Life as a Gallagher

Chapter 2

Frank the Plank

I woke up, showered and changing into my uniform since I had work later on, but no school. I walked down the stairs to see Frank in my way.

I rolled my eyes, stepping to the side and walking over to the counter for coffee. "Hey Fi. Frank."

Fiona gave me a wave and Frank let out a grunt, walking out the door. I rolled my eyes again, putting the sugar we now had into my coffee and sitting across from Fiona, who was looking at a newspaper.

I asked. "Where is everyone?"

"Ian and Steve went to get burgers. The rest are in the living room. You slept in late."

I shrugged, downing my coffee. "Late night." I smirked at her. "Steve? And he's back!"

Fiona snorted to herself. "Shut up. Come on."

I followed Fiona in the living room. I asked, seeing a blond in the living room. "Who the hell are you?"

Lip waved a hand toward me. "And there's my younger sister, Joey. The one with all the manners."

I laughed at him. "No Gallagher has manners, except for Debbie on the occasion."

Lip rolled his eyes. "This is Karen."

I raised an eyebrow. She doesn't look slutty like I thought she would. I waved, asking. "Ian and Steve back yet?"

Carl said, annoyed. "Nope."

Steve called. "Here we are! Burgers coming through."

I cheered. "Finally!"

Fiona smacked my arm, pulling me to sit down next to her. "You waited ten minutes, maybe."

I sent her a mock serious look. "It was the longest ten minutes of my life."

Fiona sent me a look. "Sure." Fiona looked over at Lip. "Lip, napkins."

He nodded, going to get them. Karen said. "I got it."

Lip shook his head, going to where he headed in the first place. "No, no, you sit."

Steve called. "Only ketchup?"

Debbie called, sitting on the floor, leaning on the couch. "Me!"

Steve called loudly. "Extra onions, jalapenos?"

V came in with some cookies. "Me! Make room"

Ian plopped my burger in my lap. "Ketchup, onion and pickles."

I grinned at him. "Thanks."

I scooted over as V sat next to Fiona and then Carl sat by her. "Jeez." I sat on the arm, easily balancing. V smacked Carl's hand away from the cookies. "Not until after you eat your shake and fries."

I said. "Better have some for me."

V laughed. "I'd never forget you or your appetite." V looked over at Karen, sitting on a chair and Ian was in the armchair. "Who's this?"

Lip pointed out. "This is Karen."

V grinned. "Hey, Karen. Nice top. What size are you?"

Fiona shushed her as the tv was on. I looked at it, opening my burger. My eyes widened in excitement. "Deadliest Catch?"

Lip said, eating his burger. "Yeah, so shut up."

I glared over at him. "Fuck off."

But we watched it and he didn't say anything back. I was eating and was annoyed to find I had no drink. Ian said lowly. "Joey!"

I looked over and he tossed me a bottle of beer. I nodded in thanks, cracking it open, eating my burger which was finished in about 2 minutes.

They were pulling the tank out of the ocean, finding out that they caught shit. I think it was a marathon, because we watched it for a while. Every once in a while, I checked my watch to see what time it was. I still had half an hour before I had to leave, I was closing today.

I wondered if Rebecca would be there even though the times were different and wondered why I wondered? Even if I knew somewhat.

The door opened and I looked over. My eyes widened, who did Frank piss off? There was blood going down his mouth and staining his shirt.

Steve said. "Woah, you okay Frank?"

He walked in, obviously pissed off. Ian stood up, looking a little mad himself as Frank headed toward the kitchen. "Hey, that my shirt?"

Frank nodded, looking more pissed. He had a dangerous tone. "Yeah."

I set my second beer on the floor, tensing. Ian backed up, nervous. "I'm just asking."

Before I could do anything, Frank slammed his face into Ian's, busting his noise. I jumped up, running over to Ian, who was on the table. Steve snapped, pushing Frank. "What the fuck is wrong with you, Frank?!"

I looked over everyone. Steve was in Frank's face, V was comforting Carl and Fiona and Lip by me, near Ian.

Steve shouted. "You're drunk, Frank. You're drunk!"

I looked around, Debbie wasn't in here. Frank spread his arms like a jackass. "This is drunk?!"

Fiona shouted. "Stop it!"

I kneeled by Ian. "Shit."

I touched his noise, realized it wasn't broken. Ian hissed, slapping my hands away hard. I winced, muttering. "Sorry."

Lip ran past me to Debbie, who had a frying pan, headed toward Steve. I said sharply. "Enough Debs." Lip stopped her though.

