Back Door of the Gallagher House.
Fiona stood frozen, her mind buzzing. She didn't know what to say, just stared blankly at Ian.
Ian waited a few seconds. Getting no response, he didn't bother waiting anymore and turned back into the house.
For Ian, he'd said his piece. If Fiona didn't listen, that was that.
Fiona stood there in a daze for a long while before slowly coming back to her senses. Then, she looked at Ian silently making breakfast in the kitchen, her thoughts tangled.
After hesitating again and again, Fiona didn't rush inside. She pulled a cigarette from her pocket, lit it, leaned against the railing, and started thinking, deeply conflicted.
Was Ian right?
Fiona wasn't brilliant, but she had basic discernment. She knew Ian wasn't wrong.
In less than a year.
How many things had happened to the Gallagher family?
Four people arrested one after another, sent to jail and juvenile detention. Debbie was going to be in juvie for a year...
Why?
The Gallaghers lied, cheated, stole, and ignored the rules...
So, committing crimes and getting caught...
Not surprising at all.
Fiona really didn't want anyone else in the family to get arrested, and she definitely didn't want to go back to that hellhole of a prison. So, thinking about it, she really did want to live a rule-abiding life...
But.
Following the rules meant paying that medical bill of over six thousand dollars.
Where was she supposed to get that much money?
Maybe just let it slide this once? Follow the rules after this hurdle?
Fiona thought this, completely unaware that having such a thought already doomed the Gallagher family to remain unchanged.
One cigarette burned down.
Fiona flicked the butt away and made her decision. She decided to go with that plan. Taking a deep breath, she walked inside, joined Ian in making breakfast, and voiced her thoughts.
Listening to her.
Ian was tempted for a moment, but on second thought, he shook his head. "Let's start from this time."
Hearing this, Fiona fell silent for a few seconds, then gave a bitter smile. "Where's the money coming from? We don't even have sixty dollars, let alone six thousand for the medical bill."
Ian thought for a moment. "Steve messed Lip up like that. He should foot the bill. Call him?"
Hearing Steve's name, Fiona ground her teeth in hatred and shook her head decisively. "I cursed him out yesterday. He won't answer my calls, and I don't want any contact with him!"
Ian thought again and suggested, "How about I call him? Let's try. We're not asking him for money; he did this, he should pay for it."
Fiona actually felt there was nothing wrong with that logic.
In fact, in Fiona's view, that bastard Steve should not only cover the medical bill but also pay for Lip's follow-up treatment.
But the thought of interacting with that bastard Steve again made Fiona sick.
Fiona was conflicted and didn't speak.
Seeing this.
Having lived together for years, Ian knew Fiona had basically agreed. He took out his phone directly and said, "Give me his number. I'll try."
Fiona blinked, then silently took out her phone, found Steve's number, and showed it to Ian.
For money, Fiona's bottom line was very flexible.
In the original show.
Even after the affair with Mike's brother was exposed, Fiona still had the nerve to show up for work because she didn't want to lose the benefits of the job.
That bottom line was practically non-existent.
Ian dialed the number and walked straight out the back door.
The call connected quickly.
"Hello?" Steve didn't have Ian's number and didn't know it was him.
"Steve, it's me, Ian," Ian said calmly.
Steve wasn't very familiar with Ian, certainly not close, and didn't know much about him. Hearing this, he was surprised. Instinctively thinking Ian was calling to continue Fiona's scolding, he smiled. "What's up?"
Ian took a silent breath and continued calmly, "Steve, I don't know exactly what Lip did to you."
"But knowing him, I imagine what you did to him wasn't an overreaction. After all, sometimes even I want to beat him to death."
"He did something to you, you punished him. Can we call it even?"
Steve: "??????"
Steve truly didn't expect Ian to say this. He was genuinely surprised, then laughed. "Ian, I just realized you're actually an interesting guy."
"You called me just to say that?"
