Katy: Thanks for the awesome first review! And thanks for the tip – I hate writing in first person and I definitely hate writing in present tense (but somehow I still seem to slip up). But thanks again and I hope you enjoy!

PadfootCc: thank you! Hope you enjoy!

Author's Note: I wanted the first chapter to be in first point of view (Amy's) but now I will continue writing in third person as to show different perspectives in the story as well.

X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.

Chapter Two: The Best News

If Murphy or Connor had ever involved themselves with a woman for a single night, they were careful to text Amy to scope out McGinty's to make sure the particular woman (or women) was not there searching for either twin. If the "coast was clear" (as Connor would say) the MacManus brothers would soon be at the bar.

It hurt Amy to realize that Murphy was trying to avoid her. Murphy and Connor too had not come to the bar since Amy's birthday – or at least they had come to the bar during times Amy was at school. There was a desire to text Murphy, just to apologize and explain, but her hand always shut the cell phone before she did anything (she might regret).

The eighteen-year-old brunette was sitting in her senior literature class. It was the last class of the day; Amy knew that as soon as it was two o'clock her ass was out the door. She had heard that Piper McMillan had received her letter from Northwestern yesterday. The poor girl had cried when she called Amy, informing the anxious teenager that she had been rejected. Piper's whimpering over the phone didn't help Amy's nerves at all. If Piper had received her letter yesterday then it meant Amy would be getting hers too? Soon?

C'mon… Amy thought anxiously. She hated staring at the clock. I just want to get out of here… There was a tradition that if parents had received acceptance letters during the day when their kids were in school, they would come by the school, notify the front office, and that special boy or girl would hear their name announced overhead. That boy or girl would disappear from their classroom desk and speed down the hall … They were the lucky ones. They were the ones that received the best piece of news all day (and probably all week).

Doc was always busy during the day since a lot of people tended to hang around McGinty's at noon. Even if Doc could remember to check the mail, he didn't care to sort through it – that was Amy's job.

Her long, slender fingers were tapping the desk impatiently. Her boyfriend Eric, sitting behind her, laughed. His hand reached over to massage her shoulder in a comforting way. Amy didn't want to reveal that his helpfulness was actually annoying. She realized the boy she had been in a relationship since freshmen year was finally getting on her nerves. Amy knew the reason why Eric seemed to be more of a nuisance recently – it was his desire to go to an Illinois school just to be with Amy. And Eric had already received his acceptance letter.

X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.

Connor and Murphy tugged at their black pea coats against the chilly wind. A cigarette lit in their hands, the men crossed the road toward McGinty's.

Unaware of what had happened between Murphy and Amy on her birthday, Connor had no problem stopping by the bar for a quick drink before work. Murphy knew that Amy would be getting out of school soon, but he was tired of not seeing her. In fact, Murphy had missed her. Shift changes had to be made at work and Murphy and Connor were now working evenings instead of the mornings.

Murphy had a dozen reasons why it was wrong: She was in high school. Just turned eighteen. Doc's niece. Going off to college soon. Too young. Already got a boyfriend…

Amy wasn't necessarily his type either. Murphy and Connor both tended to go after the "scandalous" women. Nothing permanent. Just good ol' fun then move on. Murphy had always believed that his brother was more of the type to settle down one day. The dark-haired twin couldn't picture himself a "family man."

The men entered McGinty's for their usual drink. There were a few men there too, discussing the neighborhood and some nearby "business" goings-on.

X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.

Amy was running through the streets of Boston as if she were running for her life. Her dark hair blew against the wind and the cold air didn't affect her. Her feet hit the pavement harder each time.

Her eyes found McGinty's and the mailbox sitting right next to the main door.

X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.

Connor was making fun of Doc when the door swung open and a few leaves from the outside found their way in. The door slamming surprised everyone and each man waited for the figure to step inside.

"What tha fuck?" Connor asked aloud.

Amy suddenly ran inside. She instantly dropped her school bag by the door and stumbled to get to the stairs that led to the apartment.

Everyone noticed the large, white envelope nestled beneath her arms. She was hugging the large envelope and suddenly everyone in the bar understood what it was.

"Amy-" Murphy started, but the call of her name didn't stop Amy.

She did, however, pause on the steps and stared at Doc. The old man's mouth was open but nothing came out. No "fuck" or "ass"… just silence.

