he grinned, ”Nah its fine, mother will look after him while I’m away, she loves having Joey back, so I’m sure she will love another animal to take her mind of father being an idiot.” he spoke carefully, choosing his words.

The foal began to lick his hand, he felt the little thing’s rough tongue trying to get the last few bits of treats off the boy’s hand. When it had done this, it stepped back and waited to see what Stephen would do next. To be honest, Stephen didn’t know what to do now. He stood up and walked away from the foal back towards Niamh, dusting his hands off on his trousers once more. ”I think we should take the little thing into a stable, next to old Zoey I’d say, she is like a mother to any foal, she was to Joey when father brought him at auction instead of a calf.” he remembered that day when he had gotten beaten for trying to help, right there in the middle of the ring by his father, with everyone watching…he had been 16 then.

”Come on then…Grooskilly.” he said the name and the foal’s ears pricked up and then flattened back as he came closer, ”Good boy, hey…” Stephen’s words floated into the foal’s ears who began to relax and the boy took hold of the leadrope, leading the foal towards the stables, two heads poked out from behind the doors, one; the big bay head of Joey and the other, a grey older looking head of the old plough horse Zoey. The two gave the foal a welcome, Joey kicking the door again and Zoey nickering like an old mother.

Stephen led the foal into an empty stall, one that was in between the two horses and low enough so the foal didn’t feel alone.

[Niamh Dunlevy]

She wouldn't say it, but he wasn't the first person to try that trick. The Pavee had tried to bait Grooskilly with treats before, but the foal was very stubborn and selective. It had taken a good two weeks before Grooskilly could even be led around, and even then, he still fought the lead rope. The little foal had been through a lot - his mother was probably filled with bullets somewhere, and the soldiers could be a sadistic lot at times. Grooskilly had shied from several of the men, sometimes even screaming in fear when he saw them; perhaps Grooskilly had been chased around by them?

This was the first time Niamh had ever seen Grooskilly be so...comfortable...around a man. Or maybe Niamh was just plain crazy. Being out in the middle of a war zone could do strange things to one's mind - perhaps Niamh's own mind was beginning to be affected? No, wait...Grooskilly definitely liked Stephen. Maybe the foal knew Stephen had been around horses? The Pavee's father always said horses knew such things....

Grooskilly jumped a little when Joey kicked at the stall door. However, he immediately turned his head to face an elderly-looking workhorse, the maternal nicker tugging at the foal's instincts. Pulling hard on the rope, Grooskilly moved towards the mare, squealing a little in protest when Stephen led him into the stall instead. Niamh watched quietly as Grooskilly began to move towards the plough horse, smiling a little when the foal finally managed to get over to the wall separating him from the mare. The little foal stood on his back legs, his neck reaching out to sniff as the mare lowered her head, the two blowing into each other's faces in greeting.

"Aw, he likes her!" Niamh said. "He'll be a happy horse here. T'anks Sthephen, I really appreciathe ye helpin' me outh here. If t'ere's ever a problem wit' Grooskilly or any o' yer ot'er horses, justh leth me know; I'll be happy tho help ya outh if need be. Buth, before we stharth thalkin' 'bouth t'at kind o' business, how abouth we go inside and 'ave a spoth o' thea? Yer mot'er was very kind tho offer some!"

[Stephen Colly]

Stephen stood back and watched the two horses become friends. He raised an eyebrow as the foal jumped the wall and shrugged. ”Never mind.” he had thought the foal would do that. Joey had wanted to be with Zoey when he had been a foal. Stephen remembered the day so clearly in the back of his mind:

It had been mid April, Ted had gone down to the market to pay off the mortgage and buy a calf for the old cow in the field that had by now died. Ted hadn’t paid off the mortgage, Billy’s uncle – Ned – had had his eye on a hunter colt – Joey – Ted didn’t like his older brother getting his way so had started to bid for the thing in auction, Ted and Ned (their mother had chosen their names!) began to bid against each other, the price of the scared foal had risen higher and higher, Ted getting drunker and drunker until finally he had won…in doing so, had lost the mortgage money that needed to be paid.

Stephen remembered shouting at him hoarsely across the ring, saying that “You shouldn’t buy it father!” and “That’s the mortgage money!” His father had then proceeded to try and fit a collar on the wild thing but that hadn’t worked, Stephen had tried to help but his father would not have his son show him up so had beaten him and then told him to “Get home!”

And that was that, the foal would either be shot or Stephen would look after it and look after it was what he had done. Niamh’s voice rang in his ears as his memories flooded through his mind…that was why Billy hated him so much.

