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RECAP

It was night in the alley outside of Kash and Grab.

Ian was firing the gun at the Nascar racer cut out, before looking ahead at you. "This is what you missed last time on Worlds Colliding (Shameless). Well, just read. You'll get it."

(Song:) Breakout - Izler

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", in the back of Kash and Grab, Kash looked in through the window on the door, shocked and betrayed to see Ian having sex with Mickey.

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", in Kash and Grab, Kash took out the gun, aiming it at Mickey.

Ian stormed out of the back. "What are you doing?"

Kash shot Mickey in the leg, making him fall to the ground in shock and pain.

Ian knelt next to Mickey to help with his wound.

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", in the Gallagher house, Debbie looked at Fiona, crying. "You'll be living with Steve in that house he bought across the street."

From 1.08 "It's Time to Kill the Turtle", in the middle of nowhere, when Domingo and Emilio threatened to kill Kimberly and JJ if they didn't do as they said, holding them at gunpoint.

JJ opened the container and poured the other powder into the mixture, instantly backing away toward Kimberly.

JJ: (voice over from 1.09 Can't Hide From Family Lines) "Thank you, drug dealers, for getting me and my best friend involved in cooking meth and selling drugs."

The concoction JJ had just made did a mini explosion of fire that burned the Emilio and Domingo and knocked them both down, giving JJ and Kimberly time to run out of the RV.

JJ: (voice over from 1.09 Can't Hide From Family Lines) "And putting our lives in danger and making us do something that we don't even wanna do."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", in the Fisher Old House, JJ poured acid into the container all over Emilio's body, waiting for the body to dissolve.

JJ: (voice over from 1.09 Can't Hide From Family Lines) "I always dreamt about melting bodies."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", in the old Milkovich house, Natalia was confronted by Terry and Tristan.

Natalia aimed the gun at Terry. "Stay the fuck away from me."

Tristan pulled out his gun, aiming. "Tell JJ and Kimberly that they still can't go to the cops without getting all three of you, Zia and whoever the hell else put in the damn ground next to Micah Maxfield. But I also hear that the two guys that Rod and Vlad sent in to watch Kimberly and JJ went MIA. If they catch wind, then they'll be back here so fast."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", Running down the street, Natalia pushed against the strong wind that iced her skin, tears burning in her eyes, hearing the gunshots that Terry and Tristan fired, ducking to make sure that she didn't get hit.

Tristan: (voice over from 1.09 Can't Hide From Family Lines) "But why let them have all the fun with taking the three that all of them are so desperate to keep safe? Wanna stop that from happening? Keep JJ paying the goddamn money."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", in Eliana's hotel room, Eliana was explaining to JJ. "I was going to take you away. But Tristan found out what I was planning and called ICE. I thought you were dead, Jeremiah Jordan."

JJ was overwhelmed. "You said that you would agree to sign your rights to me away."

"And I will, if that's what you want," Eliana answered. "I would like to stay around and get to know you."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", in Eliana's hotel, Eliana returned the table. "This looks delicious. Who made it?"

JJ and Kimberly both looked at her in confusion.

"You did, Eliana," Kimberly told her.

Eliana frowned, before nodding. "Of course I did." She raised her glass. "Today is the four year anniversary I was going to take JJ away from his father."

JJ frowned. "That was 14 years ago. Not four."

Eliana took a drink, looking confused, before nodding.

Kimberly looked at JJ. "She's a little kooky, but so what? I like kooky. I mean, I like you, don't I?"

They both realized what Kimberly had said, even on accident, but both of them didn't mind, and just smiled.

JJ nodded. "Back at you."

Kimberly looked at Eliana. "You said that you were in prison for 14 years because of criminal history with your family, and Vincente and Izabel didn't know where you were to get you out, but you refused to give them up. And that your family was at war with other families? Which is why you two had to come here?"

"Yeah," Eliana answered.

"What, is this some mafia bullshit?" JJ asked.

Eliana raised an eyebrow, tilting her head, clasping her hands as she leaned her head against her hands, shrugging. "Well..."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", in the Gallagher kitchen, Zia was more frustrated than she realized, not having felt it, but clearly showed it. "I can't take my meds on an empty stomach, and Fiona goes crazy if I don't take them at the exact same time every day."

"We're just following your doctor's orders," Fiona told her.

Zia looked down. "Okay, well, you'll be happy when you don't have me to worry about anymore."

They all glanced up, worried about the choice of words.

"What does that mean?" Lip asked.

Zia looked up. "When I get better."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", in the Gallagher living room, everyone was there for lunch.

"Monica's over at Sheila's," Debbie told them.

"Who the hell is Monica?" Carson asked.

"Our mother," Kimberly answered.

Zia looked so upset, almost crying. "She didn't even know who I was."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", in the Jackson House, the Gallaghers and Bob were fighting, while Natalia, JJ and Carson were in the Gallagher corner.

Bob looked at Frank. "How about Moni sign whatever the hell it is you need, we get Liam?"

 Frank nodded. "Done."

Fiona glared at Monica. "You don't just get to abandon your kids. And then show up one day to take your pick of the litter!"

Kimberly glared at Frank. "You're just siding with her because you want the money!"

Carl and Debbie both hugged Monica.

Monica wrapped her arms around Zia, and Zia broke down into tears.

Fiona shook her head in disbelief, walking to the door. "You're here now, so I'm done."

From 1.09 "Can't Hide From Family Lines", outside the Jackson house, Zia ran outside. "Fiona!"

Fiona stormed away from the house. "I need a break from all of this. From all of you."

Zia stopped, looking as if her heart broke from hearing those words.

Fiona jogged away down the street, rounding the corner, and disappearing from sight.

In her mind, Micah appeared next to Zia. "You don't want to feel like a burden that they have to keep looking after. A broken little girl that can't take care of herself. They can't be here all the time to save you from yourself. Might as well just make it easier for yourself and take yourself out of the equation."

In reality, Zia was in her sleepwalking trance, walking like a zombie into the road.

The truck driver hurriedly blared his horn, tires squealing as he tried to stop in time.

Micah: (voice over from 1.09 Can't Hide From Family Lines) "You already feel dead inside, so might as well make it official. And they won't have to worry anymore."

Kimberly, Ian and Lip ran frantically, desperately closer.

Ian got there first and grabbed Zia, pulling her up from the ground into his arms, pulling her into safety, diving for the verge, landing on the ground with Zia in his arms.

Zia was finally snapped out of her episode, realizing what just happened, starting to shake and cry, terrified.

Kimberly and Lip ran closer, kneeling next to Ian and Zia, helping the two sit up.

Natalia, JJ, Carson, Carl and Debbie ran closer.

Zia shook her head, sobbing. "I'm sorry. I didn't know what I was..."

Kimberly stroked Zia's hair as calmingly as she could with shaking hands. "Shh, shh. It's okay. We know."

"You were sleepwalking," Lip told her.

JJ nodded, breathless with worry. "You're okay now."

Zia shook her head. "No. I'm not."

Ian was holding Zia comfortingly, as Kimberly, Lip, Carl and Debbie knelt with them in shock and horror, each one holding onto each other. Natalia, Carson and JJ stood with them in absolute shock, all scared of what could have happened, absolutely stunned.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸ Worlds Colliding (Shameless) ⫷⑅⫸

Theme Song: The Luck You Got - The High Strung

In the Gallagher bathroom.

First segment, Frank was sleeping on the floor. Fiona walked in, trying to kick Frank awake, but when that didn't work, she dragged him out of the bathroom so that she could go pee, walking out of the room.

Second segment, Carl walked into the bathroom, climbing up the toilet to sit on the back of it, drinking a soda, before tossing the can down, jumping down to the floor, walking out of the room.

Third segment, Ian was using the bathroom, reading a gay magazine, when Kevin walked in to grab his plaid shirt on the floor. Ian hit his magazine between his legs, looking panicked, watching Kevin walked out of the room.

Fourth segment, Debbie walked into the bathroom, brushing her teeth, before walking out.

Fifth segment, Zia led Liam into the bathroom by his hands, kneeling next to him to wrap toilet paper all around Liam, as both were smiling.

Sixth segment, Kimberly helped an injured JJ into the bathroom, having him sit down on the floor, kneeling down to help him with a broken nose, snapping it back into place, which caused a lot of pain, and treating the rest of his wounds. They both stared at each other.

Seventh segment, Lip walked into the bathroom, looking for his cigarette pack, finding the pack and a lighter. Natalia walked in, sitting on the edge of the tub. Lip lit his cigarette, taking a hit. Natalia held out her hand, so Lip handed her the cigarette, so that Natalia could take a hit. They both walked out of the room.

Eighth segment, Kevin sat on a stool, tilting his head back because of a bleeding nose. Veronica sat next to him, using toilet paper to stuff into his nose to stop the bleeding.

Ninth segment, Debbie was going through Fiona's makeup bag.

Tenth segment, Carl pulled a stuffed animal out of the toilet.

Eleventh segment, Liam dipped his toothbrush into the toilet, brushing his teeth.

Twelfth segment, Lip was peeing into the toilet, while Ian was peeing into the sink.

Thirteenth segment, Zia sat on the floor, making pictures and drawings with a mess of belongings around her.

Fourteenth segment, Kimberly was looking into the mirror, putting makeup on.

Fifteenth segment, Steve backed Fiona into the bathroom, lifting her up to put her on the sink, as they started to have sex.

⫷⑅⫸ Worlds Colliding (Shameless) ⫷⑅⫸

Same Night - Day One

Night - Gallagher House - Living Room

In a worse state because of what happened earlier that night, Zia was sitting on the couch, gazing off at nothing, unblinking, her eyes lifeless. She was a million miles away in space, as if in a trance that she could not pull herself out of. Even when she wasn't in the trance, she seemed not to be able to tell what was going on. She pressed her fingers against her arm, but felt only pressure. She didn't fell anything else that indicated that this was reality. She couldn't tell if she was sleeping or awake. If she was in a dream or a nightmare or in reality.

Kimberly, Debbie, Lip, Ian and Carl made room to sit on the couch or the couch arms also.

Carl gently touched Zia's arm to bring her out of her stupor. "Zia." Zia jumped slightly. Carl felt guilty for scaring her. "It's okay."

Natalia, Carson and JJ sat in the chairs or on the table in front of them, all of them worried.

JJ put a bandage over Zia's arm, over the cast on her left arm from her earlier episode when she scratched her arm so badly she bled. "There we go. All bandaged up."

"Again," Zia muttered.

Carson looked overwhelmed just looking at Zia, empathetic to everything that Zia was feeling, even if the six year old couldn't really feel what she felt herself. "You okay, Zia?"

Zia swallowed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. Or scare anyone. I don't even know how... it happened."

Natalia shook her head. "You don't have to explain. We know, okay? We know you were sleepwalking. You were in one of your episodes, Zia."

"Yeah, you can't control that," Ian agreed.

"It was Micah again, wasn't it?" Debbie asked. "Added with everything that happened the past few days."

Zia nodded sadly. 

Kimberly swallowed. "Do you wanna tell us what Micah said that could've made you start walking? When you didn't know you were walking?"

Zia looked down, guilty, ashamed. "He said I felt dead inside. That I was living on borrowed time. To make it official. So that I don't burden everyone. Since you can't be there to take care of me all the time and save me from myself. Like what almost happened tonight.  He says that I deserve it because I let him die. That all of you would be better off without me."

Carson looked at her sadly. "Micah says that, because you think all those things. Don't you?"

The other kids looked from Carson to Zia, knowing that Carson was right, and that Zia did feel and think those things and Micah's hallucination was only telling her what Zia was already thinking, becoming more worried.

Lip shook her head. "You did not let him die, Zia. And you are not a burden. Do you hear me?"

Zia looked up sadly with tears in her eyes.

Kimberly brushed Zia's cheek as a tear fell down her cheek. "Okay, we will figure this out, together. But don't you ever think that we would be better off without you. Okay? We need to hear you say it, okay?"

Zia nodded shakily, starting to cry. "Okay."

Kimberly wrapped her arms around Debbie and Zia on either side of her, and reached around Zia toward Carl to put her arm around him as well. Debbie and Carl put their arms around Kimberly and Zia in between them. Ian and Lip sat in front of the four siblings so they could embrace them as well.

"We can sleep down here for tonight, if it makes it easier," Ian pointed out softly. "Is that what you kids want?"

Debbie, Zia and Carl nodded.

"Yeah," Debbie and Carl both said.

"Then you got it," Lip told them.

Natalia, JJ and Carson looked at them sadly, all standing to leave, as JJ placed a hand on Carson's shoulder comfortingly, seeing how much she was affected by all of this too.

Zia looked up. "Natalia? JJ? Carson?" Natalia, JJ and Carson turned back. "Can you stay a little more?"

Natalia, JJ and Carson nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, we can stay," JJ answered.

"Of course," Natalia agreed. "Little while more."

Debbie looked at Zia. "Music helped make you happy. Before."

Carl nodded in agreement. "You and Carson. Do you want music?"

Zia nodded, sniffling. "Yeah."

"Okay," Natalia agreed. "I think I got the right song for this."

Kimberly sniffled. "Yeah? We'll follow your lead."

"All you," Lip said softly.

"Yeah," Ian agreed, biting his lip.

Natalia nodded gently, taking Zia's hand in hers, running a thumb over Zia's hand calmingly, careful to avoid the wounds from herself and Barry, starting to sing softly like a lullaby in hopes of calming Zia down and helping her go to sleep. "When she was just a girl / She expected the world / But it flew away from her reach / So she ran away in her sleep / Dreamed of para, para, paradise / Para, para, paradise / Para, para, paradise / Every time she closed her eyes."

Kimberly, Lip and Ian looked at Natalia, JJ and Carson gratefully in appreciation for them helping with this, as Natalia and JJ looked at Kimberly, Lip and Ian sadly in concern, knowing how much pain this was for all the siblings to see this happen to Zia.

Carson looked around at everyone, seeming to feel all of the pain in the room, looking down, overwhelmed, but focusing on the song to try and ease her own nerves.

Natalia noticed Carson's state and took hold of her hand in her other hand.

Kimberly took a deep breath, trailing a hand through Zia's hair calmingly, soothing her. "When she was just a girl / She expected the world / But it flew away from her reach / And the bullets catch in her teeth / Life goes on, it gets so heavy / The wheel breaks the butterfly / Every tear a waterfall / In the night, the stormy night / She'll close her eyes / In the night, the stormy night, away she'd fly / Dreamed of para, para, paradise / Para, para, paradise / Para, para, paradise / Every time she closed her eyes."

Zia, Carson and Debbie sang along softly, while Zia was soothed enough to be on the verge of falling asleep. "Dreamed of para, para, paradise / Para, para, paradise / Para, para, paradise / Every time she closed her eyes / Sing, la la la la la la la la la / La la la la la la la / And so lying underneath those stormy skies / She'd say, 'oh...' / I know the sun must set to rise / This could be para, para, paradise..."

They continued singing the last verse until finally, Zia, Debbie and Carl had all fallen asleep.

Carson had almost fallen asleep as well.

Kimberly, Natalia, Lip, Ian and JJ sighed heavily, completely overwhelmed, but just glad that this worked to help put the kids to sleep and soothe them enough to ease the pain of that day.

Kimberly, Lip and Ian nodded to Natalia, JJ and Carson to let them know that it was okay if they had to go, knowing that Carson had to get back to Ethan, and more.

Natalia, JJ and Carson slowly stood, quietly as to not disturb Zia, Carl and Debbie, hesitant to leave but knowing they had to.

⫷⑅⫸

Bathroom

Monica and Bob were in the bathroom.

"So how long you plan on us staying here playing house with a bunch of traumatized crazy little kids?" Bob asked.

"Did you see those kids' faces?" Monica asked. "Did you see the way they looked at me?"

"I'm not supporting all these kids," Bob told her. "Especially not one with issues like your mini me."

Monica tilted her head. "Tonight wasn't Zia's fault."

"I don't care if it was Zia's fault," Bob replied. "With your own issues, we can't handle hers too. We get the DNA results tomorrow. It'll prove Liam's not Frank's."

Monica placed a finger to her lips. "Shh!"

Lip and Ian were listening from the hallway at the stairs.

"That way if the shithead changes his mind, he can't take Liam back," Bob pointed out.

"Keep quiet," Monica told her. "They're sleeping. They need the rest after tonight."

Bob hugged Monica from behind. "We are gonna make a great family, baby. I'm gonna take care of you and Liam like Frank never could."

Monica smiled, walking toward Frank's old room. "I am going to bed."

Bob followed her. "Possession is nine-tenths of the law."

⫷⑅⫸

Hallway

Ian and Lip stood in the hallway to eavesdrop on Monica and Bob.

Lip, stressed out after everything, couldn't help but take out a cigarette, lighting it, starting to smoke.

Ian kept flashing back to having to grab Zia from in front of the truck and diving them to safety, gazing off, tormented by the image.

Lip knew this, sighing. "You okay?"

Ian shook his head, swallowing. "No. None of us are though, so..."

Lip looked down. "Yeah."

Ian and Lip started to head back down into the living room; neither of them felt like they could be away from their siblings for long after what happened.

⫷⑅⫸

Old Fisher House - Basement

JJ was checking on the drug dealer still alive.

Domingo was restrained to a column by a collar, unable to move. "Hey, look at me." JJ turned to the stairs. "Hey, turn around and look at me." JJ hesitated, but turned to face him. Domingo pulled at the collar around his neck. "This... this here. I wouldn't do this to my worst enemy. This is degrading."

"Sorry," JJ said, turning to the stairs.

"You hope I'll make it easy and just drop dead, don't you?" Domingo asked. "But I won't. So either kill me, or let me go." JJ ignored him, starting up the stairs. Domingo coughed. "You don't have it in you, JJ." JJ paused. "I don't know what you and Kimberly think you're doing here, but trust me, this line of work doesn't suit the two of you. You're not Tristan. Are you?"

JJ turned toward the dealer. "So I should just let you go, then? Just unlock you and adios, huh? After you already tried to kill me and Kimberly."

Domingo shrugged slightly. "I don't see what real choice you have. If it's between that and cold-blooded murder. Besides, your real enemy is the same as mine. Your father."

JJ didn't answer, turning around, walking upstairs, leaving.

⫷⑅⫸

Living Room

JJ was sitting in the living room, making a pro and cons list about letting the dealer live.

In the pro list of letting him live, things that were written were "It's the moral thing to do", "He may listen to reason", "Post traumatic stress", "won't be able to live with yourself", "Don't be like fucking Tristan".

In the cons list, things that were written were "He already tried to kill you and Kimberly once already", "He's apart of the thugs that forced you into this mess in the first place", "He'll kill your entire family if you let him go", "And all your friends".

JJ sighed in frustration, shaking his head, not seeing any other way out of this. He took out his phone, calling Kimberly.

Kimberly answered the phone, at the moment in the bathroom at home. "Hello."

"Hey, Kimberly," JJ told her. "Sorry, I really didn't wanna leave, but we had to take care of this, and I just got back to Tristan's."

"I know," Kimberly told him. "It's not your fault. You had to go and deal with Domingo. Have a hell of a lot to deal with since all this shit's started."

"Yeah," JJ agreed. "How's Zia?"

"Still sleeping, Carl and Debbie too," Kimberly answered. "We don't know what to do. We're all so terrified."

"Of course," JJ agreed. "But she's okay, yeah? She's fine now."

"Yeah, but what happens the next time something like this happens, and we're not there?" Kimberly asked. "And we all know with the rate things are going, there will be a next time."

JJ didn't know the answer, sighing worriedly in sympathy. "I don't know, Kim. I wish I did."

Kimberly sniffled, having to go on with what else they were dealing with. "Got rid of one body that you didn't even really mean to kill, to protect us. And we still have the other to deal with, try to figure out what the fuck to do. Eliana being back and saying that you're illegal and a mafia grandson. And we can't go to the cops about Tristan because he can just turn it around on you and Eliana and report you to ICE. Lip and Natalia telling us about Tristan and Terry attacking Lia and almost shooting her and killing her, and threatening us to keep paying or Tristan would take me, Zia and Lia himself, the fucked up asshole."

