Life of a Gallagher
Chapter 9
But at Last Came a Knock
I was just getting out of the shower, shoving a shirt over my head and some jeans, tossing the deodorant in the sink when I was done with it. I was a little nervous tonight because it was when I was starting the underground fighting. It was only until I found a real job. Either way, Fiona could not know. She would kill me. I was keeping it away from Lip and Ian too. Ian would be worried and Lip is annoying enough where he would stop me. Same for Rebecca, she wouldn't understand it, being different from the way we lived.
She actually wanted to hang out tonight, but I had to make a rain check. Who knows when I'll get another chance to fight? I ran down the stairs and went straight to the fridge, throwing down some ham and bread to make a sandwich. I stuck my head further in the fridge, swearing when I couldn't find the mayo. "For fucks sake, where is the mayo?"
"We have some packets on the counter."
I banged my head on the top of the fridge. "Ow! Shit!" I turned around to see Carl sitting near the microwave, doing...something. I didn't want to know. "Where the hell did you even come from?"
He shrugged, shutting the microwave door and setting a time. "Not my fault you weren't looking."
I grabbed the mayo packets and finished my sandwich. "Okay, smartass." I started eating quickly, if I didn't see him breaking shit, I couldn't get bitched at for letting it happen. I unscrewed the cap of milk and drank some. Closing it, I put it back in the fridge.
"Fiona hates it when you do that, you know."
I shrugged. "What she doesn't know, won't hurt her."
I was about to leave when I realized I didn't have anymore cigarettes. I groaned, knowing asking Lip was going to be annoying, but I needed some. I patted Carl's head, laughing as he tried to mock bite me. I was already halfway up the stairs. "Gotta be faster than that, buddy."
"Just wait until I do, Joe." I laughed again, going up the stairs and to Ian and Lip's room. I walked in to see Ian handing Lip cash. I asked, grinning. "Ooh, where's mine?"
Ian smirked, holding up a beer can. "It's for Karen. He's taking her to a concert."
I laughed. "Dude, really? For her?"
Lip rolled his eyes, sending me a scowl. "You're both a bunch of assholes. Fuck off, like I told Ian, she my best friend."
I waved my hand. "...that you fuck." Lip gave me the middle finger.
Ian nodded at me. "What's up?"
I made a face. "You guys have a couple of smokes?"
Lip sent me a look. "You're gonna get on my case and you keep bumming smokes?"
I gave Ian a pleading look. "Please, look, I've getting paid soon and I'll split a pack between you two." For the past week, I've been asking and sneaking smokes from them. I was dead broke. I mean, I had nothing. But, smoking was addictive, so I was asking a lot. I needed this fight.
Ian gave me a couple. "Here, just remember to give me some back."
I nodded, putting them carefully in my pocket. "I will, I will. Where's Deb? Carl's downstairs."
Lip said, pulling out his own cigarette. "With V somewhere."
I nodded. "Okay." I grimaced when I heard Liam crying. They looked at me and I shook my head. I said. "Sorry, got somewhere to be."
Lip and Ian looked at each other and smirked at the same time before looking back at me. "Rebecca?"
I rolled my eyes at them. "Anyone ever tell you guys that creepy as fuck?"
"All the time."
I was about to say no, but realized that would be the perfect excuse. "Yep, I'll be back later or tomorrow. See ya."
I darted off to hear Lip cursing, knowing he must of lost at rock, paper, scissors to deal with Liam. It was how we usually decided who was going to watch him if Fiona wasn't home or sleeping off a long shift.
I was walking down the street, a cigarette in my mouth. I was heading by the Gym and then going to meet Fletcher, and he would take me to where the fighting would be. I walked by the gym and waved at Fletcher. "Yo, Fletcher!"
He waved his hands. "Shut the hell up! Shawn will kill me if he finds out I'm using people from the Gym." That's true, the man would fucking lose his mind.
"Is it really that secretive? Seriously?"
He nodded and walked off, I followed. "Shit, Joey, the cops, Shawn and whoever else wants to stop it." I follow him as he made a right into a alley. I tensed, even knowing he wouldn't pull shit. "Speaking of that, you can't tell that whole Gallagher clan of yours. Especially, Frank."
I snorted in amusement. I didn't talk to Frank. "Yeah, I already know." I already thought about how my family will flip shit and Frank is a blabbermouth if it's in his favor or he's drunk enough.
We ended up a little far out, from the main city and I could hear noise from the warehouse in front of me. "Welcome to the Underground Fights. Follow me." He knocked on the door twice, once and then four times. The door opened a crack. "What?"
