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to sleep herself.

Chapter Eight
    Ciara felt sick.
    One of the fellas had brought vodka, in a Seven-Up bottle, to the party. She’d drank some. It had made her feel very odd. Then she’d smoked a cigarette. That had made her feel dizzy.
    The music was very loud. She didn’t really like Oasis. She much preferred the Spice Girls. Her friend’s parents had gone off to the pub and two fellas that hadn’t been invited had gate-crashed. They were causing trouble.
    Ciara wanted to go home.
    Declan Mooney grabbed her.
    â€œLet’s snog,” he said.
    â€œIn your dreams,” Ciara answered back, snootily. She hoped he’d get the message. Declan ignored her and kissed her anyway. She thought she was going to puke.
    â€œCan’t wait to see you in your nightie. Whose tent are you sleeping in?” he asked hopefully.
    â€œNot yours, for sure. Besides you know it’s one tent for the boys and one for the girls,” Ciara snapped.
    Declan winked.
    â€œWe’re coming visiting.”
    â€œGet lost,” Ciara slurred crossly. She didn’t want to sleep in a tent. She wanted to be safe and snug in her own bed, knowing that Declan Mooney couldn’t get near her.
    She felt funny. Her fingers closed around her house key in her jeanspocket. She always carried a key. She got home from school at three, every day. Alison was never home from work until after six. Sometimes later.
    Ciara was used to being on her own in the house. She wouldn’t mind being alone until her dad came home from his match tonight.
    Ciara slipped out the side gate. She hurried along the footpath. Every now and then she turned around to see if anyone had seen her. She felt very sick and dizzy. Her knees started to shake. She felt scared as she hunkered down, trying to take deep breaths.
    Next thing, she heard the worried voice of Mike Stuart. “Ciara, Ciara, are you all right?”
    â€œI drank some stuff. I feel funny.”
    â€œCome on. Come home with me.” Mike sounded very kind. He helped her up. Ciara leaned against him.
    His house was just across the street.
    It was a huge relief to sink down onto his sofa and close her eyes.
    She had never felt so sick in her life.

Chapter Nine
    Mike was furious. “It’s a bloody disgrace! Those kids are all half-pissed down in Hennessys’. I rang some of the parents. How could Barry and Alison let Ciara go to something like that? They should be shot.”
    Kathy was also raging. “They don’t care about that poor child. Do you know that they left her on her own in the house after school with two men who were fitting a new alarm system? Maybe they were perfectly nice men. But who’s to know these days? Have they no sense? I wouldn’t leave Sara on her own with two strangers for three minutes, letalone three hours. It’s just not safe any more. Have those two lost their marbles? Have they any sense of responsibility? By God I’m going to give Barry and Alison an earful when I bring Ciara home. She’s out gadding. He’s out at his match. That poor child is wandering the streets pissed out of her skull. Haven’t they a great life all the same, the pair of them?” Kathy’s lips tightened.
    â€œLet her stay the night,” Mike suggested.
    â€œNo, Mike. I want Barry to see Ciara’s little white face, God love her. I’ll being her home in an hour or so. Anyway she wants to go home to her own bed.”
    â€œOK, maybe you’re right,” Mike agreed.

    An hour later Kathy drove her tired goddaughter home. She’d triedphoning to check that Barry was there. The phone was engaged. So one of them must be there, thought Kathy.
    She felt terribly sorry for Ciara.
    It was time that Barry and Alison accepted some responsibility for their child. She was going to tell them so.
    Barry’s car was in the drive. There was a light on in the hall.
    â€œI’ve got my key. The bell’s not