"Yeah, I could kill Tristan for that alone, because there's no way he's going to take you, Kimberly," JJ told her. "Or Zia and Natalia. I promise you. Plus Monica and Bob trying to take Liam. Our parents still fucking up our lives."

Kimberly nodded. "Yeah. So what the fuck do we do?"

"I'm not sure yet," JJ admitted. "I just wanted to make sure that you were okay for tonight."

Kimberly sighed heavily. "I'm not sure. But I'm hoping we both will be soon."

JJ nodded in agreement. "I'll see you in the morning, okay?"

"Okay," Kimberly agreed. "Are you okay?"

"Will be, eventually," JJ said. "Goodnight, Kim."

"Night," Kimberly returned.

They hung up.

Domingo called up from the basement. "JJ? Hey, I'm kind of hungry down here."

JJ sighed, going to make some sandwiches in the kitchen.

⫷⑅⫸

Basement

JJ walked downstairs to give the sandwich to Domingo. "It's safe. There's no poison."

Domingo looked up at JJ. "Because that would be the way to do it, if you're gonna do it."

"I guess so," JJ agreed.

"I mean, you being a genius at chemistry and all," Domingo stated, starting to eat the sandwich.

JJ sat down, popping open a beer. "So, Domingo, you from around town here or someplace else?"

"Hey, JJ?" Domingo asked. "You getting to know me is not gonna make it easier for you to kill me. Not that I mind, you understand?"

JJ glanced down briefly. "You know, you keep telling me that I don't have it in me. Well, maybe. But maybe not. I sure as hell am looking for any reason not to. I mean, any good reason at all. Tell me what it is."

Domingo looked at him for a moment. "I guess I'd start off by promising that if you let me go, I won't come after you, that you'd be safe. I guess I'd say what happened between us never happened. And what's best for both parties is we forget all about it. But you know that anybody in my situation would make promises like that."

"Yeah, and I know people like you that would lie to get their way," JJ answered.

Domingo shrugged. "Perhaps, but in my case, they happen to be true. But you have a point. You'll never know for sure. So what else could I tell you?"

JJ shook his head. "I don't know. But you gotta convince me. And you're going nowhere until you do."

JJ stood.

"Hey, yeah," Domingo said. "Yeah. I'm from here in town, man. Born and bred. Never left. Studied Business Administration over at University of Chicago, got my degree."

"Really?" JJ asked. Domingo nodded. "Does that, uh, come in handy in the drug trade?"

"It doesn't hurt," Domingo answered. "You?"

"Still in high school," JJ answered. "I wanna study music. Maybe even try out for Oberlin and Berklee. Tristan said there was no money in it unless I wind up some bullshit rock star, and I didn't have a snowball chance of that."

"Tristan's an asshole that way," Domingo agreed.

"What about your dad?" JJ asked. "What does he do?"

"He owns Tampico Furniture," Domingo answered.

JJ frowned. "Wait a minute, I know that place. They used to have those late-night "

"The stupid commercials," Domingo snickered.

JJ nodded. "That they had, yeah."

Domingo nodded. "Yeah, that's him. Been doing them for over 30 years."

JJ was thinking. "Wait a minute. How did it go? It was, uh... Wait, wait, wait. It was... 'don't let shopping strain your brain-o. Just sing this short refrain-o."

Domingo snickered, doing the song along with JJ. "Our furniture is bueno. Tampico is the name-o."

They both couldn't help but laugh lightly.

"Pretty moronic," Domingo stated. "But what can you do?"

JJ shrugged. "Well, it did tend to stick in your head. Who wrote that?"

"It was my crazy uncle Alex," Domingo answered. "He sings it at bars, trying to pick up on women." JJ snickered. "In his mind, it's like saying, 'hey, I wrote Stairway to Heaven'."

"I've been to Tampico Furniture," JJ admitted. "Recently, actually, to get some furniture for some friends. Met your dad, recognized him from the commercials. But he was nowhere near as friendly."

"Yeah, no shit," Domingo agreed. "Did he, uh, try selling you that extended warranty?"

"Yeah," JJ answered. "But we weren't stupid enough to buy it."

Domingo chuckled. "Yeah, that was his big thing. You ask him for a glass of water, he'd tell you you need an extended warranty on the ice."

JJ took a drink, shaking his head. "Did you work there too?"

"Only my whole life," Domingo answered. "Up until the day I said, 'fuck you', and quit. Small world, huh? The paths we take. I know your type. You only got involved in this shit because you needed the money, and you were pressured and threatened into it, to protect the ones you care about. Like I said, JJ, if this line of work doesn't suit you, get out before it's too late. Otherwise Tristan gets exactly what he wanted all along."

JJ sighed heavily. "I have to pay off his debts to protect everybody. Otherwise we're all fucked." Domingo tilted his head in acknowledgement. "I don't know what to do."

Domingo looked at him, almost sympathetic for the teen, but not much. "Yeah. You do." JJ looked at Domingo, conflicted and overwhelmed beyond compare, sighing, wiping a hand over his face. Domingo went to hand JJ the plate that had his sandwiches, but in the process, dropped the plate, which shattered on the floor. "My bad."

JJ sighed, frustrated, getting up, walking closer to pick up the pieces of the plate, as Domingo slipped his hand away from the plate pieces to his pocket. JJ couldn't look at Domingo because of the conflict of the entire situation, as Domingo was staring at him, waiting to hear his decision.

JJ sighed, looking up, standing. "I'll get the key."

JJ walked upstairs.

⫷⑅⫸

Kitchen

JJ finished his beer in the can, crushing the can in his hand, tossing it the shredded can in the trash. He was about to throw the glass pieces of the broken plate in his hands away when one of the sharp edges slit his hand, making him wince as he dropped the pieces onto the counter.

Looking at the pieces of the plate on the counter, JJ realized something was off. "No, no." He put the pieces together to form the plate, realizing that one piece, perhaps the sharpest piece, was missing, knowing that Domingo had it, and that he had broke the plate on purpose to get the weapon. "Why are you doing this? Why, why?"

JJ sighed, knowing what he had to do, but hating every moment of it.

⫷⑅⫸

Basement

JJ walked into the basement with the key.

Domingo slowly stood, still chained to the column. "You're doing the right thing, JJ."

"Yeah?" JJ asked. "Do you wanna..." Domingo slowly circled around the corner so that his back was facing JJ, coughing with the lock around his neck. JJ slowly stepped closer. "So that's it?"

"What do you mean?" Domingo asked.

"Bygones?" JJ asked, testing him.

Domingo chuckled. "Live and let live, man."

"That's very understanding of you," JJ said, paranoid.

"Whatever, man," Domingo said. "I just wanna go home."

JJ looked down. "Yeah. Me too."

Domingo looked over his shoulder. "Unlock me, JJ."

JJ slowly reached forward to grab the lock, pulling it back, raising the key, slowly and carefully testing, seeing what Domingo would do, seeing that Domingo was reaching into his jacket pocket. "The moment I do, you gonna stick me with that piece of broken plate?"

Domingo instantly started to struggle angrily, taking out the piece of glass plate and trying to stab JJ with it. "Little shit!"

JJ pulled the lock completely back against Domingo's throat, circling around the column with him to stay out of reach as Domingo tried to stab him repeatedly, strangling him all the while, not having much other choice, since Domingo was planning to kill him all the while. Finally, after moments of struggle, Domingo stopped struggling and trying to stab him, choking, his eyes turning bloodshot as he dropped the weapon.

JJ was breathing heavily in shock and horror. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry." JJ let go of the lock and backed away, a few tears falling from the shock of what just happened. "I'm so sorry."

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Kitchen

Kimberly was leaving the bathroom, having been very close to crying again given everything that happened.

Ian and Lip walked into the kitchen to check on Kimberly.

Kimberly looked at Ian and Lip; she couldn't pretend to be strong or kept together anymore after everything, starting to cry, putting her hand to her head.

Ian and Lip knew that she would, and didn't blame her for it for a moment, walking closer to Kimberly so the three siblings could embrace. Ian and Lip had tears in their own eyes.

"You okay?" Ian asked.

"I'm scared," Kimberly admitted.

"I know," Lip whispered. "We all are."

"Come on," Ian told them. "Let's get some sleep."

Kimberly and Lip nodded in agreement as the three pulled away.

Kimberly wiped the tears away.

⫷⑅⫸

Living Room

Kimberly, Ian and Lip walked into the room, past where Liam was sleeping in his playpen.

Lip made sure that Liam was asleep and okay in his playpen.

Kimberly retook her place on the couch between Debbie and Zia, wrapping an arm gently around both of them, as they leaned into her from either side. Carl leaned in from Zia's side so the three younger siblings were very close to Kimberly while sleeping.

Even more paranoid about what happened, Kimberly had to stay up so that Zia didn't have another sleepwalking state that could get her seriously hurt, so scared about what almost happened, gently trailing a hand through Zia's hair to keep her calm and feeling safe as Zia slept in her hold.

Ian and Lip sat in two chairs, watching the four siblings on the couch, ready to keep watch in case Kimberly fell asleep.

Kimberly's phone rang again, and she answered quickly so that the phone didn't wake up the kids. "JJ, goodnight means goodnight--"

Eliana's voice was on the other line. "Shut up! Shut up, you little whore!"

Kimberly frowned in confusion. "Eliana?"

"Don't you 'Eliana' me," Eliana told her. She was in her hotel room. "I know what you've been doing with JJ, and if you so much as breathe in his direction again, I will make you pay, do you understand me?"

Completely confused, Kimberly hung up the phone, looking at Ian and Lip, who were completely lost.

⫷⑅⫸

Street

JJ was walking home, completely stone cold, numb, eyes bloodshot, in shock.

⫷⑅⫸

Malcolm & Milkovich House - Living Room

Malcolm and Mandy were sitting with Natalia, both of them in shock to hear about what happened tonight.

Malcolm shook his head. "Is Zia okay?"

"She's going to be, hopefully," Natalia answered. "We all gotta be, one way or another. And I didn't want to tell you about the rest with Tristan and Terry yet because I thought we had more time to deal, but..."

"Tristan and our father are seriously threatening to use you, Zia and Kimberly in a sex trade just to get Kim and JJ to be drug dealers and pay off Tristan's debts," Mandy replied. "You can't keep this shit from me, Natalia. I don't care if you wanted to protect me or not."

"It was to protect you, obviously, especially after what happened," Natalia stated.

"I know, but you're my sister, too, you know," Mandy told her. "Which means I wanna protect you as much as you wanna protect me. Which I can't do if you don't tell me anything."

Natalia swallowed, looking down. "I know. I'm sorry, Mandy."

Mandy sighed worriedly, sitting next to Natalia, wrapping her arms around Natalia. Natalia returned the embrace, both with tears in their eyes, but they kept strong, like they had to learn how to be since they were kids.

Malcolm looked at them worriedly. "Is there anything we can do?"

"I don't think so," Natalia answered. "But, uh, we're gonna keep trying to pay off the debts so that the threat remains just a threat."

"And if it doesn't?" Malcolm asked. "What are we supposed to do then?"

Natalia had no answer to that.

Mandy looked at Natalia. "But, hey. It's not gonna come to that. Everything's gonna be fine."

Natalia gave a barely noticeable nod, not even able to manage a smile after what Tristan and Terry almost did.

⫷⑅⫸

Fisher-Ball House - Outside

Completely overwhelmed by what happened which triggered major flashbacks for her, Carson was sitting outside in the cold, having another moment to herself where she flashed back to all of her trauma, from her parents, to all of her horrible foster homes, and everything in between.

Carson gave herself a moment, then slipped her jacket on, wiping vigorously at her numb, wet cheeks, and went inside.

⫷⑅⫸

Inside - Living Room

Carson walked in, immediately walking over to Ethan in his temporary playpen, making sure that he was still asleep.

Veronica and Kevin walked into the room.

JJ walked into the house after returning home.

"Carson, JJ, hey," Veronica told them.

Kevin gave them a smile. "Finally decided to come in, I see."

JJ looked down. "Yeah, sorry. Kinda lost track of time."

JJ and Carson were both in bad shape, chancing only a brief glimpse at each other, or Kevin and Veronica.

Carson turned head; she didn't know how red her cheeks or eyes would be, her voice soft spoken. "Taking a shower."

As she walked upstairs, it took all of Carson's willpower to keep from collapsing on the steps. She was so tired, but knowing the eyes that surely followed her, she forced herself on.

JJ sighed heavily. "Yeah, I should too. After Carson's done."

JJ walked upstairs, moving even more sluggishly than Carson had, if possible.

Kevin and Veronica exchanged a worried look.

⫷⑅⫸

JJ's Room

Veronica came to check on JJ in his room after his shower. "Hey, JJ. You okay?"

"Uh, just everything," JJ stated vaguely. "I'll be fine."

Veronica looked at him in concern. "You sure?"

JJ nodded. "Yeah. Eventually."

"Okay," Veronica agreed. "Kevin's going to get Carson and Ethan for some food, since we didn't get the chance to have dinner earlier. You want to come down with us?"

JJ swallowed, nodding. "Yeah. Sure."

⫷⑅⫸

Living Room

After her shower, Carson went to check on Ethan in his playpen again, as he was starting to wake up and get fussy, so Carson picked him up and laid down on the couch with him, holding him. As she expected, all Ethan wanted was to be in his mother's arms. Once Carson was holding him, Ethan started to calm down.

Kevin came to check on Carson. "Carson." Carson forced her tired, swollen eyes to open. "Are you going to eat?"

Carson felt broken and beaten down, exhausted and cold. Her stiff fingers and her nose had hardly gained feeling. Slowly, the warmth was defrosting her body. "Not hungry."

"You sure?" Kevin asked. "We're having pork chops."

Carson let her eyes flutter closed, in fear that Kevin would notice the tears that formed. "I'm really tired. I just... want to sleep."

For a moment, Kevin was silent. When he spoke again, his voice was quiet, gentler. "Carson, are you okay?"

"I'm perfectly fine," Carson lied. "Just tired."

Kevin hesitated, turning to leave her alone, but knew that wasn't a good idea. He walked closer to the couch, sitting down slowly, as if he feared that he would scare her after everything she had been through before. "You're depressed. Aren't you?"

Carson felt a pang at her chest. "No. Just tired."

"Prove it to me, then," Kevin told her. "Come on and eat with us, and then you can go right back to bed. But you have to eat first."

Carson wanted to protest more than anything, but she didn't want to inflict worry upon the family. She didn't want their pity or their concern. "Fine. Be there in a minute. With Ethan."

Kevin nodded. "Yeah, yeah."

Kevin stood, walking out of the room.

Carson stood with Ethan in her arms, and walked out of the room.

⫷⑅⫸

Kitchen

Carson walked in, joining Kevin, Veronica and JJ, setting Ethan in his high chair.

"Hey, Carson," JJ said gently. "You feeling okay?"

Carson sat down to eat, nodding. "Yeah. I'm fine."

"Your cheeks are red," Veronica pointed out. "Do you feel sick? Like you're running a fever?"

Carson shook her head, fumbling quickly for an alibi in her mind. "No. I was just really exhausted when I came in, and I just got out of the shower, so there's that."

Kevin, Veronica and JJ were not convinced, but they knew that questioning further would do the opposite of helping, so they didn't point out the fact that the bottoms of Carson's eyes were swollen, an odd, slightly transparent color.

Kevin tried to cheer them up. "So, you were hungry after all."

Carson managed a small smile. "Oh, yeah. Guess the exhaustion got to me. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I saw the food."

The four of them continued to eat in silence, as Kevin and Veronica were worried about both JJ and Carson, but knew they would open up and talk to them on their own time, and trying to force them now wouldn't help anyone.

⫷⑅⫸

Day Two

Morning - Fisher-Ball House - Foyer

Eliana came to the Fisher-Ball house, knocking.

"I'll get it," JJ told them, walking toward the door, opening the door for Eliana.

Eliana stepped inside, smiling at JJ. "Hi. Look at you all grown up." JJ closed the door. Eliana looked over the room. "Hi, Veronica."

"Eliana," Veronica replied. "Long time."

"Yeah, it has been," Eliana answered. "Feels like yesterday though."

"Does it?" Veronica asked.

Kevin placed a hand on Veronica's shoulder. "Easy. It's nice to meet you, Eliana."

Eliana shook his hand. "You too, Kevin. Heard a lot about you two. JJ told me a lot about his life already."

"Yeah," Veronica said. "He told us what Tristan did to you, and the lawyer confirmed the story. I'm really sorry that my brother did that to you. To both of you."

Eliana shook her head. "You can't control what Tristan does, Veronica. It's not your fault."

Kevin looked at JJ. "We'll just be in the kitchen with Carson and Ethan, okay?"

"Okay," JJ agreed.

Veronica and Kevin walked into the kitchen.

Eliana turned to JJ. "Hi."

"Hi," JJ replied. "Kimberly told me that you called her last night. Said that you called her a whore and that if she came near me again, that you would make her pay?"

Eliana closed her eyes, shaking her head. "I don't remember that. But, uh... I told you I'm not right, not mentally well enough, to take care of you, let alone myself."

"Yeah," JJ agreed. "I just didn't think it was that bad."

Eliana sniffled. "Me neither." She took out an envelope, handing it over. "But I did want to give you this. The termination papers. I terminated my parental rights so that Veronica and Kevin could adopt you. I just want to tell you... how proud I am to be your mother. And nothing will ever change that. I love you, JJ. I love you... more than you'll ever know. But, um... the truth is, Veronica and Kevin can do a better job of taking care of you than I ever could. So I think it's for the best."

JJ nodded barely, tears in his eyes. "I know it is."

Eliana looked like she could break into tears any moment. "Can I get a hug, at least?" JJ nodded, leaning in to embrace Eliana, as she held JJ tightly in her arms, both emotionally drained and overwhelmed. They finally pulled away, wiping their tears. "I'll always be your mom. I'm just not a parent, no matter how badly I wanted to be. If you ever need anything... I'd like to do what I can, though." JJ nodded. Carson, Kevin and Veronica walked into the room, while Carson was holding Ethan. Eliana looked between them. "This is Carson and Ethan, huh?"

"Yeah," Carson answered. "Nice to meet you, Eliana."

"You too, Carson," Eliana agreed. She looked between the make-shift, but still very real, family. "You guys take care of each other, yeah?"

"Of course," Kevin answered.

Veronica nodded. "We always do."

Carson gave a timid wave. "Bye."

Eliana smiled. "Bye."

Eliana walked out of the house.

Veronica and Kevin turned to Carson and JJ.

"Veronica and I have a meeting with Anya," Kevin explained. "JJ, Carson, you still have to go to school."

"What about Ethan?" Carson asked.

"We'll watch him while you're away," Veronica answered.

Carson looked worried.

JJ gave her a reassuring look. "He'll be okay, I promise. We're not going to let them split you two up again, okay?"

Carson nodded. "Okay."

"Come on, let's head next door," JJ told her.

Carson sighed heavily, nodding.

Kevin took Ethan from Carson. "It's gonna be okay, I promise."

Carson gave Ethan a kiss on the head, looking between Kevin and Veronica, before heading outside with JJ.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

JJ and Carson walked outside, walking up to the house in the middle of theirs and the Gallaghers'.

Natalia, Mandy and Malcolm walked out of their house.

"Hey, Natalia," Carson told her. "Mandy."

"Hey, Carson," Mandy replied. "Almost didn't recognize you in the new clothes. You look good."

Carson managed a small smile. "Heading to work, Malcolm?"

"Yeah," Malcolm answered. "All of you just be safe, okay?"

"Yeah," JJ agreed. Malcolm handed JJ and Natalia their share of the fake ID cash. "Thanks, Malcolm."

Natalia frowned at her hold. "This is your cut too."

"Yeah, well, you guys need it more," Malcolm replied. "After what Tristan and Terry pulled, don't wanna take another fucking chance."

"No," Natalia told him, handing Malcolm back his share. "You take that. We'll get the money."