Fletcher said lowly. "Fletcher, and I got a new fighter."
The door opened and I followed, looking around with surprise. "Is this cleaned up every night?"
"Uh-huh."
There was no boxing ring, but there was a ring in the middle with bright blue tape making a square where two guys were throwing blows. Everyone else was packed in tight watching the fight, a guy was standing on a crate, a bullhorn held in his right hand. I could also see money exchanging hands.
Fletcher slapped my shoulder. "Let me get you on the queue, you should fight tonight." I heard him mutter. "Especially, since we're losing fighters."
I stood with the others, watching. One guy took a hit and slammed into the ground, his eyes twisting shut. In moments like this at my Gym, Shawn would check on them immediately. But, a guy in the corner counted to ten and when he didn't move, waved a hand to the opposite guy.
I glanced around and saw Fletcher. I moved around people and called. "Fletcher."
Fletcher was shoving a wad of bills in his pocket and he sent me a grin. "Yo, Gallagher, ready to fight?"
I smirked, feeling adrenaline already running through my body. "Yeah, so that's it? Just knock someone down to the count of ten?"
He nodded. "Yeah, you win, you get a good cut of the money betting on you. You lose, you get shit."
I nodded along, watching this, I could get put in the hospital. But thinking of having no money and being one of the oldest kids' at home...I nodded at Fletcher. "Yeah, man. I'm in."
I was happy to be in a t-shirt and jeans, though shorts would of been better. It was hot in here. My hair was tied in the back of my head tightly. I was twisting my shoulders and bouncing on my toes. I was looking at the guy across from me. He was about my age, a couple inches taller and with short hair, bulky muscles. Looking around, there were female spectators, but not many fighters. It was fine, I was used to sparing with guys.
He looked me up and down with a mocking smile. I scoffed. "You ready, princess?" I got a laugh from the crowd.
I grinned as he scowled. "Watch it, punk."
I grinned wider. "Make me."
The guy moved and the referee (that's in loose terms) waved his hand. I noticed Fletcher watching seriously, eyes flickering between me and the other guy. It made me scowl a bit. He's seen me in Shawn's gym, he knew how I could fight.
I put my fists up and the guy did the same thing. We circled a bit and he threw a punch. I moved and went into his space, punching him in the face. He grunted, stumbling back. I moved in close, hoping to get him down before he could recover. I was grabbed by my shirt and slammed into the concrete. My breath left me with a wheeze. I coughed and shifted on my lower back, bringing my feet together and slamming then into his stomach, stumbling to my feet when he bent over and clocked him in the jaw.
He cursed. "You bitch!"
It ended up like that. We were hitting each other back and forth, causing damage to each other. The crowd was an afterthought. I was sort of out of it on the ground at some point from a hard punch to the nose and I felt the blood in my mouth from my nose. I think I broke it. I rolled over and placed my hands on the ground, getting to my feet when he got to '6'. I spat blood on the ground. "All you got?" My head was pounding as was my nose and my ribs hurt.
But, I can still move.
I raised my hands. We were back at it and I dodged a right hook, holding his shoulders and took a page out of Frank's book. I reared my head back and slammed it into his forehead and then shoved his shoulders. He stumbled back, disoriented and I went back a step, tackling him by the waist. Not boxing, but it works. Before I boxed, I street fought.
"Fuck!" He was cursing, as I grabbed his shirt and punched him in the face a couple of times. He shoved me off and I jumped back to him, we tussled around, I heard a thunk and he hit his head. He groaned and I rolled away. I panted, stumbling to my feet and holding my ribs. I watched with wide eyes as the guy counted to 10 and my shoulders slumped in relief.
"Joey Gallagher!"
I watched as the guy was helped to his feet, blinking. I already knew the signs of a concussion. I was just relieved he got up. Fletcher came to my side, wide grin in place. "Holy Shit, Gallagher, you did it!"
I gave him a grin of bared bloody teeth. "Should't 'ave doubted."
He chuckled, slapping about 150 bucks in my hands. "That's yours. Come back in a couple of days."
I spit out a little blood. "Got it." I shoved the money in my pocket.
I limped home, happy to see the lights off. I knew I looked like a mess and had to come up with a story for this. I kept about 35 bucks, throwing the rest in the Rainy Day Fund, putting it into the good hiding place. I slowly went up the stairs, going into the bathroom and locking it. I winced as I looked at the mirror. "Fuck."
