Life of a Gallagher


Chapter 8

I was fifteen when I was almost arrested. I was just in the ninth grade so was Ian and Lip was in tenth. He has gotten in trouble with the law before, mostly for small stuff like skipping school and underage drinking. I had a issue with an asshole that was in the twelth grade. He was a Southsider, who wasn't as poor as most of us, he was sort of in the middle class if that made sense. Richard 'Ricky' Sharp, a real dickwad. Everyone knew this about him, he loved his car, the guy was obsessed with it. From the first day I met him, he just pissed me off.

He mocked me for having Frank as a father. Frank was a useless bastard, but didn't me I like anyone shitting on me because of him. Everyone in the Southside knew how Frank Gallagher was. I was gonna kick his ass. I was sitting with Lip at lunch and complaining about Ricky, Ian was off somewhere. I think he was joining the ROTC program they had here.

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm gonna kick his ass next time I see 'em."

Lip snorted out a laugh, nudging me. "Joe, he's like six foot and over weights you by fifty pounds."

I gave him an offended look. "What? You don't think I can take him?" Lip looked me up and down. I scowled at him. I started boxing a couple of months ago, but I was still pretty short at 5'2'' and still with some stick muscles, though I was bulking up a little. "Asshole." I shoved him.

He laughed, shoving me back. "Use your head, your a midgit next to him. Then I have to do something."

I rolled my eyes. "Like hell you do. In your own words, GFY."

We were sitting on one of cafeteria tables together. Lip flicked my ear hard. "Shithead, what does Sharp care about the the most?"

I hissed, slapping his hand away, my ear throbbing. "Ow, fuck off!" I then thought about what he said and a slow grin crept on my face. I needed the Killing Bat.

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

I remember grabbing the Killing Bat and getting ready to go to school the next day. Car grinned at me. "Why do you have the Killing Bat?"

I glanced around. "You don't tell Fiona, I'll owe you."

Carl smirked. "Okay, but you have to tell me what your gonna do with it."

I smirked, feeling excited for my plan. "When I do it, sure."

I snuck out with the Bat and waited for the bell to ring, sneaking around the parking lot. It was a spare lot, barely a sprinkling of cars around. Mostly Southside kids go here, middle class like Ricky and barely any kids from the Northside, as it was pretty much in the middle of the Southside.

I crouched low and looked for the car everyone knew about. Everyone knew how obsessed Ricky Sharp was about his car. I grinned, finding it about ten feet away. It was a bright blue, a Kia. I'm surprised it lasted so long here. I swung my bat around and smashed it into a headlight, the glass shattered. I laughed, grinning widely. I slammed it on top of the hood, swinging quickly at the driver's window. Where did they think Carl got his destructive tendencies from?

What I didn't think about was how much Ricky Sharp loved his car. Turns out, he had a alarm in his car. A alarm that sent a alert to his phone to let him know someone was fucking with his car. Expensive, but I'm not surpried since it was Sharp. No alarm went off, so I thought he didn't have one.

When about more than half of the car was bashed in (all the windows, windshield, two of the doors and rear windshield) I heard a pissed off yell. "GALLAGHER!"

I jumped and then turned to Ricky Sharp with a smirk, swinging the bat on my shoulder. "Hey, Sharp, what's up?"

"I gonna fucking kill you!"

I snickered, running off. My feet pounded on the street as I ran off. I made sure to make my breathing even. Gallagher's were used to running away, we were experienced at it. I ran around the corner and heard a commotion. I started running backwards and saw Ricky talking to two cops, pointing at me. I cursed. "You fucking bitch!"

I turned and ran off, running away quicker than before, two cops on my tail. I was cursing and running. "Fucking shit! Shit!" If I got arrested, Fiona was going to kill me.

I ditched the Bat in a alley, running across the street and hopping over a moving car. I ran in a famillar alleyway, turning right. I could still hear them behind me. I passed Fiona's job, she was working a waitressing job over there. I was debating and growled to myself, darting inside, I didn't have no choice. Maybe it would be better if I wasn't caught by the cops instead of trying to hide it from her.

"Fiona, hide me!" I put my hands on the counter and dived uner it, crouching down.

Fiona looked at me with wide eyes before they went into a glare. "What the hell did you do?!"

The doors opened and her head snapped up. I heard footsteps. "Hello, have you seen a teenager in here?"

Fiona asked. "Yeah, she ran out back. What did she do?"

I knew no one was going to say anything, customers or anyone else. In the Southside, you didn't snitch.

Another voice said. "She vandilized another student's car enough where it's undrivable."

Fiona made a sound of surprise, kicking her shoe into my ribs. I winced, biting back a grunt. Oh, yeah. She was pissed.

The cops left and I said. "Look, Fio-"

She hissed. "Shut up, idiot."

A moment later, she pulled me up by the shoulders of my coat. She shook me a little. "Are you shittin' me?" At the glance of the customers, Fiona sent them a glare. "What are you looking at?" They glanced away. "Seriously-"

"Gallagher? What's going on?"

Fiona made a face. "Nothing, just working." She pushed me toward a table by the counter and hissed. "Don't move." I raised my hands and sat down, seeing Fiona glare every time she passed me while she worked. I wasn't scared of Fiona or anything like that, she was my sister. But, you didn't want to mess with her when she was that pissed. I was bored out of my mind. Looking at the time, I saw Fiona was out in about an hour. I sighed, resting my chin on my crossed arms. I blinked as a plate was in front of me. I straightened up and saw a cheeseburger and some fries. I looked over at my older sister and she huffed. "Eat something, you've been here all day."

She went to walk off and I asked. "You won't get in trouble with your boss, right?"

She smiled a bit. "No, don't worry about it." She went to finish her shift, but turned, pointing at me. "Still pissed at you."