Sure, I appreciate what Steve is doing, but he barely knows us and it's a family issue. Debbie still thinks Frank isn't that bad. I just feel bad for her when he bursts her bubble, it's gonna hurt and not just her.

Steve told Frank. "Don't do this to your kids, Frank."

I scoffed hard at that. It's not like we were used to him being an asshole, though surprisingly, the hitting us was rare. More like, Fiona had something to do with that.

Frank sneered. "Oh, what are you, a tough guy? What, Steve, you think you're a tough guy?"

I stood back up. I shared a look with Lip. Frank shouted. "Because you look like premenstrual Filipino!"

Steve rushed him. Fiona got between him and Frank. "Steve, go!"

Frank laughed. "You're shitting your pants!"

Steve pointed at him. "Your pathetic, Frank!"

Debbie was leading him away. I rolled my eyes. "Debs, let him go."

She sent me a look and I did the same back, but she did let him go. I stood in front of Steve, making sure he didn't lunge in front of Frank. He was going toward the door.

Fiona shouted, stressed. "Get out, I mean it!"

Frank shouted. "Don't go, come on! Pus! Pus! Pus! What, you want to say something? Pussy!"

I opened the door. "Just leave, family issue."

He nodded at me, slamming the door. I snatched the pan from her hand. "This ain't worth protectin' pieces of shit!"

I stormed toward the kitchen. I looked at Ian, seeing my blood boil. He was holding a tissue to his face, bloody and obviously hurt.

I slammed the pan in a cabinet, breathing hard.

Frank said. "It's a bloody nose, he's not dyin'."

I slammed my fist on the counter, beyond pissed. I knew Fiona wouldn't want me to start in with him, but oh, I so wanted to.

I hit the counter again, barely feeling the pain on the side of my hand. Fuck him!

V said, mad. "Really Frank? Joey, Ice!"

I called, slightly calmer. I needed to go to the boxing ring later. "Got it!"

I grabbed a bag of peas from the freezer, shoving Frank's shoulder as I walked past, tossing the peas to V.

I leaned on the doorjamb. Frank shouted. "Anyone notice that I'm bleeding?"

I snapped. "Fuck off, already!"

Fiona warned. "Joey."

I pointed at Frank. "No, screw you. Just because you're a piece of shit doesn't mean you can attack your fuckin' kids!"

Frank glared at me, walking forward and spreading his arms mockingly. "Really? My own kid talking to me this way? No respect, from any of you!"

I normally would have let it go, but Frank pissed me off bad. I shoved Frank, with him being drunk, he was unsteady on his feet and stumbled back. "You don't deserve any, fucktard!"

"Dammit Joey, that's enough!" After those words from Fiona, she shoved herself between me and Frank, pushing me toward the couch and Ian. Frank glared some more, but stormed off into the kitchen. I was breathing hard. Ian stormed off, a towel and the peas in his hand.

Lip raised an eyebrow at me, nodding toward the stairs. I shook my head. "Work."

I looked at saw I had about 10 minutes before I had to get on the L. I was ready to walk out the door and cursed. "Fuck! Goddammit!"

My white polo had Ian's blood on it and my pant legs had beer at the bottom. I ran up the stairs and into mine, Debs and Liam's room. I quickly changed into new jeans and was pissed to find I had no new polo. I then realized the apron would cover it. I tied it on, realizing I had no smokes, but was getting paid today. I walked in Ian and Lip's room. I knocked and then opened the door. I immediately smelt the weed.

"Hey, I need a couple of smokes." I let out an angry breath before he could argue. "I'll give you half a pack later, okay? I'll either swipe it or buy it, come on."

Lip climbed on his bed, handing me three. "Here."

I grumbled. "Thanks."

Ian said before I left. "You didn't have to- "

I laughed harshly. "Oh, I wanted to. See you tonight."

I walked out the door, storming past Frank who was about to leave, and managed to sneak on the L before it left. I usually just melted in with the crowd getting on.

I rubbed my hands together, calming down. He was barely around, except to sleep off getting drunk and his hangovers. He just pissed me off so much and now I had to calm down because I had work and I didn't want to get no stupid shit from the costumers.

I walked in 15 minutes later. It was just me and Tommy, a dark-skinned boy with brown eyes and a average height. "Hey, Gallagher."

I nodded. "Sombers."

I hopped over the counter after clocking in. He went over to the coffees and started a new brew.

"Joey, hey!"

I looked up and smiled. "Hey Rebecca. You came."

She held up her book, which looked like a textbook. "School work to do and I didn't want to be in the house."

I shrugged, still smiling at her. "Cool. Want anything to drink?"