I had a black eye, my nose was definitely broken and my lip was swollen, another bruise forming on my jaw. i lifted my shirt, grimacing at the bruising on my right side. I cleaned up my face, wincing as I snapped my nose in my place, stomping my foot and swearing up a storm. I covered it was a strip and figured it was the best I was going to get and went to sleep, since it was about 3 in the morning.
I woke up feeling like shit and I mean, worse than yesterday. I rolled over and grabbed a smoke, lighting up. I breathing out, the nicotine making me feel a least a little better. I rubbed my face, skipping my nose. I needed a shower.
I got my stuff and went to use the shower, for once it was open. After showering, I winced, looking at my face. My eye got worse and so did my lip, puffing up bigger than the night before. My nose doing the same thing. "For fuck's sake, I look like Frankenstein."
I dressed in a long sleeve flannel and jeans. I couldn't hide my face, but I could hide the rest. I sighed (holding back a wince) and decided to get it over with. I walked down stairs to see Fiona with Liam, Debbie and Steve. I kept my head down. "Hey, Steve."
Steve said. "Hey, Joey. I'll try another time, Fiona. I have to go to work." They kissed and he left. I smiled, despite the pain. I was glad my sister was happy. Debbie followed him. "Hey, Steve!"
Fiona asked. "Breakfast?"
Debbie replied, snatching a banana. "I got this."
Fiona turned toward me and I looked down. "Hey, Joe. Didn't see you come in last night."
I shrugged. "Yeah, came in late."
I went to the fridge and grabbed the milk, facing away from her.
"Why are you being shifty?"
I stiffened. "Am not."
I was tugged around.
"Seriously, whatever you-what the fuck!" Fiona's eyes were wide as she looked at me. "What the hell happened to you?!"
I said. "Got in a fight."
"What's the fucker's name?!"
I grimaced, I could not have her finding out. "I dunno, didn't see 'em."
"Jesus, Joe."
I shrugged off the hand gripping my chin, Fiona was looking me over. "It's okay, barely hurts."
She sent me a look. "Really?" At my nod, she pressed on my nose before I could stop her.
I yelped, backing away as my broken nose throbbed. "Fucking shit! Dammit, Fiona!"
Fiona rolled her eyes. "Barely hurts my ass. I knew it looked broken." She looked me over. "Be careful, you know how dangerous shit gets around here."
I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I know." She squeezed my shoulder, still giving me a look of concern. I brushed it off. Deciding not to eat, I went outside to see Carl smashing open a bottle of orange soda. I slapped Carl in the back of the head. "Idiot, break something that doesn't cost money."
Carl rolled his eyes. "I was checking if it was shatterproof and it wasn't."
I pointed at him. "Don't use food." I went down stairs and rolled my eyes when I saw quick movement in the van. I knocked on the window and Lip opened the door halfway. I said. "Stop fucking in the van."
Lip rolled his eyes at me, Karen giving a wave behind, where she was also naked. Living the way we do, we've seen shit we never wanted to see, but we tried not to. Like each other half dressed, sometimes worse than that.
"GFY, shithead." He shut the door.
I walked back in to see Fiona cleaning up. I decided to help, tossing dishes in the sink. "Hey, Joe?"
"Hm?"
"What do you think of Steve?"
I blinked, looked over at her. "Steve? He's alright, I guess. Bit of a pussy, but nicer then you've been with. I mean, you'll probably protect him in a fight."
I grinned and she laughed, dumping more dishes in the sink. "Yeah."
I looked over at her with a frown, feeling the cut on my lip pull. "He's not the first guy I've seen you with or that you fucked. What's up?"
I crossed my arms and cleaned on the counter. She sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Should I trust him?" She grabbed one of Liam's blocks, giving it to him before he could start complaining.
I bit my cheek. "Well, uh, that's a tall order."
Fiona nodded. "Yeah, I know."
I told her. "Well, just do what you want, be careful." I know she never did, never allowed herself to be happy, so I wanted her to do. But, not mess up what we got going on, but she usually didn't. Steve has been the one here the longest so far, so as long as he made my sister happy, I didn't care.
"Alright, well, I'm out."
I went to walk out, but Fiona asked. "Hey, Joey?"
I turned. "Yeah?"
"You seen Debbie?"
I frowned, shaking my head. "No? You know she wanders around." I noticed how quiet it was getting. "You see that fuckhead around?" She knew I was talking about Frank.
"Thank God, but no." Ian wasn't around, but I guessed he was probably screwing around with Kash. I tried to shake that from my head. I waved and walked out the door, toward Rebecca's.
I knocked on her door and waited for someone to answer. The door opened I heard a sharp gasp. "Joey!? What the hell?"