I ate and Fiona nodded her head toward the door. We walked out, me glancing around for those cops. "So, what the hell?"

I wrinkled my nose, walking with her back home. "You're gonna think it's stupid."

I could feel her glare on the side of my face. "It probably is. Tell me anyway."

I rolled my eyes and explained. It was quiet and I grimaced at the smack to my head. "Ow, seriou-ow, stop!" I ducked down as she continued to smack me, hitting my head, shoulders and back. "What the fuck? That's the stupidest thing I even heard. You were just arrested last year for something just as stupid."

"Look they both were assholes and deserved it." I hissed as she slapped the back of my head again. "Ow! Hey!"

"No shit, I don't care. I said no cops."

I wrinkled my nose. "I know. Okay."

She shoved my shoulder hard. "Stop being an idiot."

I sent her an annoyed look. "I get it, you're pissed."

"I'm annoyed at how stupid you're being." I went to argue and my head was hurting a little. "You're grounded."

My annoyed look was more pronounced. "Dude, I'm 15, I can't be grounded."

Fiona sent me the same look back. "Try me, Joey. Grounded, school. Home. That's it. On top of that, no beer."

I scowled. "Are you kidding me. Why the fuck not?"

Fiona raised an eyebrow. "Because you like it and keeping you home isn't enough. We also don't want CPS involved."

I grimaced, knowing that was true.

Fiona said. "You need to think before I seriously kick your ass for real."

I rubbed my head, scowling. "I know. My head hurts."

I swore at her as smacked my head again. "Good."

"Fuck, stop!"


I was sleeping in my bunk, groaning as I heard Fiona's voice. Every. Fucking. Morning.

"Joey, what the hell!? Get up!"

I groaned again. "Fuck this, let me sleep." I tried to ignore Fiona's voice. My blanket was stolen and I cursed, trying to turn over. "Fuck off!"

I yelped/laughed as a ticklish feeling went across my foot.

Fiona sent me a raised eyebrow. "Gallagher Ticklish Spot. You need anything from the store?"

I blinked and hopped down from the bed. "You got toliet paper and toothpaste on the list?"

She nodded, picking up some clothes from the floor (mostly mine). "Yeah, anything else?"

I scratched my head, yawning and tugging my shirt off my head and changing into a t-shirt that was off white and a pair of jeans with only a tear or two while we were talking. "Don't think so, we run out of milk?"

I followed Fiona as she dumped out clothes in the hamper chute. "Shit, I think we do."

I went toward the bathroom to see almost everyone in there. Lip was figuring out Liam's diaper situation. Usually toward the end of the month we had that issue. The shower was running and Carl was brushing his teeth. I'm guesing Ian was in the shower because everyone was out here. I went over to Carl. "Hey man, what are you using?"

With the brush in his mouth, he shook a box at me. I grimaced. Laundry powder. I sprinkled some of that on my brush and brushed my teeth. Better than having to go to the dentist. I hate the dentist, a bad memory from when I was 7. Thought Fiona was gonna go apeshit on that guy when it was done and she was only 12.

I heard Fiona come inside. I cupped my hands under the water and finished with my teeth. Fiona walked out and Lip also did with Liam.

I heard Debbie shout from downstairs. "Why are Steve's clothes downstairs?"

I snickered and Lip asked, amused from down the hall. "Somebody couldn't wait to get upstairs last night?" Lip came back with Liam and said. "My SAT gig is a bust, but, uh, I can scrap up money another way if you need the help?"

That reminded me, with all the shit going on in the house, I forgot about getting a job. I applied for a bunch of places. I grimaced, I didn't tell anyone yet, not Fiona or Lip or even Ian.

Fiona was outside the bathroom. "It's cool, I have 35 bucks."

I was looking under the cabinets and the one mounted to the wall for some deodorant. "Shit, does anyone know where the deodorant is?"

Lip shrugged. "No clue."

Fiona asked. "Damn, are we out of that too?"

Carl spit into the sink. "Nope, don't know where it is."

I scoffed, rubbing his head. "Like you use it."

He finished with teeth around the same time I did.

"Here, Joey."

Ian's arm stuck out of the shower's curtain. A tube of deoderant in his hand. "Thanks, man."

I took it, shoving it under my arms, sniffing. "There you go. Clean."

I tossed the tube back on the counter. Lip laughed. Fiona came in, rolling her eyes. "Make sure you shower later."

I snorted. "Seriously, Fi. I would've, but Ian's in there."

Ian called. "Not my fault you slept in." I ignored him. I heard a buzzing sound from Carl and moved away when I saw him with a tazer. I moved away from the destructive little shit.

Fiona looked. "Is that a tazer? Where'd he get that?"

Lip said. "I let him burrow it." He had Carl help him with Liam and I left the bathroom and went into mine and Debbie's room. I went under my pillow and grabbed my wallet, where my left over money was.

I heard Debbie shout. "Who's Candice?"

I lifted my head up and tried to think about who that was, but was drawing a blank. I shrugged and went downstairs. I passed Debbie, who was going up. I went in the fridge and looked for something to eat. I scratched my head, before closing it and popping a couple pieces of bread in the toaster. Carl came down with a grin, money in his hand. I asked. "What's with that?"

"Robby's having a party with paintball. Fiona gave me the money for it."

I sent him a grin. "Have fun."

I frowned up the stairs. That had to set us back a little, espically since Lip had to quit that SAT thing.

Fiona came down with a look on her face and I asked. "What's up?"

Fiona said, rolling her eyes. "It's nothing." My toast popped out and I scrapped out the black with a knife and started munching on the toast.

I sent her a look. "I'm not Carl or Debbie. What is it?"

She waved a phone. "Steve's phone. Some bitch on there named Candice."

