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RECAP

It was daytime in the Chicago Police Department.

The camera panned along the line of handcuffed men waiting to be processed into the system, before settling on Lip in the middle.

Lip was handcuffed, but smoking a cigarette, looking ahead at you. "Where the hell were you guys last time on Worlds Colliding (Shameless)?"

Lip tossed his cigarette to the floor.

(Song:) Breakout - Izler

From 1.03-1.06, there were flashes of all that Zia had been going through since Micah's death, including her strange daydreams, hallucinations, nightmares, sleepwalking and waking up with a knife in her hand while carving into the wall, screaming awake, showing no emotion and feeling like she was dead inside, having very little reactions to anything, hurting herself, her stupors where she couldn't move, nearly hitting Debbie with the killing bat, shutting down and not talking, almost breaking the coffee pot, pulling the fire alarm, stabbing Barry, and herself, etc.

Ian: (voice over from 1.04 Vow of Silence) "The zone outs, episodes, seeing Micah in her nightmares and daydreams, acting like the walking dead, and not knowing what's real or not."

From 1.07 "Did the Screaming Make You Feel Better?", in the park over the hill, cornered by Barry and his friends, The five boys dragged Zia away to the side of the walkway bridge over the hill, dragged to the railing.

Two boys held Zia still while Barry and the other boys blocked her off from running.

As the boy sprayed the bottle of paint spray, he lit his lighter, making the fire burst out toward Zia, but she ducked and cringed back, struggling to get free, but the boys wouldn't let her escape.

Barry dug the knife into Zia's arm, carving a B, making the other bullies laugh, while Zia screamed, crying.

Zia managed to lean back against the railing of the bridge behind her far enough to where she could kick both of her feet into Barry, making him fall to the ground and making the boys holding her arms let go, while Zia flipped back over the railing and rolled down the hill behind her.

When Zia landed at the bottom of the hill, she landed on top of a large rock, with her arm between the rock and her body, as her body landed on her arm harshly, crushing her arm between herself and the rock, which caused a loud snapping sound as her arm broke.

From 1.07 "Did the Screaming Make You Feel Better?", in the Fisher-Ball house, JJ and Kimberly were sitting together.

JJ sighed. "Veronica and Kevin are about to take in another foster kid to help out with debts."

From 1.07 "Did the Screaming Make You Feel Better?", in the street, Lip, Natalia, Kevin and Malcolm were in the middle of stealing a funeral hearse.

 "You know, a lot of those foster kids are messed up," Lip continued.

"Exactly," Kevin responded. "That's why they need a positive influence."

From 1.07 "Did the Screaming Make You Feel Better?", the teens were standing in the street.

Natalia looked at Mandy, giving her a smile. "I talked to Malcolm last night, and guess which two siblings of mine get to move in, if they help out?"

Mandy smiled in surprise. "Thanks, Malcolm."

Malcolm shook his head. "It's no problem."

Mandy gave Malcolm a hug in gratitude, much to Malcolm's surprise, and the amusement of Kimberly, Lip, Ian, Natalia and JJ, none of them surprised. "You're literally our hero right now."

From 1.07 "Did the Screaming Make You Feel Better?", in Malcolm's room, Shirtless in bed, Malcolm sat up. Standing at the doorway, Mandy looked over Malcolm's shirtless form, causing him to smirk slightly.

From 1.07 "Did the Screaming Make You Feel Better?", in Kash and Grab,  Linda stormed over to Ian, punching him in the face. "That's for screwing my husband."

From 1.07 "Did the Screaming Make You Feel Better?", in Mickey's room, Ian and Mickey briefly fought, as Mickey got Ian down onto his bed, straddling him down. Both of them were breathing heavily, looking at each other intensely. Mickey hurriedly removed his wifebeater tank top, moving to let Ian up slightly so that Ian could remove his own clothes. Pretty soon, they were having sex.

From 1.07 "Did the Screaming Make You Feel Better?", in Mickey's room, Ian turned to Mickey, stepping closer.

Mickey shook his head, turning to leave the room. "Kiss me and I'll cut your fucking tongue out."

From 1.07 "Did the Screaming Make You Feel Better?", outside the Malcolm/Milkovich house, Malcolm saw Ian climbing out of Mickey's window.

Malcolm raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Ian?"

Malcolm looked toward Mickey's window, realizing, smirking slightly in amusement.

From 1.06 "Ghosts Fucking Up My Life", in the school hallway, Lip looked at Natalia. "So I got caught taking tests for other people. And the guy thought I was cheating, so he brought me in, made me take a newly printed test. I got a perfect score." He pulled out the business card from his pocket. "He offered me a place at the University of Chicago."

Natalia gaped at him, smiling. "Why don't you seem happy?"

"Because I'll never be able to afford it," Lip replied.

Natalia tilted her head skeptically. "Oh, with that big brain of yours, we'll figure something out."

From 1.07 "Did the Screaming Make You Feel Better?", in the warehouse, Rod pushed JJ head first into a tank of water, drowning him.

Rod: (voice over from 1.06 Ghosts Fucking Up My Life) "If we can't get the fathers to pay for their sins..."

Vlad struck Kimberly in the face, making her groan as she turned her head away.

Vlad: (voice over from 1.06 Ghosts Fucking Up My Life) "Well, their kids will have to pay the sins of the fathers."

From 1.06 "Ghosts Fucking Up My Life", in the school hallway during Parents Night, Rod grabbed JJ by the ear. "Pick up your dad's cookbook and make his recipes, sell the drugs, or Natalia, Zia and Kimberly will all be prostitutes, and you and all your friends might have to live through another drive by where more of you die."

From 1.07 "Did the Screaming Make You Feel Better?", in the Gallagher house at Frank's fake funeral, Fiona, Lip, Kimberly, Ian, JJ, Natalia and Veronica pulled out all the money, and money from Kevin and Malcolm, they could have gotten, and tossed it on the table in front of Rod and Vlad. Steve took out the rest and tossed it down.

"Frank's paid off," Ian told them.

"And Tristan?" Vlad asked.

"We'll make it work, but we need time," JJ answered. "As long as you leave the Gallaghers alone since you got Frank's cut, and you don't go after Kimberly, Natalia and Zia."

From 1.07 "Did the Screaming Make You Feel Better?", in the Alibi, Rod took his keys, tossing them to Vlad. "We'll have a couple guys check in on you, to get the cash and drugs, and if at any time we feel that we're not getting the money fast enough, we'll be back."

"And your threat still stands, blah blah blah," Kimberly finished. "We got it."

(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) ⫷⑅⫸

Day One

Night - Tristan's Old Garage (Meth Lab) - Outside

JJ was taking all of the equipment from Tristan's old meth lab, walking out with it in a box, meeting up with Kimberly outside another garage.

JJ held up a flask. "Kjeldahl-style recovery flask, 800 milliliters. Very rare. You got your usual paraphernalia, Griffin beakers, there's Erlenmeyer flask. But the piece de resistance, a round bottom boiling flask, 5000 milliliters. And a volumetric flask, not for cooking, but for general mixing and titration."

Kimberly looked him over. "I didn't realize how much you learned about this shit from your dad."

"Yeah, I didn't either," JJ agreed. "Really scary to be honest."

Kimberly nodded in understanding. "I'm not judging you, JJ."

"I know," JJ sighed. "But doesn't mean that I'm not judging myself."

"We don't have a choice," Kimberly pouted out.

"You don't think I know that, Kimberly?" JJ asked. "I just..."

"Fucking hate it," Kimberly finished.

JJ nodded. "Yeah. I can't believe after everything I did to try and get away from my father, these guys are making me become him."

JJ turned around, throwing one of the beakers to the ground, making it shatter.

Kimberly stepped toward JJ, placing a hand on either of his cheeks to turn his head so he would look at her, holding his gaze with her own. "Hey, hey. You're nothing like Tristan. And you're never gonna become like Tristan. He did this because he was selfish and didn't care about the consequences. You have to because you don't have another choice. You're cleaning up his mess and trying to protect everyone else." They both realized how close they were and that Kimberly's hands was still on his face, and their eye contact had never broken. "And you know what? I'm gonna help you."

JJ shook his head. "No. Kimberly, I know they said that they want you to, but I already told you, it's too dangerous."

Kimberly lowered her hands. "What, you're the only one that can make reckless, desperate moves to save the people you love and try and take care of them?" JJ tilted his head, giving her a look. "Like it or not, they dragged me into this too. I can't just step out of this, no matter how bad I fucking want to."

JJ closed his eyes, hating every moment of this. "I know."

"So you don't have to like it, but you're sure as hell gonna have to put up with it," Kimberly told him. "Because we're in this together." JJ sighed, looking away. Kimberly looked at the stuff that JJ brought, picking up a black bag with contents inside. "What the hell is this?"

"Lab safety equipment," JJ answered. "We're also gonna have an emergency eye wash station. These chemicals and their fumes are toxic."

"Okay," Kimberly agreed. "So, where are we gonna cook?" JJ shook his head slightly. "You're gonna have to let me in on this."

JJ sighed in frustration. "I know."

Kimberly bit her lip. "What if we rented one of those self-storage places? You know, those little orange garages?"

JJ shook his head. "No, they're onto that. They've got dogs that sniff around. RV, that's what we want."

"What, like a Winnebago?" Kimberly asked.

"Yeah," JJ answered. "I know a dude who wants to sell his. He just goes camping with it. But building a meth lab in it? Yeah. I mean, we can drive way out in the boonies. Be all evasive."

"Making sure no one's around to catch us," Kimberly finished. JJ nodded, gesturing to Kimberly in agreement. "Do you have one lined up?"

"Well, it's not exactly mine, Kimberly," JJ answered. "And we can't exactly buy it since we blew all of our cash right now into paying off Frank's debt. But, uh... I got a plan."

"I'm not gonna like this plan, am I?" Kimberly asked.

JJ shrugged. "Guess it just depends. How far you willing to go?"

Kimberly looked at JJ, tilting her head, sighing, chuckling lightly. "As far as it takes."

JJ nodded slightly, smirking, chuckling lightly. "All right then."

⫷⑅⫸

Clearing

JJ and Kimberly snuck up to the Winnebago, starting to climb into the RV quickly through the window one after another, placing down the stuff they got before heading up to the front seats.

Kimberly went to lock the door of the RV.

JJ sat in the driver's seat of the RV, starting to hotwire it.

Kimberly stood over JJ's shoulder. "Where'd you learn how to do this?"

"Well, when the other dads were teaching their kids how to fish or play ball, my old man was beating me senseless and teaching me how to hotwire and make meth," JJ answered. "Now, I swore to myself I wouldn't wind up like he did, but I ended up just as insane as he did, now I'm about to become a drug dealer, and soon, will be a culprit in a grand theft auto. So, uh, yeah. I'm really living up to the Fisher name."

"Don't be too hard on yourself," Kimberly replied. "You're more man than your dad could ever dream of being. And you actually care about getting better and not continue the cycle."

JJ nodded barely.

Kimberly sat down in the passenger seat.

JJ finished hotwiring the RV with a spark, starting it, the radio immediately blaring as smoke shot out from the back of the RV.

(Song:) Glitter & Gold - Barns Courtney

Kimberly and JJ exchanged a look with a smirk.

The couple outside shot up and started to bang on the RV. "What the hell? Hey! Open this door!"

"Fuck's sake," Kimberly said, a little amped from the adrenaline rush. "Let's go! Go, go, go!"

JJ threw the RV into drive and took off speeding away through the trailer park toward the road, making the blanket on the side fall off to the ground.

JJ glanced back at the couple. "Shit, they look pissed."

Kimberly shrugged. "I mean, it's not every day you lose your house and car in one fell swoop."

JJ got them to the road, swerving. "Hold on, hold on! Okay."

Kimberly couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah! This is kinda fun."

"Of course you would think that," JJ replied in amusement.

Kimberly smirked, shrugging.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Street

(Song:) The Green Song - Transphonic Records

Frank was walking down the street, drank and stumbling.

The L train passed by on the tracks over his head.

Frank finished his bottle, tossing it to the ground as he continued walking. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a pack of cigarettes, seeing that he still had some left, laughing, pulling out a cigarette, taking out a lighter, lighting the cigarette, taking a hit.

Frank seemed completely fine until he fainted suddenly, crashing to the ground, falling unconscious.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Day Two

Morning - Gallagher House - Hallway

(Song:) All Better Now - Earl Greyhound

Fiona walked upstairs, walking through the hallway, calling out to the kids. "I'm going to the store today."

Debbie ran out of the bathroom with a streamer, waving it around. "Toilet paper. I'm starting to chafe from the streamers."

"Toothpaste," Carl added as he walked toward the bathroom, brushing his teeth with baking soda.

Still in her pajamas because she was next in line for the shower, Zia walked past them toward the bathroom, starting down. She was fussing with her arm cast and the bandages on her arm from stabbing herself in 1.06, and Barry carving a B into her arm in 1.07, definitely uncomfortable and actually a little bit in pain despite the fact she couldn't really feel all that much, but trying to deal with it.

Zia looked at Fiona. "Pain meds."

Fiona nodded, jotting it down.

Zia walked into the bathroom to stand next to Carl, grabbing her toothbrush, trying to grab the baking soda, but with the cast, it was making it hard on her.

Carl grabbed the baking soda for Zia, putting it on her toothbrush. "Here you go, Zia."

"Thanks, Carl," Zia told him.

Carl nodded, going back to brushing his teeth.

Zia started to brush as well.

Kimberly walked out of the girls' room, looking exhausted.

Fiona gave Kimberly a look. "Late night becoming a drug dealer?"

"Don't start with the judgement," Kimberly replied. "You know we didn't have a choice. Unless you'd rather me, Zia and Natalia get sold in the sex trade."

"Of course I don't," Fiona answered. "But I didn't want this for you, Kimberly."

"Yeah, well, add that to the list that nobody wanted to deal with, but we had to," Kimberly replied. "And to be fair, we didn't become drug dealers yet. We're just in the cooking stages right now. Besides, that's not the only reason why I'm tired. You and Steve kept us up all night. Someone's vagina got destroyed, and we don't really like hearing it." Fiona nodded sarcastically. Kimberly walked to the bathroom, taking Zia and Carl by the shoulders and giving them both a kiss on the head, causing Carl to grin at Kimberly through the mirror as he was brushing his teeth. Zia gave a slight smile as she brushed her teeth, finishing up before Carl did, washing out her mouth. Kimberly led Zia over to the bathtub. "Come on. Ian, you got that bag?"

Ian walked into the bathroom to hand a small bag, but big enough to cover Zia's cast to Kimberly. "Yeah, right here."

"Thanks," Kimberly told him, taking the bag, helping Zia into the tub behind the curtain, closing the curtain so that the boys didn't see her as she helped her get undressed and take the bandages off her arms so she could help clean the wounds, covering her cast with the bag, starting the water.

Zia flinched at first. "Kim, it's cold!"

Kimberly chuckled, making it a bit hotter, but not too hot. "Sorry."

Ian stood outside the bathroom, chuckling. "Sucks the cast's not waterproof, huh, Zia?"

"Yes, Ian!" Zia answered. "Duh!"

Kimberly, Ian and Carl laughed lightly.

Fiona had a slight amused smile, but still felt bad that that happened to Zia while she was gone with Steve at the hotel, even though all the kids told her to go.

Kimberly helped Zia with shampoo and body wash real quick, realizing they were basically out, calling out to Fiona. "Shampoo and body wash."

Fiona nodded, adding those to the shopping list.

"Why is Carl still in here?" Zia asked.

Kimberly looked over at Carl. "Good question. Carl, go."

Carl finished up brushing his teeth, washing out his mouth, walking out of the bathroom.

Downstairs, Debbie was getting some clean clothes for Zia, starting to walk toward the front stairs again, seeing Steve's clothes on the stairs. "Why are Steve's clothes down here?"

Lip walked out of the boys' room, holding Liam, looking at Fiona teasingly. "Well, somebody couldn't wait to get upstairs last night."

Fiona noticed that Lip had to use a towel to wrap Liam's bottom up. "We out of diapers?"

Lip nodded. "Yeah, but I put a plug up his butt." He bounced Liam in his arms. "Didn't I, buddy? Oh, it's okay."

Lip walked past Ian into the bathroom.

Zia could see the silhouette through the shower curtain. "Lip, out!"

Lip had his hand over his eyes as he went to the toilet, sitting down with Liam. "We see nothing. You're fine."

Zia groaned in frustration because of the bag and her wounds.

Kimberly washed the soap out of Zia's hair and all. "Fiona, towel."

Fiona picked up a towel and tossed it to Ian outside the bathroom.

Ian tossed the towel to Kimberly in the bathroom.

Kimberly wrapped the towel around Zia, turning the water off.

Zia tried drying herself off. "I got it, Kimberly."

"Okay," Kimberly agreed. "Let me know if you need help."

Zia nodded, mumbling. "Thank you."

Kimberly nodded slightly, before looking at Lip and Liam. "Speaking of towels, that one's gonna leak."

"Yeah, I'm on it," Lip replied.

Zia looked toward the door. "Debbie?"

Debbie walked into the bathroom with the clean clothes for Zia. "Right here."

Kimberly, Debbie and Zia made sure that Zia was dry enough to get dressed, while Zia was getting dressed behind the curtain, her hair still soaked, but good enough.

Debbie went to brush her teeth with baking soda.

Lip was cleaning Liam up. "Ugh, so my SAT gig's a bust, uh, I could scrape up some money another way if you guys need help."

Fiona was picking up toys from the hallway. "It's cool. I got 35 bucks. Plus I'm picking up that temp check later."

"Okay," Lip agreed, before looking at Kimberly. "You and JJ?"

Kimberly, now that Zia was completely dressed, picked Zia up out of the bathtub and set her down outside the tub. "Any little bit helps, but we're gonna be fine, Lip."

"You, Zia and Natalia are still in danger if we can't get Tristan's debts paid off, and keep a steady cash flow to those freaks," Lip replied. "I have reason to worry, Kimberly."

Kimberly shrugged in agreement, leaning in to kiss Liam on the head, ruffling Lip's hair. "You worry too much."

Zia raised her eyebrows.

Ian looked around the corner of the door to give Kimberly a look. "This coming from you?"

Lip gestured to Ian. "Thank you."

"Shut up," Kimberly replied.

Ian and Lip smirked.

Debbie smiled.

Zia couldn't help a small smile that barely reached her eyes, still feeling very numb and distant.

Debbie finished brushing her teeth, washing her mouth out, turning to Zia, helping her take off the bag on her cast. "There's fresh bandages from Kev and V downstairs for the stab wounds."

"Thanks, Debs," Zia muttered.

Debbie nodded.

Zia looked down numbly.

Ian, Kimberly, Lip and Fiona looked at them somberly.

In the hallway with Fiona, Carl was messing with a taser.

"Is that a taser?" Fiona asked. "Where'd you get that?"

"I let him borrow it," Lip answered. "Ian, help me out, okay?"

"Yeah," Ian answered.

Debbie nodded to Zia. "Come on."

Zia and Debbie walked out of the bathroom to give the boys room.

Kimberly brushed her teeth quickly with baking soda.

Ian looked out at Fiona to explain. "Carl finally got invited some place by normal kids. Robbie Rebello's having a paint ball party."

"Yeah, but he's not going, so I gave him the taser to play with," Lip explained. Kimberly and Fiona both gave Lip a look, causing Ian to smirk. Lip shook his head. "Don't worry, it doesn't work."

Kimberly finished up brushing her teeth, washing out her mouth, walking out of the bathroom.

Debbie showed Fiona the phone that she took from Steve's jeans when she was on her way back upstairs, which had a text from a woman. "Who's Candance?"

"I have no idea," Fiona admitted.

Kimberly knelt next to Carl. "Hey, you're not going to paint ball, Carl?"

Carl shook his head. "No, it costs $27."

Kimberly and Fiona exchanged a sad look, knowing that Carl really wanted to go and he could really need it.

Fiona took out some cash, handing it to Carl. "Here."

Carl grinned. "Awesome."

Carl ran off.

Fiona and Kimberly smiled at his reaction.

Lip stood with Liam in his arms, looking at Fiona. "Thanks."

"What?" Fiona asked.

"Well, he really wanted to go," Lip answered. "Knows we're strapped."

Fiona and Kimberly nodded.

Kimberly took Liam from Lip, smiling at her baby brother, nuzzling his nose with hers. "Hey, baby. What's up, Liam?"

Liam grinned, giggling, leaning his head against Kimberly's shoulder as she held him.

Ian chuckled. "That should hold him for a few hours."