"I'm uh…" Amy stumbled with her words. "I'm going to… open this… upstairs… then…" She stared at the envelope again as if to make sure it was still in her arms. "I'll be right back."

She ran back up the stairs and disappeared.

Murphy and Connor were both out of their stools now – not sure whether to pace or run up the stairs.

Doc used a bar rag to wipe his sweaty forehead.

Amy screamed from above. It was a shrill, happy scream. The men could hear her jumping up and down repeatedly. Murphy and Connor were suddenly laughing and screaming too.

The girl reappeared from the apartment. She skipped down the steps and ran behind the bar. Throwing herself in Doc's arm and showing him the letter, Amy waited with tearful eyes for Doc to say something.

He read the letter. His eyes lit up and soon tears were forming too. Doc looked down at Amy, lifted her in his weak arms, and spun her around.

The entire bar was filled with excitement.

"She got in! She got in! FUCK! ASS! She got in!" Doc screamed.

Amy was tugged at from the other side of the bar. It was Connor – he was reaching for her and when Amy reached for him he had lifted her over the counter. He hugged her and congratulated her over and over again. His hearty laugh brought more tears to Amy's eyes.

There was excitement and joy in Amy's eyes and face and when she finally found Murphy her happiness seemed to be amplified. She jumped into his arms and felt Murphy's chin dig into her shoulder. He was laughing and somewhat jumping up and down. Murphy lifted Amy in his arms, like a child, and spun around.

X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.

Within hours the bar was filled with Amy's high school friends and their parents. The regulars were there too and they had even brought their children. There was excitement in the air as if it were Saint Patrick's Day.

Each parent had a drink, each high school student had a Coke, and the children were sitting in the bar's booths eating leftover Halloween candy. Some of the guys – including Rocco – had found old decorations in the storage from last year's Thanksgiving, Saint Patty's Day, and Christmas. The different types of holiday decorations went well with the already green bar. Adding the holiday spirit jump-started the party and the celebration in honor of Amy Jensen.

Eric's mother had made a banner before she arrived – it read in bold, purple letters: FUTURE NORTHWESTERN GRADUATE.

People had brought flowers and balloons and, if it hadn't been for Mrs. Beacon's sign, no one could be completely sure of what occasion was being celebrated.

Amy was forced to sit on a stool in the center of the bar. People were giving their individual toasts and congratulations. The embarrassment was obvious but everyone in the room cared too much to show how proud they were of the young woman.

After a couple of hours had passed somewhat drunk and sober parents left with their children. A few of the high school friends left with promises of doing special, individual celebrations. Eric left with his parents and the boyfriend promised Amy he was going to get online immediately and buy her Northwestern merchandise. Before he left Eric and his father had unloaded Amy's birthday gifts.

The bar was still pretty full up until the evening. Amy didn't get a chance to say bye to Connor and Murphy as they left for work. However Connor had left a text reading: We'll be by tonight at eleven. Congratulations, love.

X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.

Amy noticed Doc wasn't behind the bar counter. One of the waitresses named Elena informed Amy that her uncle was upstairs.

She went upstairs and Amy took the time to slowly breathe in. She had been lost in the excitement since Amy had opened the Northwestern letter.

Doc's voice was heard above; it sounded as if he were on the phone.

The teenager realized that Doc was leaving a voicemail for her parents.

He ended the call with, "She'd pr-probably like to hear from ye. Aimes is pretty ex-c-c-cited. Love you Samantha. Good dey, Hank."

When Doc placed the phone down he turned around and stared at Amy.

"You called them?" Amy asked.

"Had ta love," Doc grinned.

"I know, Doc."

Amy approached the old man on the couch. She sat down beside him, nestled into his side, and Amy placed her cheek against Doc's shoulder.

"Thank you," Amy whispered.

"For what, love?"

Her dark green eyes met the old man's. "You raised me. Gave me a good home. A good life. You're the reason I got in."

"And Mother Mary," Doc reminded. He rubbed his niece's shoulder warmly.

Sitting up in the couch Indian style, Amy looked intently at the man. "Uncle…" Amy was pushing back the tears. "You are the most wonderful man in my life." She smiled and pressed her lips tight together. She released a breath and continued: "I suddenly realize that soon… in the summer… I'll probably have to go. And…" There was no use in holding onto her pride. Amy wept terribly into her uncle's arms. Doc was crying too. He did release a "Fuck!" or two. The "Ass!" came later.

