A New Gallagher

Chapter 3

Getting in Trouble

Gallagher Ages: Fiona: 18, Lip: 14, Ian: 13, Max: 10, Debbie: 6, Carl: 5. Liam isn't born yet. As this takes place 3 years before the Pilot.

It's been a couple more weeks since I lived with the family I never met, my Dad's family. It was strange to have a bunch of new brothers and sisters. Fiona had gotten me an airbed, so I was sleeping in Debbie's room. She's a cool kid, a very talkative 6 year old, but nice. Carl was fun to hang with too. Ian was really nice too, he tried to help me out when he could. Fiona was also like that, she was very busy, but wanted to make sure I was okay or to see if I needed anything. Lip was even getting a bit nicer. Monica kept to herself, she had some strange mood swings. Sometimes she was happy, angry or depressed. Frank/Dad was weird, he didn't really talk to me or see me, but he treated my siblings the same. It figures that my Dad was going to be crappy. He just drank a lot. Not something that is new to me.

It was different than what I used to, but it was embarrassing to admit it gave me a warm feeling. I missed my Mom, but I have to admit, living here was easier.

I came downstairs with a yawn to see Fiona making a crapload of scrambled eggs on the stove. That was another thing to get used to, having someone cook for me. It was either her, Ian or ever Lip. It was nice. Carl and Debbie were at the table. "Hey, Debs, Carl, Fiona."

Fiona turned. "Hey, kid. Grab a seat."

Debbie waved at me, smiling brightly. "Hey, Max!" Carl sent me a wide grin. I took a seat next to Debbie. I yawned, still tired. I did some pickpocketing yesterday. I usually take a couple days between pickpocketing. It's better to wait every couple of days. I didn't want them to know, it was embarrassing and I didn't know how they would react. I didn't want to deal with the fallout.

I ate the eggs that were in front of me. I saw Debbie and Carl eating too. I heard stomping on the steps and felt a hand mess up my hair. I looked up to see Ian grinning at me as he sat down, greeting the rest of his siblings with a beaming smile. I smiled back, drinking the milk in front of me.

Fiona said. "Okay, it's Saturday, but I have to go to work. Lip and Ian, watch out for the kids." I didn't notice, but Lip came from the living room. I could hear the t.v playing. Ian gave a mock salute. "Got it."

Lip smirked, grabbing some eggs for himself. "Yes, sir."

Fiona shoved his shoulder. "Okay, smartass."

Soon, Fiona left and came back in work clothes. She had two jobs. One in the mornings and one at night. She worked a lot. That's why Lip and Ian usually watched after us. I told her I was 10 and could take care of myself, but she didn't listen.

Fiona left and I finished my eggs, taking my plate to the sink. I washed it, setting it aside. I didn't want anyone to say anything. I went into the living room and sat on the couch, seeing a cartoon. I think it was some t.v show I didn't know about. I saw Debbie come in. "Hey, wanna play?"

I shrugged. "Sure."

It was late, I was laying down and couldn't sleep. Fiona wasn't home yet and Lip went somewhere, leaving Ian in charge of us. Frank and Monica went somewhere too.

I got up and went outside, sitting on the porch bench, swinging my feet since they didn't reach the floor. I was thinking about this whole situation. It's been a little over a month since I was taken from New York and brought to Chicago. I hope she was okay. She had to be looking for me. I shook my head. She was looking for me. That lady was just a bitch. It's just finding me in a different state is hard. She-

"Max?"

I looked up to see Fiona walked over. I said. "Hey, Fiona."

She climbed up the steps. "What are you doin' out here so late?"

I shrugged, avoiding her eyes. I barely known her that long, but I feel like she can see through me. I've seen the way she is with the others too. "Not tired."

Fiona said. "Well, c'mon, Time for bed."