I scowled. "Need to me to kick his ass?"

She leaned on the counter next to me. "No, I'm good." She nudged my shoulder with a laugh. "Like I can't do that myself." I grinned back, because I know she could. And from what Steve was like, the guy was kind of a pussy.

I said. "So, Carl's going to some paintball thing?"

Fiona nodded. "Yeah, it costs 27 bucks. It's fine."

I frowned to myself, knowing Fiona was going to use the 35 bucks she had to go to the store. I reached in my pocket for my wallet and pulled the last 20 dollars I had from my last check. "Here, toward the store."

Fiona sighed in relief, taking the bill. "Thanks, Joe. This helps."

I shrugged. "Always does."

Fiona squeezed my shoulder, sending me a smile. "Thanks, when do you work next?"

I froze, happy her hand was off my shoulder as my whole body locked up. "Uh...dunno. Have to look."

"Alright, go to school. Don't skip." Sister to Mom. That was my sister, Fiona.

I nodded, brushing my hands off from the crumbs. "Alright, see ya, Fi."

I grabbed my bag with one strap and waved. She said back. "See you later, Joe."

I walked out the door to head to Rebecca's.


I walked over to Rebecca's door and knocked a couple of times. I grinned when she opened it. "Hey, Babe."

She smiled back, she was wear short jean shorts and a tank top. Her brown hair in a high ponytail. "You ready to go?"

I nodded. "When you are."

She came over, kissing me and grabbing my hand. "Cool."

Our hands were swinging and she said. "Hey, i heard the 2nd floor bathroom locks, you wanna check it out?"

I knew my grin was dirty, but she was matching it. "Oh, you know I'm fine with it."

We went to school and went up the stairs and went into the 2nd floor and I tugged her in there with me. She let go of my hand and looked under the stalls. "Joey, there's one person here."

I banged on the stall door. "Hey, get out!"

The door slammed open and a girl came out. "Look, bitch, chill out." She glanced between the both of us.

Rebecca sent her a awkward look. "Sorry about this, but I think class is starting soon."

The girl rolled her eyes, looking at us. "Why should I leave the bathroom, because a couple of dykes want to get it on?"

Rebecca jerked back as if she was slapped. I was pissed off, still in the closet as I was. My felt my face heating up as I took her shoulders and slammed her against the wall. "What the fuck did you call me, now?" I shook her. "Huh?!"

"Joey, calm down!"

"I ain't no fucking dyke!" Just the thought of being called that here made me nervous. It's not my family, but others in this shithole.

I went to hit her and she backed up, going into the sinks. "I'm not a fucking dyke or you're not gonna tell anybody that I am!"

She raised her hands. "Okay, fine! For fucks sake!" She ran out of there. I sighed, leaning on my hands that were on the counter, hanging my head. I wished I would have decked her, maybe I would feel better. I still felt my heart beating. It's what happens when I got angry that quickly from being calm.

I grunted out. "Sorry, I know you don't like it when I get like that."

I heard the door lock. She wrapped her arms around me from behind. "It's okay, she was a bitch, she deserved it."

Me and her had class with Ian next, but I wonder if she would be okay with skipping. I just won't mention it unless she brings up class.

I smiled a I felt her kiss the back of my neck a couple times. "Yeah?"

She moved closer, her hand moving up my stomach. "Yeah, it's hot how you defended me like that."

I laughed, turning and spinning her against the sink, kissing her hard on the mouth. "I'll show you hot."

I went lower, kissing down her stomach and sinking to my knees. I looked up to see her horny grin. "Do your worst."

Her pants came down. "Oh, I will."


School was over and I passed Ian, who was talking to Mandy. Ian waved. "Hey, Joe. I didn't catch you in class."

I grinned. "Yeah, I was busy." Rebecca wasn't with me, she had to do something for school. I already knew she was better than me when it involved school. It was like Lip, my brother may be a asshole, but he's a genius. Well, brainwise, he's still a dumbass.

Ian shook his head at my look. "I'm sure you were."

Mandy smiled in my direction. "Busy?"

I felt my face getting hot and I know it showed. "Yeah, yeah. I'm going home."

Ian asked. "You usually work today."

I was already turned, so I safely could make a face. "Uh, not this week."

"Joey?"

I winced, Ian caught my awkward/lying tone. "What is it?"

My fingers itched to scratch the back of my neck. I stopped though, it was a tell that Ian knew. "Uh, nothing."

Ian made a face, raising an eyebrow. "What did you do?"

I felt my face burning again. "Nothing! I'll see you later." I glanced at Mandy and felt a little awkward/embarrassed. I know the whole Southside knows our business, but didn't mean I wanted them to see a front row seat to our drama. I was walking home, anything to get away from that conversation with Ian. I passed Fiona carrying Liam. I waved a short hand. "Yo, Fiona."

I jogged over to her, grinning. She turned and smiled. "Hey, Joe. Just finished school?"

I kept my grin, making grabbing hands for my little brother, whose head was laying on Fiona's shoulder. Fiona let out a sigh of relief, no doubt she has been watching him all day. I bounced him in my arms, popping him on my shoulders. I could hear him giggle. It made my grin wider. She shifted the grocery bag in her other arm.

We were walking down the street and she nudged me. "20 really helped, almost couldn't buy diapers."

I shrugged, getting a noise out of Liam, who was still on my shoulders. I made sure to keep my hands firmly on the tops of his legs from experience. I remember dropping Carl once when I was 9. Fiona wouldn't let me hear the end of it for that one. "It seems like that helped us more than Liam.

Fiona laughed. "That's true." She went first and I ducked a little , making sure he didn't hit the door frame. I was a little nervous as I felt his hands clench in my hair.