I grinned, my lip pulling. "Hey, sweetheart."
I felt her hands grab my face. "Wh-what happened to you?"
I shrugged, kissing her. "Got in a fight, it's all good." I pushed her toward her house, closing the door. I kissed her again, turning her and pushed her against the door. "Who's home?"
She kissed me back, letting go for a moment. "Just me, my brother and dad are out."
"Awesome." We ended up on the couch.
By the time the door opened, we were half naked.
"Seriously, Rebecca? Stop fucking people on the couch."
I jerked up with a yelp, tugging my flannel on and buttoned it up. I looked to see an older man with an exasperated look on his face. I tensed, not liking people seeing my 'gay' side. But, he just looked annoyed at Rebecca. I smirked awkwardly. I was also wondering, how many people did she screw on this couch? I shook the thought off. "I'm just gonna go. See you later?"
She kissed my cheek and I got out of there as her dad's eyes narrowed. Now, I know what Lip was talking about. At least he didn't chase me down like Karen's Dad.
I walked back home, a lit cigarette hanging from my lips. When I got home, Lip was gone, along with Debbie and Ian.
I sat on the couch with a sigh, blowing a puff of smoke. For once, it was pretty quiet.
Fiona came out. "Hey, kid."
I looked over. "Hey, what's up?"
Fiona had Liam in her arms and she came over to the couch. "Just putting Liam to bed and then I'm working." I stubbed out my cigarette and tossed it in the one ashtray by the couch.
I looked around. "Ian and Debbie around yet?"
Fiona sighed. "No, I'm starting to get a little worried." She was rocking Liam a bit, trying to sooth him to sleep.
I waved it off. "I'm sure their fine. Ian is old enough 'n Debs is a smart kid."
Fiona said. "Yeah, you're right. Hey, any problem with work with your face like that?"
I froze, my body locking up. Shit! I forced myself to relax. "Nah, boss is still a dick, but nothing new. I think I'm able to get a night shift tomorrow or the day after." I need another fight. That money won't last long. And Fiona cannot find out.
Fiona sent me a look. "Anything going on, Joey?"
I sent her a look back. Too much. I'm a lesbian, have a girlfriend, lost my job and because of my temper, I now get my face bashed in for money. Oh...and my life naturally sucked because I'm a Gallagher. I said. "No, everything's good. Here, let me take Liam, get ready for work."
I took him from her, allowing his face to curl up toward my neck as I shifted him to my right side, my arms supporting him. He made some noise, but he was tired, so he went right back to sleep.
Fiona said. "Joey." I got up from the couch, knowing the expression I was getting from her. It was her, 'tell me everything that's bothering you and no lying'. It was hard getting shit past her, so I was avoiding it.
I called out. "See ya tomorrow."
Fiona went to follow me and I went up the stairs. "Joey, what is it?"
I rolled my eyes. Our she's following me. "Have a good night at work. You don't wanna be late."
She cursed. "Fuck! Joey, we're talking about this later." She went past me and into her room.
I got in our room and rocking him to sleep, pacing back and forth. It took about 20 minutes, but as I heard that exhale, knowing he was asleep, I waited five more minutes and then laid him down in his crib and making sure he was fully covered by his blanket. I smiled a little as he was peacefully sleeping. No matter how stressful shit is, I can always count on little Liam to be the way he is, innocent and happy. I said quietly. "Night, little brother."
I was more tired than usual. I just laid down and went to sleep.
I woke up with a groan, rolling over. I was relieved to know it was still the weekend, so I didn't have to deal with school. I looked over at Liam's crib and saw it empty. Fiona must have him, I must have been deeply asleep, I didn't hear her come in. I hopped in the shower, dressing in jeans and one of my flannel shirts I got from Fiona when she grew out of it, digging around for a pair of socks. I could never seem to find any and they were mismatched. Tossing my hair in a ponytail, I jogged down the stairs. It was still too quiet in the house. Ian and Lip weren't home (I didn't hear them if they were) and Fiona was out with Liam. I was happy to see Debbie though. She was sitting across from Steve with bags on the table.
"Yo, Debs, Steve."
Steve jumped a bit, before smiling. "Hey, Joe. How you been? You get beat up?"
I shook my head. "Nah, just got into a fight." I turned to Debbie. "Hey, Debbie, it's been a while since I seen you."
Debbie sent me a happy grin. "Hey, Joey. I was out playing. That looks bad." I knew she was looking at my face.
I shrugged. "It's looks worse than it is. So, what's with all the crap on the table?"
Debbie's grin widened. "Steve was cool and bought it for me."