Ian shook his head. "No. Lip racked up over six thousand dollars in medical bills at a Canadian hospital. If that money isn't paid, he can't come back."
"I hope you'll pay it."
Six thousand dollars. Was it a lot?
Not really.
Just the price of stealing one car.
Steve didn't care. He thought for a moment. "First, let me emphasize again, Lip's situation has nothing to do with me."
"Second, if you need money, I can help. I can even not ask you to pay it back. But I have a condition."
"Lip has to call me and apologize personally!"
"You don't know what Lip did to me. I'll tell you. The night before last, in the Cook County Jail holding cell, Lip told the other inmates I was the mastermind behind kidnapping Davis Morgan! He got me beaten up several times!"
"I got arrested and took a record to help your family. Not to mention, I've always been good to the Gallaghers—buying food, drinks, a TV. And Lip treats me like that?"
" giving the money is fine. Lip apologizes, I pay immediately."
"Otherwise, don't even think about it."
Steve ranted with some agitation.
Only then did Ian finally understand the grudge between Lip and Steve. He felt incredibly helpless.
Lip apologize to Steve?
Impossible.
With Lip's personality, how could he do such a thing...
"Okay, I'll try," Ian could only say that. He hung up and went inside to explain the situation to Fiona briefly.
Fiona had asked Lip yesterday what the grudge was, but Lip didn't explain. Now, she understood, shocked.
Because she understood, for a moment, Fiona actually somewhat understood Steve's actions. But then, thinking of Lip's miserable state...
"That bastard Steve! If he hadn't lied to me first, how could Lip do such a thing!" Fiona said viciously.
Ian raised an eyebrow. He had an urge to say, 'You cheated on Steve before too, lied to him. What's the difference?'
But family is family.
And Fiona really had it tough.
Ian suppressed the urge and said nothing.
Helping kin over reason was also a Gallagher tradition.
Starting to curse Steve, Fiona couldn't stop. She ranted for a while before finally calming down. Then, looking at Ian, she habitually started to retreat. "Maybe we just forget about this money? We'll follow the law next time."
Hearing this, Ian's brow twitched instinctively.
The thought that Fiona was beyond saving flooded Ian's mind.
Ian felt a headache coming on. "I'll try to borrow the money. If I get it, I can't pay it back alone. We have to pay it back together. Is that okay?"
At this point, deep down, Fiona didn't want to pay the medical bill anymore.
Fiona thought, It's just the last time. If we don't do it again, it's fine. What's the big deal?
"Who are you going to ask?" Fiona frowned tight. "Dexter? No! You are not allowed to borrow money from him!"
Hearing this.
Ian still couldn't fully understand Fiona's hatred for Dexter. Helpless, he shook his head. "Not Dexter . I'll go try Grandma. She seems to have some money."
Fiona fell silent again.
Borrowing money meant paying it back.
That much money... when would they ever pay it off?
"Ian, maybe forget it. It's not like the Gallaghers haven't skipped medical bills before..." Fiona really didn't want to pay.
Ian did. And as the conversation progressed, he wanted to even more. It had basically become a conviction. So, not letting Fiona finish, he interrupted decisively. "It's decided. I'll go borrow it first."
With that, not wanting to hear Fiona nag anymore, Ian bolted for the front door, heading for 2114 North Wallace.
---
Carl and Peg were sitting at the dining table, eating a hearty breakfast made by Peg.
Hearing a knock, Carl moved reluctantly and opened the door.
Seeing it was Ian, the reluctance vanished. Carl smiled. "Ian, wanna eat breakfast together?"
Ian smiled faintly and shook his head. "No thanks. Is Grandma here?"
"Yeah, come in," Carl said.
Soon.
Ian followed Carl into the dining room and saw Peg.
Peg had heard Ian's voice. She glanced at him sideways, didn't say anything, and continued eating.
"Grandma," Ian greeted politely.
"Sit down and eat," Peg didn't dislike Ian. After all, Ian wasn't home most of the time before, hadn't done anything to her, and hadn't joined Fiona and Lip in demanding rent.