"I'm making some more..." JJ trailed off, glancing at Carson before looking away. "You know. Later. So we'll be starting a steady flow soon. As long as we don't run into any more hiccups."

"Like the last time," Natalia finished. "Right."

Mandy shook her head. "Just be careful."

JJ nodded.

Carson frowned. "What are you guys talking about?"

JJ, Malcolm, Natalia and Mandy looked at Carson.

"Uh, story for another time, Carson," Natalia told her.

JJ nodded to Natalia and Carson. "Come on."

Carson walked toward the Gallagher house.

JJ and Natalia exchanged a look with Malcolm and Mandy, who both nodded reassuringly, before following Carson.

Mandy turned to Malcolm, worried. "Do you think they're gonna be all right?"

Malcolm sighed. "I hope so. Gonna see if I can find a way to help them make sure."

Mandy bit her lip, nodding. "Thank you... Malcolm."

Malcolm shook his head. "Don't thank me, Mandy. I just don't want our friends and your sister to get hurt. And Micah's best friend. Zia's been through a lot of shit already. Kimberly, Natalia... We've all been through too much."

Mandy nodded in understanding and agreement.

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Kitchen

(Song:) Love, Sex and Rock N' Roll - The Chord and the Fawn

JJ, Carson and Natalia came over to the Gallaghers for breakfast, seeing that Kimberly, Ian and Lip were leaving the breakfast and usual morning routine to Monica solely, purposely leaving it all to her to make her overwhelmed and realize that she couldn't do this or take Liam, which caused JJ and Natalia to smirk knowingly.

"Monica, Carl needs something from you," Lip told her.

Monica turned to Carl.

Carl handed a form to Monica. "Here."

"What?" Monica asked. "What's this?"

"Permission slip," Kimberly answered.

Monica read the slip before signing it. "You're going to the aquarium. When?"

"Today," Carl answered. "I need $10."

"What for?" Bob asked.

"Admission fee," Carl answered.

"School doesn't pay for that?" Bob asked.

"No," Kimberly answered. "And he'll need money for food."

"Grab him an instant oatmeal and a Pop-Tart," Bob said. "Makes a great lunch."

Carson gave Carl an apple. "Here, half my lunch."

"Thanks, Carson," Carl told her.

Carson nodded. "No problem, Carl."

JJ looked at Bob. "If that's all you're gonna feed Liam when you take him away from his family, he's not gonna grow."

Bob glared at JJ, Carson and Natalia. "Why are you even here? Don't you three have your own homes?"

"Yes, I do, next door," Natalia answered.

JJ smiled sarcastically. "And Carson and I are in the house next over."

Natalia shrugged. "But this has always been like a second home. And do you even have a home? If you don't like us, the door is right there."

JJ nodded to Liam, who Bob was holding. "Remember to leave the kid you're holding in his high-chair on the way out, too. 'Cause we're not going anywhere, and neither is he."

Bob rolled her eyes.

JJ and Natalia turned to Kimberly, Ian and Lip, who all had an amused grin, thankful.

Debbie and Zia were going through Zia's art supplies.

"Zia, Debs, what are you doing?" Monica asked.

"I'm looking for a poster board and using Zia's markers," Debbie answered. "I'm running for re-election. Carson's helping me with my campaign."

Kimberly turned to Carson, smiling slightly. "You are?"

"Yeah," Carson answered.

"That's nice of you, uh, Carson, right?" Monica asked.

"Since you just heard Carl and Debbie both say my name, uh, yeah," Carson answered with a bit of honest sarcasm.

Ian chuckled. "Okay."

Kimberly, Lip, Natalia and JJ smirked, amused by the bit of sass Carson showed.

Monica was still manic. "If you all would tell me these things the night before, it'd be a little better in the morning."

"Sorry that we have to tell you anything," Zia replied. "Wouldn't have to if you'd been around."

Kimberly, Lip and Ian raised their eyebrows, exchanging a look with JJ and Natalia.

Natalia couldn't help a smirk.

Kimberly gave a mischievous smile.

Lip had a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I need 40 bucks."

"No," Bob instantly denied.

"Bob, do you have a five?" Monica asked.

"In my wallet, where it's gonna stay," Bob answered.

"I need a new calculus textbook," Lip stated. "I can get it used, only cost 20."

Ian stood, pulling on his jacket. "Where are our lunches?"

"Huh?" Monica asked, looking around at all her kids who were staring at her.

"What is everybody looking at?" Bob asked. "Start spreading peanut butter on bread."

"Oh, I want a dog," Natalia said. "I heard they're like really good for sensing shitty people, but it turns out I don't need one, because my spidey senses are tingling right now."

"Don't get started, okay?" Monica asked. "I've always liked you, Natalia. And JJ. Don't mess it up."

"Funny, we both thought you'd forget all about us," JJ remarked.

"And bold of you to assume they care," Kimberly told her. "They don't need you to like them or your approval."

Monica looked at Kimberly and Lip. "Well, a mother's blessing has got to count for something, right?"

Kimberly and Lip both shook their heads. "No."

Ian smirked. "Right."

Monica looked between Kimberly/JJ and Natalia/Lip. "How long have you guys been dating?"

This caused Kimberly to cough on her sip of coffee. Lip cleared his throat. Natalia and JJ looked up in surprise.

Ian snorted, smirking. "Here we go."

Debbie, Carl and Carson looked amused.

Zia looked up curiously.

"What are you talking about?" JJ asked. "None of us are dating."

"Um, I've actually been 'dating' Natalia," Ian remarked.

Monica frowned. "Well, that's too bad. I wouldn't want my kids dating people who don't approve."

Natalia rolled her eyes. "Bitch, what makes you think we give a single fuck whether you like us or not? You're just the druggie asshole that left your kids with their deadbeat, alcoholic father because you decided that instead of trying to better yourself for them, you were gonna get high and waste your life away."

Carson looked down as if this statement hit a bit too close to home for her regarding her own family history.

Zia was gazing off slightly.

Carson noticed and sat next to her. "Hey, Zia. Do you have a session with Dr. Rhodes today?"

"Yeah," Zia answered numbly. "A good thing, after last night."

"If that doctor doesn't figure out what's wrong after last night, we'll try another, okay?" Lip asked. "No matter what it takes, okay?"

Zia swallowed, nodding slightly. "Okay, Lip."

Natalia rubbed Zia's shoulder. "It's gonna be okay."

Zia sighed. "Right."

⫷⑅⫸

Fiona and Steve's House - Living Room

Fiona was standing at the window of the living room to look across the street toward the Gallagher house, striking a lighter. "Fucking Monica. She can barely cook an egg. She didn't even make them lunches. She's got them leaving for school late while that fat lesbian sits on her ass doing nothing. Of course, Natalia, JJ and Carson are over there doing more for my siblings than their own mother."

Steve closed the window. "All right, it's freezing." He looked at Fiona. "Go over and help out."

Fiona tossed the lighter to the floor. "Fuck her."

"She's driving you crazy," Steve pointed out, walking over to the mattress, sitting down, pulling on his socks and shoes.

Fiona shook her head in denial, grabbing a magazine, clearly manic. "I'm fine."

"All right, then it's driving me crazy," Steve replied.

"Believe me, I'll be back over there soon enough," Fiona told him.

"You get any sleep last night?" Steve asked.

It was clear that she hadn't.

Fiona tossed the magazine to the floor, looking at Steve. "She left Carl at Oktoberfest until November. This is a woman who burned a hole in Liam's footie pajamas when she fell asleep smoking while nursing."

"She came back," Steve pointed out.

"She's a flake," Fiona replied, standing. "Okay? She never called, she never came by. She never sent those kids a fucking birthday card."

"I mean, it must've been hard when she left," Steve stated.

"Destroyed the kids," Fiona answered, walking past to go get some coffee.

"I meant you," Steve clarified.

Fiona waved him off. "Oh, I wept tears of joy. We need a couch."

Steve stood, walking over to Fiona. "You should talk to a lawyer."

Fiona chuckled sarcastically. "Right. I can't keep food on the table, but I'm hiring a lawyer."

Steve leaned against the doorway. "Just to find out what Monica can and can't do. Here, you know what? I gotta get to work." He took out a box from a bag on the floor, tossing it over to Fiona. "Catch."

Fiona caught the box. "What's this?"

"Your own cell phone," Steve answered. "Since the kids have the family one."

Fiona tilted her head. "I told you I don't want you buying me stuff."

"It's what couples do," Steve pointed out, taking out some cash, placing it on the table. "Get us a couch."

Steve walked out of the house.

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Kitchen

Monica hurriedly handed each of the kids a paper bag with their lunches in it, including Natalia, Carson and JJ, which surprised them.

"Thanks?" Carson asked.

"We won't be here when you guys get back from school," Bob informed them.

"Why?" Debbie wondered.

"What?" Monica asked.

"Fiona always tells us why," Debbie explained.

"None of your damn business why!" Bob snapped.

Zia flinched slightly, looking away, struggling to stay alert and out of a zone out, but the tensions in the air, and Bob only making everything worse, was not helping.

"Don't you fucking yell at her like that," Kimberly snapped.

Bob glared at Kimberly, but Lip and Kimberly leveled a harsh glare at Bob that dared her to say something like that to Debbie again and see what happened.

"And you're leaving kids unattended," Ian added. "Kinda deserve a reason."

"Your mother told you to go, so go," Bob told them. She noticed that Zia was zoned out again, poking her hard in the forehead, snapping her out of it in a very rude way, jolting Zia back to alertness. After jumping because of the sudden and harsh poke to her head snapping her awake so suddenly, Zia was uneasy and very annoyed. "And stop doing that."

Zia slapped Bob's hand away from her.

Kimberly, Lip, Ian, Natalia and JJ glared at Bob incredulously.

Ian put a hand out in front of Kimberly and Lip to keep them back.

"She can't fucking control it, or are you dumb enough that you don't realize that?" Natalia asked.

"Don't touch her again," Lip told her.

Zia picked up something sharp from the counter. "You try that again, and I will cut you."

None of the kids were surprised by Zia's response by this point, but all were worried about her holding something sharp like that after recent events.

Ian took the object from Zia. "Okay, okay, give me that."

"No!" Zia complained. "Hey!"

"Excuse you?" Bob asked.

"You're not excused," Zia replied.

Bob shook her head angrily. "Girl, I will--"

"Bob!" Monica interceded, knowing that Bob started this. Zia glared Bob, unintimidated by her. Monica waved for the kids to go. "Out."

Lip nodded to the kids. "Go on, guys. We'll catch up."

JJ nodded to his foster sister. "Carson."

Carson nodded, turning to Zia, Debbie and Carl. "Come on."

Carson walked outside.

Monica touched Zia, Debbie and Carl all on the heads as they walked past to leave. "Bye. Bye. Bye."

Zia brushed Monica off. "Don't touch me."

"Zia, remember, puppydogs and rainbows, no sadness, got it?" Monica asked.

Zia rolled her eyes. "Like it's that easy? Don't tell me what to do."

JJ raised an eyebrow, looking at the kids. "Well, at least we know who the rainbows are." He looked at Monica and Bob. "And who are the dogs."

Monica sighed.

Bob glared at JJ.

Zia, Carl and Debbie walked outside with Carson.

Kimberly, Ian and Lip glared at Monica and Bob.

JJ and Natalia stood at the door.

Lip looked from Monica to Bob. "I don't care what the fucking DNA test says... you're not taking Liam."

Bob scoffed. "We'll see about that."

"Yeah, we will," Lip agreed.

Bob walked closer. "We having a problem, Phillip?"

"I don't know, Bob, let's see," Lip told her mockingly. "You're treating all of us like shit when you don't get a goddamn vote around here. You're camped out in our house. You're fucking our mother, and you're talking about stealing our baby brother. Why would we have a problem?"

"You know, with all the horrible shit we've gone through in our lives, now we get to add you to the list," Kimberly remarked, sarcastic and mocking. "Double stuffed fatty gassy meat gravy pants. We are just one big happy family."

Bob got into their faces. "I will kick your--"

"What, you and your Santa body type?" Natalia asked mockingly. "Listen, lumps, just stick a sock in it or ship yourself back to wherever the hell you came from."

"Yeah, and who died to make you leader or queen bitch?" Kimberly added.

"And you won't do shit," JJ told her. "My mom's one of the richest lawyers in Chicago. And you're threatening to attack minors. Think you're smart enough to figure out how this one ends?"

Kimberly, Ian, Lip and Natalia exchanged a look, before looking at JJ.

Bob glared at JJ. "Think I won't hit you too?"

JJ smirked sarcastically. "Aw, sorry, can't hear you over the sounds of your jail cell closing."

Kimberly smirked at Bob mockingly, clearly lashing out at her after what she did to her siblings that morning. "Guys, get a moist towel. We have to keep Bob wet before we roll her back into the sea."

Bob was ready to raise a hand against Kimberly. "Girl, I--"

Kimberly caught Bob's hand, as she, Lip, Ian, Natalia and JJ all glared.

"Try it and see what happens," Ian warned.

Monica stood. "Stop it. Hey."

Lip looked at Monica sarcastically, bitterly. "Congratulations, Mom. You always knew how to pick them."

The teens walked out of the house.

Monica sighed, starting to go after them. "Kimberly. Ian. Lip."

The teens ignored her as they walked outside.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

Kimberly, JJ, Natalia, Ian and Lip walked down the street, and they couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Natalia looked at JJ. "Your mom's a lawyer? Where do you come up with lies on such short notice?"

JJ shrugged. "Wizardry."

Ian snorted. "Yeah, okay, Harry Potter."

Kimberly shrugged. "At least it doesn't sound as far fetched as the fact that Eliana's a mafia daughter."

JJ nodded in acknowledgement. "True that."

Monica ran outside. "Kim! Lip! Ian! Hey, hey. Kim! Please stop. Ian. Lip. Please. We haven't had the chance to talk."

Natalia and JJ walked away, going to catch up with Zia, Debbie, Carl and Carson on the way to school.

"Don't worry about it," Kimberly replied.

Monica stood in front of Kimberly, Ian and Lip. "No, I do. I... Oh, jeez. I don't know where to start. How to explain. I worry about you. I think about you all the time." Lip refused to look at her. Ian and Kimberly shook their heads, looking away. Though they tried to act as tough and distant as possible, as strong as they could, they still looked heartbroken by what their mother had done to them in the past, and what happened partially because of her the night before. "I miss you. There's so much I wanna ask you. How's school?"

"We're gonna be late, if you don't let us go," Ian answered.

Monica sighed. "Ian, please. You guys said that you were in ROTC? That sounds great. And my Lip, you were always so smart. And Kimberly... I know you think that like Fiona, you have to take care of everyone. But what do you get to do for yourself?" Kimberly didn't answer, because she didn't have one. "I know you can do anything. I'm so sorry I hurt you kids."

Lip still couldn't look at her, shaking his head, overwhelmed. "Maybe you should apologize to the daughter that you almost got killed last night."

"If you can get her to talk to you at all," Kimberly added.

Monica looked like she could break down from that, reaching up to touch Kimberly's hair to brush it back. "Please."

Kimberly flinched back for a second, but stayed still as Monica tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear.

After, Monica reached up to place a hand on both Lip and Ian's cheeks, for a second of which they allowed, before stepping back.

Kimberly, Lip and Ian couldn't forgive Monica for what happened the night before.

"Next time you're thinking about dropping in, don't," Lip told her. "You've fucked up our lives enough already. We don't need a repeat of last night happening again."

Kimberly, Lip and Ian started to walk away.

Monica watched her kids go, heartbroken, but knowing they were justified.

⫷⑅⫸

Jackson House - Living Room

Eddie was sitting at the table, drinking coffee and flipping through a magazine. "Touched by an Angel marathon on Hallmark this weekend."

Sheila turned toward him from the kitchen. "Ooh, I always liked that one."

Karen was getting ready to leave for school. "Except for the Irish lady. She's weird."

Eddie looked through the listings. "A Gunsmoke marathon on TBS too."

"Think we could get it painted?" Karen asked. When Eddie looked at her in confusion, Karen smiled. "The car."

Eddie chuckled. "Anything you want, princess. I am just so proud of you for deciding to go to the Purity Ball, and letting me protect you the way Jesus intended, huh?"

Eddie and Karen walked toward the front door.

Eddie wrapped an arm around Karen and kissed her on the head.

Sheila called over from the kitchen. "Have fun at school, sweetie."

"Bye, Mom," Karen replied, walking out the door with Eddie.

Frank walked downstairs toward the table.

Sheila walked over with a plate of food. "Frank, I made Belgian crepes with raspberries, and there's a little maple syrup."

Sitting down, Frank started to pull on his shoes. "I can't. I'm late."

"Where you going?" Sheila asked.

Frank looked up. "I told you. I'm picking up Monica, going to the city clerk's office, signing the settlement, and getting the money."

Sheila's face fell. "So, Monica?"

Frank stood, pulling on his jacket. "Yes, Monica. You want me to get the money, don't you?"

"Is that the only reason?" Sheila asked.

Frank nodded. "Yes."

"Frank, are you coming home for dinner?" Sheila asked.

"Absolutely," Frank replied.

"Are you sure?" Sheila went on.

Frank walked away. "Yes. Yes, I'm late. I'm late."

Frank walked out of the house.

Sheila watched him go with her lips in a thin line, unhappy.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

(Song:) Sneaky Bass Line - The Diner

Frank walked down the street, putting a cigarette in his mouth, lighting it.

A car was parked in the street, slowly starting to follow.

When Frank stopped, so did the car.

Frank looked around, spotting the car, realizing. "Fuck."

Determined to ignore the car, Frank turned around, walking down the street, even while aware that the car was following his every move.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Kitchen

Bob and Monica were cleaning up the kitchen.

Bob was already fed up. "Thank God we're leaving tomorrow."

Monica shook her head. "I don't think I can."

"Yes, you can," Bob replied.

Monica sighed. "These kids need me."

"They're fine," Bob stated.

Monica scoffed. "Tell that to Zia last night. And didn't you see Kimberly, Lip and Ian? How brokenhearted they were?"

Bob walked past her. "Oh, honey, they'll get over it."

"We can't take Liam from his brothers and sisters," Monica told her.

"He's coming with us," Bob retorted.

Monica tilted her head, tired of not being heard. "No, the universe is giving me a sign. An opportunity to be the mother I never could be. I always felt guilty about leaving those kids. I'm better now. I think I can handle it." Bob walked up to her, giving her a skeptical look. Monica nodded, trying to convince herself. "Yeah."

"Look at me," Bob told her. "Monica. Look." Monica licked some peanut butter from a butter knife. Bob pulled the knife away, holding her arms. "Uh-uh. Look at me. When we met, you were like a beaten dog. Barely hanging on by a threat."

Monica pulled her arms away. "I am stronger now."

"But for how long, if we stay here, baby?" Bob asked. "For how long, hmm?"

Monica shook her head sadly. "I just... The kids survived a shootout. I could've lost them and never knew it. I didn't even recognize Zia, and that crushed her so much. She lost a best friend. A kid stabbed and almost burned her alive. What we saw last night... Zia almost died. How could I leave her after that?"

"You leave her because Zia's issues are only gonna make your issues worse," Bob replied. "And maybe, yours will make hers worse too. It's for the best of both of ya." Monica frowned. Bob wrapped her arms around Monica. "We're getting the DNA results, then we're leaving with Liam."

Bob kissed Monica on the head, nose and then the lips.

Frank walked in through the back door. "Oh, ho! I hope I'm not interrupting a pajama party, Moni." He walked around the kitchen to stand behind Monica and Bob, looking between the two. "That's what you ladies do when you're together, right? Pillow fights and the like?"

Bob scoffed. "You wish you had a dick as big as mine."

Frank grabbed a beer from the bridge. "I am a man of ample girth and length. Ask Moni." He slapped Monica on the ass. Bob looked at Monica, but she didn't reply. Frank walked around to the table. "If I seem unimpressive in my Wranglers, it's because I'm a grower, not a shower. But trust me, when it's time to show, I grow." He took a bite of food off the table. "Come on, Mrs. G, let's hit the road. Frankie's got some moola coming his way."