I sighed as she tugged me out of my seat and pushed me toward the door. "You're gonna sleep in all day." I didn't like people touching me normally, but I didn't mind with them. Unless it's Lip, he still makes me nervous. She ruffled my hair as I walked toward the stairs. "Night."

"Night, kid."

I waved a hand behind me, saying again. "Night."

I went up the stairs, turning back and made a face at what I saw.

Fiona was standing there with an expectant look with her arms crossed. I could see the amused smirk on her face. "I wasn't born yesterday, kiddo."

I flushed a bit, going up the stairs and quietly opening the door. Debbie was on her bed, sleeping. I went to the air mattress. It had a sheet, a blanket and a pillow. That was more than I had most of the time, unless you count the smelly stuff in the motels me and Mom stayed in. Sometimes it got so gross I would strip the bed as much as I could, if the mattress wasn't too bad.

I decided today was going to be pickpocketing day. I had given them about 60 bucks in their fund, spread out while I was here and I was happy to know they had no idea. Fiona had no idea what I did when I went for walks and I dodged Debbie when she asked to come with me.

I went into the kitchen, going to make some toast. I jumped, not realizing Monica was in the kitchen.

"Hey, Maxie."

I felt my face furrow into a scowl, but then I nodded at her. Didn't want to piss her off. "Hey...Mrs. Gallagher."

She smiled at me. "You can me Monica."

I nodded. "...Ok."

I went to make my toast by putting it in the toaster. I groaned when it didn't go down. I smacked it on the side and heard the ticking. I grinned.

"Oh, you got the hang of it?"

I watched Ian come down the stairs. "Yeah, thanks for showin' me."

Monica turned to him. "Good morning sweetie."

Ian smiled at her. "Hi Mom."

I swallowed and looked away, suddenly missing my own mom. I jumped as the toast came up. Ian laughed at my reaction. "Jumpy much?"

I huffed, grabbing the bread and spreading some butter on it. "Shut up." He snickered. Lip jumped down the stairs, nodding at his mom and Ian, glancing at me for a moment before giving me a nod. I hid my grin. I went to the couch and ate my toast. Fiona was out working, but she was getting out early. Carl and Debbie were still upstairs and Frank/Dad was somewhere. Debbie and Carl sat with me.

The door opened and I looked over. It was Fiona. "Hey guys."

We called back. "Hey, Fiona!"

She pointed behind her. "I brought Kev and V with me." She pointed out each one to me. Kev was the guy and V was the woman.

I stiffened and looked over. I didn't know them. It was a tall guy with long hair and a smile on his face. There was also a woman that looked to be Fiona's age with dark skin and long hair, sending us a wave. She said. "Is this the new little sister?"

I felt my shoulders hunch a bit. "Hi."

Fiona sent me a grin, ruffling a hand through my hair. I felt myself relax a little. "Yeah, this is Max."

Kev sent me a smile, waving. I awkwardly waved back, feeling my ears burn at the awkwardness of the situation.

"Shit, she looks like a mini Frank."

Fiona laughed. "Yeah, that's what made me believe it."

Everyone was sitting at the dinner table and I was sitting there too. I noticed it was almost dark. I said. "Hey, Fiona?"

She was talking wit Kev and V about something. She looked at me. "Yeah, kid?"

"Can I go out for a bit."

She looked outside. "It's gettin' kinda late..."

I said. "I won't be long."

Lip asked. "Why do you want to go?"

I shrugged, not looking at him. "Nothin'. Just wanted to walk around."

Fiona waved a hand. "Fine, but be back soon."

"Okay. Thanks." I left before she could change her mind.

It was about a hour when I came back, the sky was pretty much dark. I actually got a pretty good haul this time. Maybe because it's late. I don't know, but I made about 50 bucks. I opened the door and jumped when I saw Fiona standing there in the Living Room, her arms crossed over her chest and staring at the door. I tilted my head a little, confused. "Hi..." I looked around. I heard people talking in the kitchen. I couldn't see anyone around here.