"Grande Vanilla Beam with whipped cream."

I started making the drink, mixing the powders and milk in a blender. I called over my shoulder. "Not a coffee drinker?"

She said back. "Not this late."

She handed me the money and I switched with the drink. She took a sip. "Taste great." She went to a table, setting her book and drink down, bending over it.

I found myself calm down quickly in the next couple of hours. Rebecca stayed where she was the whole time. She ordered another drink too and I noticed she switched textbooks. I hopped over the counter.

I stared cleaning a couple of tables as it was getting close to closing time. Rebecca asked me. "Are you allowed to do that?"

I smirked at Rebecca. "Is there someone to nark on me?"

She smirked back. "No, not that I can see."

I finished, throwing the rag back over the counter. "Hey, you done? I'm just about done and closing."

She nodded, putting her books in her backpack. "Yeah, give me five minutes."

I went behind the counter, settling the money and walked toward the front. It was a surprise to see Rebecca waiting for me.

I opened the door, locking it and pocketing the key. I noticed how dark it was. "How far do you live?"

"About a ten minute walk, right by the school."

I shoved my hands in my pockets. "Want me to walk you?"

She smiled at me. I never realized how pretty she looked. "If you want."

I nodded. "Cool."

It was mostly silent as we walked, then we were in front of her house. I scratched my ear. "Looks nice."

She grinned. "Thanks, hey, I was wondered if you wanted to hang out, you know, be friends."

I automatically smiled. "Sounds great. No work tomorrow or school. I'll meet you here around 1, that good?"

She smiled brightly again. "Perfect."

She then went home and I went to cash my check and buy a pack of cigarettes, getting two when I realized I had to get half for Lip.

I smoked one of the cigarettes he gave me, walking home instead of taking the L. It was the late and I didn't even have time to box. I found I didn't need to let off steam this time.

I walked in the door to see Fiona cleaning up in the kitchen. It seems she made pizza for dinner. She raised an eyebrow at me. "You're late."

I shrugged, pulling out a plate and giving myself two slices. "I closed, met a friend and cashed my check. Speaking of that, here." I took out about a quarter of it and handed it to her. "Rent."

We held on to the rest, able to help out with a bill if needed. I sat back at a table. She pocketed it and smiled at me. "Thanks. That's great. You don't seem to have any of those."

I shrugged again, eating. "None of us do."

After I finished, I went up to sleep early, undressed and went to sleep.

/ / / /

When I came down stairs dressed in a plaid shirt owned by Fiona in the past and shorts, Carl, Fiona and Lip were here. I asked. "Where's Ian and Deb?"

Lip told me, sitting on the table edge. "Ian and Veronica are stealing some milk and Debbie's getting the paper."

I nodded. "Okay." I plopped down in a chair, still tired. Fiona put a cup of coffee in front of me. "Here you go, Road Runner."

I laughed a little, drinking some. I used to be off the walls when I was a kid, so Fiona named me that when I was little and it stuck. Debbie came in with a couple newspapers in her arms. I reached over and set them on the table, where she started cutting coupons out of it, which she then would give to Fiona later. Lip and Fiona were somewhere in the house.

By the time I finished, Ian came through the front door. I beamed. "Awesome."

He had a couple of milks in his arms. I grabbed one, popping the top and taking a gulp and closing it. Debbie made a face. "Ew, you know that Fiona hates it when you do that."

I smirked, reaching over to rub her head. "Fiona's not here."

Debbie told him. "Don't forget Veronica's coupons."

Ian nodded, walking back outside. Fiona came back in the kitchen while carrying Liam, smacking me upside the head. "Stopping drinking from the carton."

I made a sound of surprise, rubbing my head. "Fine…"

Debbie smirked at me and I made a face at her. She brought Liam back in here. Lip said. "Hey Buddy."

I grinned at my littlest brother. "Hiya."

He gave me a baby grin back, playing with his yellow truck. I seriously don't know how Liam was born, my only guess was Monica cheated on Frank while hyped up on some drug. I then shook my head, Monica made me more pissed off than Frank. I didn't want to go there.

Ian came back in, handing Debbie the coupons from V's. "Any pizza left from last night?"

Fiona sent him a look. "No, pizza. Fruit or juice. And we got eggs. OJ's in the top, grapes in the bottom."

I realized my coffee was gone, but I was awake. I remembered I was hanging out with Rebecca today. I couldn't help, but be excited. Debbie was naming coupons. "Pop Tarts, Frosted Flakes, Visquick, Hens Ketchup and oh, oh, we even got two for one's for Tide."