"You have a bedroom, Lip." I dropped Liam in my arms quickly, making him laugh. I glanced over to see him and Karen on the couch, both of them half naked. Fiona walked passed him, annoyed. I caught a glimace of Karen's chest. I may not like her, but damn does she look good.

Lip said. "Says the girl who had sex on the stairs last night."

I smirked. "He has you there."

Fiona sent us both a look. "Hallway."

I laughed, raising my hands. "Excuse me."

Lip snorted, standing up and fixing his pants. "Stand corrected."

When Karen was putting her shirt on, I eyed Karen's chest and smirked and she didn't see me. Lip did. He rolled his eyes and shoved my shoulder, muttering 'horny lesibian' under his breath.

I snickered, putting Liam down carefully in his high chair, getting a grin in return. He was a little cranky lately, his teeth were growing in. I remember when Carl and Debbie were going through that, they were unbearable. I muttered at him back. "Says the guy who was gonna have sex on our couch." I probably should be grossed out, but people probably fucked everywhere in this house, it's better to ignore it. Lip smirked a bit, reacting to me copying what he said earlier. I sat down in one of the kitchen chairs.

Fiona was putting away the groceries. I was disappointed about losing the last of the money I had, but knowing it helped with Liam for a bit, made me feel better. I knew I had one more check coming, but I doubt they'll give it to me, using it to repair the glass door I broke. Sometimes I hate my temper.

Fiona said. "Kev and V are bringing over meat sauce."

Lip asked. "Is that a euphemism?" I smirked, getting what he meant. They were some of the hornest people I even met.

Fiona glanced at him and said. "I brought over pasta and they're bring over their foster kid to play with Debs."

I frowned a bit, I knew Debbie could take care of herself, but you had to be careful of foster kids. We've been bounced around in the System in the past. I shrugged to myself, I'm sure it will be fine.

The door opened and I was taken back at the white bandgage that covered Carl's eye. "Wow, dude."

Carl grinned. "I know, right. Paintball rocks. I had the best day of my life!"

Lip eyed him. "Did you wear a face guard?"

Carl turned back. "Nope." He went up the stairs.

I rolled back my head to look at Lip. "You wanna check for eye damage later?"

Lip nodded, probably already thinking it. "Uh-huh."

Karen was sitting on the couch still, this time she was dreased. She was smiling in Lip's direction. I just heard too much about her and seen her to know she's probably slept with the whole school, more than Mandy Milkovich. Lip may be a school genius, but his common sense is shit and I think she's messing with him. And then I'll have to kick her teeth in.

Our front door opened this time and Kevin came in. "Hey, hey. I want you guys to meet our new daughter."

V walked in. "Foster daughter."

I grimaced and glanced at the girl. I stared. What the hell is she wearing? Forgeting that, shouldn't say that around a foster kid.

Kev felt the same way. "Why do you gotta do that?" V walked over to Fiona with a pot, which probably had the meat sauce.

Karen said, holding out a hand. "Hi, I'm Karen, nice to meet you."

I had to bite back a laugh as did a literal curtsy. Karen said. "Oh, right. 'cause it's 18th century England."

I turned completely in my seat. "Hey, how's it going?"

She did the same thing, but replied. "I'm doing very well?"

I glanced at Kevin and he shrugged. I walked over to him. "Dude, where'd the fuck you find her?"

Kevin made a face, glancing at her and saying quietly. "Dude, she came from a cult. She's my daughter, cut her some slack."

I patted him on the back. "Don't worry, I'm not gonna mess with a little kid." He smiled in relief. Plus, that kid looked like she was majorly sheltered.

The door opened and Debbie ran in with a wide grin. I heard. "Frankie's home!" It was Frank and he came running in. I shrugged, he's usually not that energetic, haven't seen him in a couple of days, but that's not weird. Debbie started jumping on the couch. "Oh My God. I'm so wired!"

Fiona came over, looking worried. "Debs, what's going on?"

I glanced at her. "It looks like she had a gallon of candy."

"We got high on sugar because Daddy quit drinking."

I froze, staring with wide eyes. Me and Fiona said at the same time. "Who's daddy?"

"Me. Daddy! Me, me, me, me!" He started downing some sugery thing. I glanced at him. "You're sober?"

Frank laughed and passed me, messing up my hair. "Sure am. Two days, your Pops is sober." He sent me a grin.

I was blinking and heard Lip curse. "Shit." I glanced at him and he shook his head at me, scowling. I walked over to him. Fiona asked. "What?"

Lip said. "He's done this once before."

I nodded. "Yeah..." I remembered it too. It's something I'll never forget. Even if I did, I glanced at Frank indisbelief. My Dad didn't get sober. There was a knock on the door and I slowly opened it. I smiled a bit, It was Rebecca. "Hey, Babe." As long as I felt, I made sure no one heard me.

"Hey, are you okay?"

I nodded slowly. "Yeah, Dad's here. Not drunk."

Rebecca looked at me with wide eyes. "Frank? Not drunk?"

I glanced back at him. "Yeah..."

I stood next to her by the T.V.

Debbie said. "We have to say here and keep busy so he can stay sober an win 3,000 bucks."

I snorted. "And there's the kicker." I saw he crouched next to Liam, who was now in his playpen. Rebecca squeezed my hand in comfort and I sent her a smile, before looking back at Frank.

He got up and walked over to us. I couldn't stop staring at him. I could see the change in him. He said, bringing Carl over to us (he came back down stairs when he heard Dad's voice). "Hey. everybody, here. Gather around, I have something I need to say. Um, I know I haven't been the most exemplary father for the past three or fifteen years. But, now I'm going to need your help to get through this. From this point forward, we're gonna be a family again." He looked confused. "What the hell is that?"