"Change of plans, Frankie," Bob told him. "Monica's not signing those papers until you get Lip, Kimberly, Ian, Fiona and the kids on board with us taking Liam."

Frank walked closer. "What?"

"Monica needs to know that the kids aren't gonna hate her," Bob told him.

Frank scoffed. "It's too late. They already hated her before yesterday. Zia almost getting run over by a truck sealed the deal."

Bob glared. "Don't push it, Frank. We could be asking for the spousal support, and half the settlement money."

Frank looked between the two with a glare. "Fine. Where's Fiona?"

"Across the street," Monica answered. "She moved in with Steve."

Frank turned to the back door, before turning back in confusion. "Who the fuck is Steve?"

⫷⑅⫸

Fiona and Steve's House - Outside

(Song:) Chicago Blues - Bosshouse Music

Frank was knocking on the front door of Fiona and Steve's home, trying to find a way in, when he saw the car following him across the street. "Oh, God." He walked across the street toward the car. The man in the car rolled down his window. "That time of year again, Jasper?"

Jasper nodded, holding up a camera. "Yeah, just like Christmas, Frank. I know you've been naughty."

"Stop following me," Frank told him.

Jasper smiled. "Got my camcorder right here. Just a matter of time before I catch you."

Frank glared. "Fuck off."

Frank flipped Jasper off with both hands, backing away, turning around, walking away up to Fiona and Steve's house, using a crowbar to start to break open the door.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

High School - Hallway

Kimberly and JJ were talking at their lockers.

JJ was gazing off at nothing, flashing back to the night before.

Kimberly looked at JJ, concerned. "Domingo?"

"Dead," JJ answered. "I really wanted to think that we could let him go. But as soon as I tried, he tried to kill me. And I had to... Jesus, Kim, I had..."

Kimberly turned to JJ, taking both of his hands. "Hey. Look, I know. It's not your fault. Okay, we didn't want anything to do with any of this. We were forced into this because of Tristan and Frank. And those guys tried to kill us. More than once. You shouldn't feel guilty for defending us, JJ."

"I know," JJ agreed. "But I do. I can't help it."

Kimberly bit her lip, sighing. "I know. you think that talking to Rhodes and the guidance counselor, Embry, could be a good thing after this?"

"Well, obviously can't tell them anything that's really going on, but, uh..." JJ trailed off. "Yeah. Maybe. So I don't completely lose my fucking mind."

Kimberly nodded slightly, sadly.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

Natalia, Mandy and Ian were sharing a cigarette, smoking.

"How's Mickey doing?" Ian asked.

Mandy took a hit of the cigarette. "They still have him at the jail ward over at county."

"You been over to visit him?" Ian asked.

Mandy shook her head. "No. Those dyke guards pat you down like amateur gynecologists."

"Yeah, not something either of us like going for," Natalia agreed. "Kash?"

Ian sighed. "Couple of the neighborhood-watch ladies came by the store, offered to throw him a parade."

Natalia scoffed, taking the cigarette from Mandy, taking a hit. "Jesus."

Mandy shrugged. "Kash had better move his family back to Baghdad before Mickey gets out."

Natalia handed the cigarette to Ian.

Ian frowned, looking at Mandy. "He's from Evanston."

Mandy shook her head. "Won't be nearly far enough."

Ian shrugged, taking a hit of the cigarette.

Kimberly, JJ and Lip walked closer.

Lip took the cigarette from Ian, taking a hit.

"Hey, Mandy," Kimberly told her.

"Kimberly," Mandy replied. "What's up?"

Kimberly took the cigarette from Lip, taking a hit, glancing over Mandy's outfit. "Nice outfit. What is that, uh, pirate wench? I like."

Mandy smiled. "I could hook you guys up for some cool clothes at this drive downtown. They've got some stuff for kids too, so Zia, Debbie and Carson could get some."

Natalia nudged Mandy with a slight smile, as Mandy smiled in return.

JJ took the cigarette from Kimberly, taking a hit. "That'd help a lot, thanks."

Mandy nodded. "Yeah."

Lip looked at Kimberly and Ian. "What's your, uh, third period?"

"Health," Ian answered.

"Gym," Kimberly answered. "Why?"

"Figured we need to miss some school," Lip answered.

Kimberly tilted her head. "I'm missing a lot already with the drug dealing and the attack. I'm falling way behind. You guys think you can swing this without me?"

Ian and Lip exchanged a look, knowing that Kimberly was already very overwhelmed as it was with everything she dealt with, nodding.

"Yeah, yeah, you take it easy and relax for once," Lip answered. "We got this one."

Kimberly nodded, sighing slightly.

"Oh, what about Zia's appointment with Rhodes in an hour?" Ian asked.

"We'll pick her up from elementary and head to Rhodes' office, and she'll be there for an hour before we come back," Lip answered. "Won't take hardly any time at all."

Ian nodded in agreement. "Okay, yeah. Hopefully Rhodes will get some real answers for Z this time."

Kimberly and Lip nodded in agreement, sadly.

Natalia and JJ looked at them sadly in concern.

Natalia knew they didn't want to be asked if they were okay again, that they just wanted to be distracted. She looked at Kimberly and Mandy. "So, us, Zia, Carson and Debbie for clothing drive?"

"Yeah, hopefully," Mandy answered. "Oh, and do you guys still wanna go to that concert this weekend? We still have a couple days at least for that, in case things cool down."

"As of right now, we all desperately need to go to a concert just to blow off some steam," Kimberly answered. "Malcolm too. But, uh..."

"Realistically with everything going on, doesn't look likely," Natalia finished.

JJ sighed, shaking his head. "Well, like Mandy said, things might cool down by then."

Mandy nodded. "Right. Thank you, JJ."

"Yeah, well, let's hope," Lip agreed. "Otherwise that's a lot of money wasted."

"We'll figure it out," Ian told them. He stood to go with Lip. "See you guys."

"Bye," Natalia replied.

Lip and Ian walked away.

JJ sighed. "I gotta head to Embry's. I'll see you girls later."

"All right," Kimberly agreed. "Hope it helps."

JJ nodded. "Yeah. Me too."

JJ sighed, walking away.

Kimberly sat down with Natalia and Mandy on the table, the three of them sighing heavily.

"You okay, Kimberly?" Mandy asked.

"No," Kimberly answered. "But, uh, gotta keep it together."

Natalia nodded slightly, putting an arm around Kimberly comfortingly. "You don't have to put up the strong girl front all the time, you know."

"And this is coming from you?" Kimberly replied.

Mandy smiled. "She's got a point, Lia."

Natalia waved Mandy off. "Yeah, yeah."

The three girls chuckled lightly.

Mandy frowned slightly. "You don't think Tristan's gonna show his face around you guys again any time soon, do you?"

"I don't know," Kimberly admitted. "Sometimes he'll show his face and then back off for a while. And then when we think that he's gone or that he's done, he comes back again."

"Since I just saw him, I don't think he'll come around again for a little while, since we're all waiting for him to show up," Natalia explained. "He'll show up again when we're least expecting it."

Mandy looked at them in concern, nodding in understanding.

⫷⑅⫸

Embry's Office

JJ was speaking to his guidance counselor, Embry.

Embry was sitting on his desk. "How's everything going? Everything is a really big word. Let's start with..."

"Do you mean physically or emotionally?" JJ asked. "Those both could encompass 'everything'. Or is 'everything' encompassed by both things?"

"Are you feeling overwhelmed by anything?" Embry asked.

JJ tilted his head, shrugging. "If 'everything' is encompassed by both things, are they a part of our reality, or are they somewhere else?"

"This isn't funny, Jeremiah," Embry told him.

JJ gave a tense smile. "JJ."

"I need you to take these meetings seriously," Embry told him.

JJ nodded. "I get it."

"Okay, do you 'get' that you're on probation, and in danger of repeating?" Embry asked. "You've already missed two weeks of school this year."

JJ gave a sarcastic smile. "Yeah, um, you do happen to remember that I was shot in a drive by, yes? Barely made it out alive. Cut me some slack. Plus my grandmother died."

Embry held up a finger. "Stop one second. I just wanna clarify real quickly. Is this the grandma who's died four times over the past three years?"

JJ shrugged. "Five times, actually. This is the fifth. She's our miracle. She called me the next family miracle with surviving a drive by."

Embry sighed. "I really wanna help you, but you've gotta take this seriously. I mean, you agreed to these terms, these weekly counseling sessions, maintaining a B-average, extracurricular participation."

"And I am loving pottery," JJ told him sarcastically.

Embry tilted his head. "Come on, JJ."

JJ looked away. "Look, I get it. If I screw anything up, I'm out. Doesn't seem fair since I nearly died, but that's this school for you, isn't it?"

Embry gave him a look. "We're not asking a lot of you, JJ. You just need to show up."

⫷⑅⫸

Fiona and Steve's House - Outside

Tony was standing outside the house, looking it over.

Fiona got out of a truck, which had a couch in the bed, and walked over to Tony. "Tony?"

"Somebody bought the house?" Tony asked. "Windows aren't boarded up anymore."

"Yeah, somebody did," Fiona answered.

"Was surprised enough when Malcolm started to rent the house next door to yours," Tony admitted. "Who bought this one?"

"Steve," Fiona answered.

Tony nodded, not surprised. "Yeah. Hope he can get the smell out. Harris was dead on the toilet a long time before we found him."

Tony turned around, walking toward his car, getting in, driving away.

Veronica got out of the truck behind Fiona, walking toward her. "What was that about?"

Fiona shook her head, turning toward the truck. "Come on."

⫷⑅⫸

Inside - Living Room

Fiona and Veronica were moving the couch into the house.

"Shit," Veronica complained. "Careful, careful, careful. Stop. Ow!"

"I got it," Fiona said. "I got it. Okay. Girl power." They got the couch into the living room just right. "And down, down."

"Down, down, down," Veronica agreed.

Veronica and Fiona put the couch down.

Frank was waiting, sitting in a chair. "Nice couch."

Veronica and Fiona's heads snapped up at the sound of his voice.

"What the hell, Frank?" Veronica asked.

Fiona took off her hat.

Frank had a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. "Steve needs new locks."

"You broke in?" Fiona asked incredulously.

"Living with the boyfriend," Frank announced.

"What?" Fiona asked.

Frank sighed. "She won't sign my settlement until you and the kids stop harassing her."

Fiona shook her head. "We're not harassing her."

Frank tried to justify his actions. "The boy needs to be with his mother."

Fiona rolled her eyes, knowing that Frank didn't care about that, only about the money. "He is with his mother. Till she decides to take off again."

Frank stood. "You obviously don't care. You've moved into this love nest."

Fiona shook her head. "I didn't move. I'm staying here until your wife fucks up."

"That's not the impression you gave everyone last night," Frank replied. "The one where you took off with Zia in the street where she almost got hit by a truck, but you wouldn't know about that, would you?" Fiona and Veronica both looked at him in shock. "Guessing Kimberly, Lip and Ian are pretty mad about that one." Fiona opened her mouth to speak, but Frank overrode her voice. "What your mother and I decide to do with our son Liam is our business, Fiona, not yours. I am getting that money."

Frank stormed out of the house.

Fiona turned to look at Veronica behind her, both of them in shock.

"So?" Veronica asked.

"I think he might be serious," Fiona answered. "I need to talk to the kids about last night. If that actually happened..."

Veronica nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but you still have hours before they're even out of school. Kev and I gotta meet with Anya and our lawyer about JJ, Carson and Ethan again, since we got papers from Eliana and need to hand them in to push the case for JJ along."

"What papers?" Fiona asked.

Veronica shook her head. "Don't worry about that. If it wasn't for our meeting today, I'd get you in with my lawyer to help you, but since we are meeting today, maybe you can talk to Malcolm."

"Why Malcolm?" Fiona asked.

"Who's the only 18 year old kid that you know, straight out of foster care, that got custody of his 5 year old brother Micah, and raised him for a whole year before all this shit went down?" Veronica replied. "If anybody else knows of someone who can help you with a case like this with Liam, it's Malcolm."

Fiona sighed heavily, knowing that Veronica was right.

⫷⑅⫸

Elementary School - Outside

Zia was sitting outside, waiting, staring off into space, dissociating. She tried to pull herself out of it, blinking here and there, but mostly remaining unblinking.

Micah was blinking in and out of focus for Zia, but Zia was trying desperately not to see him, digging her fingers into the pen and knife marks in her hand, causing herself pain, that she could still barely feel.

During her state, she flashed back to the night before, almost being hit by the truck, and saved by Ian, and all the scared faces of her siblings and friends burned into her head, making her even more overwhelmed and guilty.

Ian and Lip walked up to Zia, noticing her state.

Ian touched Zia's arm to bring her out of it. "Hey, Zia."

Zia looked up, startled. "Ian? Lip?"

"Yeah," Lip answered softly. "It's okay. You ready to go?"

Zia nodded, slowly standing. She reached for Lip's hand, which Lip easily took hold of hers as they started to walk.

Zia turned to Ian, wanting to reach for his hand with her other arm, but that arm was still in the cast, making her frustrated.

Ian knew what she had wanted, giving a soft smile, reassuring. "It's okay. Just a few more weeks and that thing can come off."

Zia sighed. "I wish it was gone."

"Yeah, but at least you can use that to defend yourself until it's gone, right?" Lip asked.

Zia nodded. "I used it against Barry. And Steve."

"And Steve?" Ian repeated in amusement.

Zia gave a nod, the corners of her lips upturned just slightly. "Yeah. I just wanted to hit him in the balls. Very, very hard. And I did."

Ian and Lip laughed lightly.

"Sounds good," Lip remarked. "Sure Steve deserved it."

"Yep," Zia agreed. "Little bitch."

Ian and Lip laughed a bit more.

Ian put a hand on Zia's shoulder. "Come on."

Zia looked up sadly. "Fiona's not coming, is she? She's done. Like she said." Ian and Lip looked at her sadly, but both were frustrated with Fiona and the entire family situation. Zia knew that their non-answer was an answer, sighing. "Is Kimberly still at school?"

"Yeah, we told her to take some time off because she's going through a lot too," Lip answered.

Zia nodded. "I know. You guys try and not let me, Carl and Debbie know, but we see more than you think."

Lip sighed. "Yeah, we know."

"Kim and Lia okay?" Zia asked. "And JJ?"

"Yeah, they're fine," Lip stated. "Well, as fine as any of us can be right now."

Zia looked up at them curiously.

"Let's just get you to the appointment," Ian told her. "You'll be in there for an hour, and we'll have to make a quick run during that hour, but we'll be back in time to pick you up, okay?"

Zia nodded. "Okay."

"All right," Lip agreed. "It'll be fine. Promise." Zia swatted Lip in the side. Lip looked down at her, confused, amused. "Hey. What was that for?"

"Don't make promises you can't keep," Zia told him, walking ahead.

Ian and Lip exchanged a look, sighing heavily, sadly, following Zia.

⫷⑅⫸

High School - Chemistry

JJ was in class, chemistry, which he had a trouble focusing on given everything that happened.

"So the term 'chiral' derives from the Greek word 'hand'," the teacher explained. "The concept here being that, just as your left hand, and your right hand, are mirror images of one another, right? Identical, and yet opposite. Well, so too organic compounds can exist as mirror image forms of one another all the way down at the molecular level. But although they may look the same, they don't always behave the same. For instance, Thalidomide. The right-handed isomer of the drug, Thalidomide is a perfectly fine good medicine to give to a pregnant woman to prevent morning sickness, but make the mistake of giving that same pregnant woman the left-handed isomer of the drug Thalidomide, and her child will be born with horrible birth defects. Which is precisely what happened in the 1950s. So, chiral, chirality, mirrored images, right? Active, inactive, good, bad."

A student whispered to JJ. "Hey, do you think this is gonna be on the murder?"

JJ looked up in alarm. "What?"

"Is this gonna be on the midterm?" the student asked.

JJ was rattled, but relieved at realizing what was actually said. "The chirality on the midterm? I don't know."

As the class continued, JJ became more and more overwhelmed, unable to deal with this much more. He was starting to breathe erratically, out of control. He could feel the tell tale signs of an oncoming panic attack.

⫷⑅⫸

Hallway

(Song:) Control - Zoe Wees

Kimberly was getting a drink from the water fountain in the hallway.

JJ suddenly burst out of chemistry.

The sudden sound of the door bursting open made Kimberly jump and spin around, only to relax when she saw JJ. "Jesus, J. You scared the..." Kimberly trailed off when she realized that JJ was panicking, overwhelmed with emotion. His heart was pounding. His vision was blurry. He could barely breath, gasping for breath, looking around. "J?" Kimberly's voice echoed through his mind. "Are you okay? What is it? What's wrong? JJ."

JJ turned to face Kimberly, still breathing heavily. "Panic attack."

⫷⑅⫸

Boys' Locker Room

JJ and Kimberly walked in.

JJ was still having a panic attack, breathing heavily.

"Okay, come on," Kimberly told him. "Come on." JJ slid down a locker to the floor. Kimberly knelt in front of him. "Just try and think about something else. Anything else."

"Like what?" JJ asked.

"Uh, happy things," Kimberly answered. "Good things. Uh, friends, family." JJ gave her a look, gasping for breath. Kimberly winced, because thinking about family meant thinking about Tristan and Eliana and everything that happened. "Oh, I mean... not family."

JJ held a hand to his chest. "Oh, God."

"Okay, uh, just... try and slow your breathing," Kimberly told him, pained just to see him like this.

JJ gasped for breath, shaking his head. "I can't. I can't."

JJ continued to hyperventilate.

Kimberly placed a hand on either of his cheeks. "Shh, shh. J, look at me. Shh, look at me. Shh, J."

Kimberly realized what she could do to help him, kissing him passionately. JJ's eyes were open in shock, but realizing what she was doing, closed his eyes, and kissed her back. The slow, sweet, steady and passionate kiss was able to make JJ hold his breath long enough for him to calm down and stop the attack. After a moment, they pulled away, remaining close, leaving their eyes closed. They drifted further apart, opening their eyes to look at each other.

"How'd you do that?" JJ asked.

Kimberly chuckled nervously. "I, uh... given current situations, I've been looking up how to stop panic attacks. For you, or for little siblings who are prone to them." JJ nodded slightly in acknowledgement. "And, uh, I read that holding your breath could stop a panic attack. So, when I kissed you... you held your breath."

JJ was stunned. "I did?"

"Yeah," Kimberly answered. "You did."

"Thanks," JJ told her. "Really smart."

Kimberly gave a soft chuckle, managing a small smile.

They continued to look at each other.

Kimberly licked her lips, biting her lip. "Are you okay now?"

JJ sat back, breathing deeply. "I'll, uh, have to get back to you on that." Kimberly nodded in understanding, looking down nervously, tilting her head. "But that really helped, Kim. Thank you."

Kimberly looked up at JJ, giving another nod. "Anytime."

JJ managed a small smile at that. "That so?"

Kimberly tilted her head at him. "Don't ruin the moment."

They both chuckled, smiling a bit more.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

The Alibi Room

(Song:) Who's That Dude, Pt. One - Capital City

Frank walked up to the bar.

"Hey, Frank," a man said.

Frank sighed. "Fuck."

⫷⑅⫸

Inside

Frank walked in.

Jess was behind the bar. "Yo, Frank. Sheila called and is making your favorite dinner. Pot roast."

Frank sat next to Tommy at the bar.

"Sheila's making you pot roast?" Tommy asked. "Aw, that's so sweet."

"And that Jasper guy was hanging around again asking questions about you," Jess added. Frank groaned. "Wanted to know how you felt. If you were back to work. That sort of thing."

Frank was completely fed up. "Fucking disability guy. He's outside right now. Been following me around all morning."

Tommy smirked. "I told him you were training for a marathon."

Jess placed a glass down in front of Frank.

"Every year, that shit head tries to trip me up, stop my disability check," Frank ranted, starting to smoke a cigarette. "I finally get some good luck and this douche with a video cam has to show up."