I smiled a little. "That's good, I think we're runnin' out."

Ian asked, standing by Fiona. "Got any coupons for meat?"

I looked at her. I liked eating meats more than any vegetables or other stuff.

Debbie nodded. "I've got a special for Ground Chuck at Costco and Hot Pockets."

I nodded, getting up and steal some grapes and popping them in my mouth. "That's great, someone ate the last one."

Lip snorted. "I wonder who."

I flipped him off in answer. He just laughed.

Fiona nodded. "We'll, go tomorrow."

Ian stopped me from taking another handful of 'his' grapes. I just smirked at him.

Fiona then asked. "Lip, you seen Frank?"

Lip shook his head. "Uh no."

She looked at me and I shrugged. "Not since he left the other day."

She asked. "What day is it?"

Lip answered. "Friday, why?"

Fiona ran upstairs. I shared a look with Ian. "What's with her?"

Ian shrugged, pouring OJ. "I don't know, want some. In a cup."

I smiled in amusement, taking a cup.

Ian was making eggs and I went back to sitting at the table. A hard knock hit our door a couple minutes later. Ian put a plate by Carl and went to go get it.

I heard. "Morning campers."

Lip looked over. "Oh, what ya got?"

"Jelly filled donuts, plain and glazed."

I looked over at the word donuts and laughed. "Like I don't get enough of that place."

Steve looked confused. "What do you mean?"

Debbie said. "She works there."

I nodded. "Yeah, you see a guy named Tommy, black, my age?"

Steve shrugged, setting the stuff down on the table. "Maybe, I think he had red hair."

I nodded again. "Ah, Dave. He's shift leader, must have been busy."

Steve smirked a little. "Does that mean you don't want coffee?"

I scoffed. "As if."

I took a donut (glazed) and a coffee. "Thanks, Steve."

He smiled. "No problem."

He dipped some bread in Carl's eggs. I made a face. Steve looked down at the eggs. "Oh, don't you hate when that happens."

Ian made a face, rolling his eyes. "He think they're tits. It's the only reason he eats eggs."

Debbie was disgusted. "Gross! He licked that one."

After eating my donut, I took another one. Lip asked. "Hungry?"

I rolled my eyes at him. "Yes, yes I am."

I drank some coffee, forgetting that even if I worked there, I loved the coffee, not matter how many times I drank it.

I heard Fiona walk hard down the stairs. "I'm trying to get them to eat a healthy breakfast."

He smiled at her, walking over. "I brought the essential food groups. Caffeine, sugar and lard." They kissed.

I liked the sound of those food groups. I finished the rest of my coffee and looked at my watch. It was still early, though I was heading to Rebecca's in a couple of hours.

Steve and Fiona were talking quietly to each other which I didn't pay attention to. I was just finished eating. Fiona asked us. "Has anyone seen Dad?"

Debbie answered. "He was asleep behind the armchair."

We all followed Fiona into the living room. I was wondering why she was so worried. Our dad always disappears.

Fiona was annoyed as she looked over the chair. "It's a tent." She turned to look at us. "Why is there a tent in the living room?"

I raised my hands. "Not mine."

Ian replied. "Oh, uh drying it out. ROTC training in Wisconsin next week."

Debbie knelt by the tent. "I thought it was Dad. I left him a cup of coffee this morning. I thought I heard him say thanks."

Carl plopped on the couch. Fiona went outside. I scratched the back of my neck, why was she so worried? I walked out and waited by the front door until she got back from V's.

About 5 minutes later, she did. I asked. "What's the big deal, Fi? Dad always leaves."

She handed me a burnt yellow envelope. I frowned at it. "What's this?"

"Frank's disability check."

My eyes widened, giving it back. Even when I was pissed before, I couldn't help, but feel worried. "We have to find Dad."

After telling everyone else, we found every phone could, calling people who might've seen Frank. I was standing around with Carl because we didn't have enough phones.

It was no use and V ran out because the phone flew out the window. I sighed in frustration. "Hey, I'm gonna looking around, see if I can find Dad."

Lip just got off the phone. "Good luck!"

I nodded, throwing on my jacket and heading out. I wondered down the alleyways and ran toward work. I opened the door. "Dave! Tommy!"

Dave ran out of the backroom. "Joey, what happened?"

"My dad, he here?"

Dave sent me a look. "Frank? Frank Gallagher?"

I nodded. "Yeah, was he?"

He shook his head. "No, you know it's too expensive for him."