”Yeah he does.” Stephen nodded ”Happy to help.” he smiled at her. ”Yeah, a cup of tea would be nice.” he took a last look at the two animals or rather three animals content and happy and began to trudge back to the house with Niamh.

The smell of baking bread and tea floated through the door as Stephen opened it and began to take his shoes off at the door for they were very muddy in deed. ”Come on in.” he said to her, holding the door open for her to walk in.

The kitchen was at the far end of the house, Billy could be seen sitting at the table and his mother – Rose – baking some bead. ”Come in both of you!” she saw them and brought forward two cups of tea. ”Thanks mother.” Stephen took the tea and sipped it, heading towards the kitchen were Billy sat, ”Alright runt?” Billy said immediately as Stephen walked in.

”Shut it Billy or I’ll hit you!” Stephen gave him an angry look and sat down at the opposite end of the table, ”How’s the horse?” Billy asked, Stephen shrugged. ”Same as always Billy, you saw him a minute ago.” he snapped back.

”Boys calm down.” Rose came back, offering Niamh a seat at the table, ”Sit love, do you want some bread with jam? Just baked it.” Rose went back to the oven where the bread lay.

[Niamh Dunlevy]

"T'ank ye," muttered the Pavee, nodding her head in thanks as Stephen opened the door for her. She breathed in deeply as the scent of freshly-baked bread came flying at her, as well as the pleasant scent of tea. Just as Stephen removed his shoes, she removed her jodhpurs at the door, and followed her friend inside. To Niamh's surprise, the kitchen was at the house's far end - when she was still living with her parents, the kitchen had been placed near the door, convenient for when hordes of hungry Dunlevys came charging in.

"Come in both of you!" cried the Missus Colly, striding forward with a pair of teacups in hand. Stephen thanked her, taking one cup in hand, and Niamh did exactly the same. However, she held back when Stephen went to sit; it was a force of habit from when she still lived a nomadic lifestyle. Every time she had gone into a restaurant, pub...any kind of establishment such as that, she had always waited to see if anyone would pull a "filthy Gypsy" comment out of nowhere. Whenever that happened, Niamh had to either leave the place immediately, or get her choice of nourishment and retreat to the farthest corner.

"All right runt?" came an arrogant voice. Niamh's head turned, and although she kept her face even, she frowned inwardly when she saw it was Billy. Stephen snapped back at him, telling his cousin to be quiet under threat of being hit; the young horse-lover used the same tone when Billy asked another question. Missus Colly, however, immediately put a stop to their bickering, and happily offered Niamh a seat and some bread. Niamh could not help but smile back brightly.

"I would gladly appreciathe some bread and jam, Missus Colly. T'ank ye e'er so much fer offerin'."

Striding over to the table, Niamh pulled out a chair, deciding to take a seat directly between Billy and Stephen. That way, she wouldn't seem like she was biased towards sitting with Stephen, and Billy wouldn't be so flirtatious with her if she sat by him. The young woman continued to sip quietly at her tea, savouring its taste; field-made tea was nothing compared to that made in a teapot at home. Should the Collys attempt to make conversation, she would join in with them, but until then, she just enjoyed the silence and their company.

[Stephen Colly]

Rose smiled at Niamh, it was nice to have another woman in the house…Rose did get bored of all the men, the bickering, the fights, the arguments, the beatings that Stephen got on regular basis’s, even Rose got hit sometimes but she stayed out of their fights. She would just warn Stephen when she could see that he was getting into trouble.

Billy who had been sitting, now watching Niamh, turned to smile at her. ”Well hello.” he grinned and looked back at Stephen who was sitting sipping his tea. ”She you’re girlfriend…oh I forgot…” before he could finish the sentence, Stephen had stood up violently, glaring at his cousin. Billy raised an eyebrow but had the sense to say nothing.

Niamh had placed herself between the two boys, which Stephen was pleased about because he would have strangled Billy there and then, he stared angrily down at his tea, not saying anything for a while.
Rose had watched the two boys with anxious worriment, but when they had calmed down, she let out a sigh and went back to cutting the bread and spreading jam all over it.

”There you go love.” Rose said, breaking the silence which had formed, with a knife. ”If you want anything else then just ask.” she smiled and brushed off her hands on her apron.

Awkward silence hung in the air now, finally Stephen broke it. His voice was quieter than usual, his eyes still staring into his tea. ”Mother, I’m keeping a foal here.”

Rose turned to look at him and then at Niamh. Silence filled the room once again as Rose thought of what to say. Billy on the other hand was now staring at Stephen.
Rose let out a sigh now and shrugged, ”You look after him Stephen, but if Ted hears about this…he won’t be happy – “

”Well he will be mother, don’t take no notice of him…” Stephen snapped. Silence filled the room once again.

