Trauma At Its Finest (Lip Gallagher X Male Reader)

Ch 77. The Science Fair

The Gallaghers weren't the most gifted when it came to school. They were much better at general survival—whether it was scamming, stealing, or other criminal activities. Because of that, they never really considered further education as a way to get a well-paying job. Lip isn't even sure if anyone else in the family ever went to college, or if he's the first. However, he doesn't want the bad Gallagher tradition to continue, and thus encourages his children to perform well in school.

That's why he's happy to hear that the children are doing well. He's sitting in a parent-teacher meeting, where parents hear about their children's performance. One by one, Lip and Y/N are told how well their sons and daughters are doing.

In 5th grade, Lyn is excelling, even at a higher difficulty level, with her final year in primary school coming up next year. Mikhail, who is in 3rd grade, despite his mischievous nature, does really well in terms of grades. Alyosha, despite his lack of speech and communication, shows that he isn't unintelligent and performs well enough. Then there are Kate and Fred, who are in 1st grade, with grades that are either average or good.

Then there is Maksim...

"He's being held back a grade?" Lip asks, surprised when he hears the news.

"Yes. We've noticed that he's struggling to pay attention during class, as well as perform tasks expected of a 1st grader." The teacher responds, occasionally glancing at her notes.

"B-But there are, like, two months left." Lip points out. "Can't he just catch up?"

"I'm afraid it's too late for that..." Lip sighs, hating that despite being warned about Maksim's performance, he still thought everything would be fine. "I'm sure if he repeats the year, he will understand the subjects, as long as we provide him with enough support—"

"He's not stupid!" Lip interrupts, beginning to feel defensive. "He's just struggling to pay attention." Y/N remains quiet, thinking differently.

"Mr. Gallagher, please understand, there is no shame in repeating a grade. It allows us to reevaluate Maksim's capabilities and approach this in a better way."

Lip doesn't see it that way. He can only view this as a slap in the face—not for him, but for Maksim. While Kate and Fred, who are in the same grade, move forward, he has to stay behind. And why? Because he isn't 'smart' enough? It feels cruel.

As he searches for a solution, he looks around, spotting a poster promoting this year's science fair.

"What if he wins the science fair?" Lip suggests, the teacher a bit taken aback by the father's determination. Y/N is also surprised by his fighting spirit. "If he wins, that means he's capable of 2nd grade, right?"

"Um..." The teacher looks slightly awkward. "Of course, the winner will receive a significant grade boost—"

"Will that be enough for him to move on to 2nd grade?" Lip asks.

The teacher looks back at Maksim's grades and, after some calculations, speaks up. "If, for the remainder of the year, he achieves passing grades, then yes."

Lip finds the answer obvious. "Then let's do it."

-

After the meeting, the husbands get back in the car. As Y/N is about to drive away, he speaks up.

"You know Lyn will be participating as well?"

"So?"

"Haven't you seen what she made last year?" Y/N responds. "She didn't just win—she obliterated the competition. There's no way Mak will win."