"Where were you?"

I frowned at her face. She looked mad. "Are you mad?"

She looked exasperated. "No! How about worried?! It's late and you're just wandering around. Something could happen to you."

I stared at her. I was shocked, not knowing what to reply with. I was so lost. No one has ever...she's barely known me and she's worried like I was one of her actual siblings. I couldn't help, but smile. "Oh."

"And now you're smiling? Jeez, kid. You're ten years old, you can't go wandering around this late."

I nodded, beyond surprised, but happy about it. It was a weird feeling. "I'm sorry."

She looked me off, and then nodded. "Okay, alright. Next time, you're gonna be in trouble. Got it?"

I nodded back. "Got it."

She pulled me by the shoulder toward the kitchen. "C'mon. Eat something, you gotta be starving." I followed her. I felt like I could trust her and I never trusted this early. Family or not.

Carl and Debbie were not in the kitchen, but Lip and Ian were. There was talking about something, I think it was about someone they knew. Frank and Monica were also somewhere. Fiona made a plate of pasta, telling them. "I'm gonna be with V and Kev next door. You need anything, come get me."

Lip nodded. "Yeah, sure."

Ian smiled at her. "No problem, Fi."

She handed me the food and I nodded. "Thanks, Fiona."

"Sure, Kid. Behave, alright?"

I nodded. "I will." I didn't go out of my way to get in trouble.

I started eating as Fiona left. I felt someone watching me. I felt my shoulders twitch and figured out who it was. I looked up and saw it was Lip. I was right. His eyes were squinted at me and he was scowling. "Where did you go?"

Ian sighed. "Lip..."

Lip shook his head, looking annoyed. "No, where the hell are you running off to?"

I couldn't help, but be annoyed. "Just walkin', is that a crime?"

Lip was starting to look mad, and I prepared to run off. Ian got up and raised his hands. "Wait, just calm down. Max, you done eating?"

I noticed my plate was empty. "Yeah."

"Why don't you go to bed?"

Lip snapped. "Ian!"

I nodded and left, listening to them argue with each other.

I was late when I woke up. It had to be the middle of the night. I made sure my money was in my pocket. I walked down the stairs quietly, making sure nothing squeaked. I went down the stairs and climbed onto the counter, grabbing the fund where there hidden money was after looking around. I grabbed the 35 out of the 50 bucks I made today and shoved it in there. I put it back, shutting the cabinet door.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

I yelped, banging my knee on the corner and falling on my back. I stared at Lip with wide eyes. He was furious. His jaw was tight, eyes angry and his fists were clenched. "I-uh, I was-" I could spit it out. I felt frozen, my breath was caught in my chest. My knee was throbbing.

"Is that what you're doing? Stealing from us?!"

I felt angry at being accused, especially since I was taking my time to steal on my own and sneak them the money. "What the hell? Of course not."

He walked or more like stomped over, his face twisting. "Then what the hell was that, you little shit?!"

I scrambled to my feet, walking backwards and away from him. I was feeling fear. He was going to kick my teeth in and I couldn't even explain. I didn't even think he would believe me, he was so pissed. "No, I-"

"Dammit, I knew Fiona should've listened to me when I told her to kick you out."

I swallowed, feeling hurt even if I knew Lip already didn't like me that much.

"Hey, what's going on? Your gonna wake up Carl and Debbie and Max-wait you're up?"

I didn't look at him, I kept my eyes on Lip for any sudden moves. He was 14 and lanky looking, but I was only 10 and more stick looking due to not eating much before I came here. I was getting worried for myself. This is why I don't do good things.

"Yeah she is and the punk is stealing from us!"

Ian sounded concerned. "Is that true?"

I shook my head quickly. "No!"

Lip turned to Ian. "She's lyin-hey!" I darted past Ian and went to the back door, cursing as the same hurting knee smacked into one of the stairs on my way down, falling on the last couple steps. I heard yells from the door, but I booked it, running down the street and trying to find somewhere to hide out.