Fiona reached for Liam. "Here, let me see him. You kids need to get going." Kimberly handed Liam to Fiona. Fiona bounced Liam in her arms. "You're gonna need new diapers."

Ian walked out toward Zia, taking her hand. "Come on, Z. I'll help you with the bandages."

"Thanks, Ian," Zia told him.

"No problem," Ian assured.

(Song Ends)

"When does Zia go back to school?" Carl asked.

"Tomorrow," Fiona answered.

Zia frowned, scared about going back to school. "I don't wanna go back."

The siblings exchanged a look, knowing that this was because of Barry.

"Ian, can you..." Fiona trailed off, gesturing to Zia's arms. 

"Yeah," Ian answered. "Come on, Zia."

Zia, Ian and Carl walked downstairs.

Lip, Kimberly and Fiona exchanged a look.

"Any word about what we can do about Barry?" Lip asked.

"Given our luck, right now, not so much," Fiona answered. "All those boys are denying it, and Barry's mom is a fucking lawyer, so unless one of those boys turn on Barry and fess up and take Zia's side, then he stays in school since it didn't happen on school grounds, but at the park on a Saturday, and he and those boys get away with it free since according to his mom, 'there's no proof'."

"Isn't her fucking arms proof enough?" Lip asked. "One broken, one carved into. And they almost set her on fire."

Kimberly placed a hand on Lip's arm to calm him down, but all of them were furious, though Fiona and Kimberly were better at controlling it.

"Tony's gonna see what he can do, but unless one of those kids turns on Barry, I don't know what we can do," Fiona admitted.

None of them were happy about this.

Kimberly looked at Lip. "Come on. It's not gonna help anybody blowing up."

Lip knew that she was right, sighing in frustration, trying to calm down.

Lip and Kimberly walked downstairs.

Debbie had been standing on the stairs when they had been talking, frowning in concern, walking up to Fiona with Steve's phone. "Steve got a text from Candace. 'Sweetie, call me. It's important'."

Fiona took Steve's phone from her. "Hey, you don't read other people's messages."

"Is he dating someone else?" Debbie asked.

Fiona didn't answer. "Go. You're gonna be late for school. And don't tell Kimberly about this. Kim already hates him enough."

Debbie nodded, walking downstairs.

"Late for school," Liam said. "School."

Fiona looked at the text on Steve's phone, looking mad, walking toward her room.

⫷⑅⫸

Kitchen

Ian and Zia were sitting at the kitchen, where Ian was helping bandage Zia's arms.

Ian stood, ruffling Zia's hair. "All good now."

Zia brushed Ian's hand off, but Ian's goal to get a smile worked, even just a little bit, causing Ian to smile in return.

Kimberly, Lip and Debbie walked downstairs.

"All ready?" Carl asked.

"Yeah, let's go," Kimberly answered.

Ian looked at Lip. "You gonna ask Natalia to go with to UOC?"

"Yeah," Lip answered. "Come on."

Kimberly looked at Zia. "You gonna be okay?"

Zia nodded. "I'll be with Fiona and Liam."

"Okay," Lip agreed. "See you later."

Zia nodded.

The other kids walked out of the house.

⫷⑅⫸

Fisher-Ball House - Kitchen

Even while exhausted, JJ was able to make breakfast for himself, Kevin and Veronica.

"You doing okay?" Veronica asked.

"Been better, but been way worse," JJ answered.

Kevin nodded. "We should be getting your foster sister today."

"You want me to stay with you guys to go get her?" JJ asked.

"Yeah, if you want," Veronica replied, clearly not as excited about this as Kevin was, or open minded to it as JJ was, but doing what she thought she had to in order to help JJ and Kimberly with the debts and medical stuff for JJ.

"Though think about this, JJ," Kevin told him. "We're fostering you until we can adopt you, and then we're gonna be fostering this girl. She's basically gonna be your sister."

"Uh, no, she's not," Veronica replied. "We're only taking in a kid for a while to get the money. That's it. We're like a hotel."

Kevin sighed. "Yeah, I know, but I'm secretly hoping you like it so we get to keep the kid longer because I wanna do dad things, since she'll be younger."

"Not a secret anymore," JJ remarked.

"Besides, having this kid any longer would change our lives too much," Veronica told them.

"No, it won't," Kevin denied.

Veronica tilted her head. "Come on. We shoot tequila for breakfast, and swear up a storm. And with all the shit that's been going on for the past couple of months, you really think it's gonna be safe for a kid here?"

"Safe enough for us," JJ replied sarcastically. "Barely, but still. But, uh... believe it or not, V, a lot of foster homes are even worse than this."

Veronica raised her eyebrows skeptically. "Really?"

"Yeah, really," JJ answered. "Don't believe me, ask me, the Gallaghers, Milkoviches and Malcolm. We've all been in and out of foster homes all our lives because of our deadbeat parents, and most of them were even worse than what we've had to deal with lately."

"He's not wrong," Kevin agreed. "I've lived with some crazy ass foster parents. A lot of fucked up shit can happen in those places."

"At least here, this girl will be in a relatively safer state," JJ pointed out.

"Yeah, it's better than being brought up in a group home," Kevin agreed.

Veronica was annoyed that JJ and Kevin were on the same side of this. "Well, just don't get too excited. We're gonna get our money and kick the little brat to the curb."

JJ rolled his eyes at Veronica's attitude.

⫷⑅⫸

Malcolm & Milkovich House - Natalia's Room

Natalia was sleeping in bed.

Lip dumped an ice bucket over Natalia.

Natalia woke up freezing, leaping out of her bed, ending up colliding with Lip's chest. "Jesus, what the hell are you doing? And what the hell is up with the ice bucket?"

Lip smirked. "You didn't answer your phone, so I thought this was the next best resort. Malcolm let me in, by the way, so take it up with him." Natalia rolled her eyes, looking over her soaking wet black pajamas, looking up at Lip, tilting her head. "So I was thinking."

Natalia smirked. "Well, that's never good."

"Do you want to go with me to the University of Chicago today?" Lip asked. "The guy is dragging me to go."

Natalia turned around, raising an eyebrow. "You sure? I mean, you got all prickly like a cactus when we talked about it the other day. I thought you didn't want to go."

Lip shrugged. "I don't. But I figured we could at least check it out. Steal some sweatshirts from the bookstore."

Natalia grinned. "So we're ditching again?"

Lip nudged her shoulder. "Man, fuck this school."

Natalia laughed, grabbing the ends of her soaked pajama tank. "Get the fuck out of here so I can get into some dry clothes, you asshole."

Lip stepped out of the room with a smirk. "Bitch."

Natalia went to her bag on the floor, pulling her soaking wet black shirt over her head, throwing it in the hamper besides her bed.

The door was still opened slightly, but Lip turned his head away and leaned against the wall.

Natalia saw that he did from the corner of her eye, kicking the door slightly closed as she took off her black pajama pants and leaned down grab her clothes for the day to change.

⫷⑅⫸

Dining Room

Mandy and Mickey were sitting at the table in the dining room, which wasn't much of a table, but decent for now until they got some cash flowing again that wasn't going all to debts to keep the kids safe.

Mandy glanced toward Malcolm's room.

Malcolm's door was slightly opened, showing a shirtless Malcolm pulling a shirt on for the day.

Mandy glanced away.

Mickey eyed her. "Jesus Christ, Mandy."

"What?" Mandy asked, giving Mickey a kick in the leg.

"Don't fuck with Malcolm and then end up breaking up with him, making us lose this place to stay, where we end up out on our asses," Mickey told her. "That's what happened the first time that you, me and Natalia crashed someplace together after leaving home. That's why the three of us always had to crash at different places after that."

"It's not gonna happen," Mandy told him. "Wouldn't risk that again."

Mickey didn't seem to buy that, taking a drink. "Mm-hmm."

"It won't, Mickey," Mandy told him, rolling her eyes. "Just shut up about it."

Malcolm walked into the room. "What are you two talking about?"

Mandy and Mickey both said, "Nothing."

Malcolm shrugged, going to get some food.

Mandy watched him go curiously, but as she had said to Mickey, she didn't want to risk what happened last time happening this time.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

Natalia and Lip walked outside, joining Ian and Kimberly as they walked down the street with Debbie and Carl.

JJ walked outside. "Hey, Zia still suspended?"

"Yeah, for one more day," Kimberly answered.

"She's watching Liam with Fiona," Ian explained.

"The cops gonna do anything about the pricks that did this to her?" Natalia asked.

"Not with Barry's mom being a fucking lawyer, unless one of the boys turns on him and rats on him and takes Zia's side of the story," Lip answered, completely frustrated, still angry about this.

JJ, Natalia and Ian looked at Kimberly and Lip, all of them furious but not knowing what to do about it.

Debbie and Carl both looked upset by this, both angry too.

Carl was getting an idea already, walking down the street.

Debbie followed after him. "Carl, wait."

Ian, Kimberly, Lip, Natalia and JJ kept an eye on them while walking.

"Tony's gonna keep trying, but he said not to get our hopes up given Barry's mom," Kimberly explained.

Natalia shook her head. "Fucking bullshit, man."

"You're telling me," Lip agreed.

JJ changed the subject because he knew that it was not going to help to dwell on this. "So, Natalia, Lip, you gonna ditch and go to the college campus?"

"Yeah, now that I'm no longer in freezing wet clothes, but I'm still freezing my ass off out here because of this asshole," Natalia answered.

Lip smirked.

Ian, JJ and Kimberly looked at them in confused amusement.

"Why, what'd he do?" Ian asked.

"Dumped a fucking ice bucket on me just to wake me the hell up," Natalia answered.

The teens laughed lightly.

"Jesus, Lip," Ian said.

Lip shrugged. "What can I say?"

"Sorry?" Natalia suggested sarcastically.

Lip shook his head. "Not in my vocabulary."

Natalia hit Lip on the shoulder, both of them smirking slight smiles.

Kimberly looked at JJ. "You gonna stay with Kev and V to go pick up your new foster sister?"

"Yeah," JJ answered. "V's not in the most welcoming mood, so, uh, better stay to make sure the kid's all right."

Ian, Kimberly, Lip and Natalia nodded in understanding.

"All right," Ian agreed. "I think it's pretty cool V and Kev are getting another foster kid, even if it's to help Kimberly and JJ and all that."

"Yeah, me too," Natalia agreed.

JJ noticed that Ian was distracted. "What's up with you, Ian?"

"I slept with someone," Ian answered. "Not Kash."

Ian glanced at Natalia as if to see if Malcolm or Mickey had told her, but clearly they hadn't.

"What?" Lip asked.

"Yeah," Ian answered.

"Well, details, please?" Natalia asked.

Kimberly groaned. "I don't wanna hear details about my twin fucking someone."

"Same, even if he's not my twin," Lip agreed.

JJ and Natalia smirked in amusement.

Ian chuckled.

JJ looked at Ian. "Who?"

"I can't tell you," Ian stated. "He's on the down low, you know."

Natalia nodded. "Wow."

"Yeah," Ian agreed.

Kimberly patted Ian on the shoulder teasingly. "Maybe this will prove to you that you deserve someone better than Kash. A married guy willing to fuck a 15 year old." Ian gave Kimberly a look for this speech again, but knew she was just trying to look out for him. Kimberly looked at Lip. "And you." Lip raised an eyebrow. "You deserve someone better to be fuck buddies with than Karen. Don't you see that that bitch is like an anchor dragging you down to the depths of loserville? Both of you, my brothers, deserve better."

Ian and Lip chuckled.

"Thanks, Kim," Lip replied, semi sarcastic.

JJ and Natalia nodded.

Ian chuckled slightly, nervously. "We should get going."

"Yeah, wouldn't wanna be late to high school or college," JJ remarked sarcastically. Ian, Kimberly, Lip and Natalia all flipped JJ off in reply to the teasing, all of them laughing lightly. "See ya."

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Fiona's Room

(Song:) Sunset Games - Gomez

Fiona walked into her room, seeing Steve sleeping on her bed, putting coffee and a plate on her dresser nearby, eyeing Steve suspiciously, getting an idea, smirking slightly, slyly, crawling over Steve. "Which do you like better?" She kissed the right side of his neck. "One?" She kissed the left side of his neck. "Or two?"

"Mm, one," Steve answered.

Fiona moved down, kissing the right side of Steve's chest. "What about one..." She kissed the left side of his chest. "Or two?"

"Definitely two," Steve answered.

Fiona pulled the blanket over her head, going down on Steve. "Okay, one..."

Steve jolted, moaning. "Oh, God, one. One, one, one."

Fiona looked up at him. "I'm not finished yet. One. Or two."

Fiona suddenly smacked Steve in the face with his phone.

(Song Ends)

Steve groaned, snapping his eyes open. "Oh, God, one."

Fiona sat up over him, glaring. "Who the fuck is Candance?"

"Who?" Steve demanded.

"Yeah, that's what I'm asking you," Fiona told him.

"How do you know about Candance?" Steve asked.

"Oh, so there's something to know?" Fiona asked.

Steve stammered. "We--she--we work together."

Not buying it, Fiona nodded sarcastically. "Uh-huh. Why is she texting you, 'sweet, it's important, call me'?"

Fiona dropped the phone on his chest again.

Steve looked at the text. "Uh, she's a little high maintenance."

Fiona nodded slightly. "That happens when you fuck someone."

Fiona went to get up to leave.

Steve grabbed Fiona, flipping them around so that Fiona was on the bed, and Steve was above her. "Believe me, I didn't fuck Candance. We work together. That's all."

Steve kissed Fiona. Despite her frustrations, Fiona kissed back hungrily.

Fiona flipped them around so that Steve was on the bed and she was straddling him again. "I don't care if you screw someone else, just don't lie about it. Ever."

Both of them were lost in each other's eyes, as they started to rip Fiona's clothes off to have angry sex, but Steve's phone was ringing, distracting them.

Steve reached for the phone. "I'll turn it off." He paused when he saw the message. "Shit."

Fiona sighed. "What?"

"I gotta leave," Steve answered, moving Fiona onto the bed, starting to get up.

Fiona raised her eyebrows in disbelief. "Are you kidding me?"

Steve stood. "It's a work thing. I'll make it up to you. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, okay? I'll make it up to you, tonight."

Steve grabbed his clothes to start to get dressed, walking out of the room.

Fiona was left speechless and unhappy on the bed, sighing.

⫷⑅⫸

Chicago Hospital - ICU

A female doctor, Dr. Seery, and two male residents, were standing around the unconscious Frank.

"I don't think he's gonna wake up," Resident 1 admitted.

Seery patted Frank on the cheeks. "Mr. Gallagher? Mr. Gallagher?"

Seery suddenly slapped him in the face.

Frank suddenly woke up, looking around, confused as to why he had so many wires attached to his head, not knowing where he was at first. "What the bejesus?"

"Sorry," Seery apologized. "We tried smelling salts, caffeine injections, ice baths."

"Where am I?" Frank asked.

"In the hospital," Resident 1 answered. "You've been unconscious for two days with alcohol poisoning."

Frank shrugged as much as he could given his state. "Ah, that's nothing. Back in '95, I was out for eight days."

Frank started to take off the hospital tubes.

"Wait, wait," Seery told him. "Hold on a second. I'm Dr. Seery. These are my residents. We have a proposition for you."

Frank glanced over the female doctor. "Well, you're hot." He looked at the two male residents. "But it's been a while since I've been with a dude, never mind two."

"You've misunderstood," Seery told him. "Uh, we'd like you to participate in our medical study."

"Your what?" Frank asked.

Seery seemed on the edge of awe and pity. "In my career, I've never seen such... a spectacular display of alcoholism."

"Thank you," Frank replied.

"Would you be able to abstain from alcohol for two weeks?" Seery asked.

"No," Frank answered.

"We could offer you $3,000," Seery explained.

Frank nodded. "Yes."

⫷⑅⫸

Fisher-Ball House - Living Room

Veronica was hiding stuff.

JJ and Kevin walked closer.

"What are you doing?" Kevin asked.

"Hiding our silver in case they send us a thief," Veronica answered. "We're supposed to meet the kid being released from juvie."

JJ raised an eyebrow, shrugging.

"We have three settings," Kevin stated. "None of them match."

"They were my Aunt Elva's," Veronica replied.

Kevin showed JJ an old football. "Hey, check this out. Found my old football one of my foster dads left me."

"It's a girl, Kev," JJ told him.

"Yeah, this is for you," Kevin replied. JJ and Veronica smiled slightly at that. "And I don't care that it's a girl. If she wants, she can learn some kick-ass moves." Kevin did some moves to show off, clearly excited like a little kid. "Kev, ball, face left, spins right." Veronica and JJ couldn't help but burst into laughter. "He's at the 30, the 20, the 10. Touchdown!"

JJ tilted his head, smiling. "Come on. We don't wanna be late."

⫷⑅⫸

Juvenile Detention Center - Hallway

An 11 year old foster girl, Carson Måneskin (pronounced Moon-a-skin), was walking in a line down the hallway in juvie.

A girl stood in front of her. "You're getting out today, huh? That's what we heard." Three girls surrounded Carson. "Why you so quiet, huh?" The three girls grabbed Carson, holding the eleven year old still, making her gasp slightly. "Who was all mouth the other day when I confronted you in the showers? Lost my yard privileges 'cause of you."

Despite seeing a guard nearby, the first girl punched Carson viciously in the face, making her fall to the floor. The three girls around Carson continued to beat Carson, but she didn't fight back, knowing if she did, she wouldn't get out today.

The guards walked closer, pulling the three girls beating Carson away, but only after she was already hurt.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

JJ, Veronica and Kevin stood outside of the juvenile detention center.

A male social worker walked closer. "Hi, Veronica? Kevin? JJ? Hi, I'm Bill."

"Where's Anya?" Veronica asked. "She's the social worker that helped us with adoption JJ."

"Uh, yeah, Anya, one of her cases..." Bill trailed off. "One of the kids in her foster homes OD'd, so she had to rush to the hospital."

"Oh, my God," Kevin said.

"That's terrible," JJ told him.

"Yeah," Bill agreed. "I take it she told you about this girl?"

"Yeah," Kevin answered.

"Her name is Carson," Bill explained. "And, well, it seems that she's been having a few issues with male authority figures of late. I just wanted to let you know, just in case."

"Right," Veronica agreed. "So she got into a fight with her foster father?"

Bill nodded, walking to a man with release form papers, signing them. "And damaged some of his property, which is how she landed here in juvie."

JJ, Veronica and Kevin were surprised by that.

"Damaged his property?" Veronica repeated. "Uh, wow."

"Don't worry," Bill told them. "Carson's not violent. This was just a one time thing because of extenuating circumstances that we're working on."

"It's not like we have a lot of room to talk about damages on properties living in the Southside," JJ pointed out, giving Veronica a look.

Veronica sighed, shrugging in agreement.

"What circumstances?" Kevin asked.

"Carson and 70 other girls are being removed from a religious sect," Bill answered.

"Religious sect?" Kevin repeated. "You mean like a cult?"

Bill gave a thin smile. "I can't talk about the details right now, but I will explain it all as soon as I can. Besides, Carson staying with you is more than likely only going to be for a couple of weeks."

The buzzer went off at the door, which opened.

Carson walked outside, wearing a dress like from Little House on the Prairie, but she clearly hated it with a passion.

JJ, Veronica and Kevin were surprised by the dress, and noticed that Carson was hurt because of her earlier fight.

"What the hell happened?" JJ asked.

"Uh, when the kids get out, some of the other inmates get jealous and pick fights," Bill answered. "One second." He walked over to Carson. "Carson? Carson, hi. I'm Bill. I work with Anya at Child Protective Services."

Carson barely nodded in acknowledgement. "Um, where's Ethan? Do you know where he is? I need to see him. I need him. Where's Anya? Why isn't she here?"

"We'll have to talk about that later," Bill told her.

Carson was very overwhelmed. "I just... I don't understand why I can't see Ethan."

Bill led Carson toward JJ, Veronica and Kevin. "That's enough. I don't know what you're talking about. Carson, this is JJ, Veronica and Kevin. JJ, Veronica and Kevin, this is Carson."

Veronica shook Carson's hand, apprehensive.

Kevin smiled softly, offering a hand to Carson. "Hi."

When she didn't shake his hand, Kevin let his hand fall.

JJ offered his hand. "Hey."

Carson just looked between Kevin and JJ nervously, before looking away, nervous.

JJ let his hand fall.

"I guess I could take her to one of the group homes," Bill said.

JJ, Veronica and Kevin looked at Carson.

Carson, despite how strong she was trying to be, was a clearly traumatized and scared 11 year old little girl; all she could think about was Ethan and trying to see him.