"You don't have any luck," Jess replied.

"Hello?" Frank asked. "Settlement money. Thank you. If I can get Monica away from Rosey Grier long enough to sign the goddamn thing. But, no, Bob won't let Monica out of her sight. She did look beautiful though. Really keeping herself up."

Jess looked away. "Uh-huh. Yeah, what about, uh, Sheila and the pot roast?"

Frank took a drink of beer, gagging. "She's like mouth herpes. The gift that keeps on giving. No, Monica is my soul mate. We just click."

Jess shrugged. "Two lesbians at home, the promise of cash. Maybe your luck has changed, Frank."

Frank shook his head. "Nah." For a second, Frank reconsidered, his face making Tommy laugh. Frank shook his head, going back to what he originally thought. "No."

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Fisher-Ball House - Living Room

Kevin and Veronica were sitting together.

"Have you thought anymore about what you want to do?" Kevin asked.

"About Carson and Ethan?" Veronica asked. "No. To be honest, I just keep thinking about how reckless Carson was being with going back to get Ethan. I'm allowed to have worries."

"JJ's been reckless, and he's been shot in a drive by and almost drowned while he was drunk at the swimming hole," Kevin pointed out. "We've been handling him fine with his BPD stuff since. With Carson and Ethan, we have the money to pay for those pills and try to fix the debts, and we make sure they stay out of the system where old guys can rape and marry little girls and make them have kids."

Veronica looked away, hating the way that sounded, but knowing it was what happened, and hating that it happened at all.

The doorbell rang.

Veronica and Kevin sighed. "There's Anya."

Veronica stood, walking over to the door to open the door.

Anya walked in. "Veronica. Kevin. Carson and JJ are at school, I take it?"

"Of course," Kevin answered.

Anya nodded, pleased, noticing Ethan, waving slightly. "Hi, Ethan. Our lawyer will be here any moment for the termination papers Eliana delivered this morning. You have them with you?"

Veronica took out the papers. "Yes, of course."

Anya nodded. "Great. We'll discuss this and JJ's case when she gets here."

Veronica and Kevin nodded, as the three of them sat down.

"What about Carson?" Veronica asked.

Anya took out a file. "Carson's parents were in the military. They had just gotten back from a war when they had her, and were going through some very heavy and serious trauma and PTSD. They started drinking and lashing out at her."

"They beat Carson?" Kevin asked.

"Yes," Anya answered. "In a lot of horrible ways. When they died in a car accident when Carson was 7, she was put into the foster system. She bounced around from home to home for three years. One of which, before her last one, was with a family where she was taken advantage of by their biological son, when she was just 8. After Carson left that home, she landed in the one with Clyde, where... well, you know how this happened. Clyde was the cult leader, and he had five of his foster daughters as his wives..."

"Basically baby-makers," Veronica finished, disgusted.

"Yes," Anya answered, not liking it one bit.

"So how old was Carson when she had Ethan?" Kevin asked.

"She's 11 now, so she was 10 when she first got pregnant," Anya answered. "Ethan was born about six months ago."

Kevin and Veronica were both sick to their stomachs.

"And you're telling us that this isn't the first time that something like this happened to Carson either, with her other foster home where she was taken advantage of," Veronica told her. "I assume you mean raped there too."

Anya glanced down. "The system has many issues, but ones that I don't blame on making those same mistakes with Carson or other girls like her. I've been working nonstop to make sure that she, and all those other girls, are set into protective homes, with their children. I'll be damned if I let something like this happen again. Look, Carson's a really great kid. She's just had a lot of bad luck."

Kevin shook his head. "That is just so heartbreaking."

"So you are looking for something permanent for Carson and Ethan, both?" Veronica asked.

"Always," Anya answered.

Kevin picked up Ethan to hold him, turning to Veronica. "What do you think?"

Veronica sighed heavily, looking at Ethan, feeling so horrible for him, and for Carson.

Of course, right after this meeting, they had their meeting with their lawyer.

⫷⑅⫸

Malcolm & Milkovich House - Living Room

Malcolm was sitting on his couch.

Fiona was pacing in front of him.

Malcolm frowned. "Let me just get this straight. You basically don't like Natalia or her siblings but know that you can't stop Kimberly, Ian and Lip from being best friends with her any more than you can with them and JJ, even though Natalia does a lot for your family too. And you haven't bothered to even really speak with me since I moved in because you thought I was the one to blame for Zia's issues at first because of you thinking that I was reminding her of Micah, but failed to keep in mind that he was my brother and I lost him, and Zia was the one that told me about this house so I could take care of myself to begin with. And now you come here asking me for help, for more than just lunches or breakfasts?"

Fiona sighed, nodding. "Yeah, that's basically it."

"Why come to me and not go to Veronica and Kevin with their lawyer and social worker about JJ's case?" Malcolm asked.

"Because they're already in a meeting with Anya and their lawyer about JJ, and Carson and Ethan, so they don't have time to help me," Fiona answered.

Malcolm nodded, unsurprised, looking away. "Oh, and I do. Yeah, just right when you need me after you've been nothing but rude since I moved in."

Fiona sighed. "I don't know what you want me to say, Malcolm."

"An apology for being sort of a bitch would be nice, to start with," Malcolm answered.

Fiona knew that was justified, sighing, nodding. "I'm sorry. Okay?"

Malcolm narrowed his eyes at Fiona, tilting his head. "You're lucky I like your siblings and most of them are my friends, and this is about making sure that they don't lose Liam. What do you want?"

Fiona sighed in relief, knowing that meant he would help. "Okay, when you turned 18, you had to have gotten a lawyer to get custody of Micah, right? When he was 5."

"Yeah," Malcolm answered, looking down sadly for a moment. "What about it?"

"What was the lawyer that you went to, and how'd you afford it?" Fiona asked.

"I sold a lot of fake IDs and used all the money to pay for it," Malcolm answered. "Not sure if you wanna do that. Luckily the price was arrangeable with the lawyer."

"Okay, which lawyer?" Fiona asked. "And would they would do the same thing with my family, even with the parents still alive?"

Malcolm stood, walking toward one of his boxes at the side of the room, opening the box and going through it, looking for the information on the lawyer. "There's a reason why it's called parental rights and why they can be taken away. In case you've been missing out on what JJ has been going through with Tristan and Eliana."

Fiona sighed. "I should've done this when I turned 18, like you did. Frank was so broken after Monica left, he would have signed anything."

Malcolm pulled out the information on a card and a folder. "Found it. Christine Dowling. I can help you set up a meeting."

Fiona walked closer in relief. "You have her number?" Malcolm held up the card. Fiona reached for it, but Malcolm pulled it back slightly. Fiona knew that it was because she was being rude and using him again, sighing, showing more appreciation. "Thank you."

Malcolm handed her the card.

Fiona took out her cellphone to make the call.

⫷⑅⫸

Dr. Rhodes' Office

Zia was drawing while in her session with Dr. Rhodes.

"I am so very sorry that happened to you last night, Zia," Rhodes told her. "But I'm glad that you had your family there to help you through it."

"Yeah," Zia whispered. "Me too."

"You said that the things Micah was saying... that Carson said that you thought those things?" Rhodes asked.

Zia sighed. "I didn't want to believe it. But... Carson's right. After what happened with Micah... I thought that I let him die. Because I was frozen. And after that, I felt dead inside. Like he said. Like I wasn't alive. Like I wasn't real. I... wonder what it's like to die. It hurts to smile. I try to fit in, be fine, but I can't. Maybe I hurt myself on the outside... to try to kill the empty on the inside. And I... I do things. Without thinking. Like I don't control what I'm doing. Like this morning with Bob. Or stabbing Barry with the pen. Or the coffee pot, when I almost broke it. It's weird. How I feel like a robot or like nothing at all. Like a zombie. Like... do I even exist?" She seemed astonished at the mere thought of existence. "If I do, how?"

Rhodes wrote this down. "Zia, would you say that you feel like an outside observer of your life? Like you're detached from your surroundings? Like instead of living your own life, you feel like you're watching the life of someone else."

Zia looked up. "Like a movie."

"Exactly, yes," Rhodes agreed. "Like a glass wall or veil separates you from the world?"

"Yeah," Zia answered. "Yeah, that. Like a never ending fog or dream. Nightmare. Everything seems lifeless. No color. Not real. It messes with how I see things. Or hear things."

"And it takes so much energy, thinking and adrenaline to do anything, like we talked before in your previous session," Rhodes finished.

Zia nodded. "I'm scared that all of this... can make me lose my mind. Or worse."

Rhodes looked at her in sympathy. "I want you to start writing in a journal. All right? Every time you think about one of these things, every time something happens that you can't explain. Everything Micah says. Put it down. Write it down. Put it in your journal. But get it out of yourself. Away, so it can't curl up with you anymore."

Zia nodded slightly. "Okay. What now?"

"I want to run some tests," Rhodes answered. "But I'm quite certain that after these tests, we might be able to find out what's really going on, and be able to help you with recovery."

Zia's expression showed no change, like she didn't want to get her hopes up, and she didn't feel any differently with the words, though she knew deep down that she should have felt relief. "Okay."

"But I need to speak with Fiona, or a parent, before these tests begin, so we're all aware and on the same page," Rhodes explained. "Make sure that you're well taken care of. Did your sister bring you here this time?"

Zia looked down, more disheartened after hearing this part due to her parents being flakes and due to Fiona walking out the night before. "No. My brothers did. Ian and Lip. Can they or Kimberly talk to you?"

Rhodes shook her head. "It has to be someone in a guardianship over you, over the age of 18. Can you get someone to call me or talk to me at our next session?"

Zia sighed, tilting her head. She wasn't sure, but nodded so that there was no more attention drawn to her or the family since they were all dealing with so much already, and couldn't risk more attention or the risk of foster care.

⫷⑅⫸

On the Road

Lip was driving the car, while Ian was in the passenger seat, following Bob and Monica in the semi truck toward the DNA Center.

"Where'd you get the car?" Ian asked.

"Borrowed it from Steve," Lip answered. "I've been working with him a bit."

Ian gave him a look. "Doing what?" Lip shrugged, looking away. Ian scoffed slightly. "Uh, you better not let Fiona find out about it or she'll kill you. She already judges Kimberly and JJ enough for having to do what they were forced to do just to protect Kim, Zia and Natalia."

Lip shook his head, before looking at Ian, who was looking out the window anxiously. "You doing okay?"

Ian sighed. "Lot going on."

"Like always," Lip agreed. "It's weird having Monica back."

Ian nodded, looking down. "Yeah. Yeah, that too."

Lip raised an eyebrow. "What, something else? Last night?"

"That, and..." Ian trailed off.

"And what?" Lip asked curiously.

Ian sighed. "It's kind of hard to explain."

Lip looked at him in concern. "Try me."

Ian gave in. "Mickey's gay and we're doing it. Malcolm knows because he saw me sneaking out of his room, and I'm pretty sure Natalia knows because of cracks she made. And Kash shot Mickey because of me. But Mickey would rather go to juvie than admit he's gay." He ran his hand over his forehead. "So I'm doing both Kash and Mickey. Well, not so much Kash lately." Lip nodded slightly, confused, but keeping up. "When Kash and me were hot and heavy, Linda found out about it, and is blackmailing Kash into having another kid."

Lip was stunned. "Holy shit."

Ian scoffed in agreement. "Yeah. You think Lia knows?"

Lip snorted. "If you thought that you could keep you and Mickey a secret from Natalia while you're fake-dating her, and then turning around to bang her brother in their house, you're an idiot." Ian couldn't help but smile, glad for the humor to lighten the mood. Lip smiled. "Of course she knows, Ian. It's freaking Lia. You're not gonna get a secret past her like that."

"Right," Ian agreed. "So she's definitely not mad."

Lip shook his head in agreement. "If anything, she's probably rooting for you two to have one of her best friends and her brother be happy for once in their lives."

Ian smiled softly. "Yeah. Sounds like Lia. Not sure about the happy part though, for us at least." Lip shrugged slightly. Ian sighed. "What time do we have to pick up Zia?"

Lip checked the time on the car radio. "In about 45 minutes, so we got time."

Ian nodded, gazing off. "I think I'm gonna go see him today."

"Who, Kash?" Lip asked.

"No, Mickey," Ian answered. "He's in jail awaiting sentencing, and Natalia and Mandy can't afford his bail on top of everything. And even if they could, he wouldn't let them pay, because he knows what's going on now and wouldn't want their money to be 'wasted' on him if it can go to protecting them."

"Right," Lip agreed. "Not like Natalia and Mandy would let that stop them anyway, if they had enough."

Ian shrugged in agreement.

⫷⑅⫸

Christine Dowling's Office

Malcolm had set up a meeting for Fiona and Dowling, sitting in the office with them.

"I wanna know what I have to do to adopt my toddler brother and possibly my other siblings, and raise them as my own," Fiona explained. "You helped Malcolm with Micah, right?"

"Yes, I did, but this was because their parents were no longer in the picture," Dowling answered, glancing at Malcolm. "Sorry." Malcolm shrugged, looking down. Dowling looked at Fiona. "Are both your parents still alive?"

"Yes," Fiona answered.

"Incompetent?" Dowling asked.

"Very," Malcolm answered.

Dowling looked from Malcolm to Fiona. "Okay. Well, you're talking about vacating their parental rights and becoming legal guardian of how many?"

"Seven," Fiona answered.

Dowling raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Well, that's a lot of kids. Law's pretty strict regarding parental rights. You'd need to prove incompetence. Do you have a case?"

"How much time do you have?" Malcolm asked.

Fiona handed a folder over to Dowling. "I have a folder."

Dowling took the folder. "You have a folder. Okay." She opened the folder, going through it. "It looks like your mother--"

"Monica," Fiona interjected.

"Monica left a couple of years ago?" Dowling asked.

Fiona nodded. "21 and a half months."

"Is she back now?" Dowling asked.

"Sort of," Fiona answered.

"And your father, Frank Gallagher," Dowling stated, looking over the file. "Wow, he's a live one. Drinker?" Fiona nodded. "Uh, do you make federal poverty level wages for a family of eight?"

"How much is that?" Malcolm asked.

"30 grand a year or so," Dowling answered.

Malcolm scoffed. "Pfft."

Fiona sighed, knowing just by that, that she wouldn't be able to win this, shaking her head.

Dowling sighed. "So you don't earn enough to support them, and we'd have to prove your parents incompetent? I know this file gives a lot of examples while, including a drive by where your parents weren't around to care for your siblings, but you were, and that is enough, if we could prove it. But it won't really make a difference unless you can prove that you can make enough money to support them." Fiona looked down, disheartened. "I know it bites the big one, but the best case scenario is county places your brothers and sisters in foster care, while you and your father fight over custody."

Malcolm snorted. "Foster care is in no one's best case scenario, believe me."

Dowling gestured to Malcolm in agreement, but this just proved that there wasn't another way about this.

Fiona sighed defeatedly.

⫷⑅⫸

DNA Center

Monica and Bob were in the waiting room for the center.

"Mrs. Gallagher?" the receptionist asked.

Monica was holding Liam. "Yeah."

Bob walked over to take the DNA test results from the receptionist, walking toward Monica and Liam, opening the envelope, stunned by the answers. "He's Frank's."

Monica frowned in shock. "What?"

"Frank's the father," Bob answered. "How the fuck is this possible?"

Monica shook her head in confusion. "I don't know. I thought I got pregnant when I did E with that bouncer at the Zebra Lounge. I woke up naked."

Bob crumbled up the results. "The law is still on our side."

"What?" Monica asked.

Bob pointed at her. "You're the mother."

Monica nodded. "Yeah."

"Mm-hmm," Bob hummed. "So we find Frank today, tell him we'll sign his settlement papers in exchange for him signing over his parental rights. After that, there ain't a damn thing Fiona, Kimberly, Ian, Lip or those kids can do. Come on, Monica."

Monica still felt guilty and hesitant, walking out of the center.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

Lip and Ian were parked across the street.

Monica and Bob walked out of the center with Liam.

Bob was ranting angrily, shouting loud enough for them to hear. "Shit. He's not ruining my fucking family. I swear to God, he's not gonna take my son away from me. Fuck this shit."

Bob and Monica walked to the semi truck to get in and leave.

Ian and Lip watched them go, exchanging a look.

"Wow," Lip said. "They look unhappy."

Ian nodded. "Yeah."

Ian and Lip smirked, getting out of the car.

⫷⑅⫸

Inside

Ian and Lip walked into the center, walking up to the receptionist's desk.

"The two women who just left must not have been happy with the news they got," Lip remarked.

"Oh, yeah, happens," the receptionist agreed. "Had a guy last month hang himself from a pipe in the men's room." Ian and Lip nodded awkwardly. "So can I help you?"

Lip frowned in thought. "Yeah, I think, uh, maybe you can."

Ian looked at Lip. "How much more time?"

"20 minutes," Lip answered. "We're good."

Ian nodded in agreement.

⫷⑅⫸

Street

Natalia, Kimberly and JJ were walking on the way to the elementary school after school was let out.

Kimberly and JJ kept stealing glances at each other, sheepish but amused.

Natalia looked at them in amusement. "What the hell is going on with you two?"

"Nothing," Kimberly replied.

Natalia nodded skeptically. "Mm-hmm. I'm sure."

"Just a lot going on," JJ replied.

"There always is, but this is definitely not the usual we're dealing with," Natalia pointed out. "Whatever. At least you guys look better than earlier."

"Thanks for that, Lia," Kimberly replied.

They stopped to pick up Carson, Carl and Debbie up from elementary.

Carson, Carl and Debbie walked up to them.

"Hi, JJ," Carson told him. "Kimberly. Natalia."

Natalia, Kimberly and JJ smiled softly at the fact that Carson seemed to be opening up more to them, little by little.

"Hi, Carson," Natalia replied. "How are you guys doing?"

"Okay," Carl answered.

Debbie shrugged slightly. "Better than yesterday."

The group nodded sadly.

Carson looked at them empathetically, like all of their pain magnified her own, and left her breathless for a moment. She was quick to change the subject, hoping not to let them dwell too long, knowing it didn't help anyone. "Ian and Lip take Zia to Dr. Rhodes?"

"Yeah, the office I've gotta head to tomorrow for my session," JJ remarked. "Luckily not today."

"And yeah," Kimberly answered. "But Ian and Lip are on a little mission of their own right now, but they'll be able to pick Zia up. Let's get you guys home."

Natalia, Kimberly and JJ started to walk, followed by Carson, Carl and Debbie.

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Outside

(Song:) Tears In My Beers - Mean Jeans

In the backyard, Carl dragged a board across the sidewalk, setting it up as a ramp, nailing it up, starting to drag his bike up the stairs to the top of the ramp he had just made.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Fisher-Ball House - Kitchen

JJ walked in to get some juice from the fridge.

Veronica walked toward JJ. "Your guidance counselor called."

"Embryo?" JJ asked.

"What?" Veronica asked.

JJ chuckled. "His name's Embry. I call him Embryo. It's the little things, V."

Veronica chuckled. "Did you do something I should be worried about?"

JJ gave her a look. "I'm genuinely offended by that supposition."

Veronica tilted her head. "JJ."

JJ shook his head. "No. It's fine. I'll deal with it."

Veronica shook her head. "I hate when you say that."

"Why?" JJ asked.

"Because what you really mean is that I'm gonna have to deal with it," Veronica answered. "Did you cut class again?"

"No," JJ answered. "For fuck's sake, I'm fine."

Veronica sighed. "Okay, Kev and I gotta talk to Carson."

JJ pulled out some cheese to snack on. "Mm-hmm."

Veronica gave him a look. "Wait for dinner, JJ. Love you."

JJ smirked. "Hey."

They did their handshake.

Veronica smiled. "Love you."

JJ smiled. "Love you."

Veronica walked out. "No more cheese, JJ!"

JJ paused, before opening his last slice of cheese to eat.

⫷⑅⫸

Living Room

Carson walked into the living room.

"Hey," Kevin greeted. "Dinner's not for a little while, but do you want anything to drink?"

