" No. I left early to meet up with Kieran." I add sadly, "I couldn't bring myself to stay."
" It's sad. I would rather have my mom and dad at each other's throats all day than have them get divorced."
" I feel sorry for my mom, though. She is not as tough as she makes herself out to be."
" What's she doing?"
" Today, she cleaned the whole house, from ceiling to skirting boards. Tonight is the second night she has fallen asleep in front of the TV."
Shannon gives a long sigh. "I hope it never happens to us. Do you think Dermot loves me?"
" Do you want him to love you?"
" I suppose."
" I actually do think he loves you. So he hasn't said it yet?"
" No." She moans sulkily.
" He will, just give him time." I do not want to sound like my mother, but I have to say it. "You know, of course, that you shouldn't go all the way, even if he does say it?"
I know her so well and I know she is rolling her eyes as she says, "I know. No sex until I'm married."
I laugh. "Actually, it should be no sex, ever. These days people get married, sleep together, make babies and then they break up anyway. I cannot get my head around it. I swear it is so ridiculous."
" Last year, Carol's mom and dad got divorced, and you never said then that love is lost."
" Yeah, but now it has happened right here in my own house and I see it more clearly now. They loved each other enough to want to spend the rest of their days with each other, so why don't they love each other anymore?"
" I don't know, Heather. People don't take love serious anymore."
I sigh, just as she yawns. "I better go. I'll see you tomorrow at school."
" Not tomorrow. You will see me in a few hours."
" I am sorry I woke you."
" No worries." I hear her smile. "You're okay and everything will work out fine, you'll see."
" Goodnight Shannon."
" Night, night Heather."
She ends the call and I sit staring vacantly at the wall across from me, eating my sandwich. Dark shadows loom in the corners of my eyes, pressing down on me.