I snorted out a laugh. "Dad, Kev and V's foster kid."

His eyes' widened and he nodded. "Oh, okay. Nice to meet ya, kid. V and Kev, welcome to the joys of parenthood!"

V looked a little annoyed at that, but Kevin grinned.

Frank raised his hands. "Let's get this party started!"


We decide to pull a race. I rubbed my hands together. "I'm ready for this shit!" Rebecca laughed from next to me, smiling at my beaming face. Lip sat on the couch with Karen. Dad and Carl were racing each other, Fiona and V. I looked over at Rebecca. "You wanna go?"

She shook her head. "No, Joey, I'll sit out."

"Okay, then. Debbie! Ready to lose?"

"Ha, in your dreams, Joe."

We got ready and we all raced up the stairs. V and Fiona went first, Dad and Carl were next and then me and Debbie. I stomped up the stairs with Debbie tailing me. I felt her catching up and I hopped over the landury basket, swinging around to come back downstairs when I tripped on my front. "Fuckin' shit!"

Debbie giggled as she ran past and I jumped up, tugging her down with me with a loud laugh. "Hey! Cheater!"

I made it to where my body weight was on her, before I darted up and ran down the stairs, jumped to hit the top of the doorway and and spun our neighbor's foster kid (Ethel) around twice, dipping under the shovel which was held up by Kev and Rebecca and jumped on the couch next to Fiona, Debbie landing five seconds later. I laughed as Debbie started hitting my arms and back. "Cheater, cheater." I just continiued to laugh.

Fiona just shook her head. "Joey's like that." I beamed like it was something to be proud of.

We stopped and I couldn't stop grinning. Lip was sitting with Karen, his face blank.

Frank pointed out. "Hey! The piano!" I froze, staring at it. I felt like my mouth was dry. We used to...

He walked over and sat on the bench, playing a bit. He stopped for a moment. "Hey, Jo-Jo, come here."

I was hesitant, not acting like myself. "Dad..."

He waved a hand. "C'mon, you remember how to play, right?"

Rebecca nudged me, whispering. "Go on."

I walked over. "Yeah, you taught me before."

Fiona sounded shocked. "He did?"

I jerked a nodded. "Uh-huh."

Dad scooted over and pulled me down with him. He started playing a few notes and I played the other keys on my side, recognizing the notes for 'I Will Survive'.

He started singing. "Jusr walk away, walk out the door."

I continued after him. "Just turn around now, 'cause your not welcome anymore!"

I could hear some of my siblings join in.

"Weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye? Did you think I'd crumble? Did you think I'd lay down and die?"

Dad pushed my shoulder with his. "Jo, let's speed up the pace."

I laughed. "Alright, try to keep up then."

Dad laughed back. "Oh, kiddo, you're on!" I sped up on my side with a famillar party rythum and Frank easily followed. I heard clapping and V going along with the rythem.

I heard Lip snap. "I can't believe you guys are buying into all his bullshit. Especially you, Joey."

My fingers stopped on the key and I felt my face get hot, but I didn't look at him or anyone else.

Lip let out a sigh. "Come on, Karen. I'll walk you home."

Fiona laughed a bit, watching Lip. "What difference does it make? He'll be drinking by tomorrow, anyway."

Lip replied. "No, not when money's involved." He was right, that's what got him to get sobee when I was younger and Lip too. I knew that, but right now. I didn't care. I looked over and saw Rebecca looking awkward. I glanced at Dad and sighed. Time to be a good girlfriend. "Alright, I gotta get going, see everyone later."

Frank glanced at me and then Rebecca, then grinned, raising his eyebrows. It made me stop for a second, it was the same shit eating expression. I never thought that it came from Frank. "Go ahead." I stared with wide eyes. Did he seriously know? I knew he wouldn't care and I never was concerned about it, all Frank cared about was getting drunk. But, he had a big mouth. Fiona waved. "See ya, Joey." My siblings waved and Lip already with Karen. I had to talk to him later.

Rebecca followed me out.


We were laying in her bed, naked from another round of sex. I was content, with her laying her head on my naked chest. My arm was around her back. "So, Frank's not a drunk?" I knew she was shocked, knowing me and the whole neighborhood knowing how Frank is, the thought is impossible.

I stared up at the ceiling. "Uh, for now I guess. He's done it before and went right back to drinking after getting money for something. Some contest...I don't know. But he taught me to pay basic piano. It was fun." I sighed, smiling when I felt her kissing my throat. "Mm."

I felt her crawling lower. She said. "Why don't I keep your mind off it?"

I grinned down at her. "If you can."

She giggled a little. "You have no idea."


It was earlier in the morning when I headed back home. Rebecca had a early school thing. I was going home to see if anything changed. I also had all my school stuff at home.

I walked up the stairs and opened the back door. I heard. "22 pubs before I hurled. Got right back on the horse." He was flipping pancakes and frying bacon. I had to shake my head, it was so weird.

"Hit ten more and hurled again. That's how I got the nickname, 'Boot and Rally'."

I waved a hand. "Hey, everyone!"

Carl and Debbie said 'hey'. Dad looked up with a grin, putting slices of bacon on a plate and handing it to me. "Here ya go, kiddo." I took it. He said. "You missed a football game last night, played right on the front lawn."

I sat down with Carl and Debbie at the kitchen table. "Sorry, had to take 'becca home and just decided to stay." That same smirking grin was on his face and I didn't acknowledge it.

"I'm sure you did." My ears burned.

"What does that mean, Daddy?"

Dad waved a hand. "Nothing, sweetheart."

I dug in, wasn't bad, especially considering a man who's always drunk made it. Surprised we still had a house to live in.

I heard Fiona call out. "Anyone see the laptop?" Before I could answer 'no', she came in, confused. "What's going on in here?"