Carson shook her head. "I was just wondering if you had any chores for me."

"I think we're good for now," JJ answered.

"But I might have something for you later," Veronica told her.

Carson nodded. "Okay." She glanced between Kevin and Veronica. "So are you two married?"

"Not exactly legally, no," Kevin answered. "But we're married in our hearts."

"That's basically the same thing, right?" Carson asked.

Veronica couldn't help a small smile, nodding. "Basically, yeah. Yeah."

Carson grabbed Ethan to feed him his bottle, holding him caringly, lovingly.

Kevin, Veronica and JJ sat down.

Kevin took a deep breath. "So, we have something to talk about, obviously."

"Uh, Kev and I had our meeting with Anya and the lawyer, and we've come to a decision," Veronica explained. "We gave them Eliana's termination papers, so JJ's case will be moving forward." JJ sighed heavily in relief. Carson gave him a small, supportive smile. Veronica and Kevin smiled slightly. "But... we are not in a position to offer Carson and Ethan a home forever."

"But we would like you and Ethan to be as comfortable and safe as possible, until Anya does find you a permanent home, Carson," Kevin told her. "However long that may take."

Veronica nodded. "It could be a week, it could be a year. We just don't know."

"So this could be Carson's very last way station ever?" JJ asked. "And Ethan wouldn't have to go through all the things she did."

Carson sighed heavily in relief. "Thank you."

Kevin and Veronica nodded.

"So, that means we need to get you two out of the living room," Kevin explained. "I think you'll be okay to camp down here one more night, but tomorrow, we'll be getting a crib and a bed for you."

"There's a room downstairs that's just for storage and whatnot, but we can clear that out and make room for both of you," Veronica explained.

"So after school, let's get that done tomorrow, okay?" Kevin asked. "JJ, could use a little help with the muscle. Maybe Lip, Malcolm and Ian can help with that. Natalia, Kimberly, Zia, Carl and Debbie could help too."

"Yeah, I'll ask," JJ agreed. "I'm sure they'll love to help, since we helped with Malcolm, Natalia, Mickey and Mandy's furniture and stuff, but they're still getting things too."

Carson nodded slightly, gratefully. "Thank you."

"Of course," Kevin agreed.

JJ gave Carson a small smile. "Looks like things might actually start to look up for you, Carson."

Carson narrowed her eyes slightly at JJ, his slightly upbeat mood seeming to infect Carson when she saw that his mood had lifted considerably. "What's up with you?"

"What?" JJ asked.

"You seem... happier," Carson answered.

Kevin and Veronica glanced at JJ, realizing Carson was right, chuckling.

JJ raised his eyebrows, knowing that he only felt better because he was thinking about the kiss with Kimberly earlier, wanting to focus on that instead of all of the pain. "I do, huh?"

"A little bit," Carson answered. 

"You look like you're feeling a little bit happier too," Veronica pointed out. "Guess JJ's mood is infecting you, Carson."

Kevin smiled. "JJ, Carson, that's all we want, for both of you, and Ethan. But more. Because you guys deserve the best."

JJ and Carson gave slight smiles.

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Front Porch

Kimberly was sitting on the front porch, sighing heavily.

Eliana dropped by, seeing Kimberly. "Oh, Kimberly. Hi."

"Hi," Kimberly replied, kind of nervous.

"I'm really sorry about the phone call," Eliana told her.

"Yeah," Kimberly said. "That was kind of weird."

JJ walked outside. "Hey, Eliana. What are you doing here?"

"Well, I wanted to surprise you and come say hi," Eliana answered. "Veronica said that she would like to share a couple drinks too, so I'll let you talk to the future Mrs. Fisher and talk to you inside."

JJ and Kimberly were both stunned by Eliana saying that about Kimberly.

"Okay, thank you," JJ told her.

Eliana smiled, kissing JJ and Kimberly both on the cheek before heading inside.

Kimberly frowned. "Well, at least she likes me today."

JJ shrugged, shaking his head. "Why does everything have to be a surprise?"

"Yeah, you'd think her mood swings would be enough," Kimberly remarked. JJ raised his eyebrows at her. "Sorry. But, you know, maybe she needs to see a doctor."

JJ shook his head. "No, she doesn't. She's... eccentric."

"She called me a whore and said that she would make me pay for being around you," Kimberly told him.

JJ didn't know. "She said that she was having some issues and maybe she had a little too much wine. She doesn't even remember. Hey, she obviously loves you." Kimberly couldn't deny that at times like just now, Eliana did really love Kimberly and the way she and JJ were around each other. "Look, I'm gonna go walk with her and make sure she's okay, all right?"

"Okay," Kimberly answered. "I'll just... go be with my family." JJ nodded. "You and Carson? News from Kev and V about her and Ethan?"

"Yeah," JJ answered. "Papers from Eliana are given to the lawyers and Anya. And Carson and Ethan will hopefully be around for a while until they get a permanent home, but this could be their last foster home. That's what we're hoping, anyway."

Kimberly sighed in relief. "That's great."

"Yeah," JJ agreed. "So we're gonna clear out the storage room downstairs and make it into a room for Carson and Ethan. Get a bed and a real crib. Everything they need."

"Well, you know that the rest of us will totally help out," Kimberly told him.

JJ smiled. "Yeah, we know."

Kimberly gave JJ a nudge. "Go. Be with your family. Eliana could still be a good mom to have around, even if she can't be a mother to take care of you like she said."

JJ nodded in agreement. "You guys gonna be okay?"

"Yeah," Kimberly answered. "I'll see you later."

JJ nodded in agreement, winking slightly at Kimberly, causing them both to smile a bit, turning around, walking toward his house.

Kimberly watched JJ go.

Fiona and Malcolm just got home, pulling up in the truck Fiona used earlier for the couch.

Fiona and Malcolm both got out of the truck.

Kimberly frowned at the sight of them together like this. "What the hell are you two doing together?"

"Ask your sister," Malcolm replied. "Hi, Kimberly."

"Malcolm," Kimberly replied.

Malcolm walked past toward his house, walking inside.

Fiona walked up to Kimberly, not happy in the least. "I need to talk to you. Right now."

Kimberly sighed, knowing that word about last night would have gotten back to Fiona by now.

⫷⑅⫸

Fiona and Steve's House - Living Room

Fiona led Kimberly into the house.

Kimberly walked in, looking around. "So this is the house that you took off for last night while our little sister was crying for you to stay. Nice."

Fiona turned toward Kimberly. "Don't do that. What the hell, Kimberly?"

"You're gonna have to be more specific," Kimberly told her.

"You got yourself fired from McDonalds, and start drug dealing," Fiona listed. "You started a fight at your job for what? Because you thought you didn't need it anymore with the drug dealing? Hell of a Frank or Monica move."

Kimberly scoffed, shaking her head. "Oh, you really do not want to go there right now, Fiona. Not after last night. I didn't get into a fight just to get into a fight. Those bitches started it and I snapped. All right? That's all there's to it. And you know I didn't have a choice with the drug dealing, and that I don't want to be involved in it but it's the only way to keep us safe, so stop judging me for it. You definitely had a choice in what you did last night though."

"Why didn't you, Lip or Ian tell me about Zia almost getting hit by a truck last night?" Fiona asked.

Kimberly shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe it's because you said to everyone that Monica is, and I quote 'here, so I'm done. They're all yours. Good luck'. And then took off telling Zia to go back inside and that you needed a break from all of us when she needed you most before and after having her worst episode yet where she almost died, just like we kept telling you would happen if we didn't get her help. Sorry, but that seemed more like a Frank and Monica thing to do than what I did."

Fiona looked down in guilt, knowing that Kimberly had strong points. "I didn't mean..."

"I know what you didn't mean, but it sure as hell felt like you meant it last night," Kimberly replied. "We never once were wanted by Monica or Frank, so when you pull that and you leave us there saying that we're just left in their hands, that makes us feel like we're not wanted by anyone. And I'm trying to figure out how you thought it was a smart move to leave our sister, with her issues, out crying in the street when you knew that she had just gotten out of a zone out and would go back into one after what you said to her. She started sleepwalking right into the damn road because of things Micah said to her. If Lip, Ian and I hadn't walked outside in time to see what was happening..."

Fiona felt guilty, but got defensive. "So that's why none of you told me? You blame me for something that I didn't have any control over?"

"We were angry because you should've known better than to leave her alone out there after everything that happened," Kimberly answered. "But we didn't blame you because none of us knew what was going to happen. Sorry for not handling everything perfectly while we're left with our deadbeat parents while not a word from you while you're right across the street."

Fiona swallowed. "Kim..."

Kimberly shook her head, tears in her eyes, but she didn't have it in her to feel angry anymore. "I didn't blame you, Fi. I was hurt. And I was angry because you should've known better. And not left us with them like that, and not leave her in the street. And so were they. But none of them blamed you."

Kimberly was trying not to cry, overwhelmed.

Fiona looked at Kimberly in guilt and sadness, stepping forward to wrap her arms around Kimberly. Kimberly held onto Fiona, needing some form of anchor like this, from a parental figure, starting to calm down.

Fiona was fearful of Zia's reaction to all this, if this was Kimberly's. "She doesn't blame me for last night, does she?"

They pulled away.

Kimberly shook her head. "No. She blames herself. Which I think is worse. She can't control any of it." Fiona nodded sadly. "But she's most hurt out of all, obviously. So just be prepared for that."

Fiona sighed, nodding. "Where is she?"

"She had her appointment with Rhodes today," Kimberly answered. "And you knew that already, but you said you were done with the clinics because you wanted Monica to deal with it and fuck up and realize that she can't do it. But of course Monica didn't go with her. Ian and Lip had to take her there. What if they need to talk to you or something? You knew that Monica couldn't deal with Zia's doctors since she never went to the doctors for herself. What are we supposed to do if they need a parent?"

Fiona didn't know the answer, realizing just how badly her walk out last night blew up in their faces.

⫷⑅⫸

North Wallace Street

(Song:) Sneaky Bass Line - The Diner

Frank was walking down the street, looking back at Jasper following him in his car.

When Frank stopped walking, Jasper stopped the car.

When Frank continued walking, Jasper continued inching down the road to follow him, camera in hand.

When Frank started to walk backwards across the sidewalk, Jasper went in reverse to follow his every move.

When Frank jogged down the sidewalk, Jasper drove after him at a speed to keep up with him.

Frank stopped, walking up to the car, annoyed. "How long you gonna keep this up, Jasper?"

"As long as it takes this time," Jasper replied. "Insurer is sick and tired of paying you. We know you're faking. Gonna pay me a thousand bucks for proving it."

Frank nodded sarcastically, walking away, undoing his jeans. "Hey, Jasper."

Frank pulled down his pants and flashed Jasper, shaking his ass, before pulling his pants back up and walking down the street.

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Kitchen

Frank walked into the house. "Monica? You here? I talked to Fiona. Everything's good." He walked into the kitchen, but he didn't hear or see anyone in the house. "Monica?"

Frank went to get a beer from the fridge, taking it out, opening it, taking a drink, grabbing a bag of food from on top of the fridge, eating some, but spit it out like it was gross, and instead grabbed some noodles, sticking some between his lips as he sat down at the counter.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside - Backyard

(Song:) Do Everything Now - Saint Motel

On the porch, Carl got onto his bike, pulling on a helmet and goggles, before riding down the ramp, aiming for a mattress that he had set out in front of the ramp, but the booster bag at the end of ramp was too high, as Carl was thrown up into the air and fell off his bike to the ground. "Oh, shit!"

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Inside - Kitchen

Frank sat at the counter, drinking beer and reading the newspaper.

Carl walked in, wincing in pain. "Where's Fiona?"

"Doesn't live here anymore," Frank replied.

"Monica?" Carl asked.

"Nope," Frank answered.

"Kimberly?" Carl asked.

"Got dragged across the street by the other one," Frank answered. "Pretty sure they're fighting."

Carl sighed. "I think I broke my arm."

Frank didn't care. "Uh-huh."

"It hurts a lot," Carl told him.

Frank nodded. "Yeah." He seemed to be getting an idea, looking up, pointing to Carl's hurt arm. "That one?"

"Yeah," Carl answered. Frank hit Carl's arm. "Ow! What the--"

Frank stood. "Go get your bike."

Frank and Carl walked out through the back door.

⫷⑅⫸

Foyer

Zia, Lip and Ian walked into the house.

"What kind of tests did Rhodes say?" Lip asked.

"She didn't," Zia answered. "She has to talk to Fiona before I can do any tests though."

Lip and Ian nodded, frustrated with Fiona still since they hadn't gotten to talk to her yet.

"Yeah, well, we'll tell her when everything settles down here, okay?" Ian asked.

Zia didn't react, walking over to the couch to sit down.

Lip and Ian exchanged a look, sighing, taking out envelopes with DNA test packages inside as they walked upstairs.

"You sure you're ready for this?" Lip asked.

"Hell yeah," Ian answered. "I mean, just because Liam's Frank's doesn't mean the rest of us are."

⫷⑅⫸

The Boys' Room

Lip and Ian walked into their room.

"Yep," Lip agreed.

"And at least only I have to take the DNA test to know for both me and Kimberly," Ian added. "Twins."

Lip nodded, sitting down, looking at the instructions. "All right. It says here, all we have to do is... swab our own cheeks and send it back in."

"Yeah, and pay them 150 bucks each," Ian remarked.

Lip took out a Q-tip. "On the off chance we're not related to Frank, it's totally worth it." He stood. "Open up." Ian opened his mouth so Lip could swab his cheeks. Lip sat down, putting Ian's swab into a baggie, labeling it as Ian's with a pen. "It's actually pretty cool. There's a lot of shit we could figure out about ourselves in here."

Ian smiled, nodding. "Yeah, like, uh, if we got the alcoholic gene from Frank."

"Yeah, or the dummy or mental illnesses from Monica," Lip added.

Ian shrugged. "Or if any of us is gonna turn out to be gay."

Lip smiled, holding up his hand. "Nice."

Ian smiled, high fiving Lip.

⫷⑅⫸

North Wallace Street

Frank walked outside, walking down the sidewalk.

Jasper followed in his car.

Frank started to run, darting around the corner.

Jasper drove after Frank.

Frank led Jasper to an alley around the back of the street. "Now!"

Carl was waiting on his bike, driving right in front of Jasper's car, colliding with the car and laying on top of the hood, groaning in pain because of his arm.

Frank, hearing the collision, stopped running, and grinned, knowing his plan worked.

Carl rolled off the hood of the car to the ground. "Ow."

Frank ran toward him. "Carl! Carl. Carl." He sat next to Carl on the ground, holding him, putting on the display of the loving father. "Oh..." Jasper got out of the car worriedly, looking at them in shock. "I think you broke his arm."

"Oh, shit," Jasper said.

"Can I go to the hospital now?" Carl asked.

Frank whispered. "Just give me a couple of more yells first."

Carl yelled. "Ow! Ow!"

"Oh, my boy," Frank said.

Carl held his arm in pain. "Ow!"

⫷⑅⫸

Malcolm & Milkovich House - Outside

Malcolm, Natalia and Mandy sat on the porch.

Mandy looked at Malcolm, shaking her head. "I can't believe that you helped her even after the way she's treated us."

"I didn't do it for her," Malcolm replied. "I did it for Liam, and Kimberly, Lip and Ian since they're my friends. And Zia, Carl and Debbie don't need to lose their brother either."

"Well, thank you," Natalia told him. "I would've done the same thing."

"Of course both of you would," Mandy agreed. "Not sure if I could be the bigger person like that or not though."

"Oh, I'm sure you can," Malcolm replied. "You'd be surprised by how we can surprise ourselves, Mandy."

Mandy smiled slightly.

Malcolm smirked a little, taking a hit of a cigarette.

Natalia looked between the two, smirking, shaking her head.

Zia walked outside of her own house, looking over to see Malcolm, Natalia and Mandy on the porch, walking down the porch steps of her house.

Malcolm and Natalia saw Zia coming over their way. Mandy followed their gaze.

Zia walked up the porch steps of their house. "Hi, Lia. Mandy."

"Hey, Zia," Mandy replied. "Did Kimberly or Natalia tell you, Debbie and Carson about us going to a clothing drive if we can soon?"

"Yeah," Zia answered. "Hi, Malcolm."

"Hey," Malcolm said, concerned. "How are you doing?"

"I don't know," Zia admitted, sitting down next to Natalia.

Natalia reached up to brush a piece of Zia's hair back. "What did Rhodes say?"

"She doesn't know what's going yet because she has to run some tests," Zia answered.

"To eliminate possibilities," Natalia pointed out. "That's the smart thing to do so that you don't get diagnosed with something that you don't have and make things worse, right?"

Zia shrugged slightly, looking down. "Yeah, I guess. But the tests can't start until she talks to Fiona. Or a parent. It can't be Kimberly, Lip or Ian. I already asked. It has to be Fi, or Frank or Monica."

Malcolm, Natalia and Mandy knew the issue, sighing silently.

"And that puts you in an awkward position after last night," Malcolm finished. Zia nodded numbly, gazing off. "I'm sure Fiona will come back soon and help you guys."

"Fiona said that she was done with the clinics," Zia stated.

"And you're mad at her right now," Natalia stated.

Zia frowned. "I don't know if I feel... mad. I just... it hurts."

Natalia nodded in agreement and understanding. "We know."

Kimberly and Fiona walked out of Fiona and Steve's house across the street.

Malcolm noticed them. "Speak of the devil. Kimberly's with her."

Natalia and Zia followed his gaze.

Kimberly and Fiona saw Zia on the porch with Natalia, Malcolm and Mandy, walking closer.

"Hey, Z," Kimberly told her softly.

"Kim," Zia replied softly.

"Are you okay?" Fiona asked.

Zia looked up at Fiona before looking away. "Monica."

Kimberly gave Fiona an 'I told you so' look.

Malcolm, Natalia and Mandy made awkward looks and looked down.

Fiona sighed, hurt, but knowing that was justified and a little deserved. "I'm really sorry about last night. I had no idea... I shouldn't have left you like that." Zia looked up at Fiona with glassed over and slightly teary eyes. "Okay, it won't happen again. I never meant to let anything happen to you. And I really am sorry. Okay?" Zia looked relieved for the words, but still hurt and distant. Fiona knew this and nodded. "You don't have to forgive me right now, all right? I just needed you to know that. We still need to talk about this stuff. And fix it."

"I thought you were done," Zia told her.

Kimberly gave Fiona another pointed look.

Fiona sighed, shaking her head. "I didn't mean it like that. I know that it sounded like that last night, and it looked like it, but I didn't. Okay? I promise."

"You wanna tell us what Dr. Rhodes said?" Kimberly asked.

Zia sighed, looking from Natalia to Kimberly, glancing at Fiona.

Natalia nodded reassuringly, rubbing Zia's arm. "It's okay."

Before Zia could explain again, they heard Carl's voice. "Fiona? Kimberly?" Fiona and Kimberly turned around, seeing Carl behind them holding his arm. "Zia?"

Zia frowned in concern at seeing her brother in obvious pain. "Carl?"

Kimberly walked closer, kneeling in front of Carl, gently touching his shoulder. "Hey. What happened?"

⫷⑅⫸

Jackson House - Kitchen

Eddie was wearing a suit, ready for the Purity Ball, walking into the kitchen toward Sheila, where she was starting to cook dinner. "Wow. That roast smells amazing."

Sheila looked down, starting to get the plates. "Don't get any ideas. It's not for you."

Eddie leaned closer to the roast on the stove, taking a big whiff. "Frank's not coming back. He's with his wife now. Mm." He turned to face Sheila. "I know how disappointed you get when nobody's here to eat your wonderful meals."

Karen walked in, just in her bra and underwear. "Mom." Eddie averted his gaze. "Where is my dress?"

Sheila smiled, leading Karen over to the dress that she had made for her. "That's perfect. It's so good." She helped Karen pull the dress on. "Perfect. Okay, let's get this side."

Karen and Sheila walked back into view.

(Song:) Love and Doubt - Slow Runner

Karen's dress was a gown, with a white corset top and a poofy, lacy pink skirt.