I glanced at him, knowing Debbie could easily trick Steve into things. "That true?"
Steve nodded, still smiling a bit, but looking strained. "Huh, oh, yeah. That's true."
Debbie said, grabbing her bag. "Okay, I'll see you later."
I blinked, scratching the back of my head. "What, where the hell are you going?"
"I'm just going to Shelia's."
She was about to leave, but I asked. "Where's Fi and Liam?"
"Over by V's. Bye." She opened the door and left. I snorted, thinking sarcastically, they grow up so fast.
I chuckled under my breath, shaking my head. It was Steve, the guy was a pussy. He didn't have much. "Don't let Debs mess with you too much."
Steve laughed back, awkwardly. "Yeah, thanks." He got up. "I'll see you later." I shrugged him off, Fiona's boyfriends were weird. I had my own shit to deal with, too much shit to deal with. I went in the fridge and made a sandwich, noticing we had no more cheese. Shrugging, heated up some left over chicken and threw it into the sandwich and sat down after I grabbed a beer out of the fridge. I looked around, it really was strange to see the house so quiet.
After eating, I shook my head with a sigh. My bruises weren't hurting so bad anymore. Right when I thought I was going to stay bored, the door opened. I grinned when I saw it was Ian. "Hey man, you disappeared for a while."
Ian sent me back the same grin. "Hey, Joe. What happened to your face?"
I shrugged him off. "Got in a fight, not too bad."
Ian shrugged. "Okay." He sat on the couch.
Lip came down the stairs. "Hey, Ian, Joey." Ian sent him a wave and I nodded at him. I went over to the couch and sat down next to him. The door opened again and Fiona walked in with V and Liam in her arms. I waved at them. "The whole crowd is here!" Ethel was behind her with a baby.
Veronica laughed. "Damn right. What happened to your face?"
Everyone said at once. "She got in a fight." That made me give a loud laugh.
V raised an eyebrow. "How many times you have to explain that?"
I smirked. "A lot." I asked. "What's with the baby?"
Ethel smiled, sitting in a chair by Carl. He knew to leave her alone. "He's my son, Jonas."
I choked on air, my eyes wide. "You're 12."
Ethel smiled. "Yes." I stared at V with wide eyes and she shook her head, eyes telling me to drop it. She was close to Debbie's age, something like that pissed me off.
Fiona dropped Liam in my lap, ruffling my hair as she passed. I snorted, ducking my head and wrapped a gentle arm around Liam so he didn't fall. Ian looked over. "Hey, give Liam over to me."
I looked down at him and asked. "You wanna go to Ian?" He grinned back at me, nodding. I passed him over, snorting. "Traitor." Ian snickered and I stuck my tongue out. It was quiet earlier, but the noise was better than that. Carl also came down. The only one missing was Debbie and Steve and they just left.
Lip walked over, smacking the back of Ian head. "Too fast for you?"
Ian started, giving me back Liam, who giggled. "You-" With a grin, he got up and chased Lip in the kitchen. I could smell the popcorn cooking. I asked. "What's going on?"
V sat down next to us. "We're watchin' a movie."
I leaned back. "Cool."
I heard the ding and Fiona came in with a bowl of popcorn. "All have no fury, like popcorn burn."
I perked up, I like popcorn. "Oh."
V laughed. "Steve coming?"
Fiona grinned. "I hope so."
I yawned. "He was here awhile ago."
Fiona looked at me, confused. "He was?"
I nodded, reaching inside the bowl and grabbing some. "Mm-hm."
Carl asked as he and Fiona moved the table. "Are you guys gonna make a baby when we watch Cosmos because that'll make me throw up."
Fiona wiggled her fingers toward him and said in a goofy tone. "Billions and billions of sperm!"
Carl jerked back. "Ew!"
I snickered, tossing popcorn at him. "Baby."
He wrinkled his nose, sticking his tongue out. I did it back, wiggling my eyebrows at him. I looked down. "Buddy, wanna get down?"
"Yea, yea." I put him on the couch, saying to V. "Look out for him."
I playfully lunged at Carl, causing him to yelp. "Hey!"
I smirked. "Come at me, tough guy."
Fiona moved between us. "Okay, calm down." She knew with me and Carl, we'd wrestle all over the place. I have to admit, it was weird not being around everyone for the past couple of days. Because of the amount of us that live here, including V, Kev and Frank, it was usually a full house. I sent her a salute. "Yes, Sir. Or is that more Ian's thing?" Fiona shoved my shoulder for the 'sir' comment.
Ian called. "I heard that."
