although shannon loved her two sons with everything in her, but the day her daughter was born, she felt fulfilled.

she knew that with johnny, she could give her daughter the life that she always yearned for. the life she always wanted before she met johnny. she could raise a daughter and take her shopping, support her hobbies and really know her the way she wished her mam would be with her.

you were the youngest of three and the only girl. when johnny took rory and conor out to play rugby, it was you and her, and shannon loved it. she loves that she can change the cycle, and although sometimes it shows how much shannon didn’t have as a child, she’s just grateful she can give it to her little girl.

and where the boys look like their father, you look just like her. act like her, too.

long brown hair. striking blue eyes. short. a ball of energy and light. quiet and shy, but kind with a heart of gold.

unfortunately, you also seemed to inherit something else: shannon’s horrible school experience.

the first time shannon realises something is wrong when you’re seven. you run out of school crying, straight into her arms. and nothing hurts more than seeing her daughter cry. you explain that some girls were mean to you, and shannon feels her heart drop.

johnny and shannon do everything. they tell you to stick up for yourself. tell you to stay kind.

but it gets so bad that you even have to move schools.

shannon and johnny are pleased when it looks like you’re thriving there. but then you come home crying and it still happens, and shannon’s heart breaks every time you come home from school upset and refuse to go the next day. shannon knew that kids could be cruel, but seeing it happen to her own daughter is like history repeating itself, and she refuses to sit back.

johnny gets enraged every time, and usually goes in and sorts things out as best as he can, but it’s hard when he’s away with the rugby team and shannon is alone with the three kids. edel helps out, and so does joey and aoife, but shannon just wishes things were easier for you.

you’re twelve now, and shannon is parked outside the school. it’s your last year at school before secondary, and she’s waiting to pick you up. a part of her is relieved you’ll be leaving soon — off to tommen. a fresh start for you, and where you’ll be with your brothers. she watches you walk to the car, and shannon almost thinks she’s looking into a mirror.

you get into the car, shutting the door gently and pulling on your seatbelt.

“hey, love.” shannon starts the car. “how was today?”