Eddie smiled. "My goodness. You look stunning." He walked closer to take Karen's hands in his. Karen smiled. "I am so proud of you."

Sheila gave a tight smile. "All right, Eddie. Why don't you just join us for dinner before you both go to the Purity Ball?"

"You're sure?" Eddie asked.

Sheila shrugged slightly. "I'll just save a plate for Frank."

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Juvie - Visitation Area

Mickey was on crutches, making his way to the phones for visitation, sitting across from Ian on the other side of the glass.

They both picked up the phones.

"Thanks for putting money in my commissary account," Mickey told him. "Natalia and Mandy gave some of what they could, but you know how that goes."

"Not me," Ian explained. "Kash. I told him you might still press charges."

Mickey smirked slightly. "Thanks."

Ian hesitated. "How long?"

"I don't know," Mickey admitted. "Supposed to be a year, right? Maybe only a couple of months if I don't do anything stupid."

"Like what?" Ian asked.

Mickey looked down the way toward another juvie mate, raising his voice to make sure that he was heard. "Like stab that fat fucking Mick who keeps trying to steal my Jell-O."

"Who, me?" the inmate asked.

"Yeah," Mickey answered.

"Fuck you," the inmate replied.

Mickey and Ian exchanged a somewhat awkward look.

"I miss you," Ian admitted.

Mickey just stared at him. "You say that again, I'll rip your tongue out of your head." Ian couldn't help a small smile and chuckle at his expected response, putting his hand on the glass for a second. Mickey shook his head. "Take your hand off the glass."

Ian dropped his hand. "Oh."

⫷⑅⫸

Night - On the Road - Steve's Car

(Song:) Glow - The Stanley Blacks

Steve was driving with the radio blaring, only slowing down when he noticed a cop in his rear view mirror, hoping not to get pulled over.

Of course, he wasn't that lucky, as the cop flashed his lights and blared his siren, pulling Steve over.

Steve sighed, frustrated.

Tony got out of the police car, walking closer to Steve in his car.

Steve rolled down his window. "Evening, officer. Is everything okay?"

"I don't know, is it?" Tony replied.

Steve gave a nervous smile. "Oh, hey, Tony, how you doing?"

Steve turned off the radio.

(Song Ends)

"Good," Tony answered.

Steve glanced around. "So did I do something wrong? Taillight out? Low tire?"

Tony shook his head. "No, no, no. Uh, congratulations on the new house."

Steve frowned, nodding. "Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Nice little fixer-upper in the neighborhood. Hear the neighbors can be loud, though. Lots of kids."

Tony nodded. "Fiona's a good girl."

"The best," Steve agreed.

"Known her since we were in Head Start," Tony explained. "Long time, you know. Just drive carefully. You don't wanna get hurt down here."

Tony walked away toward his car.

Steve watched him through the rearview mirror.

⫷⑅⫸

Jackson House - Dining Room

Eddie, Karen and Sheila were sitting at the table, eating.

Eddie took a bite. "Mm, this is good."

"So I'm just curious about what happens at the Purity Ball tonight," Sheila admitted.

Eddie nodded slightly. "Oh, it's a Christian event designed to strengthen the bond between fathers and daughters." Karen gave a grin, clearly only caring about getting the car. "We make a covenant, uh, of purity, like an oath. And then we exchange promise rings, and, uh, we do some chastity prayers. It's fun."

Karen tilted her head, knowing that this was not going to be fun for her.

Sheila gave an awkward smile, looking from Eddie to Karen. "Wow. Do they have these, um, balls for young men?"

"Why would they?" Eddie asked.

Karen and Sheila exchanged a look.

⫷⑅⫸

Living Room

Moments later, Eddie and Karen stood together so that Sheila could get a picture of them in their Purity Ball attire.

"Ready to smile?" Sheila asked. "Aw. Oh, that's so nice." She gasped. "It's beautiful. One more, one more. It's so nice."

⫷⑅⫸

The Alibi Room

(Song:) Guns, Guns, Guns - The Young Werewolves

Frank walked into the bar, skipping, spinning around. "Oh, yeah."

Kevin was now working, placing down a drink on the bar. "Hey, you're back. Jess told me about earlier."

"Oh, hell yeah," Frank agreed. "Showed that Jasper a thing or two. Bastard's going to be begging me not to sue him. Let us have a bottle of your good stuff. I've got some money coming."

Kevin turned toward Frank. "When you die, I'm gonna go to your funeral and sing a song. It goes, 'I got money coming'." Before he could go on, he saw Fiona, Kimberly and Lip storm into the bar in anger, followed by Zia, Debbie and Carl. "Oh, boy. Bet you wish you had that vasectomy by now, huh?"

Frank rubbed a hand over his face.

Fiona pushed the bar stool next to Frank aside, giving him a look. "Just thought you'd wanna know, Carl's all right. Reset his arm."

Carl held out his arm, which had a black cast on it.

"Now Carl and I match," Zia told them, holding up her casted arm. 

"That's not a good thing, Zia," Debbie told her.

Kimberly glared at Frank. "And because of you. I know Carl didn't break his arm because of you, but it was hurt worse than it should've been because you used him right after to get that guy to back off of you."

"Yeah, so please, stay on your barstool and just keep drinking," Lip told him sarcastically.

Lip's anger literally radiating from him after everything that happened to the kids because of Frank, and how he was never there for them through none of it, also blaming him for Zia's near death experience the night before because of him bringing Monica back and starting everything with Liam almost being taken away from the family, and since Kimberly, Zia and Natalia all had been put in danger partially because of Frank to begin with.

Fiona noticed that Lip was doing everything he could not to lash out at Frank right now, putting a hand on Lip's shoulder to try and calm him down. "Hey, let's just do what we came here to do."

"Or just let Lip have a swing at him after everything he did to us and everything he let happen to us," Kimberly replied.

Fiona gave Kimberly a look, shaking her head. "Not helping."

"If you're looking for money, I don't have any yet," Frank told them. "Your mom still hasn't signed my settlement papers. I don't know where she's been all day."

"Getting Liam's DNA results," Fiona answered.

"Congratulations, you're still the father," Lip told him.

Frank looked at them in shock. "Are you serious?"

"Do we look like we're joking?" Kimberly replied.

Zia looked up at them in confusion. "How is that possible?"

Carl and Debbie looked at them curiously, also wanting to know the answer.

Fiona, Kimberly and Lip shook their heads, just as confused.

Frank sat back in thought. "Ooh. I thought that was always a rumor, about Nana Gallagher having an affair with that sax player."

"Promise you won't sign anything forfeiting parental rights," Fiona told him.

Frank tilted his head in complaint. "Come on. You know what a bad mother Monica is. I'm just letting her pretend she can have him so I can get my settlement."

"What if she doesn't give up that easy?" Kimberly asked.

Frank waved his hands. "No, no, no. This is a win-win situation. Even if she takes him for a little while..." Fiona, Kimberly and Lip were angry and exasperated, but not surprised by Frank in the least, bargaining and gambling Liam during all of this. Zia, Debbie and Carl looked at Frank incredulously. "She'll be back, crying about her low self-esteem, or how boys actually need their fathers, or penis grief. Heh. That's when you wake up and look at the person next to you and you say, 'somebody help me. I just fucked a lady'."

"I've never asked you for anything," Fiona told him. "Ever."

"Oh, come on," Frank complained. "Will you please give me some time with this? I can do this. I just--Don't pressure me."

"So you're going to gamble your one year old son just to try and get some money?" Kimberly asked. "Zia almost died last night because of you and Monica." Zia looked down. "What do you think could happen to Liam if Monica and Bob had him just for a little while?"

Frank shook his head. "That wasn't because of us. We--okay, we weren't helping, I'll grant you that, but Zia needs to pull herself together too."

Zia looked at Frank in surprise, hurt.

Fiona, Kimberly and Lip glared at him incredulously.

"What do you think we've been trying to do?" Lip asked. "Every time that Zia gets a little bit better, you do something to mess it up. This isn't her fault. It's yours. And so is Kimberly, Natalia and Zia being in danger because of you and Tristan. And now you dragged Carl into your messes. We're not losing Liam because of you too."

"Would all of you relax?" Frank asked.

Lip was literally trying not to explode. "I've gotta walk away."

"What?" Fiona asked.

Lip pointed at Frank angrily. "If I don't walk away, I'm gonna fucking hit him." He turned to walk away, but stopped. "What the hell?" He turned back around, walking up to Frank, punching him viciously in the face, knocking him to the floor. "Fuck."

Bar patrons gasped as they watched in surprise.

Kimberly nodded, knowing that was going to happen, and happy that it did.

Zia gazed off at Frank with a glare. Without thinking, but reacting on something she didn't even make the decision to do like she had before, Zia kicked Frank in the crotch, making him groan in pain and double over on himself on the floor.

Lip and Kimberly knew that was way more than justified, nodding.

Fiona gave Lip and Kimberly a look, pointing to Lip, pointing to the door. "You, go."

Lip gave Fiona an annoyed look, but knowing that he wouldn't calm down unless he did leave, turning around, walking out of the bar.

Frank spit out blood onto the floor. "Debs?"

Debbie shook her head, refusing to help him.

Fiona leaned down to look Frank in the eyes. "You do this, you are on your own and I'm not kidding. I'm done. I'm gone."

Kimberly gave Fiona a look for saying that again in front of the kids after she had already said she didn't mean it earlier.

Zia, Debbie and Carl looked up, frowning.

Fiona turned around, walking toward the door.

Kimberly took Zia's hand, reaching her other arm toward Carl and Debbie, putting her arm around them. "Come on."

Kimberly, Zia, Carl and Debbie followed Fiona to the door.

Frank started to push himself up. "Bullshit. You'll never leave those monkeys. You love them too much. Kids."

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Street

Eliana and JJ were going on a walk on their own to talk and get to know each other more.

At first, it was good, but Eliana suddenly looked upset, her mood swinging rapidly, looking confused. "I know what's going on."

"What?" JJ asked.

"I'm not a fool," Eliana said. "I know you're screwing her. What I don't understand is how you can flaunt it in front of all of our friends."

"Eliana..." JJ trailed off.

Eliana shook her head. "I won't be humiliated, Tristan." JJ was more confused, knowing that Eliana didn't even know that she was talking to her son at the moment. "I won't. I'm taking JJ and I'm leaving. You're too dangerous, and I can't let you hurt either us anymore."

Eliana stormed away.

JJ frowned in confusion, concern.

Carson walked up to JJ. "What was that? What happened? Are you okay?"

JJ shook his head, absolutely lost.

⫷⑅⫸

Purity Ball

Karen and Eddie were sitting in a room with other fathers and daughters.

"Before we begin, let me just say how proud we are of your desire to re-purify," a man stated. "My daughters participated and now, although still single, are enjoying very spirit-filled lives. Patty, would you like to start?"

Patty stood. "Last year, when I was singing madrigal, I started dating a boy in the choir. He said we were dating, but we never met outside of our make-out sessions in the rehearsal hall. I repeatedly let him touch me, my breasts, through my shirt and bra. And once I felt his rod touch my leg." The other daughters and all the fathers were wincing at each word, but Karen frowned in confusion as if wondering if this was it. "This is so embarrassing. I can't believe I let him do this. I'm sorry."

"Thank you, Patty," the man told her. "I want to thank you for your courage to confront your struggles with desire. Who's next? Elaine?"

Elaine stood. "Hi. My name is Elaine. And I only touched one penis. Once. If I didn't, I was gonna get hit with a pipe."

Elaine's father looked up with tears in his eyes. "God, why did you let my daughter become a slave to the flesh?"

"I was gonna get hit with a pipe," Elaine repeated, defending herself.

Karen knew that these girls had nothing on her and that if this was how everyone reacted to those two small grievances, they would all be horrified by hers.

⫷⑅⫸

Fiona and Steve's House - Living Room

The Gallagher kids were over to talk with Fiona and Steve.

"Uh, so the lawyer said there's nothing you can do?" Steve asked.

"If we sue, it could backfire, make things worse," Fiona explained.

Lip walked in, looking around. "Jesus. This place still smells like old man Harris."

"What did Monica want?" Kimberly asked.

"To come over for dinner," Lip answered. "Some kind of a family meeting."

Zia scoffed. "No, thanks."

Ian raised his eyebrows.

Fiona snorted. "Family? Fucking load of shit." She turned toward Lip. "You told her we know Liam is Frank's?"

"Yeah," Lip answered, sitting down.

Steve handed Lip a beer can.

Fiona sighed, looking at Steve. "You have any pot? I think if I have to go see Mom conscious, I might commit a violent felony."

"That's the first time in a long time I've heard you call her Mom," Kimberly pointed out.

"I did?" Fiona asked. Lip nodded, taking out a cigarette, placing it between his lips. "I don't know if I ever felt like she was my mom."

Steve took out a joint as well.

Lip pointed from Ian to Zia.

Ian knew what he meant. "Hey, Zia, you okay with the smoke?"

Zia nodded. "Asthma's not acting up."

"Okay," Ian agreed.

Lip just wanted to make sure before he lit his cigarette.

Steve shrugged, lighting his joint, taking a hit.

"Ian and I got our DNA test done," Lip explained.

Steve held the joint toward Fiona.

Carl reached for the joint, but Ian and Kimberly both swatted Carl's hand.

Fiona took the joint from Steve.

"Why?" Kimberly asked.

Lip shrugged. "I don't know. Got excited at the idea of not being Frank's. Meaning that we'll figure out if you are his or not, Kimberly." Kimberly looked at Ian and nodded in agreement. Lip looked at Fiona. "If none of us are his, you'd have an easier time becoming our legal guardian."

Fiona offered Kimberly the joint.

Kimberly took the joint.

Carl tried to take the joint from Kimberly, but she took it out of his reach.

Ian swatted Carl's hand again. "Lip's gonna pick up the results in about an hour."

Kimberly raised her eyebrows. "Well, now I'm curious."

Kimberly took a hit of the joint, passing it to Ian.

Ian took a hit.

Fiona looked from Lip to Ian and Kimberly's. "Well, here's to you not being Frank's."

"Here here," Kimberly agreed.

Zia tilted her head slightly in thought, looking down.

Ian touched Zia's shoulder lightly to get her attention. "You tell Fiona and Kimberly about the tests yet?"

"I was gonna before Carl showed up with a broken arm," Zia answered.

"What tests?" Debbie asked.

"Yeah, what tests?" Kimberly asked, frowning.

"Rhodes thinks that she's got a lead on what's going on with Zia," Ian explained.

"But to find out for sure and eliminate possibilities, she's gotta run some tests," Lip went on. "Said that she had to talk to Fiona or a parent first before the tests start though. Obviously that didn't happen today."

Fiona sighed heavily in regret.

Kimberly looked at Fiona, tilting her head slightly, giving her a look, since this was one of her points earlier.

⫷⑅⫸

North Wallace Street

JJ and Carson were out looking for Eliana.

"Well, her car's still here," JJ remarked.

"That's a good thing, I guess," Carson pointed out.

"You don't have to help me look," JJ told her. "I can find her."

Carson tilted her head. "Not alone, you won't."

JJ managed a small smile. "Thank you."

Carson nodded, as the two walked down the street, looking for Eliana.

Natalia and Malcolm walked outside.

"Hey, JJ," Malcolm called. "Carson." JJ and Carson turned to face them. "Got some more cash from the IDs."

"Already?" JJ asked. "Thanks."

"Yeah," Natalia agreed. "What are you two doing?"

"Eliana thought that JJ was Tristan and rambled a lot before taking off," Carson explained.

Natalia and Malcolm frowned in concern and confusion.

"Well, is she okay?" Malcolm asked.

Natalia looked at JJ. "Are you?"

"I'm not sure," JJ admitted. "For either of us."

"JJ, if you need help looking for Eliana, you know I will," Natalia told him. "You and Carson don't have to do it on your own."

"Yeah, already tried and failed to help the Gallaghers this morning," Malcolm stated, shrugging. "Why not help the Fisher-Ball..." He looked at Carson, frowning slightly at realizing he didn't know her or Ethan's last night. "And..."

"Måneskin," JJ answered.

Carson nodded. "Carson Måneskin. Ethan's last name too."

Malcolm nodded. "Måneskin."

JJ shook his head, not wanting to be a burden. "You guys really don't have to help. Carson and I got this."

Natalia gave JJ a look, pushing him slightly in the shoulder. "You know better than to tell me that I don't have to help, JJ. I know I don't have to. I want to."

JJ managed a small smile, grateful. "Thanks, Lia."

Natalia smiled slightly. "Let's go."

Malcolm nodded down the street. "Come on. I might know some places to look."

Carson nodded. "Okay."

JJ, Carson, Natalia and Malcolm walked down the street.

⫷⑅⫸

Purity Ball

It was finally Karen's turn.

Karen stood, wanting to get out of this without going into any real confession because she knew how everyone would react. "My actions have been un-lady like and base in nature." She turned toward Eddie. "And for that, I'm truly sorry."

Karen went to sit down.

"Karen," the man said. Karen turned toward him. "In order for you to receive the full gift of purity, you need to be as honest as you can."

Karen turned to Eddie.

Eddie nodded. "It's okay, sweetheart. Just tell what happened."

(Song:) At the House of the Clerkenwell Kid - The Real Tuesday Weld

Karen sighed nervously, dreading everyone's reactions, but also going to be blunt and to the point. "Um..." She gave a nervous smile. "Well, okay. I started having oral sex at a very young age. Maybe 13. It was guys around the neighborhood. Three or four at first and then, well, more than three or four. I didn't have intercourse until the 8th grade. I didn't like it at first, but then around the sixth time, it started to feel good. Really good." Everyone was disgusted, horrified, uncomfortable, in disbelief, and they would only get more so. "But I didn't feel good about it. Um, there was a few times where I got high and started experimenting with guys and girls at the same time. I wouldn't necessarily call it an orgy, but there were a lot of naked body parts flying around, which felt very good but kind of bad all at the same time." Eddie was absolutely disgusted and ashamed, bright red in the face like a tomato. "Then there was the time at Mindy Carlson's sleepover, when we all got in the shower and started soaping each other up. Then her mom walked in and freaked out when she saw Mindy in the shower with a big, black, strap-on dildo."

Eddie had had enough, standing up, furious. "You whore!" Karen looked at him in shock for the way he talked to her just then. "Whores don't get cars."

Karen glared at him, hurt and angry.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Dining Room

A table was set up in the dining area between the kitchen and the living room.

The Gallaghers, including Monica, and Steve and Bob, were sitting at the dinner table, none of the kids happy to be there.

Lip was not there yet since he had left to go get the DNA test results.

Monica put a burned pan of lasagna on the table. "Okay. There. I hope everybody's hungry." Zia could not look at Monica at all because of the day before, and she could barely look over at Fiona, still hurt. Fiona looked at Zia in guilt, noticing her reaction. "There you go, Ian. It's your favorite."

Monica put a piece of food on Ian's plate.

Ian could barely tell what it was because of how burned it was. "What is it?"

"Lasagna," Monica answered. "Carl, could you start passing the salad, please?"

Carl looked at Fiona.

Fiona nodded.

Carl started to pass the salad.

Bob got straight to the point. "Monica is Liam's mother and I know you won't be happy, but--"

"She's all our mother, yet you don't seem to care about that," Kimberly replied.

Bob glared at Kimberly.

Monica spoke up before Bob could respond to Kimberly. "Jesus, Kimberly, Bob, can we just enjoy our dinner and then talk after?"

Kimberly rested her elbow on the table, propping her head up on her hand, raising her eyebrows at Monica, giving her a sassy look.

"Talk about what?" Debbie asked.

"Debbie, please," Monica told her. "Where's Lip?"

"Had something to do," Carl replied.

Monica sat down. "He's not coming?"

Frank walked in through the back door. "Sorry I'm late. Did I miss the chow?"

Zia poked at her lasagna, which was so burned that it was hard as a rock. "Wish I did."

Fiona, Kimberly and Ian smirked slightly.