I called back. "You were meant to."
Lip and Ian came in with soda and more snacks. I threw myself back in my spot, not wanting to lose it. Lip said. "V, turn it on already." Carl was sitting on one of the chairs.
Ian said. "Yeah, I have to go to work soon."
I scoffed under my breath. Ian dropped next to me, squishing me until I scooted over on the couch. He shoved my shoulder with his. "Shut up."
I wrinkled my nose at him. "Make me, GI Joe."
Fiona picked up Liam and sat next to Vernonica, while I was on V's other side with Ian.
The door opened and I tilted my head back to see Steve. "What's up, Steve-o."
He came in and patted me on the shoulder. "Hey, Joe." Everyone was surrounding the T.V.
Fiona turned with a grin. "Hey, stranger. Joe said you were here before?"
He blinked, but nodded. "Uh, yeah. Just giving Debbie something."
Fiona snorted. "You spoil her."
Steve shrugged with a sheepish like grin. Fiona and Steve kissed over the couch. I tossed some popcorn at them, making an exaggerated 'grossed out' face. "Ew." Steve laughed a bit and Fiona kicked my leg. "Grow up."
"Never!"
Carl nodded in agreement. "Yeah, get a room." I smirked.
Lip snorted. "Joey stopped mentally growing when she turned 12."
I rolled my eyes as Ian laughed. I said dryly. "Ha, ha."
Steve asked. "You get your tickets?" I looked over, knowing he was talking to Lip.
Lip nodded. "Oh yeah, thanks."
I shared a raised eyebrow with Ian, knowing it was for Karen. Steve sent him a smile. "I'm glad."
"Glad your glad." Lip handed me a beer.
I waved a hand. "You got one more?"
He tossed me one and I leaned forward, catching the neck before it dropped. I popped the top. "Dick." He smirked in my direction.
Steve said. "This popcorn is burnt."
Fiona smirked. "Our microwave is broke. Doesn't mean you can buy us a new one."
I said, bowing. "Sorry it's not fancy enough for you."
He rolled his eyes. "Shut up." I rested my back more comfortably on the couch.
The door opened and I knew it had to be Frank or Debbie. I turned and saw Debbie. "Hey, Debs." I stopped myself from sipping my beer at the look on her face.
My shoulders stiffened in worry and my older sister instinct. Fiona must have felt the same thing. Fiona asked, worried. "Debs? Honey, what happened?"
Lip asked. "What? Dad have one too many again?"
Ian told her. "You just gotta ignore him."
I shook my head. "No, what is it? C'mon kid, you can say it." She's seen him like that and by the look on her face, it was worse.
Debbie turned to Fiona. "Why do you always blame Dad first?"
I sent Fiona a look, a little lost. She sent me the same one back before looking at Debs with a confused shrug. "Who else is there?"
I took a drink, beyond confused.
Debbie said quietly. "She's over at Shelia's."
Steve asked. "Who is?"
Debbie's voice got even quieter. "Monica."
I spit at my beer, choking, my eyes wide. "W-what?" I felt a rough pound on my back. When I finished, my eyes were wet from more than just coughing. I dropped the bottle, feeling beer pour on the carpet. It wouldn't be the first time. It was quiet as we looked at each other. Other than Steve and Ethel, everyone know who Monica-our mother-was.
Steve asked. "Who the hell is Monica?"
Lip said, staring into space. "Our mother."
I stayed seated, I couldn't move. Fiona moved Liam over to Steve. She got up quickly, worry on her face as walked over to Debbie fast. "Debs, did you-"
Debbie jerked back with a cry. "What do you care? You'll be living with Steve in the house he bought next door."
I jerked over to look at him, still feeling shocked and numb. "What?" Debbie ran up the stairs.
All eyes were on him. He said. "Surprise."
Ian jumped up. "I'm going to work."
Fiona tried to stop him. "Ian, wait-" Ian left. I wasn't even pissed that he was probably going to fuck Kash. I wanted to chase after Ian, but couldn't find the energy to do it.
I rubbed a hand down my face, controlling the part of me that wanted to go to Shelia's house. She always did this, I was sick of dealing with it. It was worse than Frank. Fiona slid down the wall to sit down, a hand in her hair. I got up (ignoring the beer on the floor) and went around the couch. I crouched down next to Fiona. I smiled tightly. "Hey." I didn't know what the hell was going on with Steve, but Fiona usually had to deal with this shit.
She gave me the same smile back. "Hey, Joey."
I held out a hand. "Wanna deal with Monica?" I wasn't just asking her, but the rest of my siblings in the room too. Carl and Lip.