Veronica looked at Bill. "It's just for a few weeks, right?"

Kevin nodded. "Okay."

JJ looked at Carson. "It's gonna be okay."

⫷⑅⫸

Chicago Hospital - ICU

Dr. Seery and her two male residents were still with Frank, who was dressed in his own clothes now.

The residents placed an ankle monitor on Frank's ankle.

"And come back every three days for a drug screening and brain scan," Seery told him. "In addition, you'll be wearing my RAM. Remote Alcohol Monitor. Designed it myself. This fine piece of jewelry will alert us to any alcohol use. Make it the whole two weeks, you get the cash."

"Can I get an advance?" Frank asked.

(Song:) Keep Running Shoes Special - What Laura Says

Seery pointed to the light on the screen next to them. "This green light is connected to your bracelet. Drink one sip of booze, light turns red. Attempt to take the bracelet off, light turns red. Spill rubbing alcohol on it, light turns red. Red light equals no cash."

Frank nodded in acceptance of the challenge, mind made up. "Get ready to say goodbye to three grand."

⫷⑅⫸

The Alibi Room

Frank walked into the bar, arms held wide. "I'm a sober man."

Nobody responded, not buying it.

"Usual, Frank?" Jess asked from behind the bar.

"Didn't you hear me, Jess?" Frank asked. "I'm sober now."

Jess put out Frank's usual on the bar. "Here you go. JB and an Old Style."

Frank stepped up to the bar, shaking his head. "Whoa, whoa. I'm sober as my 6-year-old. Haven't had a drink in two days. Granted, I've been unconscious for most of it. But I figure if I can abstain from alcohol when I'm out... how hard can it be to do it when I'm awake?"

"What are you talking about?" Jess asked.

"Medical study," Frank answered. "For the next two weeks, my body is a temple. No alcohol for this fella. And I got this guy to keep me honest."

Frank pointed to his ankle monitor.

"Hey, Lindsay Lohan, how much are they paying you?" Tommy called.

"Well, who says I'm getting paid?" Frank asked.

"No, seriously, how much?" Tommy asked.

Frank waved him off. "Never you mind what I'm making. You should spend some time taking a personal inventory of what you're doing for the betterment of society."

"Why are you in a bar, Frank, if you're not drinking?" Jess asked.

Frank looked around at everyone, turning to face Jess, nodding. "Came in for some support." He looked around at everyone again. "The way I see it, I've done a lot for the folks here over the past couple of years." He sat down on top of the bar, taking off his hat. "And I could use a little help from you all now. I might hit some rough patches the next few weeks. So I'd like you all to commit to not drinking too, in solidarity. Like school children, when they shave their head for the cancer kid. So what say you all? Who's ready to put down the booze with me for the next two weeks?" For a second, they all just stared at Frank, drinking their beers, before they burst into laughter. Embarrassed, Frank stepped down from the bar. "Fine." He walked to the door, opening it, glaring back at everyone. "Hope you all get AIDS."

Frank walked out of the bar, leaving.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Career Center

Fiona and Zia walked into the center.

Zia was holding Liam in her good arm, albeit the one that had the pen and knife wounds from before, using her cast on the other arm to help balance him. It helped that Liam was holding on around Zia's neck, laying his head on her shoulder.

Fiona gestured to the table nearby. "Why don't you two go sit down?"

Zia nodded, walking away, going to sit down.

Fiona walked up to the counter.

"Hey, girl," the woman there said. "Here for your check?"

"Yeah," Fiona answered. "Thanks, Gisella."

Gisella saw the two youngest Gallagher kids at the table. "Hey, Zia. Hey, Liam."

Zia couldn't wave back with the way she was holding Liam and because of her cast, but nodded in return. "Gisella."

"When she go back to school?" Gisella asked.

"Tomorrow," Fiona answered.

Gisella nodded, going through the checks in the box on the counter. "Fiona... No. I can't find it. What job did you do?"

"Auto show last week," Fiona answered.

"Aw, shit," Gisella said.

"What?" Fiona asked.

"Jackasses at McCormick Place handed in the time cards late," Gisella answered. "Checks won't be in till next Friday."

Fiona was worried because that left her without much money for shopping today. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah," Gisella answered. "Sorry about that."

"Can I go pick it up?" Fiona asked.

Gisella shook her head. "Payroll doesn't release funds early."

Fiona sighed anxiously. "I won't make it to next week."

"Sticks and Skates Sports Bar may need someone for this weekend," Gisella explained.

Fiona winced. "They still make you wear those uniforms?"

"Yeah," Gisella answered.

Fiona rolled her eyes. "Might as well put a stage and a stripper pole in that place."

"I'm teaching a free PowerPoint class for the next four Saturdays," Gisella explained. "Could get you an office job once you're certified. Starting pay is $20 an hour."

Fiona glanced over at Zia and Liam.

Zia was out of it mentally, spacing out again. Liam tangled his fingers into Zia's hair, pulling lightly. Zia snapped out of it because of Liam, looking at Liam, giving the smallest of grateful smiles, leaning her head against Liam's.

⫷⑅⫸

High School - Outside

Kimberly was bored out of her mind to be mostly on her own at school, hating it, especially when some students like Rick D'Angelo and his girlfriend was giving her and her brothers and friends a hard time given certain known situations like the drive by and JJ and Zia's outbursts.

A guy walked by Kimberly, checking her out, smirking. "Nice rack, Kimberly."

Kimberly glared at the boy, walking closer. "Say that again."

"Nice--" the boy started.

Kimberly kneed the boy in the stomach, walking away without a second look, about to leave school without caring that she would be skipping for the rest of the day.

Rick was with his girlfriend as they were staring at Kimberly and gossiping.

Kimberly walked by Rick and his girlfriend, imitating that the girl was giving Rick a blow job to mock them, flipping them off with both hands. "By the way, your boyfriend's a little pussy, you bitch."

Karen walked up to her. "Hey, Kimberly."

Kimberly rolled her eyes. "Oh, here we go. What do you want?"

Karen played innocent. "Maybe I was just worried about you after what those three idiots did."

"Worry about yourself, fetus face," Kimberly replied. "And don't play dumb with me. Because you can play innocent all you want until you have the tragic accident that sidelines you and leaves you horribly disfigured. Or did that already happen? I can't tell." Karen rolled her eyes. "You can be fake all you want, but at least I'll be real with you. You finally got an okay haircut, you're not doing that annoying half smirk as much as you used to, but you're still a fake-ass bitch and you dress like an institutionalized toddler. And I hear that you've got a bit of a schnoz. I mean, I wouldn't know, because like Medusa, I try to avoid eye contact with you, but still."

"Are you done being a bitch?" Karen asked.

Kimberly shrugged. "I still got a left in me, but if you're down for the count, I'll give you a little breathing room. You made your point. I'm sort of a bitch. But I'm willing to change. I won't warn you to look out for poachers who might mistake you for an inland taipan, the most fake ass, aggressive, venomous snakes in the world. But at least even they're more kinder than you, and only attack when provoked."

Karen rolled her eyes. "Where's Lip?"

"Oh, he just went with his wife up to the University of Chicago," Kimberly answered, mocking Karen about the childhood fake marriage between Lip and Natalia, walking past her. "Have fun with that little intel. Looks like you didn't make the cut to go steal sweatshirts from the gift shop."

Karen was left humiliated, not knowing what to say.

⫷⑅⫸

Malcolm & Milkovich House - Living Room

Malcolm and Mandy were sitting at the table.

Mandy was rambling about something she didn't really care about to distract herself. "I was like, girl, you are not using my eyeliner if you have pink eye. And she was like, well, then, you're not my friend anymore."

Malcolm shook his head. "What are you even talking about, Mandy?"

Mandy chuckled nervously. "Sorry. I just... never mind."

Malcolm raised an eyebrow.

Ian knocked on the door before walking in. "Hey, Mandy? Can I talk to Malcolm real quick?"

"Yeah, sure," Mandy answered. "See you two later."

Mandy stood, walking out of the house, grateful for the distraction and excuse to walk out of the house.

Malcolm frowned in confusion at her reaction, before looking at Ian. "Shouldn't you be in school?"

"Shouldn't she be?" Ian replied.

"She got suspended for some stupid shit," Malcolm explained. Ian nodded. "What can I do for you, Ian?"

Ian chuckled nervously. "Um... not say anything to Natalia and Mandy about what you might... or might not have seen... the other day."

Malcolm knew that this wasn't coming, nodding. "I didn't see anything."

"You didn't?" Ian asked.

Malcolm shook his head. "Not really. But if I had, I wouldn't say anything."

"Well, if you had, just know that I'm not saying anything yet because someone's on the downlow," Ian admitted.

Malcolm nodded in understanding. "Okay, then in this totally hypothetical situation, I would still keep my mouth shut, since it's up to you and this someone to do whatever the hell you two wanna do and who you wanna tell."

Ian, realizing that Malcolm wasn't gonna rat on them and leave the decision to tell up to them, smiled in relief. "Thanks. By the way, he probably shouldn't know that you did not see me sneaking out of his window."

"Probably not," Malcolm agreed.

Ian smiled. "Thanks, Malcolm."

"Anytime," Malcolm agreed. "Especially since I'm literally doing nothing and this doesn't concern me."

Ian nodded in agreement and relief, chuckling lightly. "All right. I'm gonna go. Bye."

"See you, Ian," Malcolm replied.

Ian gave Malcolm a salute, turning around, walking out of the house.

Malcolm shook his head in amusement.

⫷⑅⫸

Fisher-Ball House - Kitchen

Carson, still in the dress that she hated with a passion though sadly didn't have any other clothes to wear, was sitting at the table, opening her suitcase, looking at a picture.

Kevin walked in with a couple of board games in his arms. "Hey, Carson."

JJ walked in.

"Where do I sleep?" Carson asked.

"What?" JJ asked.

"It's not my first time in a foster home," Carson told them. "Where do I sleep?"

Kevin nodded. "Veronica's setting up a space for you in the living room. In the meantime, pick your poison. Parcheesi? Monopoly? Clue? No? Yes? Maybe?" He sat down at the table, picking up the football from the table. "Wanna go to the park? Throw the old pig skin around?"

Carson couldn't look JJ or Kevin in the eyes, her own eyes downcast. "Are there any chores?"

"Como se huh?" JJ asked.

"Chores," Carson repeated. "If foster family doesn't usually get rid of me immediately, they have chores for me to do."

"Chores like what?" Kevin asked.

"Scrubbing floors, washing dishes," Carson answered. "Hemming, pickling, canning, laundry?"

Kevin and JJ exchanged a look, knowing that this girl worked so hard just to try in one place without being kicked out immediately.

"Let's go grab a burger," Kevin suggested. "There's a new kids' place where the waiters dress like famous Chicago gangsters." JJ raised an eyebrow. "Although I have no idea what that has to do with kids. Or burgers."

"Come on," JJ offered.

Carson was still uneasy, but seemed relieved that they were welcoming and friendly, just too paranoid that it could go wrong for her really fast.

⫷⑅⫸

Kash and Grab

Ian was restocking the fridges.

Kash was behind the shelves to look at Ian. "I'm sorry we can't fool around."

"That's cool," Ian replied. "I get it."

Ian leaned down to continue restocking.

Kash leaned down to keep Ian's gaze, explaining though Ian really wish he wouldn't explain this part. "A woman's fertile for five days. Linda looked it up online."

Ian avoided his gaze. "Oh, yeah?"

Kash frowned. "Is everything okay with you?"

Ian shrugged. "Totally."

(Song:) Break Neck Speed - Tokyo Police Club

Kash's phone went off. He stood, taking out his phone. "It's her." He checked the message. "She's ripe. I gotta go. I guess I'll see you later?"

Ian nodded. "Yeah."

Kash walked away.

Ian sighed, very awkward when it came to Kash now.

⫷⑅⫸

Jackson House - Living Room

Sheila was sitting at her table, having been worried sick for Frank for the past two days, considering to sign up for Men Gone Missing online.

When suddenly she heard the door open and slam closed, causing Sheila to jump, gasp and look up.

Frank walked in, taking off his shoes. "Mother..."

(Song Ends)

Sheila stood in relief, going over to him instantly. "Frank. Oh, Frank, Frank." She gave him a big embrace. "I was worried about you. Where have you been? Are you all right?"

Frank took off his hat and scarf. "No, I'm not all right."

"No?" Sheila repeated, concerned.

Frank was already shaking with anxiousness and withdrawal. "I gotta stay sober two weeks. I'm not gonna make it. Do we have cigarettes? I really need a cigarette."

Frank started looking for cigarettes.

"Oh, Frank, I'm so proud of you," Sheila stated.

Frank shook his head. "Don't be proud. It's only been an hour. You gotta help me. Keep me busy. Entertain me."

Frank found a cigarette, placing it between his lips.

Sheila was thinking about what she could do. "All right, Frankie. Okay."

Sheila started to dance in place humorously, snapping her fingers every so often.

Frank was weirded out a little bit, but mostly amused, nodding, pointing at her. "That's good, Sheils. That's really good." He sat down at the table, taking out his lighter. "Just keep doing that for the next two weeks, okay?"

Frank lit his cigarette, taking a hit, watching Sheila dance.

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Multiple Rooms

(Song:) Vintage Hearts - Minutes Till Midnight

Zia and Fiona were looking through every room they could for any extra cash that the family could have had so they could still go to the store.

Of course, all the big money was gone because they had to pay off Frank's debt to the thugs, but they found some change.

⫷⑅⫸

Living Room

Zia met up with Fiona, handing her the change she found. "That's all I found."

"Thanks," Fiona told her, ruffling Zia's hair.

Zia frowned, looking up at Fiona. "So who's Candace?"

Fiona looked at her, stunned. "What?"

"I heard Debbie talk about her earlier, and you yelling at Steve earlier," Zia answered.

Fiona shook her head. "Don't worry. It's nothing. He said it's just someone he works with."

Zia tilted her head. "And you believe that?"

Fiona sighed. "I don't know. I want to."

Zia nodded barely. "If he hurts you, I hurt him. And you know Kimberly will."

"Yeah, which is why I told Debbie not to tell Kimberly, and which is why I'm asking you the same thing, okay?" Fiona asked.

"Okay," Zia whispered. She looked down. "Are the boys really gonna get away with it?"

Fiona realized that Zia had heard that part too, sighing heavily. "I don't know. Tony's gonna keep trying to make them get in trouble for what they did, but..."

"They don't believe me," Zia finished, upset.

Fiona knelt in front of Zia, looking her in the eyes. "Hey. We believe you. And we're not gonna let those boys hurt you again. Okay? That's all that matters."

Zia couldn't look her in the eyes. "I don't wanna go to school if they're there."

Fiona sighed sadly, brushing a hand over Zia's hair. "I know. We'll figure it out. Okay?"

Zia barely nodded.

Fiona kissed Zia's head, closing her eyes, not wanting anything else happen to her.

Kimberly walked into the house. "Hey, what's going on?"

"What are you doing home so early?" Fiona asked.

Kimberly shrugged. "Everybody left early. I'll pick up Carl and Debbie after school though."

"Okay," Fiona agreed. "Can you help us find some cash for the store? I didn't get my paycheck today because the idiots in charge delivered time cards late."

Kimberly nodded in agreement. "Yeah, sure."

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

University of Chicago - Campus

Lip, Natalia and Professor Hearst were walking together across the campus, at first inside before making their way outside.

"So when you're not busting SAT cheaters, you're a teacher?" Lip asked.

"Professor," Hearst corrected.

"Oh," Lip said.

"SAT's a side gig," Hearst explained. "Pays for my boat."

Lip nodded. "Which gets you laid, I'm guessing?"

Hearst chuckled. "No. The beard gets me laid. Chicks dig a beard."

Lip glanced back at Natalia as they both smirked in amusement. "I'll keep that in mind."

Hearst looked at Lip. "I'd like you to attend the university next semester."

"I can't," Lip replied. "I still have a year and a half of high school."

"Well, test out," Hearst retorted. "You know you're capable."

"Pay for it with what?" Lip asked. "Beard get me money, too?"

Hearst shook his head. "No, there's grants you can apply for. There's loans. It'll pay for the school, the dorm, your meal card."

Natalia scoffed. "Yeah, and then he ends up in debt with half a million bucks. We don't have that kind of money."

Hearst glanced at Natalia. "We? Who is we?"

Lip shrugged. "We're kind of a packaged deal. She'll try and force me to go to this school as much as she can."

Natalia smirked.

Hearst chuckled. "Well, at least someone is trying to help you pick the correct life choices. But you're a clever kid. You'll figure out a way to stiff Uncle Sam. Maybe your... other half of the packaged deal can help figure something out as well."

Lip shrugged. "I don't know. Sounds like a lot of trouble to me."

"It's better than the alternative," Hearst told him.

"What's that?" Lip asked.

Hearst glanced at Natalia. "Well. You'll knock her up. Or someone like her. And she'll say it happened accidentally, but you'll always wonder if it happened accidentally on purpose."

Natalia glared, raising her eyebrows. "Excuse me? Did this bitch just--Please. I have enough self respect rather than to sleep with this slut."

Lip gently shoved Natalia, and Natalia pushed him back with a grin.

Hearst went on. "You'll get a job at Best Buy. And with luck, you'll make it assistant manager by the time you're 30."

Natalia exaggerated a sigh. "Ah. There goes my will to live. Oh, wait, I never had a will to live. You just made it worse."

Hearst gave her a look before looking at Lip. "Unless of course, the anger that you suppressed finally bubbles over, and you mouth off to the wrong person and get your ass fired. And you won't be able to hold a job because you'll always know the truth."

"And what's that?" Lip asked.

"That you never lived up to your full potential," Hearst answered. "And the only way to numb the pain of underachieving is with booze... and with meth."

Natalia and Lip exchanged a look.

"I don't know how you managed to expose fears I didn't even know I had, but thanks," Natalia told him sarcastically. "Now I won't sleep tonight."

"She always this sarcastic?" Hearst asked.

Lip nodded. "Yup. You know, the old 'philosophical professor' who's gonna set the troubled teen on the right track. It's a little trite, don't you think? I mean, how many of us has that actually worked on?"

"Not enough," Hearst answered. "There's no shortage of brilliant kids just like yourself, who are too stupid to get out of the hood."

"And how do we usually respond?" Lip asked.

"You tell me to fuck off," Hearst answered.

Lip nodded. "Well, I guess you saved me the trouble. Actually, no. Fuck off."

Natalia sighed. "Lip..."

Hearst exhaled. "Listen, I've got a class. Why don't you take a peak inside here before you go? This is the robotics lab. The best in the country."

Lip bit his lip. "Right. I'll think about it."

Lip walked to the bathroom.

Hearst turned to Natalia. "I'll be putting my faith in you to convince him to come here, yes?"

Natalia shrugged. "I mean, usually, I just threaten to kick him in his balls or something, and he does what I ask. But I'm not sure it'll work this time. I'll try, though. I really do want what's best for him. He's always been the smartest kid in our grade. I'll do everything I can, but he's a stubborn little bitch."

Natalia walked toward the bathroom.

Lip walked out of the bathroom, seeing Natalia, sighing. "What? What bullshit are you gonna spew at me now?"

"What is wrong with you?" Natalia asked. Lip sighed. "I mean, if you go here, that means I go here. I can hang out with you in your dorm, and you'll have a bunch of hot college friends. Do you know where that leaves me?"

"What?" Lip asked.

"I could have a shot, smart college boyfriend, or girlfriend," Natalia answered. "So if you're not gonna go for you, go for me."

"You want me to go here so you can date a college guy, or girl?" Lip asked. "No. No way."

"Uh, why?" Natalia asked.

"Because I said so," Lip replied, walking away.

Natalia groaned, following. "You totally suck, you know."

"Look, after everything that happened this year alone, can you really blame me for not wanting to leave my family right now?" Lip asked.

Natalia sighed, tilting her head. "No. Definitely not."

"Okay, so we're good, and you can give it a rest with all this," Lip told her.

"For now, maybe," Natalia answered. "But you know it's not a crime to want to put yourself and your future first for once."

Lip shrugged. "Maybe not. But it will sure as hell feel like it. Ian, Debbie and Carl are barely holding themselves together. JJ's been going through the fucking ringer and has nearly died twice and Kimberly's been a damn mess about it all, and now they have to become goddamn drug dealers to try and make sure that none of us die, or that you, Kim and Zia are not kidnapped and turned into sex slaves. And Zia's been spiraling ever since Micah died. What just happened with Barry and those dipshits breaking her arm, stabbing her, almost setting her on fire? Fiona can't handle it all on her own. How am I supposed to leave them behind to try and make something of myself? That's selfish as fuck."

