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Lip ended up choosing a college in Chicago over MIT, and I totally got it. I mean, leaving behind his family just for some elite school? No thanks. But the real mystery was Ian. One text saying, 'Miss you, having fun. Call soon.' That was it. Zero clues. I texted back, got nothing. Fiona, though, was on the up and up. Decent job, dating her boss - a shocker, really. I still pitched in, watching Liam while she was at work and the others were at school. Lip called when he could, which was nice. Me? I was working part-time as a receptionist at the hospital, contributing to the squirrel fund.
My dad hadn't dropped any updates on my mom, so I assumed she either ditched the hospital with him or checked into rehab. Frank needed a liver transplant, so off he went to find the daughter he never told anyone about.
Debbie and I were hanging out, watching a movie. Carl was off doing who-knows-what in the kitchen. Being on kid duty when I wasn't working was fine with me, they were growing up too fast. Suddenly, someone walked in, and I assumed it was Fiona off work early.
"Fi, off early today?" I asked, eyes glued to the TV.
"Uh, not Fiona," Came the reply, and I instantly recognized the voice. I jumped up, turned around - Lip was standing there.
"Holy shit, no way!" I exclaimed, rushing over for a tight hug. "Why didn't you call first?"
"Surprise?" he laughed, "Thought it was time to come by." He planted a kiss on my temple, then noticed Debbie's art project, "What's this?"
Carl strolled in, "Creepy art she's making 'cause her boyfriend dumped her."
"Boyfriend?"
I shrugged, stepping back to let Lip drop his bag. "I know nothing about any of it."
"Hey, have you guys heard anything from Ian?" Lip asked.
Debbie piped up, "Not for weeks. Fiona doesn't even care. Meanwhile, Mabel's been losing her shit."
I shot Debbie a glare, not wanting Lip to know I was losing my mind. "Nope, haven't heard anything," I said, looking back at Lip.
"And what about the US Army? Hear anything from them?" Lip questioned.
"Army? Why the Army- something happen?" I nervously bit my lip.
"Uh, he joined up."
Debbie chimed in again, "Is he old enough?" Before focusing back on her art.
"No, he used my name and social when he signed up and then tried to steal a helicopter and a bunch of other shit. Went AWOL," Lip explained.
