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"You've done great," Ruairi says once we're alone. "I don't remember a time when this house was filled with laughter and happiness." He scrubs his hand over his face. "Damn, our parents really fucked up, huh?"
"You have no idea. Once the kids go to school, I'll tell you everything that happened. But, Ruairi, what's happened with you? And please don't lie to me."
He grimaces. "I may have been kicked out of college."
I feel my eyes widen, and my jaw slackens. "How? When? Why?"
He chuckles, and it's low and without humor. "I fucked up. I got into too many fights for me to continue staying there. I've been working. I couldn't come home and say I failed."
"You didn't fail, you made a mistake. Did you like being in college?"
He shakes his head. "Fucking hated it, but I didn't want to stay here and listen to the constant fighting, or have to pick up Da when he was passed out drunk on the couch, or throw him into the shower because he pissed himself again."
I wince at the reminder of just how bad things can get with our da. "Yeah, not great times."
"How long has Ma been gone?"
"Almost six months now."
"Fuck. Has she been back?"
I shake my head. "Not once, nor has she called. I'm worried about Evie. She's been so nonchalant about it all, yet she’s excited for Christmas. I do wonder if she's hoping Ma will return then."
"Honest to fuck, Al, from what I've seen since I got home last night, the kids are better off without both Ma and Da. You've made this house a home and it's obvious how happy the kids are. It's so fucking different than how we grew up."
I nod. "I didn't want them to have to live like that. I hated constantly walking on eggshells. It was fucking hell. But they really are happy and they seem to be thriving. It was weird at first, and they constantly asked where Ma was. I didn't know what to tell them so I said she had to go away for a while."
"You did the right thing, but you really should have called me, Al. I would have been home and helped you. I would have been able to help with the bills."
"About that," I sigh. "Da's in a lot of debt. I'm trying to pay it off, but he's just making things harder. He's been stealing my tips from my room. I wouldn't be surprised if he's stolen things from the kids and they haven’t told me."
"He's always been a fucking prick," Ruairi grouses. "When the fuck is he going to grow up? How is Mikey handling it all?"
"Better than I am, that's for sure. He's taking it all in his stride. He despises Ma, and he fucking hates Da. He's working his arse off, and I have a feeling it's so he can help me rather than do what he loves."
"Don't worry about that. I'm here now. You won't have to deal with Da's bullshit any longer. Mikey can relax and we'll figure out how to explain to the girls that Ma may never come back."
"I really don't want to see her if she does. She's caused everyone enough trouble as it is. Could you imagine if she returns and the girls all get their hopes up, only for her to dash them when she leaves again?" It's my biggest nightmare, and I'm not sure if there's anything I can do to stop it from happening.
"We'll sort it," he promises me.
I hear noise coming from upstairs, and I know the kids are ready. "We'll finish talking when the kids are gone," I tell him as I get to my feet and start picking up the dishes.
"Fiona, can you do Evie's hair for me?" I shout.
"Already done, Ailbhe. She's dressed and ready," Fiona shouts back. "Do you know where my Biology textbook is?" she asks when she comes downstairs.
I see that she did indeed do Evie's hair. My little sister is as cute as a button with her hair in pigtails. She looks so sweet, and she's got a smile on her face, as do Hannah and Mikey.
"It's in your school bag. I put it in there last night when you went to bed."
"You're the best," Fiona says, blowing out a breath. She must have thought she lost it. "Mikey's walking us all to school."
I shake my head. If he does that, he'll be late for school. "It's okay, I can do it."
"I got it," Mikey tells me, and I see the seriousness in his eyes. "It's just gym first lesson, so I can skip it."
"Is your arm still bothering you?" He hurt it a few weeks ago and hasn't done anything physical since. I'm not sure if it's because he hates the subject or if he's actually in pain.