Ian watched Lip, who was cursing and pacing back and forth. Mostly, he was cursing their new sister. "That little shit! I knew it! Dammit, who knows how much money she took?! Fuck!"

Ian asked. "Hey, man, what happened?"

Lip stopped and scowled, glaring at the back door. "She was looking in the Rainy Day Fund."

Ian eyed widened. "Are you sure? I didn't think Max would do that."

"She did!"

Ian walked over to the Rainy Fund and started counting it quickly, feeling his fingers trembling a bit nervously. They needed this money. He counted as Lip paced, cursing some more and tugging at his curly hair every once in a while, gritting his teeth. Ian froze in confusion. Recounting the money. "Didn't you say we had about 200?"

Lip stopped and sighed. "Yeah, how bad is it?"

Ian said slowly, realizing something bad. "230. I-I think Max was putting money into it."

Lip walked over, feeling a sudden worry for flipping out. He counted it three times before he threw a hand over his face. "Fuck!"

Ian sent him a look. "You lost your temper again." Lip groaned, throwing himself in his chair. Ian asked. "Get Fiona?"

Lip grimaced, knowing Fiona was going to flip out on him and felt guilty for the kid, she was out at 4 in the morning in the middle of the night. He wanted to search for her. He nodded, knowing he deserved it. "Get Fiona."

When Ian woke up Fiona at Kev and V's house, Lip sat on the couch and waited. Someone had to stay with the kids. Fiona opened the door. "Lip, what the hell did you do?" He got up with another sigh, Ian quietly coming behind her.

Lip raised his hands. "Look I didn't even know."

Fiona groaned, rubbing her forehead. "Shit. Okay. Ian, stay here with Debs and Carl. Me and Lip will look for Max." Fiona walked back out the door.

Ian sent his older brother a worried look. "Find her. I don't want her to get hurt."

Lip nodded. "Yeah, we will." He ruffled Ian's bright red hair, smirking when his younger brother ducked away. He followed Fiona outside, knowing she was going to give him the riot act.

Fiona was glaring at him, he rolled his eyes as he walked with her, looking for her. "Alright, start yellin'."

She smacked him over the head. "No shit I'm gonna start yelling. Jeez, Lip! She's ten years old! You've been pissed at her since she got here."

Lip cursed, rubbing the back of his head. "Shit, I know, but I didn't even want her here!"

"Where else did you expect her to go? She's just 10 years old and our sister."

Lip and Fiona turned a corner. "What did you expect me to do?!"

"Oh, I don't know?! Be her older brother!"

Whatever Lip was going to say was stopped. In a way, Fiona was right. He didn't ask for a new kid sister to be responsible for, but the fact was, she was his sister. And she was so scared of him, that she ran off.

He needed to find her. "I got it, Fiona. Let's find our sister."

Lip was looking around the streets so he didn't see the smile aimed at him. She knew her little brother would eventually come around. The Gallagher's would do anything for family, even the new ones.

I wandered around, seeing the sky about to a bit lighter. It was better than wandering around this late. It was making me feel a but nervous, but I did my best to ignore it. I hated not bringing a jacket since it was early March, and it was cold. Had to be about 50 degrees out here. I rubbed my arms with a shiver and continued to walk around. I didn't even know where I was going to go. Maybe head back to New York. Try to hide on a train or something. Find my Mom.

I heard voices. "Max! Hey, Max!"

My head darted up. That was Fiona.

"Yo, Max, hey, where you at?"

I flinched a bit, that was Lip. I hid in the alleyway, watching them walk down the street and call out for me. It made me feel a little light in my chest. Even Lip, though maybe he was trying to get at me.

"Shit, are we even going to find her?"

I heard Fiona a sigh of frustration. "I don't know, Lip. She could be anywhere." I could hear the worry in her tone.