Amy looked back up. "Thank you so much. For loving me. And for being this incredible person. I… I'm really going to miss you when the ti-time comes to leave."

"Now now, you leave da stutterin' to me," Doc wiped his nose with a handkerchief. "You are the great one here. You're going ta go off to a good school. Make a good life for yo'self. I love you dearie. And you'll always have a home here."

X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.

It was close to eleven-thirty when Amy was sitting on the roof. Doc never approved of this manner but he couldn't necessarily control the girl. She stared up at the stars and tried to count all of them.

Northwestern was her dream and she had achieved it. Amy hadn't been sure why Chicago seemed like such an ideal place to live. She had researched colleges in the eighth grade and somehow Amy had picked Northwestern as her first choice. Her interests lied with many things: Art History, Theatre History, Film Studies, Communications, Journalism…

The school had a lot to offer and Amy knew she had the opportunity to explore different subjects. Financially Amy knew that her father would keep his promise in paying for her schooling up to six years. He may not have wanted a daughter, but Hank Jensen wanted his name to stand for something. In a phone call he had once asked Amy if she considered a doctorate program. Not even sure what career she wanted to pursue, Amy told him she'd probably do one. She lied. She wasn't trying to impress the man but she didn't want to give him any more reason to hold a grudge against her.

The idea of leaving Boston hurt. She would leave all her friends and her familiar home. Most importantly she was leaving McGinty's and Doc.

Doc always said he had kept the bar running because he had wanted to provide a good home for Amy. The young woman understood that some of the Russian mobsters in town had their eyes on McGinty's. It was common for small businesses to be taken. The Russians generally stayed away but somehow they had found their way to Doc's business. Amy hadn't heard any news of them – Doc did his best to keep Amy out of the loop. What if I leave and the Russians come?

The cold didn't bother her. She hugged her knees close to her chest and the maroon tanktop Amy wore did just fine in keeping her comfortable.

But she felt the weight of a heavy black coat around her shoulders. Amy looked up and realized that Connor had joined her on the roof.

He carefully sat beside her and revealed an old-looking green plan in his hand. "Mistletoe," Connor grinned. "Found it inside da bar. Shall we?"

Amy laughed and leaned in for Connor to kiss her forehead. He wrapped his arm around her with the mistletoe still in his hand. Amy took it from him and played with it carefully. Connor took his chance to light a cigarette.

Amy didn't care for cigarettes or alcohol but the way it smelled on the MacManus brothers was intoxicating.

"How was work?"

"Shit," Connor laughed. He took a long drag of his cigarette and blew the smoke away from Amy. "Enjoy the party?"

"Glad people could get drunk in my name," Amy giggled. "Where's Murph?"

"Down havin' a drink with Rocco. He'll be up in a minute. Ya shouldn't be up here lass, gonna catch a cold."

"I'm okay."

"Doc said he was gonna let you skip school tomorrow. Dig in ta that fancy savings account of yers. Go shopping. Do girly things."

"I don't want to skip," Amy shook her head and laughed. "Now more than ever do I need to keep my grades up."

"Oh c'mon Amy, fuck it." Connor blew smoke out of the corner of his mouth. "Take at least one day off. "Tomorrow's Friday the thirteenth. You won't be missin' much outa school. Relax. Start the weekend early."

Amy nodded slowly. "Maybe."

"Promise you'll consider it."

"Promise."

Connor nudged Amy's shoulder. "Good girl."

Amy looked down and stared at her rosary. She lifted the cross in her fingers and stared at Connor. "Thanks again Connor. I love this."

"Looks beautiful on ya," Connor smiled. "Something to rememba us by when you leave for Chicago. When do you expect to leave?"

She shrugged awkwardly. "I don't want to think about that too soon."

"Gotcha," Connor nodded. He threw the finished cigarette off the roof. Stretching, Connor rose and made his way toward the apartment opening.

"You comin' in soon love?"

"In a bit. I haven't finished counting the stars."

X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.

Amy was crawling back through the apartment's opening – the bathroom window – to escape the now freezing atmosphere.

Her foot was gently placed on the toilet seat when she came down. When Amy turned she found Murphy holding his hand out to her.

"Need a hand?" he asked with a sly grin.

Accepting his hand Amy hopped down onto the bathroom floor. The two walked out together and sat down on the living room couch. Amy removed Connor's coat and tossed it on the couch's arm.

She was still holding the mistletoe in her hand. Amy blushed when she noticed Murphy eyeing it curiously.