"Maybe you think it is, but that's what they want for you," Natalia pointed out.

"Maybe it's what they want for me," Lip agreed. "But I can't focus on that with all this shit that happened. Because all I can think about is making sure that they all stay safe."

Natalia sighed. "I know. I get it. I'm sorry." Lip nodded barely. "But listen. You want a pep talk? Talk Kimberly or rent a fucking movie? Me? I'm just really honest with people when they fucking suck or make stupid choices that they might regret in the future."

"I'm not gonna regret saying no after everything that happened," Lip replied.

"Fine," Natalia agreed. "But some day, even if it's a day years from now, you might regret it. Just think about that, okay?"

Lip sighed heavily, but nodded slightly, frustrated about everything.

⫷⑅⫸

Jackson House - Living Room

Frank and Sheila were sitting at the table, eating a bunch of food to curb Frank's alcohol craving, and playing cards.

"Got any 8s?" Frank asked.

"Go fish," Sheila answered. Frank picked up a card. "How about 4s? Got any 4s?"

Frank stood, looking toward the clock. "Oh, shit. It's only been 90 minutes."

"You want some more coffee?" Sheila asked.

Frank sat down. "Oh, no. I'm crawling out of my skin."

Sheila tilted her head slyly. "Well, I know another thing that might kill some time."

Frank realized she meant sex, worried about her kink. "No, no. Have mercy on me. I can't handle anything up my ass without alcohol."

Sheila leaned closer. "Listen, we'll make it all be about you, okay?" Frank raised his eyebrows, interested. Sheila stood, holding her hand toward Frank. "Come on. Come on, sweetie."

Frank shrugged, tilting his head, tossing his cards down, standing, taking Sheila's hand as the two went upstairs.

⫷⑅⫸

Kash and Grab

(Song:)  Are We Gonna Ever - Bosshouse

Ian was seeing a customer out after they bought for their belongings and left the store.

Mickey walked in. "Got any Slim Jims in this shit hole?"

Ian walked out from behind the counter, closing and locking the door, turning the sign to closed.

Mickey glanced around to make sure no one else was in the store.

Ian walked past Mickey toward the back room. "Yep, in the back room."

Mickey smirked, following Ian.

⫷⑅⫸

Fisher-Ball House - JJ's Room

Carson was cleaning the hallway carpets.

JJ was in his room, which had the door open. He had gotten a punching bag in his room to work out his anger so that he didn't lose control of his episodes as easily as he did before.

JJ was gloves as he punched the bag, working out very intense anger and aggression. "Sure we can't help, Carson?" Kevin and Veronica walked up to JJ's room, standing in the hallway outside of it. Veronica gave JJ a look. JJ shook his head. "Don't give me that look. You're the one that told her to clean."

(Song Ends)

Veronica shrugged. "She asked me to do chores, so I gave her some."

"Because she feels disposable if she doesn't do something around the house, because that's how these homes are," JJ replied. "As soon as the bad foster parents don't see the kid as usual, they get rid of her." He whispered to Veronica so Carson didn't hear. "Which is exactly what you wanna do, so..."

Veronica tilted her head. "Okay, that's not fair."

"How isn't it?" Kevin asked. Veronica sighed, but didn't have a reply to that. "I just feel icky about this. We're supposed to be taking care of her. Not taking advantage of her."

"If she wants to clean to feel useful, let her clean and be useful," Veronica replied.

"She's not our slave, V," Kevin told her.

Veronica gave him a look. "Do you see her picking cotton?"

Carson stood at the door. "It's okay." Startled, JJ, Veronica and Kevin looked at her. "All finished with Veronica's chores. Is there anything else I can help you with? At my old house, all the wives split the chores."

They looked at her in surprise.

JJ raised an eyebrow. "'All the wives'?"

Moments later, JJ, Veronica and Kevin were sitting down, looking at Carson.

"You're one of five wives?" Kevin asked.

"Married to a dude named Clyde?" Veronica asked.

"Who's 65 years old?" JJ asked.

Carson nodded, eyes downcast.

"And how old are you?" Veronica asked.

"Eleven," Carson answered.

JJ looked away, disconcerted. "I think I'm gonna be sick."

Kevin put a hand to his head. "Oh, my..."

Veronica looked at JJ and Kevin. "I'm gonna bust your asses."

JJ gave Veronica a 'what did we do' look.

The three of them were clearly disgusted and sympathetic for Carson, who was clearly traumatized, instead of brainwashed like the cult had intended her to be.

⫷⑅⫸

Street

Kimberly went to go pick Carl and Debbie up from elementary. "Carl! Debbie!"

Carl and Debbie ran toward Kimberly, ready to head down the street. "Kimberly!"

Kimberly wrapped an arm around either of them. "Hey, you two. What have you been up to today?"

"Carl got into a fight with Barry and his friends," Debbie answered.

Kimberly looked at Carl in surprise. "What?"

Carl grinned wickedly. "I kicked their sorry asses. Barry's friends won't mess with Zia again."

"All right," Kimberly cheered. "I know I shouldn't cheer that on, but those little assholes deserved it."

Kimberly and Debbie both high fived Carl.

"And I think I got one to agree to turn on Barry and try and convince the others to turn on him so we can get him thrown in juvie so he can't mess with Zia anymore," Debbie added.

"How'd you do that, Debs?" Kimberly asked.

"Said I would go on a date with him if he agreed," Debbie answered. "But there's no way I'm doing it for real. Just going along with it until he gets the job done."

Kimberly smiled proudly in awe, wrapping her arms around both Carl and Debbie, kissing them both on the heads. "I am so fucking proud of you two right now."

Carl and Debbie grinned. "Thanks, Kim."

"Where's Fiona, Zia and Liam?" Carl asked.

"At the store," Kimberly answered.

"Well, if Zia wants revenge on  Barry for what he did to her, she's gonna have to act fast tomorrow when she gets to go back to school," Carl stated. "If Debbie's plan works, he'll be in juvie by the end of the week."

Carl, Kimberly and Debbie smirked and walked down the sidewalk to head home.

⫷⑅⫸

Grocery Store

Fiona, Zia and Liam were in line at the store to try and get what they needed, but sadly didn't have enough for everything.

On their list, they could only get toothpaste, diapers and toilet paper, and trying to get shampoo and body wash too.

Zia was holding Liam while Fiona was counting out the money to hand to the cashier.

"What's the total right now?" Fiona asked.

"7 dollars and 56 cents," the cashier answered.

"Okay," Fiona said.

"Okay keep going or you wanna pay?" the cashier asked.

"Keep going," Fiona answered.

The cashier grabbed the shampoo and body wash to ring up.

A woman with a baby walked by. "Excuse me, where's the bathroom?"

"Uh, door to the left of the butcher," the cashier answered.

"Thanks," the woman told her, turning around, walking to the bathroom with her baby.

Zia watched the woman with the baby go, holding Liam, who was bending back in his attempt to watch the woman and the baby go as well.

The cashier looked at Fiona. "Okay, your total is $18.72."

Fiona sighed. "How much without the diapers?"

The cashier took the diapers off. "15."

"That's good," Fiona told her.

The cashier nodded, taking the cash and putting the rest of their stuff into a bag, handing it to Fiona, nodding to both her and Zia. "Have a good day."

"Thank you," Zia replied.

Zia and Fiona started to walk away with Liam.

Fiona sighed. "Now what?"

Zia looked toward the bathroom. "Fiona. Lady with the baby."

Fiona smiled at Zia. "Brilliant little girl."

⫷⑅⫸

Bathroom

Zia put Liam on the diaper changing station, having trouble because of her cast. "Hang on, Liam." The lady with the baby walked out of the bathroom stall, seeing Zia with Liam. "Oh, Fiona has your bag, doesn't she? Where's your diapers?"

The lady gave a sympathetic look. "He your brother?"

"Yeah," Zia answered. "Our sister's getting things to the car, but..."

"It's okay," the lady assured, reaching into her bag to pull out a couple diapers, hanging them to Zia. "Here you go."

Zia sighed in relief. "Thank you."

The lady nodded. "Yeah."

The lady walked past to leave the bathroom with her baby.

Liam squealed, babbling.

Zia leaned down to kiss Liam's head. "We got 'em."

Liam laughed.

Once the lady was gone, Fiona walked in, making sure that she didn't see her, looking at Zia. "How'd it go?"

Zia waved the diapers. "You tell me."

Fiona smiled. "Way to go, Z."

Fiona walked closer to change Liam.

⫷⑅⫸

Kash and Grab - Outside

Ian opened the door to let Mickey outside after their hookup. "So I guess this was like a booty call, huh?"

Mickey walked past, not looking at him. "Whatever. See you."

Mickey walked away.

Ian tilted his head, having a slight smile, leaning back against the wall.

⫷⑅⫸

Malcolm & Milkovich House - Outside

Malcolm was sitting on the porch, smoking a cigarette.

Mandy and Natalia walked up to the house.

"Hey," Malcolm said. "Mandy. Natalia."

"Malcolm," Mandy replied, walking up the stairs past Malcolm quickly to get to the door without a look, sheepish, going inside.

Malcolm and Natalia exchanged a confused look.

Natalia held up a finger. "One sec." She took out some cash and handed it to Malcolm on the way upstairs. "Got the next 1800 from the last batch of fake IDs, by the way. Your 600."

"Thanks," Malcolm replied. "Looks like we're gonna get better shit for this house after all."

Natalia chuckled. "Yeah."

Natalia walked upstairs to the door.

⫷⑅⫸

Inside - Foyer

Natalia walked inside, looking at Mandy. "What are you doing?"

"What?" Mandy asked.

"What was that?" Natalia asked. "You avoiding him all of the sudden?"

Mandy didn't want to say anything, but she felt the need to get it off her chest. "I might think he's hot and could start to like him, and I hook up with guys too fast as you know. Mickey said that I shouldn't do it this time since Malcolm's giving us a place to stay, and he doesn't want me fucking with Malcolm and that ending badly end with us all out on the street again. Like the first time, before we all went out on our own. Not that big of a deal, Natalia. It's just... Mickey's right. I don't want to fuck this up."

Natalia sighed, tilting her head. "Malcolm's not like that guy, Mandy. Okay? He offered you and Mickey to come stay with us without a second thought, unlike the first guy. And for a Southside guy selling fake IDs and committing a felony to make some cash, he's a really good guy. He helped me, the Gallaghers and JJ with something huge just a little while ago, and he totally didn't have to, but he wanted me, Kimberly and Zia to be safe, so he did. He's been doing shit like that a hell of a lot since he moved in this house and let me move in with him, as long as we help him with this place, you know?" Mandy nodded in agreement. "And I don't know what could happen, because none of us do, but don't let Mickey get you down, okay? Just give it some time and figure it out, all right?"

Mandy smiled slightly in appreciation. "Yeah. Thanks, Lia."

Natalia gave Mandy a small smile, nodding, before giving her a teasing push. "Good, because you suddenly turning into a bitch and avoiding him like your life depends on it just so you don't fuck him could be what gets us kicked out." Mandy gave Natalia a playful shove in return, causing both sisters to laugh lightly. "Just chill out, be nice and figure out the rest later."

Mandy nodded in agreement.

⫷⑅⫸

Jackson House - Sheila's Room

Frank was resting back against the head rest.

Sheila was laying on her side next to him, giving him a hand job, which didn't seem to be working. "Maybe you're not attracted to me anymore."

"Give it a minute," Frank told her.

"My hand," Sheila complained. "I'm cramping up."

"Use your mouth," Frank replied.

"Okay," Sheila said, leaning her head down to do as told, before looking up at Frank. "He doesn't even know I'm here."

Sheila flicked at Frank's penis.

"Sheils, you're not putting an IV in it," Frank told her.

Sheila didn't know what else to do. "Come out, come out, wherever you are. Looks like a gummy worm."

Frank tucked himself back into his pants. "I'm going for a jog."

Frank got up, walking away from the bed.

"That's a nice idea too," Sheila admitted, awkward.

Frank walked out of the room.

⫷⑅⫸

Street

Frank tried to distract himself by jogging down the sidewalk, but his jog was taking little steps at a time to draw it out. "You're doing great, Frank. You're doing great. Everything's fine. You're gonna make it. Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. It's been, uh, 37 years since my last confession. America, America, God shed his grace on thee. Mars, Venus, Earth, Mercury, Jupiter--many very early Martians jumpstart--Pluto. Pluto. Pluto?" Frank stopped, doing a spin in frustration. "It's not even a goddamn planet anymore. It got demoted. Just like St. Christopher. Oh, God."

Zia and Debbie were walking to the park.

"You and Carl really did all that for me?" Zia asked, stunned.

Debbie smiled. "Of course we did, Zia."

Zia gave Debbie a hug. "Thank you, Debbie."

Debbie returned the embrace. "But now, I'm gonna need your help."

They pulled away.

"Finding out about Candace?" Zia asked.

"You heard that?" Debbie asked.

"I heard that," Zia answered. "I heard almost everything this morning."

"Oh," Debbie said. "But yeah, figuring out about Candace. Fiona doesn't want to, and she told me not to tell Kimberly..."

"Because Kimberly would kick Steve's ass," Zia finished. "Again."

Debbie nodded. "Yeah. So you wanna figure it out together."

Zia nodded. "Yeah. And if we find out Steve is cheating on Fiona, then we tell Kim and let her kick his ass."

Debbie smiled. "Deal."

Zia and Debbie clinked their juice boxes as if in a toast, taking a drink.

They reached the park (a different one than the one Zia went to in 1.07), where they saw Frank running past.

Zia and Debbie both frowned in confusion. "Dad?"

Frank turned to see his two youngest daughters, just as confused. "Zia? Debbie? What are you doing here?"

"This is where we play after school," Debbie answered.

Frank looked around at some thugs smoking and getting high. "It is?"

"You okay, Daddy?" Debbie asked.

Frank shook his head. "Gave up the booze. Not feeling too good."

Zia offered Frank her juice box. "Want some Hawaiian punch?"

Frank took the juice, jugging it. "Mm. So good. Why is it so good?"

Debbie shrugged. "It's all sugar."

Frank looked down at his daughters from over the fence between them. "Can we get more of this?"

(Song:) You Better Get Ready - The Rosebuds

Surprised that Frank actually wanted to spend time with them, Debbie grinned.

Zia was surprised, but not bothered, even after everything with the way Frank had treated things since the beginning of the book.

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Outside

Zia, Debbie and Frank were sitting in the van outside, eating and drinking nothing but sugar from candy and juice boxes.

Debbie and Frank were laughing and having a good time, but Zia was still numb and distant.

Frank smiled. "This is nice, isn't it, Debs?" He noticed Zia was out of it, poking her in the head. "Zia." Zia snapped out of it, looking up at Frank, startled, seeming to have forgotten that he was here during her mini state. "The three of us hanging out, getting to know each other. Why don't we do this more often?"

"We used to," Debbie answered.

"Not me," Zia said. "You hate me because I look like Mom."

Frank was brought short by that, but didn't know how to respond, looking a bit guilty. "Well, we should do this more often. Wanna snort the next batch?"

Zia gave him a side eye glance.

Debbie shook her head. "No."

Frank shrugged.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Inside - Living Room

Lip and Karen were in the process of starting to hook up on the couch, already half-naked without their shirts on, and Karen also didn't have her bra on.

"What are we doing here?" Karen asked.

"Seriously, from, uh, my vantage point, looks like we're on the verge of fucking," Lip answered.

"No, I mean, you and me," Karen told him. "What are we?"

Lip didn't get the point of the question. "We've always been friends."

"Just friends?" Karen asked.

Lip leaned in to kiss her neck. "Yeah. You know, friends who like to do this." He pecked her lips. "Right?"

Karen nodded. "Right. I knew that. I was just checking. And that's why you took as Kimberly says 'your wife' to college with you this morning? Natalia, seriously?"

Lip rolled his eyes. "We're not having this conversation again. It was a fake childhood wedding that some kids do for fun. Ian, Kimberly and JJ threw it for us, but it was a joke. We all knew that. Natalia's just a friend. A friend that I don't do things like this with. And you go out and do this with other guys, so I don't see the big deal."

Karen shook her head. "Just forget about it."

Karen kissed Lip to cut off anything he had to say.

Fiona and Kimberly walked in with Liam.

Karen quickly got off of Lip and sat down on the couch, picking up her shirt and covering her chest with it.

Lip sat up. "Oh, fuck."

Fiona and Kimberly were both annoyed to see what was going on on the couch.

"Oh, fuck's sake," Kimberly complained, walking past without a look to Lip or Karen. "And no, I don't mean that literally."

"You have a bedroom, Lip," Fiona told him, walking past toward the kitchen.

"Yeah, says the girl who had sex with a guy in the kitchen their first night," Kimberly replied.

Fiona gave Kimberly a look, busted and sheepish, but before she could reply, Lip cut in.

"And on the stairs last night," Lip added.

Fiona turned to give Lip an amused look, tilting her head. "Hallway."

Lip stood, pulling up his jeans. "I stand corrected."

Fiona placed Liam down in his play pen, pointing at Lip and Kimberly on either side of her. "You two stop ganging up on me. Not fair."

Lip and Kimberly smirked slightly.

"Wah," Kimberly replied.

Karen pulled on her shirt, glaring at Kimberly.

Kimberly smirked sarcastically, waving bye.

Lip tilted his head, sighing.

"Kev, V and JJ are on their way over with meat sauce," Fiona explained.

"Is that an euphemism?" Lip asked.

Fiona shook her head. "I bought pasta noodles. Malcolm and Natalia said that they would bring over hamburger meat."

"Oh, so we're doing a ghetto group spaghetti," Kimberly stated. "Cool."

Lip looked at Fiona in surprise. "Surprised that you asked Malcolm and Natalia for anything."

Fiona shrugged. "I didn't get my paycheck today, so was running out on options."

Lip and Kimberly both rolled their eyes.

"Could be a little nicer to them, Fi," Kimberly told her. "Especially after everything they did, have done for this family."

Lip gestured to Kimberly in agreement.

Fiona walked toward the kitchen without acknowledging what was said. "Kev, V and JJ are bringing the new foster kid over to play with Zia and Debs."

Lip pulled on his shirt.

Carl walked in through the back door. "Paint ball rocks. I had the best day of my life."

Carl walked into the living room, having paint all over him, and a bandage over his eye, causing Lip and Kimberly both to frown in confusion and concern.

"Did you wear a face guard?" Lip asked.

Carl shook his head without a care in the world. "Nope."

Lip and Kimberly, seeing that he was fine and thrilled, just chuckled.

Karen stood, glaring at Kimberly, turning to Lip. "I should go."

"Bye bye," Kimberly replied.

Karen walked to the door.

The door opened as Natalia walked in with hamburger meat for dinner, startled to come face to face with Karen.

Karen glared at Natalia, walking out of the house.

Natalia gave Karen a mocking look as Karen glared at her the entire time, smirking slightly, walking into the house.

Ian and Malcolm followed Natalia, amused by the exchange that just happened, after Ian got home from work.

Lip looked at Kimberly, raising his eyebrows. "Why you gotta start shit with her?"

"She started shit with Natalia first for no goddamn reason, and I support my best friend," Kimberly answered.

"Thank you for that, Kim," Natalia told her.

Kimberly gave a slight smile, before looking at Lip. "Besides you know me. If I don't express my venom at least once a day... it's like a shark staying still. I'll die." Malcolm chuckled. Natalia smirked. "At least if I do, I get to take that bitch down with me."

Lip snorted, amused, shaking his head. "Jesus, Kim."

Kimberly shrugged. "Like I said this morning. You deserve better, Lip."

Malcolm held up the meat. "Dinner, anyone?"

"Thanks, guys," Ian told them.

"Surprised Fiona asked us for help, even for a last resort," Natalia remarked.

"I said that if there's any left overs, we could take to Mandy and Mickey," Malcolm explained.

"They didn't wanna come over?" Ian asked.

Malcolm shook his head. "Nah."

Ian and Malcolm exchanged a knowing look about Mickey's part (not coming over because of Ian), but Ian was glad that Malcolm kept his word and kept quiet.

Natalia knew that Mandy didn't come over because she was still avoiding Malcolm a bit, but kept quiet as well.

(Song:) Hello, Darling - The Rosebuds

Zia and Debbie walked in from the back door, high and jittery off of sugar.

JJ, Kevin and Veronica walked into the house with Carson and the sauce, as well as Kevin carrying some drinks.