I shuffled forward, but couldn't hide before Lip could see me. "Shit, look!"

Shit, I wasn't ready for that.

I stumbled backward in the alley, tripping over garbage and landing on my back. I was really getting annoyed at falling over today. I scrambled backward, but saw Fiona and Lip.

Fiona came over quickly. "Shit, Max, you okay?"

I nodded slowly. "Yeah..." She grabbed me under my arms and pulled me to my feet. Her hands were tight on my shoulders, squeezing them and looking me over. "Max, are you sure you're okay?"

I nodded again. "Mm-hm."

She shook my shoulders a bit. "Then what's wrong with you?! Do you know how late it is? Anything could of happened to you."

I glanced at Lip, expecting to see him pissed off, but he had his arms crossed, but he wasn't looking mad.

Fiona let out a deep breath. "Yeah, I know you got into it with Lip, but we're gonna talk about the pickpocketing thing later." Surprising me, Fiona pulled me into a tight hug, my face pushed into her shoulder. I brought my arms around her and hugged back, feeling my shoulders relax. It was relieving not to have to run away. Though I worried about how Lip would react. I then remembered what she said.

I moved away and protested. "Wait, I know you need-"

Fiona stopped me, smiling and ruffling my hair. She did that a lot. "I know and thanks. You have to be careful not to get caught."

I snorted. "I never get caught." I heard Lip made a laugh from behind Fiona. I glanced over at him and he was giving me a smirk. I gave him a hesitant smile back.

Fiona raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh."

I huffed as she got to her feet. "I mean it."

Fiona pulled me out of the alley. "Yeah, just like I mean about not leaving this late. I don't care. If one of our siblings make you mad or something, just go in your room. So much bad shit can happen to you out here."

Fiona looked at Lip and walked ahead, so it was just the two of us awkwardly walking next to each other. I shoved my hands in my pockets and hunched over, shivering. I forced my teeth not to chatter.

"You cold?"

I took up, Lip was giving me a look, his expression strange. "...Just a little."

I started walking again, yelping when something fell on my head. "Hey! What the-" I complained as I pulled it off to see Lip's jacket. It was still warm. "Don't ya need it?"

He wrinkled his nose, shrugging. "Nah, you use it, you're cold."

I hesitated, but pulled it over. It was huge on me, coming down to below my knees with the sleeves going past my fingers. It had a strong smell of cigarette smoke and sweat, but I melted into it. "Thanks, Lip."

He shrugged again. "Whatever, it's what brothers do anyway."

His words caused me to grin. He noticed. He sighed deeply and scratched the side of his nose. "Hey, Kid. Sorry about before."

I looked away. "It's okay..." I mean I was freaked out, but it could've been worse.

"It's not, but thanks." I flinched in surprise as he hand messed up my already messy hair. "I'm your older brother, so I'll watch out for you too. Got that?"

"Yeah."

Fiona called. "You too gonna hurry up?"

Lip pushed me forward by the shoulders. "C'mon, let's go before loud mouth wakes up the whole city."

I snickered, grinning. Fiona could be pretty loud.

"I heard that, smartass!"

"Good, you were meant to!"

I laughed some more.

It wasn't perfect, but after that Lip acted differently. He was still annoying, but he treated me like the rest of them. I guess that's what it means to have a older brother. It wasn't too bad.

On the down side, Fiona did tell me to stop pickpocketing people unless of them were with me. She did tell me the next time I ran off, especially that late, I would be in trouble as I was warned enough. Funny enough, I wasn't scared, but still didn't want to get in trouble again.

They were my family.

I didn't hear anything from my Mom in the year I've been here. I figured she couldn't find me. When I told Lip that, he made a face. I protested his reaction, but Fiona stopped him from saying anything else. I know she was messed up, she wasn't like "normal" mom's, but she had to be looking. I know she was.

I just had to wait for her to find me. I would stay with the Gallagher's. They were my family too.