Debbie said. "Daddy made us Mickey Mouse pancakes."

I raised my plate. "And bacon."

Fiona was shocked. "Are you serious?"

I heard Lip come down. "What did I tell you? Still not drinking 'till he gets his money."

I sighed. "Dude, just chill out." Walking past me, he hit my shoulder hard. "Ow, what the fuck?"

I looked at him and he gave me a hard stare back. He pointed at me. "You should know better, Joey, stop being a idiot." I just sent him an angry glare, my content smile disappearing.

Frank said. "If I even drink again." I smirked in amusement, like I'd ever believe that. Just because I liked that he wasn't drinking, didn't mean I was stupid, no matter what Lip thought. He just saw it in a different way than I did.

Lip scoffed, pouring himself some coffee. "Right."

I really needed to shower. I was going to at Rebecca house, but I had no clean clothes. I just was going to see if this with Lip turned into anything. Help with damage control.

Seeing nothing wrong, I got up. "Gonna shower, Lip, we still goin' bowling with Debbie and Carl."

Lip nodded, ignoring Frank. "Yeah, unless you want to stay here?" He raised an mocking eyebrow.

I rolled my eyes, dropping my now empty plate in the sink. "Fuck off, asshole."

I went upstairs to shower, I changed into a flannel shirt and jeans, tossing an old fake leather jacket that I've have for a couple of years, tossing my hair into a ponytail. I hopped down the stairs, two at a time. "We ready to go?"

Dad rubbed his hands together. "Just waiting on you, let's get going."

I grinned back.


We all headed to the bowling alley, We being me, Debbie, Lip, Dad and Carl, Ethel and Kevin.

Dad said. "I warn you, I have bowled before. Hey, you want to put some money on it. Just for fun."

I snorted out a laugh. Drunk or sober, he didn't change. Dad gave me a hopeful look. I raised my hands. "I'm broke."

He nodded his head. "That sucks."

I looked around to see Ethel looked around in shock. She looked like she was going to crazy with all the noise around us. I was a little worried, hoping she was going to be okay. I guess that's just the older sibling in me, looking out for the younger kids, even if they weren't our siblings. Seeing Lip was just walking around, I turned back around to walk next to her. I threw an arm over her shoulder, making her jump. "You okay?"

She nodded slowly. "Yes, everything is just so loud."

I nodded in agreement, patting her shoulder and letting go. "Yeah, but you'll get used to it. C'mon, sign your name in so you can play."

Ethel slightly smiled. "Alright."

I caught Kev's eye and he grinned at, looking thankful. I just shrugged at him. I helped her put her name in.

Dad was first. He hit a strike and he fell on his ass, spinning around an pointing at us. "For you! For you! I love you! Yeah!"

Carl called out. "Go, Dad!"

Kev was next. I whistled. "Go, Kev!"

I was sitting next to Carl and Debbie. Lip came over quietly. "Guys, don't get used to this, okay?"

Debbie looked over, tying her shoes. "What?"

"Well, Dad's not always going to be so nice."

Carl said. "Yes, he will."

Lip sent him a serious look. "No, not when he starts drinking again. He'll go back to his old ways and I don't want you three getting hurt."

I jerked up as included me in that. "Lip-"

Lip sent me a look. "We've been through this before. I don't know why you believe him this time."

I pressed my lips tightly together. "...I don't."

Lip frowned. "What?"

I got up and walked away. "I know he's gonna go back to the way he was before."

I stood next to Kevin. I didn't want to have that conversation in front of Carl and Debbie. I watched as Kev was teaching Ethel how to bowl. We stood back a little to let her try it on her own. I smiled a bit. "Kev, you're a good dad."

Kev grinned. "You think so?"

I looked at Frank, seeing him sober, but remembering all the times he was either gone, knocked out drunk in our house or all the times we needed his help with money and never got it, forcing Fiona to drop out and help us survive. "Yeah, Ethel sure is lucky."

Kev patted my shoulder. "Thanks, Joe."

When I saw them walk over by Frank, I sat next to Lip. "You want to know why I'm letting this go on?" I didn't want for his answer. "I've seen it happen and who knows if it will again, if Dad-if Frank will ever get sober. It took me a while when I was younger to realize that, okay? But, I'm gonna be grateful for ever long it lasts. 'cause truthfully, I miss this side of him." I remembered the first time, Carl and Debbie were young and Dad at with me, taught me the basics in piano, we played and sung all night, I couldn't forget that. I was like Debbie, cared about him and looked to him until I opened my eyes to what he was.

Lip must of saw the look on my face, because he nodded. "Yeah, I get. You shouldn't be grateful though."

I swallowed, almost whispering. "I know."

Lip nudged my shoulder and I did the same back.


I sat in the kitchen, smoking a cigarette as Frank read 'The Hunger Games' to Carl and Debbie. We came back and me and Dad played a little more on the piano with Carl and Debbie clapping along. Kev took Ethel with him back home and part of me hoped she was going to be okay. I saw Fiona come in and I nodded at her, keeping the cigerette in my mouth and standing to help her with the bags. Maybe she didn't see me, but I stopped for a second when I heard a choked sound come from her. I knew dealing with this shit was hard for her, more than hard, but she never showed it.

I walked around the table. "Fi, you okay?"

I snubbed my cigerette, shoving the bud in my pocket. She wiped her face, jumped. "Shit, Joey! I didn't see you." At my look, she nodded. "Yeah, I'm-I'm okay. Long day."

Lip came down and said. "I'm going out."

I glanced over at Lip and sent him a look that showed 'danger' and 'help'. He stopped and looked at Fiona, concerned, walking over. "What's up?"