"Hey, hey, I want you guys to meet our new daughter," Kevin told them.

"Foster daughter," Veronica corrected bitchily.

Kevin gave Veronica a look. "Why do you gotta do that?"

Fiona walked closer to help with the food. "Let me help you with that." She looked at Carson and the clothes she was wearing. "You weren't kidding about her."

"I know," Veronica said.

Kevin, Veronica and Fiona walked into the kitchen.

JJ was introducing Carson to everyone. "Carson, this is Lip, Ian, Kimberly, Zia, Carl and Debbie Gallagher, Natalia Milkovich and Malcolm Maxfield. They are our next door neighbors. Natalia has a brother and sister living next door too, Mickey and Mandy."

"Nice to meet you," Ian told her.

"We've all landed in the foster system more than once too," JJ explained.

"So we all get how it feels," Natalia told her.

"Yeah," Ian agreed. "How much it sucks."

"And that is a lot," Malcolm stated.

Natalia scoffed. "Oh, yeah."

Carson nodded barely.

"What happened to your face?" Carl asked suddenly, bluntly. "Get in a fight?"

"In juvie," Carson answered.

"You were in juvie?" Carl asked, smiling wickedly. "Awesome."

Carson shook her head. "Not really." She noticed the bandage over Carl's eye. "What happened to your eye?"

"Paint ball," Carl answered, grinning. "Best day ever."

"Why were you in juvie?" Debbie asked.

Kimberly interceded. "Hey, I think Carson's had a rough day as it is. So how about we cool it with the third degree?"

"Where's the bathroom?" Carson asked timidly.

Lip pointed behind him. "Well, there's one right back there in the kitchen by the back door, right through there."

Carson nodded barely, standing. "Thank you."

Carson walked out of the living room, to the bathroom.

Zia looked at JJ. "Where'd she come from?"

JJ chuckled lightly. "Um... well, Veronica, Kevin and I talked to Anya, who helped us with the adoption, and she and another social worker were in a bind with Carson, and they needed some place for her to stay. She's had a rough time lately, so I really need you guys to be extra nice to her. Okay?"

"Absolutely," Malcolm agreed.

"Yeah, sure," Natalia answered.

"Of course," Ian agreed.

"Like Lia and Ian said, we know how hard it is," Lip told him.

Kimberly patted JJ on the shoulder. "It'll be okay." She looked at Carl, Zia and Debbie. "Right, guys?"

"I'll be nice," Zia told them.

"You're always nice, Zia," JJ pointed out. "I know we don't have to worry about anything with you. Debbie? Carl?"

"Carson seems cool," Debbie said. "But weird. I'll be nice."

Carl nodded. "She's been in foster care and juvie. That's badass."

"Yeah, it's like she's already one of us," Natalia said sarcastically, but kind of serious at the same time.

The kids chuckled lightly.

"Guess that's true," Kimberly agreed.

Malcolm nodded. "Yep."

"Sad little club we've got going on here," Ian stated.

Malcolm scoffed softly. "You're telling me."

Frank walked in. "Frankie's home."

Debbie got onto the couch, jumping up and down. "Oh, my God, I am so wired."

Zia was jittery because of the sugar, but not nearly as obvious as Debbie was with the sugar rush.

Fiona, Kevin and Veronica walked into the room.

"Zia, Debs, what's going on with you two?" Fiona asked.

"We got high on sugar because Daddy quit drinking," Debbie answered.

"Whose daddy?" Fiona asked.

Frank walked closer. "Me Daddy. Me, me, me. Mm."

Frank ate more candy.

"Oh, shit," Lip said.

"What?" Zia asked.

"He's done this once before," Kimberly answered.

They watched Frank kneel outside of Liam's playpen with the candy wrapper in his mouth.

"We gotta help Daddy stay busy and keep off of drinking so he can make $3000," Zia explained.

The Gallagher kids, JJ, Natalia, Malcolm, Kevin and Veronica exchanged a look.

⫷⑅⫸

Bathroom

Carson was running the sink water to cover the sounds of her sobs while she cried, looking into the mirror, shaking her head. She put her hands underneath the water to wash, and wiped her face underneath her eyes so no one could tell that she had cried.

⫷⑅⫸

Living Room

Frank called out to everyone. "Hey, everybody, come here. Gather around. I got something I wanna say. Um... I know I haven't been the most exemplary father for the past three or 15 years." The kids scoffed in agreement. "But now I'm gonna need your help to get through this. From this point forward, we're going to be a family again." Carson walked into the room again, which Frank noticed. Frank gave Carson a weird look. "What the hell is that?"

Everyone followed Frank's gaze to Carson.

Uncomfortable with all the attention on her, Carson looked down.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Upstairs

(Song:) The Way Ahead of You - Bosshouse

Zia, Carl and Debbie running around the house to distract Frank.

"Ready, set, go," Kevin said.

Fiona and Veronica were joining the kids in the running, having fun.

"Go, go, go!" Veronica shouted.

"Oh, my God," Zia said.

Frank gave Carl a hug, who was grinning.

⫷⑅⫸

Downstairs

Zia, Carl, Debbie, Veronica, Fiona and Frank ran downstairs.

Malcolm and Natalia held up a stick for limbo for Zia, Carl and Debbie to see how low they could go to play the game.

JJ and Kimberly guided Carson up to the game, gently urging her to play.

Carson was startled, not expecting to have been invited to play, and not really in the mood, but desperately needing the distraction, she did.

Kevin cheered slightly, happy that Kimberly and JJ got Carson involved.

Ian smiled slightly, laughing a bit.

Lip was sitting down, not minding that the kids, Kimberly, JJ, Natalia and Malcolm were having fun even if it wasn't for Frank, but he knew that this was going to end badly if the kids thought that Frank's attitude now was going to last, so he was definitely not joining in on the fun.

Carson stood from the floor, seeing a piano by the stairs. "You have a piano?"

(Song Ends)

"Oh, yeah, it's been there for ages," Fiona answered. "We just forgot about it because we barely know how to play."

"You know how to play, Carson?" Kevin asked.

Carson nodded, walking over to the piano, sitting down, starting to play Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, much to the shock and awe of everyone else.

"Okay," Veronica said, impressed despite her best efforts.

JJ smiled slightly. "Go, Carson."

Carson looked up at the others. "Any requests?"

"You know I Will Survive?" Kimberly asked.

"Oh, that's perfect," Natalia stated.

Carson nodded, starting to play Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive, singing softly at first, but she still had a really pretty voice, which surprised everyone else even more. "At first I was afraid / I was petrified / Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side."

Zia sat down next to Carson at the piano, singing softly as well, her voice soft , sweet and cute. "But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong / And I grew strong / And I learned how to get along."

Carson looked at Zia, smiling softly in thanks, knowing that in her way, she was trying to help.

Kimberly and Natalia exchanged a look, seeing that this was helping both Zia and Carson, getting an idea, smiling, going along with the song to help Carson get more out of her shell and keep the mood lively and keep both girls smiling, since right now was the most focused and content Zia had been in a long time.

Natalia started to sing, surprisingly good. "And so you're back / From outer space / I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face."

Lip and Ian both raised their eyebrows.

Kimberly sang along. "I should have changed that stupid lock, I should have made you leave your key / If I'd known for just one second you'd be back to bother me."

JJ smiled at Kimberly and Natalia helping the girls like that, singing as well; he was also surprisingly good as well as Kim and Lia. "So go on now, go / Walk out the door / Just turn around now."

Kimberly gestured to everyone.

Everyone started to sing along. "'Cause you're not welcome anymore / Weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye? / You think I'd crumble? / You think I'd lay down and die? / Oh, no, not I / I will survive / Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive / I've got all my life to live / And I've got all my love to give and I'll survive / I will survive."

Carson continued playing piano, sniffling. "It took all the strength I had not to fall apart / Kept trying hard to mend the pieces of my broken heart."

Zia tilted her head back and forth. "And I spent oh so many nights just feeling sorry for myself / I used to cry / But now I hold my head up high."

Carl and Debbie sat nearby them, watching in curiosity and awe.

The teens and adults were surprised with how much this was helping Zia and Carson right now, smiling softly.

"Wow," Kevin said. "Looks like Zia's got a new best friend."

Malcolm raised his eyebrows, looking at JJ, Kimberly and Natalia. "And looks like you three found your way to helping those two cheer up more."

JJ, Kimberly and Natalia smiled.

Frank pointed at Carson. "I like that kid. She's got talent." He looked at Veronica, Kevin and JJ. "Keep her." Veronica rolled her eyes, but Kevin and JJ gave her a look. Frank stood. "Who wants more Dad time?"

Carl and Debbie stood, running over. "Me!"

Zia stayed next to Carson at the piano as she played the rest of the song.

Lip watched Frank with Carl and Debbie, shaking his head.

Ian looked at Lip. "What's going on with you?"

"I'm just not buying into his bullshit like you guys are," Lip answered.

"What difference does it make?" Fiona asked. "He'll be drinking by tomorrow."

Lip shook his head. "No, not when money's involved." He sighed. "You guys have fun. I need some air." He looked at Zia and Carson. "Keep those two singing if it helps."

Lip stood, walking out of the house.

"Damn," Veronica said. "What's wrong with cranky pants tonight?"

Fiona shrugged.

Ian looked at Fiona. "Where's Steve?"

Fiona looked at a text on her phone from Steve. "'Got caught up with something. Check in with you tomorrow'."

Zia and Debbie looked over, exchanging a look.

Kimberly stood, walking over to Zia and Carson at the piano. "All right, how about we keep singing?"

"What do you wanna sing?" JJ asked.

Zia tried to think of a song but couldn't think of one. "Uh... I don't know."

Carson still only had one thing on her mind. "What about that song from Tarzan? Me and Ethan used to watch it."

"Who's Ethan?" Carl asked.

Carson didn't answer, looking down.

"It's okay," Kevin told her. "You don't gotta tell us anything you don't want to yet."

Lip walked back into the room.

Debbie looked at Carson. "You mean 'You'll Be In My Heart'?"

Carson nodded. "It's his favorite."

Zia glanced over at Malcolm, who was looking down. "Micah's too."

Malcolm nodded in agreement. "Yeah. I remember you two watching that. Before everything."

Zia nodded.

"Okay," Natalia agreed. "Well, do you know how to play that one?"

"A little," Carson answered, starting to play it, a little unsteadily at first, but soon very good.

Kimberly and Natalia sat with Zia and Carson, knowing they needed this song right now, for all the things Zia went through, and even though they didn't know all what Carson went through, they knew she must have gone through hell and needed it just as bad.

Natalia started to sing softly. "Come stop your crying / It will be all right / Just take my hand / Hold it tight / I will protect you from all around you / I will be here / Don't you cry."

Kimberly brushed back Zia's hair, kissing her hair, reaching over to Carson to pull back a strand of her hair calmingly. "For one so small, you seem so strong." She wrapped Zia in an embrace, making her smile slightly. "My arms will hold you / Keep you safe and warm." When Kimberly let go of Zia, she reached for Carl and Debbie's hands, who both walked closer to take Kimberly's hands, along with Zia's, enjoying the song. "This bond between us can't be broken / I will be here / Don't you cry."

Natalia ruffled Carl and Debbie's hair, smiling softly at Zia and Carson. "When destiny calls you / You must be strong / I may not be with you / But you've got to hold on / They'll see in time, I know / We'll show them together."

Lip, Ian, JJ, Malcolm, Fiona and Kevin watched them, really moved. Even Veronica, despite her dislike for the Carson situation, was also really moved. As they knew that they really did need this.

Frank for once stayed silent, letting the song continue.

Zia and Carson, both with a personal connection to the song because of Micah and Ethan and their own love for the movie, started to sing. "'Cause you'll be in my heart."

Kimberly and Natalia sang softly. "Yes, you'll be in my heart."

Zia, Carson, Kimberly and Natalia sang together. "From this day on / Now and forever more / You'll be in my heart / No matter what they say / You'll be here in my heart / Don't listen to them / 'Cause what do they know? / We need each other / To have, to hold / They'll see in time / I know."

Kimberly gestured to Carl and Debbie so they would sing with them this time.

Zia, Carson, Kimberly, Natalia, Carl and Debbie finished the song. "'Cause you'll be in my heart / You'll be in my heart / From this day on / Now and forever more / You'll be in my heart / No matter what they say / You'll be here in my heart / Always."

Zia and Carson both had tears in their eyes when the song finished.

Kimberly gave them both a hug. "It's okay."

Everyone exchanged a look, more at ease now that they had a moment like this that they obviously really needed.

⫷⑅⫸

Kitchen

After everyone had settled down and eaten, Fiona was doing dishes.

Veronica was sitting next to her on the counter.

"Thanks for dinner," Fiona said.

"You supplied the spaghetti," Veronica replied.

"Yeah, with no sauce or meat?" Fiona asked.

"Most people don't even do meat in spaghetti," Veronica pointed out.

"But a lot do, like us," Fiona stated. "I'm hanging by a thread."

"You're talking to someone who's renting a kid for money," Veronica retorted.

Fiona chuckled. "Yeah. Carson's cute and all, but you gotta find something more permanent."

"Like what?" Veronica asked. "I'm doing everything I can to help JJ and Kimberly pay off Tristan's debts so that they don't have to stay drug dealers."

"You think I'm not?" Fiona asked.

"I think that it's more my responsibility than yours since Tristan's my fucking psychopath of a brother, and JJ's my foster nephew, gonna be my adoptive son," Veronica answered.

Fiona tilted her head in acknowledgement. "Yeah, but that threat still stands for Zia, Kimberly and Natalia. And Kim's mixed up in that with JJ to protect everybody."

"True," Veronica sighed. "What job you got in mind?"

Fiona shrugged. "Could take a PowerPoint class. Or Sticks and Skates may be hiring."

"You mean dicks and dates?" Veronica asked, drying dishes for Fiona. Fiona chuckled. "Maybe Frank will stay sober and get some cash. He owes all of us 6,000 anyway for paying his debt."

Fiona scoffed. "Yeah, like we're ever gonna get that. And he owes all his kids even more than that because of the credit cards. I'd be more likely to win the lottery than for him to pay any of us back. Besides, I'm not thinking about him right now."

"What you thinking about?" Veronica asked.

"Steve," Fiona answered. "He was acting weird this morning when some chick named Candace texted him. Said he works with her. I don't know if he's lying or not. What do you think?"

Veronica shrugged. "Probably."

Fiona nodded in thought. "If I find out he is, I'm done with him."

Kevin walked in. "Done with who?"

"Steve," Veronica answered. "He's getting text messages from some bitch named Candace."

Kevin grabbed a beer, already knowing what the girls were thinking, teasing them. "Candace? Uh-oh. That sounds like a woman you have an affair with."

Fiona and Veronica both asked, "It does?"

Kevin gave them a look, opening his beer. "No. Please. That fool doesn't have enough game to cheat. Did you ask him if he was?"

Kevin took a drink.

"Yeah, and he said he wasn't," Fiona answered.

"Well, then you have two choices," Kevin told her. "Believe him or don't."

"Or you could let your suspicions grow until you turn into the ice queen and act like he's invisible," Veronica added. "Until he starts sending anonymous threatening notes and you have to report his ass to the po-po."

Kevin laughed. "Who was that? Brian?"

"Brian, Joey, Michael," Veronica answered.

Veronica and Kevin chuckled.

Fiona gave them a look.

"You know, Fi, every guy you've been with, you cut and run," Kevin pointed out. "Maybe it's time you tried something new."

Fiona and Veronica both looked at Kevin in surprise, impressed.

Veronica grinned, waving her fingers at Kevin. "Damn, baby, that was good."

Kevin grinned. "Being a dad brings out the best in me. JJ, Carson."

Veronica dropped the smile real quick. "JJ, yes. Carson, no."

Kevin gave Veronica a look.

Frank ran into the room. "We got a football game starting out. Shirts against skins."

Kevin clapped his hands, running out of the room. "Sweet."

Frank pointed at Fiona and Veronica. "You two are skins."

Fiona gave Frank an 'ew' look from over her shoulder.

Frank ran out of the room.

Veronica looked at Fiona. "I have no idea what PowerPoint is, but you're smart. I know you're gonna be great at it."

Fiona and Veronica smiled at each other.

⫷⑅⫸

Night - Gallagher House - Outside

Ian, JJ, Zia, Carl, Debbie, Frank, Kevin and Malcolm were playing football. JJ and Malcolm were just playing to work off some pent up anger and aggression.

Lip was sitting aside, drinking, once again, not joining in because he didn't buy into Frank's schtick.

Carson also sat aside, not feeling up to the game.

Zia saw Carson sitting alone, walking up to her, sitting down. "So how do you know how to play and sing like that? You're really good."

"Thanks," Carson replied. "My, uh, my mom and dad taught me. Before they died. One of the only good things they did for me."

Zia nodded in understanding, somber. "I barely know you, but... I'm glad you're here, Carson."

Carson looked surprised by those words, as if it was the first time that anyone had ever said that to her, looking up at Zia.

Zia gave a small, sweet smile, less distant and out of it given everything that everyone was doing together that night.

Carson had a slight smile, emotional because she didn't know how much she longed to hear those words from anyone, even if it was just a friend that was younger than her, sniffling. "Thank you."

Zia nodded.

Kimberly and Natalia sat on the porch steps behind them a few feet, watching Zia and Carson with bittersweet smiles.

"They seemed to feel better for a little while, at least," Natalia stated.

"Yeah," Kimberly agreed. "Yeah, they did. They needed that inside. With all of us. Singing or whatever."

Natalia nodded in agreement. "Carson smiled a bit. And looks like we found out that music might be able to help Zia stay focused enough so she has less zone outs and episodes. Guess that makes sense, given music therapy and all that shit."

"Yep," Kimberly agreed. "Hope it sticks. And whatever happened to Carson, I hope she gets better. I mean, even my dad said, she's talented, and she's only 11 right now."

"True," Natalia agreed. "Zia's voice was cute. And you, me and JJ have some pipes, looks like."

Kimberly smiled. "JJ's used music as an escape from Tristan growing up, off and on. I'm guessing you did from your family too. You guys are way better than I am."

Natalia shrugged. "Give yourself some credit." She looked at Kimberly. "You think Frank's new sobriety's gonna last?"

"Not a chance," Kimberly answered. "And I know Lip's only being pissy because he doesn't want the kids to get their hopes up and think he'll stay like this, only to be crushed later when he goes back to normal."

Natalia shrugged in agreement. "Right. I get that completely. Sadly. Even if it means Lip's being a bit of a dick right now."

"Just right now?" Kimberly asked sarcastically. They both chuckled. "But he's got a point this time. We just don't want the kids to get hurt again."

Natalia sighed. "I get that. You and JJ... you need any help with the..."

Kimberly shook her head. "No."

"I said that I could help, Kim," Natalia told her.

"I know what you said, Lia," Kimberly replied. "But you don't have to. I mean, you're under threat too, but you shouldn't have to just to protect your own ass. Especially when these debts are our dads' fault, not yours."

"You two shouldn't have to do it alone, Kimberly," Natalia stated.

Kimberly shrugged. "We're all pretty used to doing things on our own that we really shouldn't." Natalia tilted her head in acknowledgement. "And I thank you, but you've had more run ins with the law than either of us. And you're older. If we get caught doing this, this is just a first offense for us."

"First time getting caught offense," Natalia retorted.

Kimberly smirked. "Whatever. But for you... or Lip or Malcolm... all of you could end up behind bars for real. And Ian would lose his future for the army, and none of us can risk losing Fiona, Kev and V because they're the guardians, technical or official or whatever."

Natalia shook her head. "You and JJ don't have to keep protecting everybody, Kim. All right? We all protect each other."

"I know," Kimberly agreed. "But please, just let us handle this. We promised that we would."

Natalia hesitated, but nodded slightly. "All right. But whenever you need help... and I mean whenever... you know that I'll be right there. All of us would be."

Kimberly looked at Natalia gratefully, nodding. "I know. Back at you."

"I know," Natalia returned.

Kimberly and Natalia smiled at each other, putting an arm around each other, as Kimberly laid her head on Natalia's shoulder, and Natalia laid her head on Kimberly's.

Of course, even though it was such a sweet moment, they called each other what they always did playfully.

"Slut," Kimberly said.

"Bitch," Natalia replied. They grinned. "Did you really go off on Karen for me?"

Kimberly smiled, laughing. "Oh, you know it. You wanna hear what I said?"

"Hell yeah," Natalia answered.

They both laughed.

JJ jogged up to them. "Hey, Carson, V, Kev and I gotta get going."

