Southside ~ Shameless

Chapter 44

Hollie had paced the width of the court corridor so many times that she was sure that her heel was going to snap. Frank was running late—she was hoping he wouldn't show up at all honestly, that way the judge would see that he was a shitty dad and hand the kids right over to them—and Fiona was visibly as stressed as she was.

She'd never looked so put together. She was dressed like she could be an extra on The Office, wearing clothes that she'd borrowed from Leona—a black pencil dress which was only half zipped hidden by a grey blazer and some heels—and it all made everything feel very real.

Jimmy hadn't spoken a word since they'd gotten there, he'd just been standing against the wall with a sour look on his face. Nick had been watching Hollie carefully, offering her calming words when she looked his way.

"They don't give you extra credit for showing up early," said Frank when he eventually showed up, halting Hollie's pacing. Nick stood up straight from where he'd been leaning against the wall and wrapped his arm around her lower back, resting his hand on her hip. Noticing Frank was alone, Fiona frowned, "where's your lawyer?"

"In labour, crapping out a kid." said Frank casually, "representing myself."

"Well, got some bad news," said Fiona, "Aunt Ginger died." Frank's smug expression dropped, "on the plus side, she left me the house." Fiona condescendingly patted Frank's arm.

He looked between his two daughters, "what did you do?"

"Only what we had to," Hollie shrugged, "how about a thank you? No danger they'll haul you away for social security fraud now."

"No more checks to cash either," he growled, "fuck you very much."

"Always about the money", Fiona scoffed. Their lawyer stood up and walked up to them, "we'll work this out inside. That's why we're here."

Frank scoffed before walking away and entering the courtroom. The lawyer entered too, saying he'd see them inside.

"Fiona! Hollie!"

Hearing their names, the two women turned to see Carl barreling towards them, the others walking down the hall behind him with Brittany.

Carl wrapped his arms around Hollie, hugging her side on so he could reach around her before moving to hug Fiona too. While they all exchanged hugs Fiona sent Lip to quickly file the fake will before they went in.

|🚬|

"DFS, like to get us started here?" The judge requested after reviewing the case files.

"Thank you, your honour." Brittany nodded standing between the two tables, at one of which Frank sat alone and on the other Fiona, Hollie and their lawyer, "Brittany Sturgis, Department of family services. After receiving a report about the Gallagher home, I found the children under Francis Gallagher's care in a state of neglect." Fiona and Hollie both glared at their father, "We subsequently removed the children from the home for their protection."

"Mr Gallagher," the Judge directed to Frank, "you want the children back?"

Frank opened his arms, "they're my kids your honour."

"The mother has relinquished her parental rights." The judge noted.

"What does that mean?" Carl asked.

"Monica doesn't want to be our mom?" Debbie questioned.

"She did it for you guys, so we can bring you home," Fiona assured them.

"And Ms F.Gallagher and Ms H.Gallagher have filed a petition to terminate the father's parental rights."

"Yes, your honour," Fiona confirmed.