Fiona wiped her eyes again. "Hard day." Giving him the same excuse she gave me. She asked. "Why are you so upset with Dad?" I squeezed her shoulder and walked out the room. I knew why and I saw why, but I didn't want to be in there for him to tell it. I remember it easily when it happened and why Lip is so bitter.

But, I knew she was stressed and no matter what, I needed to get a job again.


I was sleeping in bed, my face like usual smushed into the pillow. I jumped up when I heard a crash. I was still bleary eyed and looking around. "W-what?"

A couple of more times make me yelp in alarm and I hopped out of bed, short shorts and a tank top on. The house was even shaking a bit. "What the fuck?"

I got out of my room and shared a look with Fiona. "What the hell is going on?"

I shrugged at her question. "Fuck if I know."

Me, Lip and Fiona all ran down the stairs. I stared in disbelief. "Dad, what the fuck?"

Fiona ran over to them, they were smashing holes in the house. "Dad, what the hell are you doing?"

Lip came the other way. "Are you fucking kidding me?" He sounded pissed off and I wasn't that far off from feeling the same.

Frank said. "Remodeling. Son, grab the copper wire. It's worth a lot of money these days."

Fiona was panicked. "No, Dad, stop!"

I nodded. "Seriously, there right. Everything in the walls need to stay in the walls." Before I didn't care, Dad wasn't destroying anything, but this was our house.

Lip snapped. "Why the fuck is our couch on the wall?" To my shock, it was.

Frank waved it off. "We needed a fresh start. "

Fiona snapped. "There's a gas line right there."

I moved toward my siblings, taking their arms and moving them away from the holes in the wall. All we needed was it blowing up in their faces. "Stay back."

Frank said. "Oh, alright, fine. We'll start the demolition in the bathroom. C'mon, kids."

I raised my hands. "Woah, Dad. You can't just destroy the house."

But, Frank just grinned at me. "Don't worry, Jo. It's just remodeling." Him, Debbie and Carl went upstairs, Carl cheering.

I shared a look with Lip and Fiona. Lip looked at the hole. I asked. "How bad?"

He squinted. "Could be worse. Last time he ripped up the floorboards, remember?"

I rubbed my face. "Fuck."

Fiona agreed. "Shit."

Lip said. "Said he was going to put in Saltio tiles, but of course never did."

Fiona made a face. "Yeah and I had to date that flooring guy for a month to get him to finish the work."

I remembered that. "Yeah, he was quite the tool."

Fiona glanced at me. "Joey."

"Sorry."

Lip asked. "What are we going to do?"

I sucked in a breath, knowing the answer and hating it. "He has-has to start drinking again."

Lip frowned at me. "Joey-"

I sighed, cutting him off. "I know it was gonna happen, better off if it does before he rips apart the whole house." I didn't look at either of them.

"She's right. We have to kill the turtle." I looked over to see Debbie. I was lost at her words. Lip seemed to understand. "Carl and Daddy are up in the attic getting ready to cut a hole in the roof for a skylight. It's time to kill the turtle."

Lip looked a little lost. "Debs, you know you guys are the turtle in my story, right?"

Debbie's eyes widened. "Oh, right."

Lip smiled. "It's okay, I get what your saying though." He knelt down a little. "You sure about this?"

"Joey's right, it's better to get it over with."

Lip looked at me and I didn't say anything, but I nodded.

Fiona looked lost. "What's up with the turtle?"

I shrugged. "I have no fucking idea?"

She was staring at me, looking worriedly at me by what I said, but I shrugged it off. I really didn't want to have that conversation.

We followed quietly from where we heard the power tools and Dad standing on a ladder. Debbie came forward. "Daddy, help! I think I see a mouse."

"A mouse? Hold on, I'll be right down." I saw him climb down. I readied myself, knowing he'd fight it off the second he found out.

Lip tazed him and I jerked back. "Dude, what the fuck?!" Didn't he say it was broken?

Fiona sent him a dead stare. "I thought you said the tazer didn't work."

Lip replied. "Yeah, i just told Carl that. I took the batteries out."

"You let out physco brother use a live taser?"

Lip rolled his eyes at me. "I said the batteries were out."

I snorted. "Yeah and he couldn't find other ones?"

Lip opened his mouth and Fiona raised a hand. "Both of you stop fighting."

Fiona gave Lip a bottle of vodka, he said. "Alright, open his mouth. Joe, help hold him down."

I knelt down with Lip and Fiona, holding onto his shoulders as Fiona kept his mouth open. Lip poured it into his mouth and he choked. He stopped after a little bit. I sighed and let him go. Carl's head popped up. "What happened?"

Debbie replied. "It's better this way, Carl."

Even agreeing with it, I couldn't help, but feel disappointed. Fiona threw her arms over my shoulder, giving me a one sided type of hug. Lip patted at back, sending me a half smirk. It made me smile, I might not have Monica or Frank, but I always knew Fiona and Lip would have my back, no matter what. And that was a huge relief.


Everyone was sitting around on the couch, watching something. Frank was in his chair, drinking a beer. I was tossing on my jacket and went to go walk out the door. "Where you going, Joe?"

I looked over at Fiona, who was in the arms of Steve. Aparently, he came back. "Just going out, I'll see you later."

I was about to walk out, but asked. "You seen Ian?"

Lip shrugged. "Working and hanging with Mandy last I checked."

I nodded. "Oh, okay." It's been days since I seen him. He's always out.

Fiona asked. "Hey, Joey. If you see Ian, tell him to come home. Haven't seen him in days."

I nodded again in agreement. "Okay, see you."

I walked with everyone saying 'bye, except Frank, who looked to be in misery. He did just lose 3,000 bucks.

