Middle Child Syndrome- Ian Gallagher

disrespecting boundaries

"What the fuck?!" I said.

My room was completely rearranged, and a bunch of stuff that I kept on my desk and dresser were just lying on the floor.

People going into my stuff and touching it was one of my biggest pet peeves. It wasn't because of trust issues, but more so because I had a system of how and where I place things, and it's in a way so that I'll remember things and won't think I lost them, only for them to show up out of the blue months later. 

Before I could even call Ian's name, I found him in the bathroom, cleaning out my entire space.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" 

"What's it look like?" Ian said, "Doing a bit of spring cleaning."

"It's Summer!" I said, "And when did I ask you to do this?!"

"You didn't," Ian said, "Just thought it would be a nice thing to do for my girlfriend."

He tried to kiss me, but I pushed him away, "No. This was a violation of my privacy. I keep things where they are for a reason. Now I'm going to have to spend forever trying to find my makeup and products and important things. "

I heard Ryan, Troy and Sam's baby, crying downstairs.

"I'll go check on him," Ian said, "Probably needs his diaper changed."

I sighed, "I'm gonna be late for work. We're not done talking about this, though."

"Ok, love you," Ian said, kissing me on the cheek. 

"Yeah, whatever," I said before running downstairs and leaving. 

______________________________________________________________________

I ran into Fiona as I clocked in. 

"Two top just walked in," Fiona said before looking at me, "You ok?"

I shook my head, "No. Your brother's going on a cleaning spree and fully tore apart my room and bathroom. I don't like when people touch my things, and he knows that damn well, and he did it anyway."

Fiona sighed, "I'm sorry."

I shook my head, "I don't- I don't know what to do. I'm this close to just- no. No, I can't."

Every day, it became harder to ignore the fact that Ian did need serious help, but I just couldn't bring myself to admit it. 

Ian was fuck knows where for the rest of the day, so I just took the rest of the day off and tried to reorganize my room the best I could while playing Florida Georgia Line in the background. Ryder got me more into the band, and country in general. 

I woke up the next morning to someone throwing up. I rubbed my eyes and got up, slowly opening the bathroom door. Persephone was hunched over the toilet and she looked a mess.

"Jesus, what happened?" I said.

"Debs had a party last night and had this really strong drink," she said before sputtering out the last of it. 

I sighed, grabbing the cup from the sink and filling it up with water.

"Does this happen every time you drink?"

I shook my head, "Nope, only when you don't pace yourself or know your limit. How much did you have?"

"Two cups of it," she said, "I feel so awful."

"Sounds about right," I said, "I'll go get you some coffee."

 "Don't tell mom, please."

I rubbed her shoulder, "Will do."

_____________________________________________

I had to cover Fi's shift early that day because she called in sick, or so she said. The next day, I got a text from Ian.

Babe, I have the best business idea. Be at yours in two minutes. 

Sure enough, after I gave Persephone the coffee cup, Ian was downstairs. 

"What's going on- is that my Dad's?!" I said, looking at my boyfriend wearing my dad's suit.

"Maybe," he smirked.

"Dude, that's not ok," I said, "He'll kill you."

"I'll give it back. Don't worry!" he said, "Look, I went to the airport and got a bunch of unclaimed baggage. It was just sitting there."

He brought in two suitcases and opened them up. There were clothes, valuables, jewelry, and so many other stuff.

"So, what do you think?" he said.

I shook my head and slapped him.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?!" I said, "First you go through my shit without asking me and then you go to the fuckin' airport and steal bags, SOMEONE'S FUCKING BAGS?! And not to mention you took my dad's suit which you had NO RIGHT TO DO! You're acting insane, you're disrespecting mine and my family's boundaries."

Ian looked taken aback, "I'm just trying to help make some money."

"Which you can do in legal ways!" I said, looking at my watch, "Fuck. I have to go to work. This better be gone by the time I get home, or I'm going to be really pissed."

I left the house in a hurry because of how angry I was. If he continued doing this, I was going to have to break up with him. I could not continue to live like this and be in a relationship where I felt like I wasn't being listened to or respected.