I'M ALIVE MOTHERF*CKER| Shameless

"So, who's racing today?"

"Can you read us a bedtime story?" Debbie asks from her bed after Frankie finally gets Liam to sleep. Debbie's innocent request for a bedtime story hung in the air as Frankie stood next to Liam's crib, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and frustration. She glanced at her younger sister, Debbie, who looked up at her with hopeful eyes. Frankie let out an exasperated sigh, contemplating her response.

"Yeah, sure, I'll tell you a story," Frankie replied with a sharp edge to her voice. "Once upon a time, there was a girl who thought life was all rainbows and unicorns. But guess what? Reality hit her like a fucking freight train. She got tangled up in drugs, fucked up her life, and ended up alone."

Debbie's eyes widened in surprise and disappointment, her innocence shattered by Frankie's harsh words. "Anyway, the end," Frankie added dismissively, her tone conveying a mixture of bitterness and indifference.

As Frankie walked out of the room, she found Neteyam waiting for her, offering his jacket. She snatched it from him, not bothering to say a word. They were both eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere and head out into the night.

On the porch, Matt approached Frankie, hoping for a kiss. But before his lips could touch hers, Frankie cut him off with a cold and biting remark. "Are you fucking kidding me? After what you did with Angie? Get the fuck away from me."

Nalani and Neteyam exchanged glances, their amusement quickly replaced by concern for Frankie. The sharpness of her response took them by surprise. As they walked down the sidewalk together, Neteyam attempted to lighten the mood. "Who's ready to turn up?" he shouted, trying to bring back the excitement.

Nalani, wanting to distract herself from the tension, turned to Matt. "So, who's racing today?" she asked, her voice devoid of warmth.

Matt smirked, hoping for a chance to win back some favor. "I'll tell you if your sister can stop being a fucking bitch for once and give me a kiss," he retorted, his words filled with frustration and spite.

Frankie's face twisted into a scowl as she shot back, her voice laced with venom, "You're not worth the spit it would take to kiss you. Fuck off, Matt."
The group fell into a heavy silence, their footsteps echoing against the empty streets.

"Ooh hot chick in bikinis. That's my cue." Neteyam commented then walked off towards the girl's. "It's freezing outside." Frankie said confusedly, "only white people." Nalani shrugged, "I'm gonna get a drink, I'll catch up with you guys when the race starts."

Nalani made her way through the bustling crowd, searching for a place to grab a drink. The air was chilly, and the sight of people in bikinis confused her for a moment. "Only white people," she muttered, shaking her head with a smirk.

As she approached the makeshift bar, Nalani noticed Neteyam talking to the group of girls. "Typical," she thought to herself. "Always chasing after the next distraction."

Frankie and Matt walked together, joining Mickey and Myles Milkovich, who were engaged in conversation with a few people near the cars, waiting for the race to begin. The tension between Frankie and Mickey was palpable as they exchanged heated words.

"FUCKIN' NAZI!" Frankie shouted, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips as she spotted Mickey. He shot back with equal sarcasm, "FUCKIN' CRACKWHORE!" Their banter was filled with an underlying familiarity, a blend of love and antagonism.

Frankie playfully pushed Mickey, a hint of laughter escaping her lips. "You take your medication, Mickey?" she teased.

Mickey rolled his eyes, feigning annoyance. "Shut the fuck up, Frankie. You know I'm always on top of that shit."

Nalani approached the group, a smile on her face. "Hey, Myles," she greeted him casually.

Myles went in for a hug, but Frankie swiftly placed her hand on his chest, stopping him in his tracks. Her expression turned serious as she spoke, "Back. The. Entire. Fuck. Up. I don't even hug my siblings."