I nodded again, running out the door. I ran into someone. I almost fell back, but saw it was Rebecca. She grinned at me. "Joey, about later-"

I shook my head rapidly. "Sorry, I can't. I'll by your place when I can. Family problem."

She looked concerned. "You need help?"

I shook my head. "What? No, trust me. You don't want to be involved."

She walked in the store, waving. "Okay, see you later…"

I nodded to her, almost running into a brick wall (because I was looking at her) and then running to the random dumpsters by the Alibi. Frank would sometimes jump in those if he had no where to go. I had no doubt my other siblings were looking too. The phone calls wouldn't take this long.

I looked at the alleyways near the Alibi and drugstores close by. I wasn't there. Right when I was about to go to the various port a' potty's around the South Side, my name was called. "Hey, Joey!"

I looked up to see Lip and Karen. I waved. "Hear anything?"

I jogged over to them. Lip sighed, shaking his head. "We were thinking about heading back."

I nodded, we mostly hated Frank, but he was not around on this day, where he would basically snatch it from the mail man so it wouldn't even hit our doorstep. A small part of me was worried.

Lip was telling me as we walked home, Karen in tow. "Fiona is headed to talk to Tony and the rest of them are looking for Frank's favorite spots."

I frowned. "I looked at my store and around alleyways, dumpsters and all over the Alibi. Didn't find anything."

Karen was quiet, just following us and I could appreciate that. Lip said. "We're gonna check one more place, meet you there."

I nodded, giving a short wave. "A'right. See you, Lip. Karen." I then booked it.

I ran in the house to see everyone there, surrounding an upset Debs in the armchair.

I frowned with worry. She looked like she could barely make any words out at all.

Ian was closer to her chair, he usually could tell what her mumblings meant. Ian said. "Holly thought she saw a body under the tracks on Hallstead."

I was alarmed. "What!?"

Steve shook his head. "It's not him, Debs or the police would've contactedus by now."

I thought back to what Debbie said. "Wait, Holly? As in Holly Hermiker?"

Debbie gave me a tearful nod. "Yeah."

I glared at nothing. "That bitch!"

Fiona took Debs' face in her hands. "It's Holly, sweetheart. She's been in the third grade for four years." Fiona was pissed. "I'm gonna deck that little bitch!"

I scowled. "No, I will. I think she's 13, only 3 years." I smiled at the thought. She was basically at younger wannabe whore or at least in the making.

Steve crouched down to her height. "Listen, does that even make sense, Debbie? Why would your dad be in Hallstead if he lives in the opposite direction?"

I heard Lip. "That depends, where was he when you left him at the Alibi Room last night, Steve?"

Steve stood up and I gave him a strange look. Fiona asked. "When was that, Steve?"

Steve shrugged. "Uh, ten. Ten thirty. Went to apologize and bought him a drink, then went home."

Fiona asked. "Why didn't you say?"

I frowned at Steve, who was smoking. "Ya sure? It wasn't some revenge shit for the other night?"

"What- "

The door slammed open and then closed and I looked to see Kevin, looking worried. "Hey, can I talk to you for a sec?"

I heard him say quietly to Fiona. "They found a body under the L."

My eyes bulged. "What?! A body?"

Debbie cried out. "What?!"

Fiona ran toward the door. "Come on!"

I grabbed Liam before I could follow, holding him securely in my arms. "Come on, Buddy. We gotta find Dad."

I ran a little behind the others, but followed them until we found the body. It was turned over so we couldn't see. A couple cops were also blocking it. Fiona shouted to the officer. "Do you know who that is?"

The cop held out a hand in front of him. "Stay back, okay? Stay back."

I hitched Liam up in my arms, hated that he was seeing this. But we couldn't leave him home alone. He laid his head on my shoulder. I looked around at the coroner van and felt restless. "Fuck that, show us!"

A cop turned him over and I grinned widely. It was some random guy with a bushy beard. V screamed loudly. "Woo!"

I bounced Liam in my arms and he started giggling. "You heard that, Buddy? Dad's not dead."

I shared a grin with Ian and Lip. I kissed the top of Liam's head.

We headed back to the house and before we got there, Liam fell asleep. Tony was waiting for us at the door, a couple of papers in his hands. I shushed my siblings. "Shh. Laying him down."

They quieted down and I went upstairs as they talked to Tony. I leaned over the crib, quietly putting him down and laying a blanket over him.

I came downstairs to hear Tony say. "They just want him off Canadian soil as soon as possible. But the U.S won't let him back in unless he has a passport."

I leaned on the back of the couch next to Lip. "Who's in Canada?"

Lip said. "Apparently Frank."