Fiona gave a half smile. "No, but..." She grabbed my hand and I stood, pulling her up with me.
Fiona looked at all of us. "Let's go. Any objections?" With nothing else said, we walked to Shelia's. By we, Carl, Liam, Lip, Fiona and myself. V came with us too. Along with Debbie (who came down after Fiona called for her).
I walked with them to the door and Debbie asked. "Do we knock?"
I looked at Fiona, because I wanted to say fuck the door, but we all did that in the end, looked to Fiona. Looking at her, she looked like she rather be anywhere but here, but she nodded. We opened the door and I heard Shelia's closing words. "...to them."
I felt myself swallow because there she was, near Frank. It looked like they were arguing. Which was very common. Kev was also there, knowing he probably got dragged into this bullshit. A woman I didn't know was there, a wider set black lady I never seen before, but probably had something do with Monica.
Monica looked over with an upset look. "Oh my God." I kept my hands on Carl's shoulders, trying to squeeze reassuringly when I felt like exploding myself. I couldn't help, but stare at her. She stood looked the same, same blond hair and maybe she looked a little older, a extra wrinkle or two, but the same.
V popped over. "It's all right. Not one of yours. Just here to rubberneck."
It was quiet as Monica slapped a hand over her mouth with wider eyes than before. I squeezed Carl's shoulders again. Liam was sitting on a chair, babbling with a piece of paper in his hands. It was better if he was away from this.
Lip was sitting down, but I was leaning against the wall with my arms crossed. Shelia gave Lip a beer.
Monica looked at us. "Your all so big."
My lips twisted bitterly. That's what happens when you leave your kids for over a year.
Monica was on the couch with Carl and Debbie. Monica said. "I missed you so much."
Debbie hand her knees pulled to her chest. "Well, why didn't you take us with you."
I tried to keep my exhale quiet, I didn't want any attention right now. I felt a hand squeezing my shoulder and saw Fiona next to me, her face blank. My shoulders relaxed. I nodded my head toward one of the chairs and she gave me a look, asking, 'are you sure'. I nodded and she sat there. staring at Monica. I could see how upset she was just by looking at her face. I'm sure I wasn't that far off myself as I waited for her to answer the question we've all asked at some point.
Monica said. "Because, I knew you would be fine with Fiona." Which caused me look at my older sister and see her look down with a bitter smirk I mirrored. How is that fair? What about Fiona?
I swallowed, feeling my skin inch. "Monica."
She turned toward me. "Oh, Joey, look at you. You've gotten so big in the little time..."
I croaked. "Little time?" She stopped, looking at me with wide eyes. "Over a year."
"I'm really sorry, I missed you."
She went to get up and I held on a hand, shaking my head. "No, just no." It was silent and I felt my hands shaking, I didn't even know why I started that. I missed Rebecca and being in her arms, as sappy as that sounds. I turned to leave and Fiona called out. "Wait, hey, Joey."
I waved her off. "I'm gonna be outside. "
I went out the door, siting down and smoking on the steps. By the time I was about to get up, Lip walked outside and it was dark out. I nodded. "Hey."
He nodded back, slapping me on the back and sitting down. "Hey." He sat next to me.
I asked. "How's it in there?"
He shrugged. "Frank and Monica are arguing." He looked at me. "Now, what really bused up your face?"
I made a face, still feeling the pull of the wounds. "What? I told you, got in a fight."
Lip rolled his eyes. "Do I looking fucking stupid? What was it?"
I sighed to myself and Lip lit up a smoke. I saw Ian running up and I waved a hand. He came over. I said, seeing my escape. "I'm going inside."
"Joey-" I came in and shut the door behind me. It was true, both of them were arguing with everyone else watching.
"I can't believe you sucked me back here for money!?" Of course this was still Frank's fault.
Frank shouted back. "I did no such thing! But, since you're in town, why don't you sign up for this little thing and I will cut you in..."
"Oh, Fuck you, Frank!"
Lip said and I just noticed him and Ian came back inside. "Wait, you brought her back here?"
I scoffed. "And your surprised..."
Monica looked over surprised, perking up when she saw Ian. She was always close with Ian or as close as Monica could get with someone. "Oh, Ian."
Lip was shocked. "Wait, you knew where she was the whole time?" I swallowed a little, staying by the wall. I didn't think about that. I could even hear the hurt in his voice. Tough, sarcastic, Lip. I was opposite to how I was; quiet.
The lady from before came over. "Look this reunion was bound to happen sooner or later anyway. We were thinking about coming around to talk to you about something else."