I needed to find a job, pronto. Before all this crap with Frank getting sober, I applied to a bunch of places. I haven't been able to look into it, but now I was getting back to them because I didn't get any calls. I went to the first place, a small grocery store.

I sent the man at the counter a smile, my custumor service smile on my face that I perfected. "Hey, you're Roger, right."

The man, a man with grey hair said. "Yes, you're...Miss Gallagher?"

I grinned. "Yeah, so I was asking about the job. I didn't get the call?"

Roger grimaced. "Yes, about that, I'm sorry, but the position isn't open anymore."

I felt disappointed. "What, why?"

Roger said. "Sorry, it's just not the right fit." I nodded, walking out and forcing myself not to slam the door. I was pissed off, but was trying not to lose my temper. That wasn't going to get me a job and we needed the money. I did apply to like nine other places.

But, the same thing happened as I went from job to job. Everyone said I didn't get the job, but it was pissing me off more and more. This was getting ridiculious. I walked into the last one, it was a Mcdonald's. I walked over and asked for someone who did the hiring. I sat toward the back of the resturant, waiting. My knee was bouncing.

A woman came over, tall and black with brown eyes and short dark hair, a polite smile on her face, her clothes showing she was a manager. "Hello, Miss Gallagher."

I nodded at her, standing up straighter. "Hey, Miss." I squinted at her name tag. "...Miss Jean."

She sat down across from me, papers in her hands. "I'm sorry, but-"

"Why!?" I threw my hands up.

She frowned at me. "Excuse me?"

I glared in her direction. "Look, I went to ten places for a job. I applied and didn't get a single one! Look, you even have a sign that says you're still hiring. Why can't you just give me a job?" There was something suspisious going on.

Jean looked at me and sighed. "Look the reason is, we did the background check and your previous job, Starbucks explained what you did when you were fired."

I felt my eyes widen. "Look I was just pissed off, I'm only 16, give me a chance." It pissed me off that I had to beg, but I was getting desperate.

Jean did look like she felt bad, but shook her head. "I'm sorry-"

I lurched to my feet in anger. "Whatever, fuck this!"

I stormed out, slamming the door. I would of ran over to Starbucks and yelled up a storm. But, I did want that bastard calling the cops on me. I was walking around, not knowing what to do. I needed a way to make money. I looked toward the sky to see it was getting pretty dark. People were either going into bars, their homes or going to late shifts at work. I dug the heels of my into my eyes, feeling my eyes burning. I didn't want to start crying out here, but I was at a loss at what to do. I needed a way to make cash. Losing my temper at my last job screwed me over badly.

"Gallagher?"

I looked up, it was Marcus Fletcher, he was a year older than me with tan skin, grey eyes and a shaved head. Me and him went to the same boxing gym. We got along pretty well. Trained together sometimes. I made sure no tear escaped. "Hey, Fletcher."

His hands were in his jeans pockets. "What's with you." He walked over to me and sat down.

I scowled and decided to say something. "Lookin' for a job. Can't find anything."

I stared as suddenly looked shifty and he muttered. "Hey, your a good fighter, Gallagher?"

I smirked. "I don't like to brag, but why're you lookin' like that?"

He said lowly, glancing around. "I can get you a job in the underground fighting rings. It's at night and you can haul decent cash."

I glanced around a bit, I've heard of them, but was never a part of them. Shawn would never allow it to take place in his boxing gym. Fiona would also kill me, that shit was dangerous. In the boxing gym, there was talk of people in the hospital from one of these matches. I asked. "Why are you asking me now?"

Marcus shrugged. "People are leaving, why do you say?" He held out his hand.

I frowned. It wouldn't be so bad, I could fight. My siblings also never went to those things, so they didn't have to know. I needed the money.

I grabbed his hand. "You got a deal."


When I got home, it was pitch dark and I figured I should call Rebecca. I saw no one was in the living room, except Frank who was knocked out. I grabbed our phone and saw it still had about 30 minutes on it for the month. I called her and wait for it to right a couple of times. "Hello?"

I smiled. "Rebecca, hey."

She sounded shocked. "Joey, hey! What's going on?"

"Nothing, hey, how about I come over?"

"No!"

I felt my face twist in confusion. "What?"

"Sorry, I just really busy right now."

I heard someone else and asked. "You've got company."

"Huh, no-that's just my idiot brother. I'll talk to you later."

I was confused as the line went blank. She's acting very weird. She wouldn't...

I shook my head, nah. I would be able to tell.

I shut the phone and threw it on the couch, getting ready for bed.


I was about 10 years old and Lip was 11 with Fiona being 15. She was working a lot and going to school less and less. Dad wasn't drinking right now, shocking the rest of us. Something about a bet. I don't know, but I do know he went to one of Lip's little league games and he was pretty cool. He even played a game of catch with Ian, it was weird to see.

Dad walked in the door, still alcohol free. "Hey, Jo-Jo."

I grinned. "Hey, Dad."

Dad took off the beanie hat he always seemed to wear and tucked it in his jacket. "You wanna learn something cool?"

I nodded quickly, glancing at him in awe. "Yeah, yeah!" He walked toward the piano, sitting down and before I could sit down, tugging me to sit next to him. He started playing a few notes, showing me how on my side of the piano. It was hard to figure out at first, but shockingly, he was very patient, brightly humming under his breath. Under his guidence, I learned the basics, nothing too advanced. We sang and played on that piano for a couple of days. It was some of the best days of my life, at the time, he was the best Dad ever.

Of course, things got more crazy when he started uprooting our floorboards to put in new flooring.

Eventually, he did go back to drinking once he won the bet. Me or Lip didn't expect it when it happened, we didn't see it coming. It was pretty disappointing.

That's why it was hard with Frank sometimes, because I could remember the good stuff, even if I got pissed at him for the shitting and selfish shit he did.