Frank sat down. "Ooh, looks good."

Fiona looked at Monica. "If you called us here to tell us you're taking Liam, we don't wanna hear it."

"Fiona, you're upset," Monica told her. "I get it. I was married to Frank for 18 years. I know. It's like swallowing broken glass every day."

Frank poured himself some Sprite, complaining. "Hey."

Lip walked in from the front door.

Monica stood, smiling. "Oh, Lip, wonderful. We just started."

Bob stood with Liam in her arms, looking at Lip. "Your mother said 6:30. You lose your watch?"

Lip took off his jacket. "Don't have a watch, Bob."

Kimberly and Ian both looked at Lip, anxiously waiting for Ian's DNA test results since it would mean the same for Kimberly.

"What's the news?" Ian asked.

Lip sat down. "Haven't opened it yet. Figured we should do it together."

"Thanks," Kimberly replied.

Bob walked into the kitchen to place Liam in his playpen.

Lip took out the envelopes. "Me and Ian have decided to get our DNA tests done too, and Kimberly through being Ian's twin. On the off chance that maybe we aren't Frank's kids."

"What?" Monica asked.

Kimberly nodded mockingly. "Yeah, why should you and Bob get to have all the fun?"

Lip opened the results, looking stunned. "Holy shit. Kim, Ian, congratulations. You are not Frank Gallagher's kids."

Kimberly and Ian both looked stunned, as did the rest of the siblings.

Frank looked at Kimberly and Ian on either side of him, while Kimberly and Ian glanced at each other, then Frank, quickly looking away.

Debbie raised her eyebrows in shock, placing her hand to her mouth.

Frank looked at Monica, betrayed.

Monica shook her head, not knowing what to say.

Zia looked between everyone. Her expression remained numb and mostly blank even with the shock she felt alongside her siblings.

Kimberly had been hoping that Frank hadn't been her father because she thought that it meant everything he did to her and Ian, or everything that happened to them because of him, would somehow hurt less, but it didn't, because they still grew up thinking that Frank was their father, and that probably wouldn't change even after this revelation. She didn't feel relief like she had thought, but just so confused and conflicted, reeling.

Ian looked as if he felt the exact same way.

⫷⑅⫸

Park

JJ, Natalia, Carson and Malcolm walked along to a park, one of the only places left they had to look.

Eliana was sitting on a bench.

JJ looked at Natalia, Carson and Malcolm.

"It's okay, JJ," Carson told him.

"Go," Malcolm told him. "Figure out what's going on."

Natalia nodded. "We'll still be here."

JJ nodded slightly, thankful for them being there, walking toward his mother. "Eliana?"

Eliana looked up. "Hello."

"Are you okay?" JJ asked.

Eliana chuckled, shaking her confusion off. "I'm fine."

"Do you need a ride home to the hotel?" JJ asked.

"Hotel?" Eliana repeated in confusion. "I'm sorry, do I know you?"

JJ was both stunned by the question. "It's me. JJ." Eliana still looked confused and disoriented. "Your son."

JJ looked upset that Eliana didn't even recognize him, while Natalia and Carson heartbroken for JJ, and Malcolm watched in sympathy.

⫷⑅⫸

Jackson House - Living Room

Karen ran into the house, freaking out after the Purity Ball, slamming the door behind her. "Fuck."

Sheila, sitting on the couch, jumped at the sound of the slamming door. "Karen? Sweetie." Karen ripped off her jacket, running through the living room into the kitchen. Sheila stood. "Honey." Karen opened the basement door in the floor. "Honey, you're back from the ball so soon?" Karen walked into the basement without a word. Sheila frowned, walking from the living room into the kitchen. "Honey? Karen?"

At the sound of a crash from the basement, Sheila gasped, standing at the top of the basement stairs.

⫷⑅⫸

Basement

Karen was in a rampage, smashing Eddie's clown paintings and pictures. "He promised me the fucking car."

Sheila walked downstairs. "Karen, honey, what's going on?"

Karen continued tearing down everything of Eddie's, throwing his clown dolls to break them, repeating his words from before the ball. "'I'm so proud of you'." She picked up a wooden pole, using it to break more of Eddie's things. "'You remind me of my first communion'. He humiliated me. Made me think he loved me."

Karen pushed over a shelf, making everything crash and break.

Karen and Sheila were both crying at this point.

Sheila walked toward Karen, wrapping her arms around her daughter comfortingly, as they sank to the floor. "Oh, honey, what happened? Baby, what happened?"

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Dining Room

The dinner still continued, everyone overwhelmed.

Monica looked at Ian, Frank and Kimberly, trying to figure out who Ian and Kimberly's father was. "Honestly, sweeties, I don't know. There was that week in the summer of '95 that I did a lot of PCP."

Frank looked up, seeming more shocked and betrayed by that than the fact that Ian and Kimberly weren't his son and daughter. "You did PCP? Without me? You promised we would do that together."

Fiona cut in. "Excuse me, can we get back to who Kimberly and Ian's father is?"

"Uh, I like the idea of Monica cheating on Frank," Lip admitted. "It really keeps my image of you right on track, Mom."

"Will somebody please tell me what we're talking about?" Zia asked, somewhat lost.

Ian looked at the results. "All right. The results say that you, Frank, are absolutely not the father to me and Kimberly. But our father is a close relative. Most likely one of your brothers."

Zia, Debbie and Carl were confused.

"Dad has brothers?" Debbie asked.

"He has two, right?" Kimberly asked.

"Three," Fiona answered, shooting a look to Monica.

Lip nodded. "I think I met the one that sells smoked sausage and razor blades out of the trunk of his car."

Frank glared at Monica.

Monica shook her head cluelessly. "I honestly don't know."

"Are we still related?" Debbie asked.

"Of course you are," Fiona answered.

Kimberly rubbed Debbie's back next to her. "Yeah, not only are we half-siblings through Monica, we're also cousins through our dads, apparently."

Kimberly shot Monica a glare.

Zia frowned, looking at Kimberly. "Sister-cousin?" She looked at Ian. "Brother-cousin?"

"Yeah," Ian answered. "But we're still your sister and brother."

Zia, Debbie and Carl nodded in relief now that their confusion was cleared up, still glad to hear Ian and Kimberly say that.

Frank glared at Monica. "Not only did you lie to me about the PCP, you fucked my brother? What's next? You gonna take up with a black lady-man?" He turned toward Bob. "Oh, I forgot. That's already happened." Bob glared. Frank looked at Monica. "How can we get back together now?"

The kids looked at Frank incredulously.

"I have never, ever had any intention of getting back together with you, Frank," Monica told him. "For Christ sake, you only tricked me into coming here to get some settlement money."

Frank frowned. "I wanted to see you again."

"So you pretended that she won a teddy bear?" Bob asked.

Monica gave him a look. "You know how much I love teddy bears."

"You and Monica are over, Frank," Bob told him. "Me and Monica are getting married."

Zia gagged, causing Lip and Kimberly to smirk.

"She's still married to me," Frank replied.

"Not for long," Bob retorted. "She's getting a divorce."

Debbie looked at Monica and Frank. "You two are still married?"

Carl frowned. "How can two ladies get married?"

"They're lesbians," Debbie pointed out. "Penetration isn't required for sex to occur."

Disgusted at the mere thought of sex of any kind, Zia put her hands over her ears. "La la la."

Fiona gave Debbie a look.

"What?" Debbie asked. "It's legal now in several states."

Zia continued to hold her hands over her ears, hoping to tune out the growing, escalating tensions before it could turn into a huge fight like it did the night before, hoping to stay out of an episode. "La la la."

Monica grabbed Zia's hands and pulled them down. "Zia."

Zia gave Monica a narrowed eyed look.

"Divorce, Frank," Bob told him. "You owe her at least that much."

Frank jumped up from his seat before plopping back down in a fit of frustration. "What about what she owes me? She gonna leave me again with eight kids? Leave me to deal with all the shit?"

"You mean leave me to deal with the shit," Fiona corrected with a hysterical, fake laugh.

Monica looked at Frank. "I didn't leave you. You drove me out. No self-respecting person could stay with you, Frank. You treated me like a dog."

Frank leaned around Ian to grab Monica by the face and kissed her hard.

Zia stared in shock, before putting a hand over her eyes.

Debbie and Carl exclaimed in surprise.

Bob stood angrily. "Hey!"

Kimberly grabbed Frank by the shirt and pulled him back into his seat. "Stop it."

Zia had her hand over her eyes still, holding her head in her hands, shaking her head. "What the fuck?"

Bob looked at everyone. "You need to let us raise Liam. I don't care what the tests results say, Liam belongs with us."

Completely overwhelmed from everything, Zia couldn't help it when she snapped. "The hell he does, you stupid bitch."

Bob and Monica both looked at Zia in shock, while Bob glared.

The siblings and Frank weren't surprised in the least after everything.

Lip and Kimberly both glared at Bob, daring her to do something to retaliate after what Zia said.

Fiona placed a hand on Zia's back to calm her down.

Lip was fed up. "Nobody's taking Liam."

Frank looked at Monica. "I can't believe you want a divorce."

"What?" Monica asked. "Me and Bob deserve a family of our own."

"You had a family," Kimberly told her. "You left it."

"I didn't leave you," Monica replied. "He drove me out."

"You still left us, your kids, with him, and to fend for ourselves," Kimberly retorted. "Don't you dare try to say that you didn't leave us when you could've stayed around and helped take care of us without being with him. Own up to your fucking shit."

"You should have protected us," Fiona agreed.

"I tried, but I couldn't," Monica tried again. "Fiona, Kimberly, if I didn't leave, I would have died."

Zia looked down, shaken by the words.

Frank scoffed. "Oh, cut the shit, Myrna Loy."

Monica looked at her kids. "You have no idea what it was like, how bad that was."

"Yeah?" Lip asked. "Try me. Like Kim said, you still could've actually taken care of us, but you chose to abandon your kids, just like him. Only he didn't have to leave the city to abandon us."

"Oh, come on, now," Frank complained.

"And how can you say that after last night?" Ian added. "Zia almost died because of you two and Bob pulling this shit."

Zia stood, pushing her chair over in the process, backing away from the table, as they all looked at her. She shook her head at Monica and Frank. "You don't care. You never did. You almost killed me. I can't. I can't do this."

Zia turned to walk away.

Monica stood, catching Zia's arm. "Zia, please."

Zia ripped her arm away from Monica, tears in her eyes, almost crying. "No!" Everyone fell silent, worried. Zia glared at Monica with tears in her eyes, shaking her head. "Just leave. It's what you're gonna do anyway. Just don't take Liam with you."

Zia turned around, running to the door.

"Shit," Ian said.

Kimberly stood. "I got it." She glared at Monica, Frank and Bob. "Can't you see the damage that you three are still doing to all of us? Just get it through your heads and get the fuck out of our lives. Because at least with you gone, maybe we still get to live them."

Monica, Frank and Bob were completely stunned, while the kids were in complete agreement.

"Kim..." Monica trailed off.

Kimberly shook her head. "No."

Kimberly quickly walked out of the house.

Carl and Debbie stood, following Kimberly outside to go to Zia.

Fiona stood. "Okay. I know that he tortured you. I know that he ruined you. But we didn't marry him, Mom. You did. If you love, any of us, in any way, you'll leave Liam, take your girlfriend, get in your truck and never come back."

Fiona walked to the door to leave the house.

Steve, who hadn't said a word the entire night, stood and followed.

Ian and Lip stood, following them out of the house.

Monica, Frank and Bob were left at the table alone.

Monica watched her kids go, but clearly they didn't hear her. "I... I love you. I do."

⫷⑅⫸

North Wallace Street

Zia sat outside, but Kimberly, Ian, Lip, Fiona, Carl and Debbie were right there with her, making sure that she was okay.

Kimberly, Ian, Lip and Fiona made sure that Carl and Debbie were okay too, to which Carl and Debbie nodded in answer.

Kimberly turned her head to see Carson, Natalia and Malcolm sitting on the Malcolm & Milkovich house porch. "I'll be right back."

"Okay," Zia whispered.

Kimberly walked toward Carson, Natalia and Malcolm. "Hey, guys. Where's JJ?"

"With Eliana, Kevin and Veronica," Carson answered. "Eliana, uh... she didn't remember who he was earlier. And before that, she thought he was Tristan."

Kimberly looked overwhelmed, heartbroken for JJ. "Oh, God. Wow. Um..."

"You okay, Kimberly?" Natalia asked.

"No," Kimberly answered. "No, uh... Frank's not my and Ian's dad."

Natalia, Carson and Malcolm reacted in surprise.

"Shit," Malcolm said.

"Yeah," Kimberly agreed. "I was gonna talk to JJ about it, but, uh... I'll tell him tomorrow. Sounds like he's got enough to deal with given Eliana."

Natalia and Malcolm nodded.

"Does it ever fucking end?" Malcolm asked. "For any of us?"

Natalia looked down, sniffling. "Guess not."

⫷⑅⫸

Jackson House - Dining Room

Eddie was sitting at the table, holding his hands to his face. "Jesus."

Sheila walked up from the basement, walking toward Eddie. "What's the matter with you?"

"Did she tell you?" Eddie asked. "Did she tell you what she said?"

"You called our daughter a whore," Sheila told him, looking so upset and angry.

Eddie scoffed, standing. "How about what she did to me?"

Sheila stepped closer, shaking her head, waving a hand toward the door. "Just get out. Out."

"What?" Eddie asked.

Sheila pushed him back. "Just get out." She kept pushing him toward the front door, starting to yell. "Get out! Get out!"

"Did she mention what she did to me?" Eddie demanded.

Sheila pushed him to the door.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

So angry, Sheila didn't even realize she walked outside in her pursuit of kicking Eddie out of the house. "She's a human being. She deserves love, not hate."

Eddie walked toward his car, as Sheila kept pushing him. "You weren't there. I knew all those people."

"What's the matter with you?" Sheila demanded. "Don't ever come back. Don't come back!"

"She just kept going on and on," Eddie tried to go on.

Sheila hit the hood of his car, screaming. "Don't ever come back! Go! Get out!" Frank walked up to the scene, looking shocked by the scene before him; not by the fight, but by Sheila being outside. Eddie got into his car, closing the door, starting the car. "Don't ever come back. Forever!" Eddie drove away. Sheila cried, seeing Frank outside the house. "Frank. Frank, did you see what Eddie did to my Karen?"

Frank was still stunned. "You're out of the house."

"What?" Sheila asked.

Frank pointed to the house behind him. "You're out of the house."

Sheila realized he was right. "I... I got so mad I came out of the house." Frank nodded. Sheila smiled, raising her arms in a cheer. "I'm out of the house! I'm out of the house! Frank, look at me! Hello."

⫷⑅⫸

Fiona and Steve's House - Living Room

The Gallagher kids, the Fisher-Balls, Natalia, Carson, Malcolm and Steve were sitting inside.

Carson was holding Ethan, keeping him busy and happy.

Ian was concerned. "Hey, JJ. Carson, Natalia and Malcolm told us what happened with Eliana."

"You okay?" Lip asked.

JJ sighed. "I don't know. She went home to her hotel, but said that she would explain everything later."

"So she knows what's going on with her?" Kimberly asked.

"Apparently, yeah," Kevin answered. "She knew that it would start to get worse, which is why..."

"She signed over her parental rights," Veronica finished.

Carson nodded sympathetically. "Eliana knew that she couldn't take care of JJ like this."

The others looked at JJ sympathetically.

"Well, hopefully once Eliana explains what's going on, she can get help," Natalia pointed out.

Zia looked up, concerned. "You okay, JJ?"

"I'm the last person you should be asking that, Zia," JJ told her. "I'm fine."

Fiona looked out the window. "At least your mother issues is Eliana being sick and unable to take care of you. Ours is a psycho case choosing one kid over the others."

"No need to compare," Malcolm replied. "They're both bad."

Carl and Debbie nodded. "Yeah."

"What all happened with you guys?" Veronica asked.

Kimberly glanced at JJ, knowing that he was dealing with enough given Eliana's state. "We'll tell you guys in the morning, okay?"

"Okay," Kevin agreed.

Kimberly looked at Natalia, Carson and Malcolm, who nodded slightly in understanding.

Carson sighed. "So Monica and Bob? What are they doing?"

Lip looked out the window. "Looks like packing."

"What about Liam?" Zia asked.

Ian sighed, sitting down next to Kimberly, both of them overwhelmed.

"I can't tell through the window," Lip admitted.

Kimberly took Ian's hand, both twins looking at each other, still processing what they learned that night.

Debbie looked up. "We could call the police, tell them Liam's being kidnapped."

Fiona looked between the kids. "Hey, we're gonna figure this shit out, okay? No matter what."

Veronica gave Debbie a hug, rubbing her arm.

Ian looked over to Zia next to him, taking her hand. Zia looked up at him and Kimberly.

Kimberly reached behind her for Carl's hand. Carl slid closer so that Kimberly could wrap her arm around Carl.

Ian looked between Zia, Debbie and Carl. "You okay?"

Zia shrugged slightly.

Debbie and Carl nodded.

"Yeah," Carl answered.

JJ, Natalia, Carson, Malcolm and Kevin looked at them sadly.

"It's gonna be okay," Natalia told them. "Liam's not going anywhere."

Kevin nodded in agreement. "Mm-mm."

Malcolm stood, looking out the window. "Hey, guys, they're coming out."

Everyone stood, going to leave instantly.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

(Song:) Absolute Balance - Johnny Foriegner

The Gallagher kids, Fisher-Balls, Natalia, Malcolm and Carson (with Ethan in her arms) walked out of Fiona and Steve's house, watching Monica and Bob across the street.

Monica held Liam in her arms, looking from her kids, and their found family and friends, to the semi truck behind her in conflict.

No one dared to say a word, all of them scared that Monica really would take Liam.

Monica saw the heartbreak and fear on the faces of her children, and couldn't live with herself. She slowly walked toward them, starting to cry, kissing Liam on the cheek, handing Liam to Fiona.

Fiona was stunned but relieved, holding Liam close.

The other kids sighed in relief, all on the verge of tears.

Monica looked between her kids as she cried, eyes on every one. She touched Carl and Debbie's cheeks, and slowly rested a hand on Zia's, who this time, didn't flinch away from her touch. She looked at Fiona, Kimberly, Ian and Lip, sobbing.

Fiona, Kimberly, Ian and Lip took shaky breaths, but remained firm and strong.

Monica looked over to Natalia, JJ, Carson (with Ethan in her arms), Kevin, Veronica and Malcolm, comforted to know that her children wouldn't be alone, turning around, walking away toward the semi truck.

Fiona looked like she could cry. "Mom?"

Monica turned back.

Fiona nodded thankfully.

Monica nodded, crying, getting into the truck with Bob. The truck drove away, as everyone watched them go.

Fiona held Liam close, kissing him on the cheek. Kimberly, Ian, Lip, Zia, Carl and Debbie turned to Fiona, all looking at Liam in relief, each one touching Liam either on the head, cheek, back or shoulders, just so relieved that he wasn't going anywhere.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Day Three

Morning - County' Clerk's Office

(Song:) Let's Go - Kevin and the Octaves

Frank was signing the papers for the settlement.

The receptionist looked up from the papers. "And Mrs. Gallagher." An Asian woman smiled, showing a fake ID. "Mrs. Gallagher, how do you pronounce your first name?"

Frank scratched his nose, whispering to the woman. "Monica."

"Monka," the woman replied. "Monka."

"Monica," Frank corrected.

"Monka," the woman repeated.

The receptionist looked over to a guard. "Hal?"

Hal stepped forward. "Mm-hmm."

The receptionist gestured to Frank and the woman. "Out."

"No, wait, wait, wait," Frank denied. "You can't do that. That's my money." Hal walked closer, grabbing Frank by the jacket, leading him away. "That is--wait a second. That's my money."

The woman started to follow. "My money. I blow you for nothing."

The rest of the people in line watched them go in disbelief.

The receptionist was not surprised in the least, moving on. "Next."

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸ Worlds Colliding (Shameless) ⫷⑅⫸