[Niamh Dunlevy]

Niamh nearly choked on her tea. Her, a girlfriend? Stephen's girlfriend? It was a ridiculous claim, and probably only made to annoy Stephen further. This was confirmed by Stephen jumping up quickly, his chair scraping loudly as he did so; the Pavee couldn't help but jump a little. She'd never seen Stephen looking so angry before....

"Well, 'ello tho ye thoo," said Niamh, nodding at Billy. "T'e name's Niamh. I'm a voluntheer in t'e army - Auxiliary Therrithorial Service. I cook in t'e French bases for our boys."

The young woman then looked over at Stephen, who was staring at his tea as if it were a guilty child. Her eyes averted from his face, though, and Niamh was sipping at her tea again, thinking. She remembered seeing a lovely dress in France, pale lavender in colour and with little violet buttons at the front. It would've been a nice gift for Missus Colly...next time Niamh went back, she would have to see about getting it for Stephen's mother -

Or Niamh's own mother, even. She, much to her surprise, had completely forgotten about Sheila Dunlevy, who was now working with the other ladies to provide food for the troops. Sheila had been such a good mother...Stephen would probably love to meet her one day, and maybe even the Missus Colly. Niamh really had to go back to Ireland sometime and visit her parents; it had been almost two years now since she last saw them. That would be on the Volunteer's to-do list when she received leave again, and maybe she could even convince Stephen and Nathan to come!

Well...maybe not Nathan, especially after that fiasco with Daragh's boys....

"There you go love," said Missus Colly, placing a plate of bread and jam down in front of Niamh. "If you want anything else, just ask."

"T'ank ye, Missus Colly," said Niamh. "Ith's much appreciathed."

As the Pavee quietly devoured the delicious food Missus Colly had made for her, tension seemed to build around Stephen. Niamh was tempted to ask Stephen if anything was wrong, but she decided against it, not wanting to embarrass the boy-soldier. Besides, after a few minutes of quiet, she didn't have to - Stephen spoke his mind. She nearly choked on her bread when he mentioned Grooskilly being kept in the Colly's stables.

"You look after him Stephen, but if Ted hears about this…he won’t be happy - " began Missus Colly, but her son promptly cut her off. It came as quite a shock to hear Stephen talk so...harshly...towards his mother. Niamh, not wanting to be a cause of friction between parent and child, decided to speak up.

"Missus Colly," began the Pavee after swallowing her food, "ith was my idea. I understhand if ye don'th wanth anot'er horse - t'ey can be quithe a handful. I can thake t'e foal elsewhere, an' I have no issue wit' t'at. Ith's rude tho force t'e care o' an animal on anyone who doesn'th want ith, so I'll thake t'e foal wit' me when I leave. Your family's been tho kind tho me fer me tho do anyt'ing rude tho, so I will noth sthart now. However, ith's your call because t'is is your household, an' I'm justh a guesth."

[Stephen Colly]

Billy looked over at Niamh as she spoke and raised an eyebrow. ”I didn’t know the army where employing volunteers. Stupid if you ask me, men fight, women cook…” he shrugged and went back to sipping his tea along with Stephen who was sitting quietly again.

Rose smiled at her, she was a nice girl even if she wasn’t Stephen’s girlfriend, and she seemed to feel a part of the family.

Stephen sat there, clasping his cold hands around his cup, staring into it. Why did Billy have to be here? How did Billy know…?! How he knew…Stephen hadn’t told anyone of his feelings…oh god, he thought…if his own cousin knew then who else had he told? Stephen felt a sinking and sickening feeling in his stomach…this could not go on…not ever, he would have to do something about it…but what?

Niamh spoke up suddenly and Stephen glanced up at her, he frowned. ”It’s fine Niamh, really it is.” he muttered, his voice cold. Rose glanced at her son, frowning and then shrugged, ”Fine then Stephen, get your father angry and I won’t be there to help you, you take the blame. If your father hits you then so be it.” she shook her head and sighed, turning back to the oven.

”You are welcome here Niamh when ever you want.” she then said, smiling over at her. ”We like having friendly people here, you are a friend.”

Stephen nodded, Billy stood up. ”I’m off, I’ll see you tomorrow Rose, bye Niamh, nice to meet you…shall I be seeing more of you?” he wagged his eyebrows at her and sticking his tongue out, laughing. ”Bye runt.” Billy ruffled Stephen’s hair hard as he walked past and Stephen hit out, missing him by inches.

The cousin laughed and made his way towards the door, stepping outside and his footsteps could be heard making their way up towards the lane and the village.

The three lapsed into silence, Rose carrying on with cooking and Stephen in deep thought.