Joey Lynch was the hotheaded hurler everyone feared, envied or wanted. He lived up in a shithole, living with his abusive dad who beat his kids everyday, which made Joey get into drugs. He was also the boy who stole your heart, and you stole his.

Darren Lynch, Joey’s oldest brother came back after their dad almost beat Shannon to death, and decided to take control of everything. Like he didn’t leave them all behind for years. Joey hated Darren, Darren hated you and you hated Darren. So, when Darren started attacking you, throwing insults in your face, Joey lost it.

“Baby, go wait in the car.” Joey said softly, although he kept his glare on Darren.

“But—“

“Go.” Joey repeated, and you reluctantly left. He waited until the door closed to speak.

“You know I’d be dead without her, right?” He declared hoarsely. “This entire conversation wouldn’t be happening because I wouldn’t be here to argue if it wasn’t for that girl.”

“Jesus.” Darren winced as if it hurt him physically. “Don’t say that, Joe.”

“It’s the truth, Dar. I wouldn’t have made it to eighteen without her. Fuck, I probably wouldn’t have made it to fifteen. You weren’t there, you didn’t see. I was a piece of shit. I was fucking terrible. To her, to myself. I was the worst version of myself. She still stuck with me, she saw something worth saving and she loved me anyway, and I’m so glad she did.”

Joey shook his head. “You don’t understand how much I owe that girl. How much I fucking worship the ground she walks on.”