I blinked, surprised that Monica actually planned to meet us. After she disappeared, she usually was impulsive about coming back. "Uh, what is it?"
The lady turned to look at me, but Monica said. "No, no, no."
The lady talked over her. "Yes, now. Yes, now. Moni and I want to take Liam to live with us."
I jumped at what she said, pure disbelief on my face. "What?!" Like hell this bitch was taking my little brother.
Fiona got up at the same time. "What?"
Frank jumped up. "Over my dead body!"
She said. "How about Moni sign whatever the hell it is you need-we get Liam."
Frank agreed. I snapped. "Are you fucking kidding me?!"
Fiona snapped. "Exactly. No fucking way are you going to have Liam!"
Monica asked. "Why the hell not? He's not even Frank's."
,I threw out an arm, coming closer. I wanted to run away with him, get him the fuck away from this shit show. "Frank's or not, he's our brother and you can't fucking take him!"
The lady was speaking louder than me and I was yelling. "The fact is, Liam is black. All you white folks scooping up black babies like fashion accessories have a rude awakening coming."
I yelled, throwing out my arms. "We didn't 'scoop' up shit, he's our brother. I don't give a flying fuck if he's green or purple!"
"And that is what you don't understand. You don't understand the necessity of a black parent raising a black baby." I was enraged, I would kill her if she thought she was getting our brother. He was safe with us. "Liam needs me and he's coming with us!"
I pointed at her. "I don't know who the fuck you think you are!?" She was getting in our family's business and I bet she got Monica to think this way.
Lip yelled. "Out of the fucking question, Roberta!"
Monica said. "Roberta and I want to start a family of our own."
I felt that like a hammer to the chest, stumbling back a step. I hated it, feeling the hurt and tears blur my vision and I couldn't do anything about it. I croaked out. "Start a family..."
Fiona was furious. "Well, how about you finish this one first."
Debbie cried out. "You're taking Liam?!"
I gasped out, with Fiona and Lip. "NO!"
Lip said. "No one's taking anyone anywhere."
Fiona walked around the table, her disbelief clear on her face. "You don't get to abandon your kids and then show up one day to take your pick of the litter."
Frank stood up. "Oh, that's not fair. You're mother's made mistakes, but she's here now. That's gotta count for something-"
Fiona snapped at him. "Shut up, Frank! This isn't about you." Even he knew, with all his talking of getting out of shit he's gotten into, to shut his mouth. He sat back down quietly.
Fiona turned to Monica. "This is about you. This is about what you didn't do. It's about what I did. And you know what? I did a fucking great job. Debbie is class president, she's on the debate team and going to nationals. And Lip, he's top of his class. He set the curve. Ian was promoted in ROTC and he tested out of English. Joey, got an award for most improvement in her year and is in AP History, even if she hates school. And Carl blew something up for his science fair. And you know what, they did it all, no thanks to you. Because. You. Weren't. Here."
I swallowed with my dry throat, wondering how Fiona knew about that. Even if I skipped a lot, I improved on my grades and liking history, my grades got better and they moved me to advanced placement. How she noticed that with everything she has going on. How our mom was supposed to notice things like that. Like Lip, Ian, Carl and Debbie's accomplishments. Like Fiona, how she was one of the best track stars when she went to high school, but had to give that up along with her diploma to raise us.
Monica said, looking like she would cry. "I appreciate that Fiona, but I'm here now. And Liam belongs with me."
Fiona shouted. "He doesn't even know who you are!"
Monica shouted. "I'm his mother!"
Fiona shouted back. "Your were my mother too!"
I had to look away at the pain on Fiona face. I went back toward the wall and leaned my head against it. I looked at Liam in Roberta's arms, but couldn't move. I knew nothing would happen, we were here, but I couldn't move. Fiona needed to get this out. It was a long time coming. For all of us.
Monica said. "Maybe I'll never be able to make things right with you, but there's still time with Liam. And Debbie and Carl." She went to sit in front of them, since they were sitting on the couch. "I'm so sorry if I hurt you. See, I love you so much. Please, let me be your mommy again." They hugged her and I smacked my head against the wall, swiping away the tears on my face.
Fiona walked past us. "You know what? You're right. You are their mother. And you're here, now. So, I'm done. I'm done with the school and the bills and the clinics."
I shook my head. "Fiona, please-" I didn't beg for anything. Ever.
Fiona raised her hands higher, not looking at me, but saying. "It's fine, I'm done. They're all your now, Mom. Good luck."
She left and I couldn't believe it.
She left and it was because of Monica.