"Oh, okay," Kimberly agreed.

"Carson okay?" Natalia asked.

"Not sure," JJ admitted. "I just think that that poor girl has been through so much. I'm just really glad that we can give her a place to stay. You know, that's safe. For now."

Kimberly nodded, giving a slight smile. "For now. I'm glad that you wanna help her so much. That's one of the reasons why I like you so much."

Natalia smirked knowingly. "By the way, JJ, I just told Kimberly this, and--"

"I know, Natalia," JJ cut in. "I heard. And believe me, what you both said, is the same thing I'm gonna say. All of you always got me. We always look out for each other."

Kimberly and Natalia smiled slightly.

"All right," Natalia agreed. "Good night, guys."

⫷⑅⫸

Fisher-Ball House - Foyer

JJ, Kevin, Veronica and Carson returned home.

"We can get you enrolled in school and keep you busy," Kevin explained. "You know, maybe get you to make some friends."

"And, uh, we can get you some clothes that you'll actually enjoy wearing," Veronica added, though she was still distant and cold.

JJ gave Veronica a look. He looked at Carson. "I'll show you your space in the living room." 

⫷⑅⫸

Living Room

JJ led Carson over to the couch, putting two pillows on the couch. "One pillow or two?" Carson sat down on the couch, but didn't answer. "Okay, I'll leave them both."

Kevin walked closer. "I left some towels for you in the bathroom. And do you have a toothbrush?"

Carson shook her head. "No, I don't have a toothbrush. How would I have gotten a toothbrush?"

Carson was clearly feeling uneasy again, sliding back against the couch.

Kevin and JJ were trying to reassure her without being intrusive.

"Carson, we're on your side," Kevin told her. "We're not gonna hurt you. Okay?"

Carson bit her lip, nodding. "Yeah."

JJ frowned. "I know Kev said you didn't have to answer earlier, but maybe we could help. Who's Ethan?"

Carson didn't know where to begin, sniffling. She didn't know if she could trust them enough to help.

Veronica walked closer with some clothes. "Hey, here are some clothes for you to sleep in. That dress doesn't look very comfortable."

"It's not," Carson answered. "I fucking hate it. If I get new clothes soon, I'm gonna burn this bitch." Kevin, JJ and Veronica looked somewhat amused. "What?"

Veronica shook her head. "Nothing. Just uh... now realizing how Southside you are."

Carson sniffed. "Is that a compliment?"

"To us, it is," Kevin answered.

Veronica placed the clothes on the table in front of them.

Carson cleared her throat. "You have that toothbrush?"

⫷⑅⫸

Bathroom

Taking a bath, Carson was curled up in the tub within the water, holding onto her knees, gazing off in pure pain as she relived the trauma that she had gone through. Her body was covered in bruises and marks.

⫷⑅⫸

Rich Neighborhood

(Song:) Yellow - The Teeth

Steve took a taxi up to a rich neighborhood, getting out of the taxi, handing the driver some cash, patting the roof.

The taxi drove away, leaving.

Steve turned around, walking up to a mansion.

⫷⑅⫸

Lishman Mansion - Foyer

Steve walked into the foyer of the lavish mansion. "Hello. Anyone here? I'm home."

Steve put down his things, taking off his scarf, tossing it down.

Chip Lishman walked downstairs. "Hey, there he is. Little brother. Flight from Detroit okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, fine," Steve replied.

"Yeah?" Chip asked. "How's school?"

They shook hands.

"Ah, piece of cake so far," Steve stated.

"That's what you get for going to Michigan instead of Harvard," Chip remarked, pushing Steve lightly in the chest teasingly.

Steve gave Chip a playful shove back. "Oh! You set me up for that, huh?"

"Huh, huh?" Chip asked. "You didn't see that coming. Sorry to drag you back to Chicago for all this."

Steve shook his head. "How's the practice?"

"Busy," Chip answered. "Thank God for fast food and stress. It's a platinum Amex for cardiologists."

A blonde woman walked up to Steve. "Hey, you."

"Hey," Steve replied.

"I missed you," the woman told him, kissing Steve intensely.

Steve was not into the kiss, pulling back. "Mm, thanks."

"We're all in the kitchen having tea," the woman stated.

Steve nodded. "Yeah, I'll be right there."

The woman fixed Steve's jacket. "I'll tell your mother."

The woman turned around, walking away.

Steve and Chip watched her go, while Steve looked conflicted.

"I got three fucking kids at home and you're going balls deep in that," Chip stated. "You're fucking killing me, Jimmy." He patted Steve on the shoulder, walking away. "Welcome home."

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Day Three

Morning - Gallagher House - Kitchen

Frank was making breakfast for Zia, Debbie and Carl, who were sitting around the counter for pancakes and eggs. "First pub crawl I did was when I was 16. Hit 22 pubs before I hurled." He flipped a pancake. "Got right back on the horse, hit 10 more, hurled again." He made their plates, handing the plates to Zia, Carl and Debbie, who all went to sit at the table. "That's how I got the nickname Boot and Rally."

"Cool," Carl said.

Fiona walked in from the living room. "Anyone seen the laptop?" She was surprised to see Frank making breakfast. "What's going on in here?"

Debbie held up her pancake to show Fiona the shape of it. "Daddy made us some Mickey Mouse pancakes."

Kimberly walked down the stairs in the kitchen, surprised upon hearing that. "Are you serious?"

Carl held up his pancake to his face, sticking his tongue through it.

Ian and Lip followed Kimberly down.

"What did I tell you?" Lip asked. "Still not drinking till he gets his money."

Lip went to go get coffee, standing next to Frank to do so.

"If I ever drink again," Frank said, drinking coffee of his own.

"Right," Ian said sarcastically.

"Java's my vice now," Frank stated.

"Yeah, well, drunk or sober, you're still an asshole," Lip replied.

Ian and Kimberly shrugged in agreement.

Debbie gave the oldest brother a look. "Lip."

Frank put his hands on Lip's shoulders, giving him a side hug, which weirded out all the kids, especially Lip. "It's okay, Debs." He let Lip go. "Everyone's got a right to his opinion. That's what makes this country so great." He carried a cup over to the kids at the table, pouring orange juice for each of them. "Want orange juice?"

"Yeah," Carl answered.

Frank finished pouring for them.

Kimberly crossed her arms, looking at Frank skeptically. "Where'd you get all this stuff to make breakfast?"

"Traded in some old Hustler magazines with Rusty the drunk," Frank answered. "He's working as a dishwasher at the Denny's over on West 95th Street. Ian, Kim, Lip, you want some OJ?"

"No," Kimberly, Ian and Lip answered, eyeing Frank weirdly, not used to this at all.

Fiona found the laptop under the counter. "Oh. Found it. I'm taking this to the job center for a few hours."

Zia was almost zoned out as she looked at the fork in her hand.

Frank placed his hands on Zia's shoulders. "Zia, little angel."

Zia snapped out of it, looking up at Frank, before looking at Lip, Ian and Kimberly. "This is so weird."

Lip, Ian and Kimberly smirked, as Lip took a drink of coffee.

Frank nodded. "I'm sure it would be."

Kimberly looked at Zia. "You okay?"

Zia was staring at a fork in her hand in total numbness. "You could jam this fork into my eye and I barely feel a thing."

The others exchanged a concerned look.

"Yeah, we're gonna need you to put the fork down," Ian told her.

Zia slammed the fork down, putting her hand to her head. "Fuck."

"What about your therapist?" Lip asked. "Is she good?"

"She's trying," Fiona answered.

"What did she say last session?" Debbie asked.

"You mean the second session?" Ian asked.

"That I have bad self-esteem and I need to work on building on it," Zia stated.

"She gave her Clonazepam for depression and anxiety, starting off, until she can figure out what's going on," Fiona explained, showing Kimberly, Ian and Lip the bottle.

Kimberly read from the bottle. "Says here to take as needed."

Fiona nodded. "Yeah, Monday to Friday and weekends. One pill is the equivalent to three blue pill beer. Two pills cut her feelings of hopelessness by half."

"Less than half," Zia corrected.

Fiona shrugged. "Or more if you're prescribed by a doctor that you trust your life with."

"What else?" Lip asked.

"Said that it's important that she socializes," Fiona answered. "Even if she has to force herself."

Zia frowned, not happy about that at all, which they could tell clearly.

Ian looked at Zia. "Well, I guess that's a good thing that you hit it off with Carson last night, huh?"

Zia frowned, biting her lip, looking up at them. "Does it make me bad... if I find another friend? Like, if Carson was like Micah to me?"

The family looked at her sympathetically, even Frank.

"No, sweetie," Fiona answered. "That doesn't make you bad."

"It's a good thing," Lip agreed. "Besides, I think Carson needs a friend as much as you do, even if you two don't wanna talk to anyone else. Besides us, Natalia, Malcolm, JJ, Kev and V. Okay?"

Zia nodded.

Debbie frowned. "I don't know. Carson's weird."

"I think she's badass," Carl said. "Carson's been in juvie and foster care."

Kimberly gave Debbie a look. "And be nice. She's gone through hell too. Speaking of, come on, grab your coats. JJ said that Kev and V got Carson started at school this morning, so we're gonna walk together this morning. Plus Natalia and Mandy, obviously."

Zia was nervous to go back to school, which the others knew.

"Hey, it's okay," Debbie told her. "Remember what Carl and I did. We got it handled."

"You think you do," Zia replied.

Carl shrugged. "Well, if Barry fucks with you today, I'll break his damn nose."

Zia gazed off. "No. I'll do that."

Fiona, Kimberly, Lip and Ian raised their eyebrows, smirking. Carl and Debbie grinned.

Frank laughed lightly. "Yeah, that's the Zia we know. You go."

"Come on," Ian told them.

The kids grabbed their stuff to leave.

"I'm gonna clean up the kitchen," Frank told them. The kids, walking on the way to the door, stopped in surprise to give Frank a weird look. "Excuse me."

"What?" Carl asked.

Frank gestured to the dishes on the table. "Clear the table."

Carl, Zia and Debbie walked to the table to clear the table.

Ian, Lip and Kimberly exchanged a look.

⫷⑅⫸

Fisher-Ball House - Kitchen

Carson walked into the kitchen.

JJ was cooking and handing out breakfast.

Kevin saw Carson first. "Good morning, sunshine. Orange juice is on the table, and JJ's a master at the stove."

"I'm getting better than I used to be," JJ corrected.

Kevin smiled. "Help yourself. Make yourself at home."

"After this, we get to head to school with the Gallaghers, Natalia and Mandy," JJ explained.

"And I want all of you kids being careful after what happened," Veronica warned.

JJ nodded.

Carson frowned in confusion. "What happened?"

Kevin, Veronica and JJ looked at Carson, surprised that she wanted to know and be a bit more involved after everyone had fight the night before, while Kevin and JJ were relieved for it.

"You're probably gonna hear this around school anyway," JJ pointed out. "But, uh... a little while back, there was a drive by when we were walking to school." Carson's face fell even more if possible at hearing this. "I was shot, but clearly I survived."

"But that also led to JJ spiraling and almost dying again, and us realizing he has a disorder," Kevin added.

"Disorder?" Carson asked.

JJ nodded. "Borderline personality disorder."

"Speaking of, take your meds," Veronica told him.

JJ turned to the cabinet, taking out his pills, taking them.

Kevin and Veronica nodded, pleased.

"I'm sorry," Carson told them.

"That's not your fault," Kevin assured. "But, uh, Zia, who you met already." Carson nodded. "She lost her best friend in the shooting. Micah. And she's been having a lot of issues since then too."

Carson frowned. "Zia's like five."

"Six, actually," JJ answered. "But, uh, yeah."

Carson felt nothing but sympathy for JJ and Zia, frowning.

"We probably shouldn't have dumped that on you before school, but..." Veronica trailed off. "You two should probably get going." Carson and JJ nodded in agreement. "Carson, Debbie will show you around. She's in the same grade as you. We would've asked if you could borrow some of her clothes, but she's a bit too big for your size, you know?"

Carson nodded. "Yeah. Okay. Thank you."

"No problem," Kevin told her.

They continued to eat, finishing up breakfast.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

(Song:) It's Thunder and It's Lightning - We Were Promised Jetpacks

Natalia and Mandy walked out of the front door of the Malcolm/Milkovich house.

"Have fun at school," Malcolm said tauntingly.

Mickey laughed. "Yeah, got out of that last year."

Natalia and Mandy both flipped Mickey and Malcolm off, causing them to smirk.

The Gallaghers walked out of their house.

Kimberly and Ian went to go talk with Natalia, Mandy and Malcolm in front of their house. Mickey stayed on the porch away from Ian, but the two exchanged a look, which Natalia and Kimberly both seemed to notice, but didn't say anything about it.

Lip stayed back with Zia, Carl and Debbie, speaking softly. "Guys, don't get too used to this, okay?"

"What?" Debbie asked.

"Well, Dad's not always gonna be so nice," Lip answered.

"Yes, he will," Carl told him.

Lip shook his head. "No, not when he starts drinking again, okay? He'll go back to his old ways. I don't want you three getting hurt."

"Hurt?" Zia repeated.

"Yeah," Lip answered. "Remember that turtle you had last summer?"

"Walter?" Debbie asked.

"Yeah, yeah, Walter," Lip answered. "And you guys were really, really into him for like two weeks, and you talked to him and you fed him. I mean, you took him everywhere with you, right? But after a while, you know, you guys got busy with other things... so Walter's water never got changed and nobody fed him. Then like two months later... Debs, you wanted to show off Walter to your friend Susie... and you guys started looking for him, and when you found him..."

Zia remembered, frowning. "He was dead."

"Yeah," Lip answered. "Now, you see, you guys are that turtle, okay? And Dad's you. You get what I'm saying?"

Carl perked up, misunderstanding. "Dad's buying us another turtle?"

"No," Lip answered, shaking his head. "No, no. Forget it. Never mind."

Kimberly looked back at Lip, Zia, Carl and Debbie. "Guys, come on."

"We're running out of daylight here," Natalia agreed.

Zia and Carl walked up to Kimberly, Natalia, Mandy, Malcolm and Ian.

Zia noticed Mickey on the porch. "Hi, Mickey."

Natalia and Mandy both gave Mickey a look to be nice to Zia after everything, which Mickey got the hint for.

"What's up, little Gallagher?" Mickey asked.

Carl held up a peace sign.

Debbie turned to Lip. "Don't worry, Lip, I get it. Daddy's gonna forget all about us when he starts drinking again. It's okay. I don't mind. I'm gonna enjoy this while it lasts, if that's okay."

Impressed by her response and how okay with it she seemed, Lip nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Sure, Debs. That's, um... that's a good plan."

Debbie took Lip's hand. "Come on."

Debbie and Lip walked up to the others.

JJ and Carson walked out of the Fisher-Ball house to join them.

"Hey, guys," Natalia told them.

"So this is Carson, huh?" Mandy asked. "Nice to meet ya."

"Foster kid Carson?" Mickey asked. "What the hell is up with the dress?"

"Shut up," Natalia told him, giving Mickey another look. "Be nice."

"Jeez, relax, Mom," Mickey told her sarcastically.

Natalia flipped Mickey off.

Mickey and Mandy smirked.

Malcolm chuckled.

"Carson, this is Natalia's brother and sister, Mickey and Mandy," Zia explained.

Carson nodded timidly. "Hi."

"Girl, we gotta do something about those clothes," Mandy told her.

Carson looked down at her clothes. "Veronica and Kevin said that we don't have any clothes that can fit me."

"And neither do we," Kimberly agreed. "But I found you this jacket to wear so at least it'll be covered up at school, since you clearly hate that thing."

"With a fucking passion," Carson answered, causing the others to smirk.

"Okay, she's got some Southside in her after all," Ian remarked.

They all chuckled.

Carson took the jacket, pulling it on. "Thank you, Kimberly." Kimberly nodded in agreement. Carson's dress couldn't really be seen under her big black coat which she was relieved for. She pulled up the hood of the jacket, which had a fur ring collar around her face. "What about clothes?"

"We'll figure it out, okay?" JJ asked.

Carson nodded. "Okay."

"Let's go," Kimberly told them.

"See ya guys," Malcolm told them.

Zia waved. "Bye, Malcolm."

"Bye," Malcolm returned, walking up the steps of his house.

Carl, Zia, Carson, JJ, Kimberly, Ian, Mandy, Natalia, Lip and Debbie walked down the street together on the way to their schools.

⫷⑅⫸

PowerPoint Class

Fiona was sitting in the PowerPoint Class.

Gisella was teaching. "Show of hands, how many of you know Word?" With each question, everyone but Fiona raised their hands, leading Fiona to feel insecure and dumb with each question. "All right, Microsoft Excel? All right, let's get started. Gladys, can you get the lights?" The lights turned off. "Open up the PowerPoint template which can be found in your Microsoft suite." Fiona was completely lost, looking at the nearby laptops to try and figure out what to do. "In the dialog box, enter the title of your presentation. Take a moment now to use the tool bar and experiment with color, font and size of your text."

Knowing that this wasn't for her, Fiona disappointedly closed the laptop, standing, walking out of the class.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Elementary School - Outside (Recess)

Zia picked up a chip, staring at it in numb silence.

Two boys sat on either side of Zia, but Zia stood, walking away without a word, despite the fact that she was supposed to be socializing with kids at school more.

Barry walked up to Zia. "Look who's back." Zia turned around to glare at Barry, nervous, but refused to be scared of him anymore. "You think that you can get away from me like that?"

"Did before," Zia replied. "Twice. You already broke my arm and stabbed me in payback. Just leave me alone already."

Barry pushed Zia back. "No!"

Zia knew that Carl was nearby and ready to help.

Carl ran toward Barry and pushed him away from Zia. "She said leave her the hell alone, so leave her alone. Enough, asshole. Or you and me are gonna keep fighting like this. Zia, anything you wanna say?"

Debbie walked closer to watch the confrontation.

Zia shrugged, shaking her head. "Not anymore." Without missing a beat, Zia punched Barry hard in the face, breaking his nose, making Barry yell in pain. Carl bashed Barry's hand with a book, making him yell, as Barry put a hand to his bleeding nose. Debbie smiled. Zia gripped Barry's nose to hurt him if he tried to attack again. "From now on, you leave me the fuck alone."

"I've already got your friends to turn against you to rat on you for what you did to Zia," Debbie told him. "You leave her alone, or we will have them do it, and you'll end up behind bars in juvie."

Carl shrugged. "I'd still do it. Especially if he doesn't leave her alone."

Zia glared at Barry. "Understand?" When Barry didn't answer, Zia twisted Barry's nose, making him yell again. "Do you understand?"

"Yes," Barry answered.

Zia let him go, pushing Barry away from her.

Barry glared at them, looking like he would try to fight them, but saw that many of the kids were watching, and he had none of his friends by his side, revealing that Debbie's plan to turn the boys against him to send him to juvie was actually starting to work. So instead of fighting more with Zia, Debbie and Carl, Barry stormed off in the other direction.

Zia, Debbie and Carl looked at each other, smirking slightly, victoriously, high fiving in a three way high five, but with Zia's arm in a cast, Carl ended up hitting her cast and hurting his hand.

"Ow," Carl said. He grinned. "Awesome!"

Zia and Debbie smiled.

Zia looked around, confused. "Where's Carson?"

Carl and Debbie looked around as well.

⫷⑅⫸

Elsewhere

Carson walked up to some girls. "Um, hey, is there a Metro stop somewhere close?"

The two girls stood, walking away. "Freak. Weirdo."

Carson sighed, frustrated.

Seeing this, Debbie walked toward Carson, sitting down next to her. "Going somewhere? Are you leaving?"

"I just have some stuff I've got to take care of," Carson answered.

Debbie nodded. "There's a bus stop three blocks from here."

Carson was surprised that Debbie was helping, but nodded in appreciation. "Can you show me where?"

"Yeah, sure," Debbie answered.

Carson and Debbie walked away from the school, having to ditch.

Zia and Carl saw that they were walking away from school, exchanging a look, running after them.

Carson climbed through some bars to get on the other side, jumping down, to the side walk.

Debbie followed suit.

Running up to the bars, Zia and Carl climbed through and jumped down.

Carson walked down the sidewalk, determined, pulling up the hood of her black jacket, the ring of fur around her head warming her face from the cold.

Debbie, Zia and Carl followed. 

"Where are you going?" Zia asked.

"I've got some stuff to take care of," Carson replied.

"Stuff to take care of?" Carl repeated. "Like, right now?"

Carson nodded. "It's important."

"Well, you won't be able to take care of it if you end up back in juvie," Carl pointed out.