I blinked rapidly in surprise. "The fuck?! Frank hates Canada?"

He gave me a shrug. Fiona came back to what Tony said. "Frank doesn't have a passport."

Tony gave a sympathetic shrug. "Then he'll have to apply for one."

He took the paper from Fiona. "Well, how long does that take?"

Tony told us. "A couple months I think."

Fiona gaped. "Months?"

I looked at Tony. "Surely, there's some type of loophole."

Tony nodded. "He can apply for an emergency one at the embassy in Toronto."

Fiona shook her head. "How long does the emergency one take?"

Tony said. "I don't know, a week, maybe?"

I nodded my head. "That's okay."

V told us. "Kev has a passport." She, Tony and Steve were on the couch, Kev and Fiona in the armchairs.

Kevin stared at her. "What good does that do?"

I noticed Ian, Debbie and Carl were not here. V told him. "You could drive up there, help him with the paperwork at the embassy. Pick up a pile of cheep pharmaceuticals, sell them to the local geezers and the old folks at my nursing home."

I felt a little bad for Tony, with the awkward look on his face. Kevin asked him. "Can I-Fuck V, uh, no offense Tony- "

Tony nodded with a sigh, plugging his fingers in his ears. Kevin said from Tony's back. "Car's not insured. Border Patrol asks for proof of insurance to get back in and I wind up back in the looney bin next to Frank."

That wouldn't help, then we'd have to break Kev out too and he'd just be pissed off. Fiona walked in the kitchen and Steve followed after a minute. I took Fiona's seat in the armchair, trying to figure out what to do. Tony unplugged his ears.

Steve left the house with a bloody mouth. I raised an eyebrow to see Fiona wiping a hand down her face as I walked in the kitchen. "Something happen?"

I leaned on the counter. She raised her hands. "No, it's fine." At my look, she sighed. "Because of the other night, Steve might've taken Frank to Canada."

I stared at her in disbelief. "No fucking way!"

Her eyebrows were raised. "Yes."

I shook my head, laughing. "I don't know whatever to applauded him or want to kick his ass!"

She scowled. "I handled it."

I smirked at her. "You always do."

I walked back into the living room.

Ian, Debbie and Carl came from upstairs. An hour from when Steve left, he came back. "Come on!"

All of us Gallagher's and Kev and V followed us outside. Some guy was getting out of a RV. Kev stared in disbelief. "What the hell is that?"

Steve smirked. "Our ride."

I grinned. "Cool."

Me and Ian shared a smirk. Fiona and V went inside the RV and I saw it was getting late.

I went back in and went in the fridge, grabbing a beer and sitting on the couch. Now that we knew where he was, there wasn't much to worry about.

I took a pull, setting it aside on the couch when Tony nodded at me, going in the kitchen. "Hey, Joey."

I smiled at him. "Hi, Tony."

I heard Tony and Fiona talking, deciding to take me and my beer in my room. Kev and Steve left to get Frank. It was getting cold soon and I knew it was going to snow.

I liked the snow as long as I had enough clothes to throw on. I called it my child at heart.

Debbie was laying down. Before I went up, I crouched and looked at her. "You doing okay?"

She nodded silently. I patted her head. "That's good. Frank will be back tomorrow. How about you give him a welcoming gift, that you can make."

She nodded, brightening. "Ok, thanks, Jo."

I drank the beer down quickly (learning in this family, wasting was stupid) and stood up, ruffling her hair. "No problem, little red."

She laughed and I climbed up on my bed. I made sure to say make so she didn't waste any money that was hers.

I settled down to sleep.

/ / / /

I woke up to loud cheering and checked to make sure I had pants on, thankfully I did. I changed into a light green t-shirt and pants anyway. I learned when I was younger to make sure I had pants on before I left my room, past mistakes of just running out half naked.

I got to the front door to see people waving Canadian flags, people from all over the neighborhood. Also, the RV out front.

I stood next to Fiona and Carl. Lip was off the steps and Ian and Debbie were next to me. I ran a hand through my hair. "Mornin'."

V and Kevin came out of the RV first. Ian gave a sarcastic grin, clapping. He looked over at me. "Hey, Frank's back."

My voice was bored. "Yay." Whatever small worry I had was gone.

I said. "The flags are brilliant."

Debbie grinned at me. "I know, I thought of it. Thanks for helping me."

I smiled at her. "No problem, Debs."

Fiona nudged my shoulder, amused. "What did you tell her?"

"Make something for Frank when he got home, she was looking down."

Frank was telling people to fuck off. He came in the house, storming up the stairs. Debbie said. "Welcome home, Daddy."

