biological 》ian gallagher

twenty-seven

It had been an entire year without another word. Not even a whisper of the little girls name, and not a single letter, or visit. Ian spent his days thinking of the girl, constantly. Never had he ever been so intrigued by another person to the point of thinking of them, at least thirty times an hour. Small things, like the smiles of his co-worker, make him think of her. Occasionally, he would think of himself. Other than that, he was constantly asking himself; would Rosie think this was a good idea? Every morning; Rosie would want me to take my lithium. Every night; Rosie wouldn't want me taking up all the space - better sleep on this side of the bed. Because, at any moment, at any hour, she would arrive again.

He thinks of her - every time he opens his locker. His eyes stay glued to the small photograph of her, that Debbie had taken, as he throws on his jacket; a certified EMT. He thinks about how proud she would be of him, which, in total honesty, is what gets him up each morning. Rosie would want me to get up and start the day.

Though, whenever he thinks of her, it pains him. The only time they had together, Ian was too much of a mess to actually be there for her. But, that didn't mean he no longer cared for her. Even then, in his manic state, he thought about nothing else.

Below the photograph, he had taped a small picture she colored - one with herself and him. The rest, he saved in his bedside drawer, completely safe from anything that could tear it. He often recalls the excited look in her eyes whenever they saw each other, and wonders if he ever crosses her mind anymore.

Ian often recalls his first week as an EMT, when he finally taped her picture in his locker. The man with the locker not far from his noticed the photo once before.

"Who's that?" He had asked, a small grin pasted on his face. Ian looked at the man, with many thoughts travelling through his mind. Why did he want to know? Why is he asking? A second later, Ian calmed himself down, recognizing it as an innocent question.

"Oh, that's my daughter," Ian said, with pride in his quiet voice. The man had nodded, slightly.

"She's cute. Looks a lot like you, man. Got one at home just like her," He responded, with a faint smile, before going back to his own business.

Rosie had gotten over the phase of questions. Are we gonna see mommy again? A popular question she usually asked when Hayley would have her get in the car. It came to the point that Rosie couldn't exactly understand the reason for it, and stopped upsetting Hayley with the reminder of Hayden being gone.

Rosie had turned five a couple of weeks ago. Of course, Hayley tried to go all out with the money she could bring in during the time. Though, meanwhile, Ian spent that entire week around her birthday trying to call Hayden, who passed away a few weeks prior; unknown to him. To get an address to send a gift and letter, or to even hear Rosie's voice; that would have been the world to Ian. A way to make sure Rosie knew that he was still around.

Rosie had adapted to the lifestyle, by now. Hayley was the only one around, in her mind. Though, Rosie had a lot to go before she forgets about Hayden and Ian. The little girl still, to this day, draws pictures for the two, even if they never see them. Similar to how Ian keeps the birthday present and Christmas present he wrapped for her underneath his bed. Though, the only difference is that Ian knew he would get the second chance; no matter what it would take.

So, as the days went by, Ian went to work, went home, and occasionally visited his new boyfriend, Trevor. But  not even Trevor could ease the thoughts and worries Ian had over Rosie.

Rosie spent some of her time thinking of her parents, Mickey, Fiona, and all of the other Gallaghers, though it's much easier for her; her attention span can only last so long.

"Aunt Hayley, look!" Rosie said, with a smile, as she presented a picture she drew of a a sunny day in the park. Hayley turned from the dresser drawer with a smile.

"I think this one's good enough for the fridge." Hayley said, softly. By now, the refrigerator was covered in drawings - they were all good enough. "Go 'head." Hayley cocked her head towards the door, making Rosie nod, and run out.

Hayley's smile faded when Rosie left. Shoving the rest of the girl's clothes into a suitcase, she prayed it would be different this time. Money was already tight for Hayley, and balancing two jobs with her neice was hard enough. The only hope she had left of Rosie being happy was if she went back where she belonged.