"Can you just mind your own damn business?" Carson asked. "Your whole fucking family."

"We're just trying to help you," Zia told her.

Carson sighed. "The only help I need is to get to Ethan."

"Who's Ethan?" Zia, Debbie and Carl asked, curiosity eating away at them.

Carson let out a shaky breath. "My son."

Zia, Debbie and Carl looked at her in shock.

"Your son?" Debbie repeated.

"How the hell do you have a son?" Carl asked.

"It's a long story," Carson told them. "One that I can't get into right now, because Ethan needs me."

"We can call JJ, or Kimberly," Zia pointed out. "Natalia, Lip or Ian. We can get help."

"We have a friend named Tony, he's a cop," Debbie explained.

Carson quickly shook her head. "No! No cops. If you bring cops into this, they're gonna look into me and find all these complaints my last foster father made against me, and you're gonna get me sent back to juvie, and then Ethan will be stuck in that house. I need to go."

Carson quickly walked away. Zia, Debbie and Carl were left in shock and concern, before running after Carson.

⫷⑅⫸

Malcolm & Milkovich House - Living Room

After school, Ian and Natalia were sitting, studying.

"No, you use 'me' because it's the objection of the preposition," Natalia stated.

"So it's 'with Max and me'?" Ian asked.

Natalia nodded. "Yup."

"It sounds weird," Ian admitted.

"I'm telling you, it's right," Natalia replied.

Ian chuckled. "Okay."

Malcolm walked through the living room.

Mickey and Mandy walked in after going for a beer run with their fake IDs.

"Hey, guys," Malcolm said.

Mandy gave a slightly awkward smile. "Hey."

Mickey belched on purpose. "Douchebags."

"Assface," Mandy replied.

Natalia flipped Mickey off. "Dick licker."

Mickey walked to his room. "No, the fuck I'm not."

Natalia raised an eyebrow, seeming to be skeptical as she glanced between Mickey and Ian, tilting her head, looking down at her work. "Whatever you say, brother."

"Shut up, Natalia," Mickey replied, walking into his room, closing the door behind him.

Malcolm realized that Natalia had an inkling about Ian and Mickey and smirked in amusement, before looking at Mandy.

Mandy pointed to the door nervously. "I... forgot something outside." Natalia rolled her eyes. "I'll be right back."

Mandy walked outside.

Malcolm hesitated, confused, looking at Ian and Natalia. "Excuse me."

Malcolm walked outside.

Ian raised an eyebrow, looking at Natalia. "What's going on with Mandy and Malcolm?"

"Mickey told Mandy not to fall for Malcolm or fuck him so we don't get kicked out like what happened the first time, but I know that's not gonna happen, if they do end up... doing that," Natalia answered.

Ian chuckled lightly. "Sorry I asked."

"Yeah," Natalia said.

Ian looked over his shoulder at Mickey's room, which Natalia noticed from the corner of her eye.

Ian put his homework aside, standing up. "Gotta go to the bathroom."

Natalia raised an eyebrow. "Hold the handle down when you flush."

"Okay," Ian said, walking toward the hallway.

"Hey," Natalia said, leaning forward, teasing Ian with the thought of being caught, though clearly she already knew what was gonna happen, but pretended not to. "You want a pizza bagel?"

Ian smiled slightly. "Sure."

Natalia smirked, standing, walking into the kitchen.

Ian walked into Mickey's room.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

Mandy sat on the porch steps.

Malcolm walked outside, sighing, closing the door. "You avoiding me, Mandy?"

Mandy glanced back at Malcolm. "No." Malcolm tilted his head skeptically. Mandy sighed. "Maybe." Malcolm walked closer. Mandy gave in. "Yes."

Malcolm nodded, sitting down on the steps across from her as they leaned back against the posts on either side of the stairs. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No," Mandy answered. "Definitely not."

Malcolm shook his head in confusion. "So then what?"

Mandy looked down. "It's nothing."

"Mandy," Malcolm said.

Mandy sighed, looking up, tilting her head. "Okay. Um... well... the first house that Natalia, Mickey and I crashed at together, after we left home... I started sleeping with the guy that let us sleep with him. But it ended badly, and we got kicked out. And after that, all of us had to split up and look for different places to stay, lay low, make sure that child services couldn't put us back into foster care. Especially since the last time, our dad put us into foster care for a year because he didn't want to deal with us."

"Shit," Malcolm said. "Sorry."

Mandy nodded in agreement. "Yeah."

"So why does that tie into you avoiding me?" Malcolm asked.

Mandy shrugged. "Mickey might be paranoid of that happening again here and told me not to do that again."

"Okay, for one, the guy you slept with sounds like an asshole," Malcolm told her. "And you deserve better than that." Mandy smiled slightly, appreciative. "And second, it's not your fault that he decided to be a dick and toss you guys out."

Mandy sighed. "Maybe. Maybe not."

Malcolm raised an eyebrow. "Why would Mickey be paranoid about that happening again here?"

Mandy played dumb, looking away. "I don't know. Ask him. Second thought, don't ask him."

Malcolm smirked slightly, foot resting on the stair in front of him, his knee in front of him as he rested his arm against his knee, taking a hit of the cigarette in his hand. "Because he might tell me that he's caught you staring at me shirtless a couple of times?" Mandy looked at him, startled. "I don't need him for that. I saw that myself. Does that really mean anything?"

Mandy shrugged. "I don't know."

Malcolm sighed, returning serious. "Look, after everything with Micah, I don't think I'm gonna be any good in a relationship right now anyway. Or whatever you're into." Mandy tilted her head in acknowledgement. "But no matter what happened, I wouldn't do that to you guys."

Mandy smiled slightly in relief. "That's what Natalia said."

"Well, you should've listened to Natalia over Mickey," Malcolm replied.

Mandy grinned. "Everyone should listen to Lia over Mickey. That's just a given." Malcolm chuckled. Mandy looked like a huge weight of worry and anxiety lifted off. "Thanks, Malcolm."

"For what?" Malcolm asked.

Mandy shook her head, shrugging. "Everything. I guess."

They smiled softly at each other. Even though Malcolm meant what he said about not being ready for a relationship or anything like that, he was clearly drawn to Mandy like she was to him, which Mandy seemed to know, but knowing that he had just lost his brother because of her father, Mandy was more than willing to give him some time to work through that before risking starting anything, relieved to know that if anything did happen, it wouldn't risk everything for her and her siblings.

⫷⑅⫸

Middle of Nowhere

JJ and Kimberly were in the middle of nowhere with the RV, looking around.

"Yeah, nothing for like two miles," JJ told her.

"Yeah, let's cook here," Kimberly said.

They walked into the RV, starting the work, neither liking to do this, but knowing they didn't have another choice.

Kimberly sat in a chair while mixing and grinding powder, spinning around aimlessly in the chair, completely bored.

JJ watched her from the table while he did the same with another mortar and pestle, before pouring the powder into a beaker, along with a chemical, mixing it, putting a coffee filter into another boiler, pouring the pink-looking liquid into it, showing Kimberly everything to do.

Kimberly looked up at JJ sadly. "Tristan used to make you learn to make this. As a kid. Didn't he?"

"Yeah," JJ answered. "When other kids were learning how to ride bikes, or fathers were teaching them to play ball, mine was beating the shit out of me and teaching me how to hotwire and make meth. So, yeah, really living up to Tristan's name."

"It's not your fault," Kimberly told him.

"Doesn't make it better," JJ replied. Kimberly looked down sadly. They continued the work, until they finally finished the crystal meth. "This is glass grade. We got crystals in here two inches, three inches long. Pure glass."

"I'm guessing that means it's top grade," Kimberly told him.

"Yeah," JJ answered.

"This is why they knew to come to you," Kimberly realized. "Because Tristan was the best in Chicago and he taught you."

"Yeah," JJ agreed, before smiling sarcastically. "Lucky me." They heard a knock on the door. "That should be the dealer Rod and Vlad sent to check in on us to make sure we're doing this." Kimberly sighed, nodding. "Yeah, come in, Emilio."

Emilio walked in, impressed. "This is fucking great. You two are artists. This might even be better than Tristan's, and he's the iron chef. Every jib head from here to Timbuktu's gonna want a taste."

"Now what?" Kimberly asked.

"Now me and my partner sell," Emilio answered. "And you two cook. You don't wanna let our bosses down."

Kimberly and JJ sighed, glaring.

⫷⑅⫸

Bus

Carson, Zia, Debbie and Carl managed to get onto the bus.

"So what happened?" Zia asked. "At the house?"

Carson sniffled. "My foster father is an old guy that likes to run a cult. That's why I wore these stupid dresses. He made me wear them. He had a house full of little girls like me... that he could make into wives. And make us have children." Zia, Debbie and Carl were horrified by this. "I was the only one that hated it. The only one not brainwashed into liking it. Yet, anyway. I didn't want to be there. And he punished me the most for it. He... made all those complaints about me because I refused to be in his cult, to be his brainwashed little bitch, and he... he was going to kill Ethan... our son... because I wouldn't do what he said."

"He was really going to kill Ethan?" Carl asked. "Seriously?"

"Yeah," Carson answered. "I mean, he used to hit me all the time, but you know, whatever. But when I saw him going after Ethan... I just... well, I tried to stop him, but he kicked me in the stomach. So I went outside, grabbed a baseball bat, beat the hell out of his precious car. The cops came. He told them that I went crazy, and he was defending himself. Nobody seemed to care about my side of the story. Except for Anya. She believed me about what he was doing, and she promised that she would get him arrested and set the other girls and their children free. Set Ethan free so that I could get him back. That obviously hasn't happened yet."

"It's gonna be okay, Carson," Debbie told her. "We're gonna get Ethan."

Zia nodded. "Promise."

Carson looked at Zia, Carl and Debbie in surprise and appreciation, nodding slightly.

⫷⑅⫸

Malcolm & Milkovich House - Living Room

Natalia, Mandy and Malcolm were all sitting in the living room, eating pizza bagels and playing a video games.

Ian walked out of Mickey's room, acting like he was coming out of the bathroom when he went back to the living room, sitting back down next to Natalia.

Natalia smirked knowingly. "Took you long enough."

"Yeah, your brother was in there forever," Ian replied, reaching for a pizza bagel to eat.

Natalia chuckled. "Sure he was pretty backed up."

Malcolm snorted at Natalia's innuendo.

Ian coughed slightly on the bite he was taking.

Mandy frowned in confused amusement.

Mickey walked in with a Big Gulp, sitting down next to Ian and Natalia, nudging them over on the couch as he sat down, grabbing a pizza bagel. "Shove over, faggots."

"Fuck you," Natalia replied.

Ian looked from Mickey on one side of him to Natalia on the other side, knowing that Natalia knew something was up after her comment.

Natalia raised her eyebrows, but didn't take her eyes off the screen as she continued to play.

Mickey took Ian's controller to play. "Watch and learn."

Lip walked in. "Hey, you guys seen Kimberly, JJ, Zia, Carl, Debbie or Carson?"

"Kimberly and JJ went out to do business," Ian answered, concerned. "Debbie said that she, Zia, Carl and Carson could walk home alone, and stop by the park on the way."

Lip frowned. "Okay."

Malcolm gestured to the table. "Pizza bagel?"

"Yeah, thanks," Lip answered, taking one to eat.

Malcolm, Mandy, Mickey and Natalia remained focused on the game, much to Ian and Lip's amusement.

⫷⑅⫸

Middle of Nowhere

Another dealer, Domingo, came out to Kimberly and JJ by the RV. "That's some stone-fine crystal you two been cooking there, kids. How about you work for me?"

"We'd be willing to sell it to you, if the price is right," JJ replied.

Domingo pulled out a bag of cash, holding it up to show them.

Kimberly and JJ raised their eyebrows in surprise.

"Out here all by yourselves, huh?" Domingo asked. "You really cook up that batch?"

"Yeah," Kimberly answered.

"You're artists," Domingo told them. "It's a damn shame that Tristan's in debt with everybody."

Domingo pulled his gun, aiming at JJ and Kimberly.

"You kill us, you don't get any type of revenge," Kimberly told him.

"Tristan doesn't give a damn about me," JJ told him. "He's tried to kill me himself. And all I care about. I don't care if you wanna go after him. Be my fucking guest. But if you kill us, then you're never gonna get the money that you want."

"That's why Rod and Vlad brought you into this?" Domingo asked. "To get you two to pay off Tristan's debts?"

"Yeah," Kimberly answered. "And we can get you the money."

"And I'll teach you the recipe," JJ told him. "You wanna cook like me? You let us both live, and I will teach you. And you'll get your money."

Kimberly and JJ exchanged a look.

⫷⑅⫸

Stick and Skates

(Song:) Give It To Me - Clippers

Fiona was in a tiny, revealing uniform (a red crop top with a plunging neckline, a very short red skirt, white and red knee high socks, and tennis shoes), with dark, heavy makeup and big gold dangly earrings, her hair tied back, and two black stripes painted on her cheeks. All the girls had to wear this uniform.

Fiona looked at a text on her phone from Steve: Got caught up with something. Check in with you tomorrow.

Fiona sighed, frustrated because this was exactly like the text he sent the night before. She texted back, whispering what she texted. "No worries." She put her phone away, carrying her tray over to a men's table, giving the three men sitting there their order, trying to ignore the way they looked at her like they were eating her up with their eyes. "Okay. That's, uh, 36 bucks."

"I got it," a man said, taking out a 50, tucking it into the hem of Fiona's skirt, running a finger over her exposed abdomen, which made her very uncomfortable. "Keep the change, darling."

Fiona nodded with a forced smile. "Thanks."

Fiona took the tray and walked away.

The men laughed and oohed, watching her go.

Fiona stood at the bar, feeling degraded and humiliated, but needing to do anything to get the money her family needed, just like everyone else in the family was doing.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Kash and Grab

Ian ran up to the store, walking inside, looking at Kash behind the counter. "Hey, sorry I'm late."

Kash shook his head. "No biggie." Ian took off his jacket, placing it aside, walking away to start working. Kash stood, walking toward Ian. "Good news. Linda's done with me this month."

"Oh, yeah?" Ian asked awkwardly, avoiding his gaze.

Kash stood next to him. "Maybe we could, um, adjust the cameras for old times' sake?"

Ian looked away, not knowing what to say.

Thankfully, a woman walked in to interrupt, saving Ian from having to answer.

Kash walked away toward the counter.

Ian sighed in relief.

⫷⑅⫸

Night - Farmhouse Foster Home - Outside

Carson, Zia, Debbie and Carl were slowly making their way up to Carson's former foster home, which was a farmhouse.

Anya and several officers were outside.

Anya turned her head, seeing Carson, walking closer. "Carson, what are you doing here?"

"I wanted to be here, to see Ethan," Carson answered. "Please, you have to let me see him."

Anya was quickly getting an idea. "Okay, okay, yes. The other girls are more than likely locked in their rooms for the night. You can help us get a confessing out of Clyde so that we can lock him away for good, okay?"

Carson nodded quickly. "Will you do the same for Pete?"

"First things first," Anya told her. "Clyde is the only one that we can do anything about at the moment. Do you think you can handle this?"

Carson nodded. "Debbie, stay outside with Zia and Carl."

"Okay," Debbie agreed.

Carson took a deep breath, walking toward the house.

Zia, Debbie and Carl watched Carson go worriedly.

Anya walked toward Zia, Debbie and Carl to make sure they stayed outside, already pulling out her phone to call Kevin and Veronica to come get them and let the older Gallaghers know to get the younger three here.

⫷⑅⫸

Middle of Nowhere - RV

Emilio and Domingo were both here.

Kimberly was sitting at gunpoint by Emilio.

JJ was teaching Domingo the recipe, glaring at Emilio. "Put the gun down. Please. I'm teaching you like you wanted."

"The gun stays in play," Domingo replied. "Maybe your bitch will like it since she's in this with you."

Emilio smirked, trailing his gun along Kimberly's head, making her jump slightly as she cringed away from the gun, glaring at Emilio, who laughed and lowered the gun slightly, but still kept it out in threat, ready to use if necessary.

JJ grabbed a container, looking back at Kimberly, both of them exchanging a knowing look.

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

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, slamming the door closed, locking them inside.

Gunshots fired out through the door of the RV, but JJ and Kimberly ducked.

Emilio and Domingo retched, coughing, gasping for breath, before finally they fell to the ground, unable to breathe, the sounds of their struggles fading.

JJ and Kimberly exchanged a look in shock, holding their breath because of the smoke pouring out through the bullet holes in the door.

"What happened?" Kimberly asked. "What did you do to them?"

"Red phosphorus in the mix made phosphorus hydride," JJ explained. "Phosphine gas. One good whiff and..."

JJ took out the safety masks that he got from before, handing one to Kimberly. They both put the masks on, slowly opening the door to the RV, walking in, protected from the bad reaction that had almost killed the two drug dealers by the masks, sitting in the front seats.

JJ started the RV, driving them away.

Behind them, the unconscious, almost dead bodies of Emilio and Domingo were sliding all over the floor, and beakers were falling from the tables and crashing on the floor, shattering. They finally got far enough away from the site of what happened and parked the RV, hurriedly getting out of the RV, and taking off their masks, breathing heavily, vomiting on the ground.

"Oh, my God," Kimberly said.

JJ glanced back at the RV. "We gotta clean this up."

They were both stunned by how far this was already spinning out of control.

⫷⑅⫸

Farmhouse Foster Home - Living Room

Carson slowly made her way inside through the backdoor.

Clyde saw Carson. "What the hell are you doing in here?"

Carson immediately got defensive. "I just want to see Ethan."

"No!" Clyde snapped. "Shut up! No!"

"Please, the girls are already locked in their rooms with their babies," Carson told him. "They won't see me. I won't be a bother to anyone. You just..."

"You are nothing but a problem to those girls," Clyde told her. "My girls. You were supposed to be my wife! Like all of them!" Carson flinched, tears in her eyes as she glared at the elderly man. "You're lucky I didn't kill the little bastard while you were locked away. I couldn't convert you. But I sure as hell can kill you both."

Clyde grabbed Carson by the shoulders, shoving her into the wall.

Carson pushed Clyde off of her. "Get the fuck off of me!"

Clyde took out a handheld gun from his drawer, aiming it at Carson.

Carson stopped in shock.

With the confession and action about to take place, police started to storm in, all aiming guns at Clyde. "Police, freeze! Freeze! Get down on your knees now!"

Clyde raised his hands in surrender. "Whoa, whoa!"

"Get down on your knees!" they shouted. "Put the gun down!"

Clyde got onto his knees and dropped the gun, putting his hands behind his head.

⫷⑅⫸

Middle of Nowhere

(Song:) Bobcat Goldwraith - The Acorn

JJ and Kimberly walked into the RV once they knew that the gas was gone, and able to breathe easily.

"Can't we just dump them here?" Kimberly asked.

"What, and somebody finds them?" JJ asked. "Then what? So sure you wanted to be part of this, Kimberly?"

Kimberly tilted her head, exhausted. "Let's just get the fuck out of here." JJ and Kimberly sat in the front seats. JJ tried to get the RV to start. "Hey, you--you're gonna flood it."

"I'm not gonna flood it," JJ replied. "She's not gonna flood, all right? We're just gonna stay positive, right? We're gonna clean up this mess. And you, start." He tried again, but stopped so that he didn't flood it. "All right. You know what? The RV is going to start now. The RV is going to start right fucking now. It's gonna start and we're gonna get the fuck out of here."

"Where, JJ?" Kimberly asked.

"I don't know," JJ replied, raising his voice slightly without meaning to because of how overwhelmed they both were, before JJ lowered his voice. "I don't know. After we finish cleaning up this mess, we won't tell anyone. Okay?"

Kimberly nodded, swallowing. "Yeah. Promise. This is so fucked up, JJ."

"I know," JJ said. "I'm..."

"If you apologize again for something that you didn't get us into, I'm gonna slap the fuck out of you," Kimberly told him.

JJ nodded, looking away. "Got it."

"But we're not out of this," Kimberly told them. "There's still the others."

"I know," JJ agreed, sighing in frustration. "Come on, RV. Be good to me."

JJ tried again, and finally got the RV to start.

JJ and Kimberly both cheered in relief, high fiving. "Yes!"

JJ sighed heavily. "Yes, okay."

Kimberly closed her eyes in relief. "Thank you."

To their shock, they heard the rustling of a bag and a groaning of the men behind them, turning around, standing up, walking closer to look at Emilio and Domingo on the floor, starting to move a little, but they were weak and nearly dead.

"Oh, shit," JJ said.