He barely spared her a look, going in the house. I scoffed. "Asshole." I squeezed Debbie's shoulder. "Don't worry, kid. He's tired, y'know. Long day."

I followed Ian and Carl down the stairs as Debbie went inside. Lip said. "Hey, I headin' to the store."

I nodded. "Cool. Hold on." I handed him a 15 and his cigarettes that I owed him. "For the week."

He nodded heading off. I went back in the house, to see Debbie sitting on the stairs. I crouched down, looking at her. "Hey, what's up?"

She shrugged. "Fiona talking to Daddy."

I patted her shoulder and stood up. "Okay." I grabbed a jacket from the back of a chair. I think it was Ian or Lip's. I went in my room to grab a scarf, looping it clumsily around my neck and throwing the jacket on.

By the time I came down the stairs, Debbie was in the kitchen. "Tell Fi I went out!"

Debbie called back. "I will!"

I walked out the door and waited by the bus stop, putting a cigarette between my lips and lighting it. I hopped on my tones, blowing out smoke. I really hate waiting for the bus.

By the time I stomped on my cigarette, the bus pulled to the curb. I slid a dollar and a half into the machine by the driver, sitting down and waiting until I hit Rebecca's street.

I hopped out and walked to her door. It was smaller than mine, which could just mean she didn't live with 6 other people. The door was a faded brown, the same color of the house. It was had a wire fence surrounding it. I knocked hard a couple of times.

The door opened and a guy opened it, a couple years older than me, maybe 18 or 19. He was tan with short dirty blond hair styled in a messy way and hazel eyes. "Who're you?"

I shoved my hands in my pockets. "Rebecca home?"

He stared at me curiously. "Yeah..." He said slowly. "Who are you?"

I smiled a little. "Joey, she told me to come here."

His eyes widened in recognition. "You're Joey? Yeah, my sister talked about you." He turned his head back and I knew what he was going to do, the experience of living with siblings. "Hey, Bec! Someone's here to see you!"

I heard a scream. "Who?!"

He yelled back. "Joey!"

"Stop it with the fucking screaming!" A rougher man's voice yelled. He lowered his voice. "Damn kids."

They both called. "Sorry, Dad."

I laughed a little. Her brother grinned back. He nodded. "Cory."

I nodded and saw Rebecca, she smacked her brother out of the way. She grinned at me and I automatically smiled back. "Hey, what's up?"

I scratched my cheek. "Well, I know we couldn't hang out because of yesterday, but I was wonderin' if you wanted to today."

She nodded, still smiling. "Yeah, sounds good. Just give me 5 minutes, you can wait inside. Try to be quiet, Dad works late at night, so he sleeps a lot during the day."

I nodded, stepping past Cory when he moved away. I leaned against the wall. They had a tv, couch and an armchair, four rooms going down a halfway with a kitchen to the right so it was one of those kitchen/living rooms.

Cory nodded his head at me. "See ya." He then gave me a strange look, studying me.

I did the same. "What are you lookin' at?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Nice." He shook his head. "Nothing." He walked out.

About ten minutes later, she showed up with hair brushed, a blue shirt, sweater, jacket and black pants. "You ready?"

I nodded to her. "Sure."

We walked out and she locked the door. She said as we walked down the street. "My Dad works as a bouncer and a bartender in two different places."

I nodded. "Yeah, that makes sense. My sister works at night with certain jobs."

We were walking past my job, her shoulders bumped mine. "You want a drink?"

I grinned, shaking my head. "Are you kidding me? I never want to see that place unless I have to."

She laughed, smiling back. "That makes sense."

As we walked, I was surprised to find out she was my age and went to the same school as me, but we had different classes except for my science class, where I never noticed.

I shrugged. "Me and my brother Ian share that class."

She cocked her head to the side. "The redhead?"

I nodded. "That's him."

I then heard a shout that I recognized. I coughed, staring at Rebecca, she asked. "Who's that? I've heard that voice before."

I muttered under my breath. "Damn Frank."

She stared at me. "What was that?"

I sighed. "Nothing."

I heard Frank's voice get louder. "I raised 7 kids and this is the respect I get? All the money and bills I put in and what…nothing, no gratefulness or anything like that-Joey, a good example of that!"

I rolled my eyes, actually surprised to feel embarrassed of Frank. I was just usually used to him and his behavior.

He was sober enough, which meant he didn't hit the Alibi yet, considering he was banned from everywhere else. He was pointing at me. "You rude, violent, disrespectful little child!

I snapped. "Go and fuck off, Frank!"