"Connor," Amy explained. She looked into Murphy's unsure face. He had no idea what to say.

"Well I'll go first." Amy exhaled. "Sorry Murphy. First time being drunk kind of led me to do a big, stupid thing."

"It's alright love," Murphy wrapped his arm around the girl. "I did a lot worse with my first drunk'd night. Woke up naked in a farmer's barn the next mornin'."

"Well I'm glad that nakedness wasn't part of the evening," Amy laughed. Murphy laughed with her.

The two sat quietly for a few seconds. Feeling comfortable now, Amy relaxed her legs on the couch and found herself leaning into Murphy's side. She rested her head on his chest as Murphy slumped back in the couch. He traced circles on Amy's back and Murphy was humming something.

"You're not bad of a kisser, actually."

"Murphy!" Amy's face grew red. She sat up instantly and stared at Murphy wide-eyed.

"Sorry love," Murphy laughed. He raised his arms in defense. "Jus' tryin' to lighten the mood."

"I already feel like an ass, you're not helping."

"Awe. Did I make the high school girl feel like an ass?" Murphy teased.

The high school reminder infuriated Amy. She turned the anger into a more playful mood. Amy sprung toward Murphy and felt his hands grab at her waist. She struggled to reach for his face but Amy had to grab hold of his sides to keep from falling off.

They fell off the couch anyway.

Amy was on her back while Murphy landed on his side. He continued to wrestle with her for a moment and Amy fought her way on top.

"Mercy?" Amy called.

"Never," the Irishman winked. He sat up quickly to hold Amy's arms behind her back. "Whatcha goin' ta' do now love-"

Her lips were on his. Amy didn't waste a moment in her struggle. She wanted to feel his lips as much as could before he pushed her away. Murphy's hands were placed on the small of her back. To her luck, Amy found that Murphy wasn't resisting this time. The stubble of his chin scratched against her neck as Murphy kissed her jawbone. Her head tilted back and Amy was aware she had never felt this kind of raw, sexual feeling. She had only kissed one other boy and he couldn't compare to this.

Amy found his lips again and her tongue slid easily in between his teeth. Their tongues glided beside one another – almost dancing – and Amy took the time to lick his tongue and even bite his lip. She could hear a noise growing in Murphy's throat. A moan? But he wouldn't dare let it escape.

Murphy shifted the young woman in his lap and reached around her neck. He wanted a tighter grip of her and Amy let him.

"Murphy…" Amy whispered. She had finally taken her chance to take a breath. They were breathing slowly and Murphy's eyes were staring up into Amy's.

She wasn't sure what to say. Amy reached to touch Murphy's face and her thumb traced his lips.

His hand reached up to push away a strand of hair. He tucked the strand behind her ear and leaned back on both arms. Amy's hands were still resting on Murphy's chest.

"I'm not sure…" Amy started slowly. "I'm not sure what this is. What I'm doing… I just…"

Murphy nodded. "Tryin' ta figure it out myself Amy."

Amy began to stand up and Murphy followed. Standing close together Amy stuck her hands in the back-pockets of her jeans. This motion allowed Amy to keep her hands off the man.

"Amy…" Murphy whispered gently. He took Amy's hands into his own. "This can't… this can't be right." He narrowed his eyes at her as if to make sure she understood. "I'm older. You're… you're still just in high school…"

"And in less than seven months I'm a high school graduate. And in August I'm a college student," Amy fought back. "The age thing isn't that big of a deal."

"It is to Doc," Murphy reassured. "And to me too."

"Really, Murphy?" It was Amy's turn to narrow her eyes at him. "Is it that big of a difference? I've seen you with older women… younger women… we know each other, Murph, and all I know is that…" She gulped. "I just know that… I like you. And I really like kissing you – and it's not a phase so don't think that – and I know you've been flirting with me since I was seventeen-"

"Amy," Murphy warned. His voice was a lot more authoritative. "We need to stop this. I can't… I can't seem to control myself."

"Sounds good to me." Amy laughed. But Murphy wasn't laughing with her this time.

"It's fine," Amy suddenly said. She grabbed Connor's coat and made her way to the stairs. "Whatever."

She trotted down the stairs and Murphy could hear her laughing with Doc and Connor. Murphy rubbed his chin and sat back down on the couch. His eyes glazed over the mistletoe on the floor.

X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.

Author's Note: Hope everyone's enjoying! Reviews much appreciated!