"How the fuck are they not dead?" Kimberly asked.

JJ shook his head in confusion, both in utter shock.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Farmhouse Foster Home - Hallway

(Song:) To Build A Home - The Cinematic Orchestra feat. Patrick Watson

Carson ran away to the hallway, to the room where the babies were kept, throwing the door open, looking through the babies, finally finding her own, picking him up out of his crib instantly to hold him close, crying in relief. "Ethan!" Ethan was crying, but recognizing his mother, started to calm down a bit, while the other babies were all crying. "Shh, shh, shh. I got you, Ethan. I got you back, baby boy. I'm right here."

Carson broke down into tears from relief and trauma, completely overwhelmed by everything that happened to her, holding onto Ethan for dear life like he was the only reason she could have made it so far. Ethan laid his head on Carson's shoulder, crying but settling down.

Zia, Carl and Debbie were let inside by Anya so that they could go comfort Carson after everything. They ran into the room, looking at Carson and Ethan in shock and sympathy, worry, looking around at all of the crying babies around them.

Zia had tears in her eyes, taking a deep breath.

In a brief, mini stupor, Micah appeared next to Zia, tilting his head. "Looks like your new best friend is as messed up as you. Replacing me already?" Zia looked at Micah sadly with tears in her eyes. "But looks like you two need each other."

Debbie placed her hand on Zia's shoulder to snap her out of her daze.

Zia startled out of it, looking at Carson, who was still crying with Ethan in her arms.

On instinct, Zia walked closer to slowly, comfortingly wrap her arms around Carson. Carson was surprised, but accepted the embrace. Carl and Debbie stepped closer to embrace them as well, all of them holding each other with Ethan still in Carson's arms. Zia, Carl and Debbie helped Carson calm Ethan down, doting on the cute baby boy.

For the first time, Carson felt like she and Ethan weren't alone, which meant more to her than anything.

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Kitchen

Fiona had just gotten home from her shift, wearing a leather jacket over her uniform, walking into the kitchen, placing her things down. Upset and overwhelmed, Fiona started to cry, putting a hand to her head, but tried to pull herself together, going to make dinner.

Lip walked downstairs. "Hey, I'm going out." Fiona quickly wiped her face. "What's up?"

Fiona sighed. "Hard day." Lip looked at her in concern, sitting across from her at the counter in case she needed to talk, but Fiona surprised him with the question. "Why are you so upset with Dad?"

Lip sighed. "Fiona, we've, uh, been through this before. Remember? The last time Dad was sober."

"Yeah," Fiona agreed. "So?"

Lip looked down. "He, uh, had a bet with some guy at the bar and became the perfect dad. It was the first time he ever came to one of my little league games. And, uh, I hit a double. Fucking never saw him so proud."

Fiona shook her head. "You knew he was gonna go back to his regular shitty self."

Lip shook his head. "No, that's, uh, that's the thing. I didn't know."

Fiona realized that was why he was so upset and why Lip wanted to spare Zia, Carl and Debbie the same pain that he went through.

Veronica and Kevin ran into the house from the back door after getting Anya's car.

"Fiona, get dressed," Veronica told her. "We need to go. Lip, you too."

"What happened?" Fiona asked.

Kevin tilted his head, sighing heavily. "Just get dressed. We need to go pick up Carson, Zia, Carl and Debbie."

Fiona frowned in confusion, but nodded and went to go get dressed quickly.

Lip looked at Veronica and Kevin in concern.

⫷⑅⫸

Outside

After Fiona got changed, Fiona, Lip, Veronica and Kevin walked out of the Gallagher house toward Kevin's car.

Lip had Liam in his arms.

Natalia, Malcolm, Mandy and Mickey saw them from their house on the porch, watching in confusion.

"Fiona?" Natalia asked. "Lip? Kev? V? What's wrong?"

Lip ran up to their house, up the stairs. "Natalia, can you watch Liam until we get back, please?"

"Sure," Natalia answered. "What's going on?"

Lip handed Liam to Natalia, but had to run back downstairs toward Fiona, Kevin and Veronica.

"We'll explain later, Natalia," Veronica told her as they ran to Kevin's car.

Natalia held Liam in her arms, as she exchanged a look with Malcolm, Mandy and Mickey in confusion.

"What's wrong?" Malcolm asked.

"A lot," Lip replied. "Explain when we get back."

Ian walked up to the house after returning home.

"Ian, in the car," Fiona told him. "Where's Kimberly and JJ?"

Kimberly and JJ walked up in the other direction after finding someplace to stash the still-alive, but barely, bodies in the RV without being caught.

"Right here," JJ answered.

"What's wrong?" Ian asked.

"Just get in the car," Kevin told them. "We'll explain on the way."

Fiona, Kevin and Veronica got into the car.

Ian, Lip, Kimberly and JJ exchanged a look before getting into the car.

On their porch, Natalia, Malcolm, Mandy and Mickey exchanged a look.

Liam was fussing in Natalia's arms, tangling his fingers in her hair to get attention.

Natalia bounced Liam in her hold. "Shh, shh, it's okay, Liam. They're gonna be right back."

Natalia kissed Liam on the head.

⫷⑅⫸

Farmhouse Foster Home - Outside

Clyde was put into the backseat of a police car and driven away.

All of the people here, and their babies, were being rescued and released, though most of the wives, as stated, were brainwashed, and didn't like what was happening, confused and unhappy.

Zia, Carl, Debbie and Carson were sitting outside with Ethan, waiting for their families.

Veronica, Kevin, JJ and the Gallaghers got here, getting out of the car that they all had to try and squeeze into.

Fiona, Ian, Lip and Kimberly instantly went to Zia, Debbie and Carl, as they all embraced.

"Don't you ever do anything like that again," Fiona told them.

"Do you have any idea how scared we were?" Kimberly asked.

"I'm sorry," Debbie told them.

"It's okay," Ian told them. "Everything's okay now."

They looked around, as all the girls were released from their rooms, and were allowed to hold their babies.

Carson was sitting with Ethan in her arms, as JJ, Kevin and Veronica walked closer.

The Gallaghers were watching them.

"Who's the baby?" Lip asked.

"That's Carson's son," Zia answered. "Ethan. Look, we were just trying to do the right thing, okay?"

JJ, Veronica and Kevin stood with Carson.

Carson looked up at them.

"I would like you to understand how this, tonight, could've ended very, very badly," Veronica told her.

Carson just looked down at Ethan. "Look, if you want to send me back to juvie, then you just promise me that Ethan will be somewhere safe."

JJ sat down next to Carson. "You're not disposable, Carson. You're not worthless."

Carson looked up with tears in her eyes, with such pain and sorrow and trauma that caused JJ, Kevin and Veronica's hearts to break.

Even Veronica was softening toward Carson after realizing what she had been through, and all she did to get Ethan back.

"You're just lucky that Anya and the cops were already here trying to figure out how to arrest Clyde for good," Kevin pointed out. "And thanks to you, they did. And all those other girls and babies are free too."

Carson nodded barely, sniffling. "What happens now?"

"We take both of you home," Veronica answered.

Carson looked at them in surprise and relief, looking like she could break down into tears again.

JJ put an arm carefully around Carson, hoping not to scare her or make her uncomfortable, just to show as a sign of comfort. "Come on. Let's go home."

Carson nodded gratefully in relief, sniffling.

"Come on," Kevin told her.

Veronica, Kevin, JJ and Carson walked toward the Gallaghers with Ethan.

Fiona was ranting to Zia, Debbie and Carl. "And it's not because what you did wasn't really dumb. And I don't use those words for lack of bigger ones. I was really dumb. My God, what were you thinking? Running off, chasing after some girl. Come on."

Zia looked down. "It was to help her son."

"And it's not like we had a phone to call you," Carl added.

"But we get it," Debbie told her. "It was a big mistake."

"It could have been a fatal mistake," Fiona told them. "You had no idea what you were walking into. Could've been so much worse than that."

"It won't happen again," Zia told her.

"You're damn right it won't happen again," Fiona agreed.

"Fiona, take it easy," Ian told her.

"They feel bad enough," Kimberly agreed, looking overwhelmed entirely.

Lip nodded. "Yeah."

Zia saw the Fisher-Balls coming. "Shh."

They all followed her gaze.

"Hi," Lip told them.

"Hi," Carson said softly. "Everyone, this is my son, Ethan." Kimberly, JJ, Ian, Lip, Fiona, Kevin and Veronica still had to process the fact that she had a son. "And I'm sorry that I Zia, Carl and Debbie in trouble." Carson looked at those three. "But you didn't have to come."

Zia tilted her head. "Yes, we did."

Debbie nodded. "We wanted to."

Carl grinned. "It was fun!"

Everyone gave Carl a look, unsurprised by his reaction.

Carson rolled her eyes, looking away. "Definitely not the word I'd use."

"We got your back," Zia told her.

Carson managed a small smile. "Yeah. Yeah, you really did."

Kimberly managed a small smile. "Come on. Let's go home."

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Jackson House - Sheila's Room

Sheila was laying on her bed in the dark, crying.

Karen just got home, walking past on the way to her room, but stopped when she heard the crying. "Mom? What's wrong?"

"Frank left," Sheila answered.

Karen walked into the room. "No, he didn't. He's just at the Gallaghers'."

"Because he's lost interest in me," Sheila told her.

Karen laid down on the bed next to Sheila. "Lip says he'll be back to normal as soon as he starts drinking again."

Sheila turned to look at Karen. "You think so?"

Karen nodded. "I do."

Sheila chuckled in relief, brushing back a piece of Karen's hair.

⫷⑅⫸

Day Four

Morning - Gallagher House - The Girls' Room

After the overwhelming night before, Kimberly was sleeping in her bed.

Until a loud, thundering banging from downstairs woke her up, and could have woken up the entire neighborhood, causing Kimberly to be absolutely paranoid after everything that happened, and the fact that JJ and Kimberly had almost killed two drug dealers the night before to protect themselves.

Kimberly bolted up from her bed, seeing that Zia and Debbie weren't in the room, but that Liam was in his room. She bolted out of the room.

⫷⑅⫸

Hallway

Fiona, Kimberly and Lip all ran into the hallway.

"What the hell is that?" Fiona asked.

Kimberly grabbed the killing bat just in case as they both ran toward the stairs.

⫷⑅⫸

Kitchen

Frank had himself, Zia, Debbie and Carl wearing protective goggles as he started to tear down the kitchen wall.

Fiona, Kimberly and Lip ran downstairs.

Kimberly raised the bat, but stopped when she saw what it was.

"Dad, what the hell are you doing?" Fiona asked.

"You fucking kidding me?" Lip asked.

"Remodeling," Frank replied simply. "Carl, grab that copper wire. It's worth a lot of money these days."

Kimberly worriedly pulled Carl back before he could be hurt or electrocuted. "No, Carl. Dad, stop."

"Why the fuck is our couch on the wall?" Lip asked.

"We need a fresh start," Frank told them.

Fiona gestured to the wall. "There's a gas line right there."

"Oh," Frank said. Lip had his hands on his head, completely overwhelmed. "All right. Fine. We'll start the demolition in the bathroom, kids."

"Yeah!" Carl cheered.

Frank laughed. "Okay."

Frank and Carl walked upstairs. Zia and Debbie hesitantly followed.

Kimberly dropped the bat to the floor, running her hands through her hair, feeling like she could go insane after all that happened, and now had to deal with this on top of it.

Fiona, Kimberly and Lip inspected the wall from either side.

"Last time he ripped up the floor boards, remember?" Lip asked.

"Shit," Fiona complained.

Lip walked around the wall toward Fiona and Kimberly. "Said he was gonna put in Saltillo tiles. Of course, never did."

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

"What are we gonna do?" Kimberly asked. "We can't deal with him on top of everything else."

Zia and Debbie walked downstairs.

"We have to kill the turtle," Zia answered.

Zia walked downstairs with her.

Kimberly, Fiona and Lip looked at them.

"Daddy and Carl are up in the attic getting ready to cut a hole in the roof for a skylight," Debbie explained. "It's time to kill the turtle."

Kimberly and Fiona were both confused.

Lip frowned. "Uh... Z, Debs, you know that you guys are the turtle in my story, right?"

Zia frowned. "Oh, right."

Lip shook his head in amusement. "That's okay. I get what you're saying."

"Thanks," Zia said.

Lip leaned down to look them in the eyes. "You sure about this?"

Zia and Debbie were both sad but knew that it would be for the best.

"It'll hurt less now than if we wait two more weeks," Debbie pointed out.

Lip nodded. "Okay."

Kimberly and Fiona were still confused.

"What's up with the turtle?" Fiona asked.

"You wouldn't understand," Debbie told her.

Kimberly snorted, before realizing. "Wait, is this about Walter?"

Zia, Lip and Debbie nodded. "Yeah."

Fiona frowned, still not getting it.

Zia and Debbie turned around, walking upstairs.

Fiona, Kimberly and Lip exchanged a look, sighing, following.

⫷⑅⫸

Upstairs Hallway

Carl was up in the attic.

Frank was standing on a ladder going up to the attic, running a saw.

Lip, Zia, Debbie, Kimberly and Fiona snuck up from behind Frank.

"Daddy, help," Debbie told him. "I think I see a mouse."

"A mouse?" Frank repeated. "Uh, hold on. I'll be right down." He climbed down. "Where is the little--"

(Song:) Man of the People - Middle Distance Runner

Lip suddenly tasered Frank in the back with the taser that he had given to Carl, shocking him enough to make him fall to the floor, mostly unconscious.

Fiona looked at Lip. "I thought the taser didn't work."

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

Kimberly smirked. "Nicely done."

"Can I take that to school if Barry fucks with me again?" Zia asked.

Kimberly and Fiona both gave Zia a look. "No."

"I doubt Barry will fuck with you anymore after what you, Carl and Debbie already did to him, Zia," Lip told her in amusement.

Zia shrugged.

Debbie grinned. "Especially since those guys already turned on him and Barry should end up in juvie soon any way."

Zia smiled, which was always something that her siblings loved to see each time since she hardly got the will to fully smile anymore.

Fiona held up a bottle of liquor, handing it to Lip.

"All right, open his mouth," Lip said.

Fiona, Kimberly, Lip, Zia and Debbie knelt around Frank.

Fiona plugged Frank's nose to hold his head still, while Kimberly pulled his jaw down to open his mouth.

Zia and Debbie held down Frank's legs, while Fiona and Kimberly also held down his arms.

Frank shook his head. "No. No."

Lip poured the vodka, just a bit, into Frank's mouth.

Immediately, Kimberly and Fiona let go of his head.

Kimberly closed Frank's mouth, making him swallow the liquor.

⫷⑅⫸

Chicago Hospital - Seery's Lab

Frank's light turned from green to red.

Seery's male residents saw this.

Resident 1 had to pay Resident 2 because they had a bet.

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Hallway

Kimberly, Fiona, Lip, Zia and Debbie backed away from Frank, still kneeling on the floor.

Carl peaked down from the attic. "What happened?"

Zia looked up at him. "It's better this way, Carl."

Carl's head disappeared from sight.

Fiona, Kimberly, Lip, Zia and Debbie exchanged a look.

JJ walked upstairs. "Hey, Kimberly..." He saw Frank on the floor and the bottle nearby, smirking slightly. "You guys do that to him?"

"Yep," Kimberly answered.

"Guess it has to do with the destruction downstairs," JJ stated.

"Yep," Lip answered.

JJ nodded, looking at Kimberly. "Right, well, we have that thing to deal with."

Kimberly bit her lip, nodding in agreement, swallowing slightly. "Right. Yeah."

"What thing?" Debbie asked.

"Project thing," Kimberly said, not wanting them to worry. "We'll be back."

Kimberly stood to go get dressed.

⫷⑅⫸

On the Road

JJ and Kimberly got the RV from where they had it stashed the night before when they had to get back to their families as fast as they could.

Now, they had to put it someplace safer so that no one could come looking for it, so JJ pulled the RV up to his old house, where he used to live with Tristan.

"You sure it's safe here?" Kimberly asked.

"Yeah," JJ answered. "Tristan's long gone, and nobody would dare come looking here for anything."

Kimberly nodded, sighing. "Okay."

Both of them were overwhelmed and anxious, feeling slightly guilty.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸

Fisher-Ball House - Kitchen

Carson was cleaning the stove, still trying to make herself useful so that she didn't get sent away.

Veronica walked in. "You seen JJ or Kev?"

"Kevin went to play basketball," Carson answered. "JJ went to go see Kimberly somewhere."

Veronica looked at Carson sadly, feeling guilty for the way she treated her before, kneeling down behind her. "How about some breakfast? I make a mean French toast. Come on, put the Brillo down." Carson put it down on the stove. Veronica put the cleaning spray up on the stove, standing, turning to Carson, taking her hand, helping her up, pointing to the table. "Sit." Carson sat at the table. Veronica pulled French toast sticks out of the freezer. "When I was kid, my mother would make and my brothers anything we wanted for dinner on our birthdays. I always asked for French toast."

Kevin walked in. "Hey."

"Hey," Veronica replied.

Kevin looked between Carson and Veronica, nervous because of the past few days. "Where's JJ?"

"Out with Kimberly," Veronica answered.

"JJ said he would be back soon," Carson admitted. "Veronica and I are having French toast."

Kevin looked at Veronica in surprise, but relief that she was making an effort. "Cool." Veronica smiled. Kevin kissed Veronica on the head. "I'm gonna go take a quick shower. Be right back."

"Can I ask something?" Carson asked.

"Sure, sweetie," Veronica asked.

"If I'm going to be staying here awhile, is Ethan going to stay too?" Carson asked.

Veronica and Kevin exchanged a look, sighing.

"We have to talk about Anya about that," Kevin admitted. "But we'll figure it out. Okay?"

Carson nodded slightly.

⫷⑅⫸

Gallagher House - Living Room

(Song:) Frogs and Beer - Jeff Russo

Frank was sitting in a chair glumly about losing three thousand dollars, drinking from a bottle.

Carl sat in front of him, using a saw on Frank's ankle bracelet.

Fiona, Lip, Zia and Debbie were sitting on the couch.

Fiona looked at Carl. "Just bracelet, no bone."

Kimberly, JJ and Carson walked in, after Kimberly and JJ got back.

Ian, Natalia and Malcolm followed.

"Hey, guys," Natalia told them. "We got some breakfast."

"Oh, thanks, Natalia," Carl told her. "Thanks, Malcolm."

Natalia and Malcolm handed out breakfast.

Everyone started to eat.

Ian looked at Kimberly, noticing she was off. "Hey. You okay?"

Kimberly shook her head. "I know we talk about everything, Ian, but we can't talk about this."

Ian sighed, tilting his head. "Look, Kim, you can tell me anything. I was with you in the womb. I'm gonna be with you forever. You ain't getting rid of me anytime soon. I'm always gonna be here for you."

Kimberly managed a small smile. "Likewise."

"Just tell me when you're ready too, okay?" Ian asked.

Kimberly nodded. "Same to you. About anything."

Ian nodded in agreement.

Steve walked in when everyone was clamoring to get their food, looking at Fiona. "I'm so sorry I've been MIA. I just had to--"

Fiona cut him off with a kiss. "I didn't even notice. Come on. Natalia and Malcolm brought us breakfast, and little Tim Geithner's telling us how everything's okay."

Steve took off his jacket, putting it up.

Steve and Fiona went to get their food and sit down with the kids.

Steve nodded to Frank on his way past. "Frank."

"Fuck off," Frank replied.

Lip walked over to Carl, flicking him in the head to get his attention.

Carl placed down the saw.

Lip handed Carl a little turtle box, which had a turtle inside with water.

Carl grinned, showing Zia and Debbie, who both smiled, before Carl looked away and continued to eat and watch TV.

Zia and Debbie exchanged a look, standing, making sure everyone was focusing on eating or the TV as they snuck into the foyer to Steve's jacket.

Debbie pulled out Steve's phone, pulling up Candace's contact name with her number and address, whispering the address to Zia. "1055 North Ave. Lake Forrest Illinois."

Zia wrote the address down on her drawing paper.

Debbie put Steve's phone up.

They both hurried away to sit down before anyone saw what they were doing.

⫷⑅⫸

Night - Jackson House - Sheila's Room

Sheila was almost asleep in her bed.

Frank walked into the room, drunk, taking off his pants, stumbling into bed.

Sheila whispered. "Are you drunk?"

"That I am," Frank answered.

Sheila smiled, chuckling.

They settled down in each other's arms to go to sleep.

(Song Ends)

⫷⑅⫸ Worlds Colliding (Shameless) ⫷⑅⫸