Free Feile Fever by Joe O'Brien

bewildered. I thought Todd was angry with his father! he said to himself.
    Sarah winked at him.
    ‘Oh!’ said Mick. He got the feeling that Sarah was only pretending that Todd was delighted to see his father because she didn’t know that Danny knew the whole story.
    ‘Would you like to go in and see Todd, Danny?’ asked Sarah.
    ‘Not if he’s with his father,’ said Mick. ‘We don’t want to disturb them.’
    ‘It’s fine,’ said Sarah. ‘Scott’s been out cold for the past couple of hours – jet lag.’
    ‘Animal!’ said Danny, and he got out of the car.
    ‘Just a few minutes, son!’ said Mick.
    As Danny went into the house, Sarah immediately began telling Mick how she’d telephoned Scott at the weekend to tell him about Todd.
    ‘Scott was very upset,’ said Sarah.
    ‘I can imagine.’
    ‘But it was a bit of a shock to us all when he turned up at the house late last night.’
    * * *
    There was no sign of Todd as Danny walked through the sitting room and out into the kitchen.
    He noticed the back door was open, and as he was just about to walk out into the garden, he heard voices – loud voices.
    Todd and his dad were having an argument!
    I thought his da was asleep! thought Danny as he hesitated just inside the back door.
    ‘Can’t ya just be happy, mate, that I’m here?’ said Todd’s dad.
    ‘Nah! Why should I be?’ said Todd.
    ‘Aw, come on, son. Can’t we put all this behind us and start again. I’m really looking forward to seeing ya play in this tournament at the weekend.’
    ‘You’re not coming,’ said Todd.
    ‘Come on, Todd. I’m after taking annual leave to be here. Come on, mate. It’d be like old times. I’m dying to see ya in action again. I tell ya what. We could go down to the local park tomorrow arvo and kick a bit of footy, if ya like?’
    Todd kicked a stone and it ricocheted off a wall and nearly hit his father.
    ‘It’s not called footy here. It’s GAA. Now rack off, ya loser.’
    ‘Don’t talk to me like that, mate. I’m still your father.’
    ‘It’ll never be like old times. You screwed that up for all of us when ya decided to get a new girlfriend!’
    Todd was getting really angry now.
    Danny didn’t know what to do. Todd really hates his dad! he thought, I shouldn’t be here listening.
    Suddenly, Todd turned to come back into the house.
    ‘Todd!’ called his dad, but Todd didn’t turn around.
    Danny jumped back and acted like he was only just coming into the kitchen.
    ‘Danny!’ said Todd.
    ‘Hiya Todd,’ smiled Danny. ‘Your mam sent mein. I just came around to see if you’re okay.’
    ‘I’m fine, mate – fine.’
    Scott walked in to the kitchen.
    ‘G’day,’ he said.
    ‘Eh, howya!’ said Danny.
    This was a very awkward moment indeed.
    ‘Aren’t ya going to introduce me to your mate, son?’ smiled Scott.
    Todd just stood still as if he was frozen to the spot.
    Danny put out his hand to Scott.
    ‘I’m Danny, Todd’s friend. We’re on the same football team.’
    ‘Pleased to meet ya, Danny mate. I’m Scott, Todd’s father. I guess ya gathered that already!’ said Scott, shaking hands.
    ‘Yeah! Todd’s told me loads about you.’
    As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Danny realised he shouldn’t have said them. Todd’s face went as white as a ghost. So white that Danny thought he was going to throw up on the kitchen floor.
    ‘Really?’ said Scott. ‘All good I hope.’
    Danny didn’t know what to say or do next and it was a blessing that Sarah came into the house just then.
    ‘I think your dad’s waiting for you, Danny,’ she said.
    ‘Sound!’ said Danny. He was delighted to have an excuse to leave.
    ‘We’re putting up the bunting and all tomorrow night for the Féile, if you want to help us?’ Danny looked to Todd.
    ‘Yeah, mate. Sure! I’ll see ya in school tomorrow.’
    ‘Nice one,’ smiled Danny.
    ‘See ya, Danny!’ said Scott, waving. ‘Nice to meet ya, mate. I might see ya at the footy