But not disliking didn't mean she liked him.
Peg felt Ian was like an outsider in the Gallagher family. He had little presence, lacked emotion, lived in his own world, and gave off a cold vibe. Something seemed off.
"I'm not hungry, you guys eat," Ian sat down with a faint smile and got straight to the point. "Grandma, Lip is in trouble..."
Ian briefly explained Lip's situation.
Listening.
Peg was surprised, then couldn't help but chuckle. "That mouth of his, that high-and-mighty attitude... finally got him in trouble. Heh."
Carl didn't make snide remarks, but of course, his focus was reasonably wrong. He just exclaimed, "Holy shit, Lip ran off to Canada?"
Ian felt genuinely exhausted by Peg's words.
He ignored Carl's comment, used to it.
"Grandma," Ian ignored Carl and spoke to Peg again. "I want to borrow some money from you to pay Lip's medical bill so he can come back smoothly."
Peg was sharp. She had guessed Ian's purpose earlier. She became even more amused, smiling brilliantly. "Ian, I have no problem with you. But asking me to lend money to help Lip? Heh."
"Before, he and Fiona teamed up to kick me out. If you were me, would you lend this money?"
Ian smiled bitterly.
Damn Lip, always doing stupid shit.
"He is your grandson after all..." Ian tried to struggle, though he didn't have much hope from the start.
"I'm an old woman, don't know how long I'll live. I don't care about that," Peg smiled. Then, an idea struck her. Thinking of Dexter, she said, "I suggest you go borrow money from Dexter. He's rich."
Dexter didn't like the Gallaghers, yet rented the house to Fiona's crew at such a low price...
Peg had figured it out long ago. Dexter was using subtle means to torture Fiona's group.
So.
Lip needing medical fees... wasn't that an opportunity?
Peg was happy to give Dexter a hand and torture those two little bitches, Fiona and Lip!
Ian's face grew more bitter. He sighed. "I'm not close with Dexter . And Fiona hates Dexter , Lip hates him more. So, I can't ask him for money."
Peg chuckled, eyes darting. "Just don't let Fiona and Lip know. Worst case, let Carl ask Dexter , and you pay Carl back."
Ian actually had that plan.
But before doing that, Ian wanted to try another route.
"I'll try something else first. If it doesn't work, I'll come back," Ian said, getting up and leaving.
Outside.
Ian took a deep breath, pulled out his phone, and called Mickey.
Mickey was also eating breakfast at home. Seeing Ian's name, he instinctively glanced at Mandy sitting opposite him, then acted naturally, getting up and walking out while answering.
Witnessing this.
Mandy smirked, guessing immediately it was Ian.
Reason being simple.
Mickey's actions reeked of romance.
"What?" Mickey answered. Although happy inside, he instinctively acted arrogant.
Ian didn't mind. He gave a very gay smile. "Lip owes some medical bills at a Canadian hospital. I wanted to borrow some money from you. Is it convenient?"
Mickey already knew about Lip yesterday. He didn't waste time. "How much?"
"Six thousand five hundred," Ian replied.
Mickey had bought a car recently and spent most of his money. He only had a little over two thousand left...
But, as a different kind of romantic warrior, Mickey genuinely liked Ian.
So, without a second of hesitation, Mickey said dominantly, "Wait a few minutes. I'll call you back."
Finished, without waiting for Ian to speak, Mickey hung up decisively and called Dexter.
"Boss, I ran into something and need money. Can I get an advance on my salary?" Mickey asked.
Dexter, eating breakfast with Bianca at home, heard this. More importantly, sensing the uncharacteristic—even unprecedented—humility in Mickey's tone, he was genuinely shocked.
Why would Mickey become like this?
What happened to make Mickey show humility?
Ding-dong.
Got it.
Ian.
Thinking of Ian, Dexter couldn't help but shake his head and laugh.
Love... it really tortures people.
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