Rebecca asked. "Uh, Joey, he's pointing at you…"

I gave a self-deprecating quirk of my lips to the right side of my mouth. "Yep, that's my dad, Frank Gallagher." I felt the back of my neck get hot.

She looped her arm with me. "Well, it's sort of loud, so can we go a 'nother way?"

I couldn't help the happy feeling I had as I gave a slow grin to her. "Whatever you want."

She laughed, pulling me in the opposite direction, Frank's voice fading.

/ / / / / /

Later in the day after eating at McDonalds, we split ways and said we hang out later. I gave her my address and hoped she didn't come at a crazier time. It wasn't that I was embarrassed of my siblings, but I didn't know what she was used to. She seemed too cool to lose as a friend.

Afterward, I just went back home. I just lit a new cigarette (surprisingly Rebecca doesn't smoke like everyone does) to see everyone in the living room. It was full, V and Kevin were also here.

Debbie and Liam were at the end. Fiona sat next to her, Carl on the floor with her combing through his hair. I really hope it wasn't lice again. V and Kevin sat on the couch, Lip and Karen in the armchair and Ian in his own armchair.

I waved as the tv droned on. "Hey."

They all turned to look at me, waving or saying 'hi' back and going back to the tv. I walked over to Ian, seeing as I didn't want to sit on the floor. I took a puff, kicking his leg. "Move."

Ian raised an eyebrow. "Sit on the floor."

I snorted. "As if. Move."

With an eye roll, he did, scooting a little. So I sat on the armrest and seat, our shoulders against each other. A phone started ringing. Fiona said. "Not me."

Fiona found the phone on the couch. "Hello?"

She looked to be taking a deep breath, but then walked out. Ian nudged me. "You can take her seat."

I smirked at him, leaning more on him. "But I like it here."

He rolled his eyes again, taking my cigarette and taking a puff. "Fine."

I whined. "Hey."

Lip told me. "Least you can do, why don't you give me a puff?"

My voice was sarcastic. "Oh, I don't know, because I gave you half a pack."

Ian asked me, handing it back. "Where'd you go all day?"

I shrugged. "I met a friend, we hung out."

His smirk was teasing. "A friend?"

I flushed, shoving his shoulder. "Shut up."

He laughed softly. "Okay."

I smoked another couple of puffs, allowing the smoke to fill my lungs. I wasn't stupid I knew this shit was going to kill me one day, but I didn't want to stop, so I didn't.

I put it out in an ashtray on the table, leaning back. Fiona came back. "What'd I miss?"

Soon the night ended and Karen kissed Lip goodbye and he walked her out. Kev and V went home too with Debbie taking Liam upstairs, Carl going too and Fiona in the kitchen. I snorted. "Not what I expected when I met Karen."

I stood up, stretching my arms. Ian laughed. "I know, right?" He shrugged. "Lip likes to fuck, I'm sure it's nothing."

I nodded and we both headed upstairs. "I know, they both are the best for fuck buddies, barely attached and not caring. I just hope Lip doesn't start to feel something."

Ian nodded. "I guess, night."

I yawned. "Night."

We had school in the morning, so I wanted to get some sleep now. I jumped in the shower and dressed in one of Lip's old shirts and my shorts, wanting to miss the morning chaos that came with showers and getting ready. Steve was out and I didn't blame her, even if I thought it was still hilarious.

I mean, the guy royally screwed up. You have one bad fight and so you send the guy to Canada? I wish I could've seen the look on Frank's face.

Apparently, he left to sleeping on the streets or wherever else. I don't imagine anyone stupid enough would let Frank stay with them.

I got into bed to see Debbie asleep already as was Liam. I laid down and heard crying. I groaned, rolling out of bed and letting out a groan when I landed on my shoulder. "I have to stop doing that."

Debbie mumbled. "Joey?'

I yawned. "I got it."

Fiona came over as I picked him up. I waved her off, soothing him with his head on my shoulder. "I got it, Fi. Go back to sleep."

She gave me a sleepy look. "You sure?"

I said quietly, grimacing at the drool he left me on his neck. "Yeah, get some rest." I gave a tired smirk. "You look like you need it."

She gave a tired glare, but nodded, running a hand through her hair. "Thanks, Kiddo. Night."

About 15 minutes later I got Liam to sleep and wiped the drying drool off my neck, flopped on my bed, threw the blankets over my head and went to sleep.

/ / / /

Wow, that was quick. The muse for this is quite attentive. As you can see, this story will have girlxgirl. I don't know if RebeccaxJoey will be a thing, but I'll see as the story goes on.