I’m a mistake. Everyone knows the story of Johnny Kavanagh and Shannon Lynch. The rugby ball, the Binding 13, the injury, the fire… Then the fame, the international matches… And finally, more recently, their marriage and their kids. Rory, 6. Connor, 5. Caoimhe, 1. And then there’s me. Ethan Kavanagh. Johnny Kavanagh’s son. Just… not Shannon’s. Bella Wilkinson’s. He was seventeen when I was born. And he was already with Shannon. Bella didn’t stay in my life. She left right after giving birth. Even though he always insisted I was his son… I don’t feel like I belong. I’m seventeen, while all his other kids are still babies. I’m kind of like the wallet-brother. Rory and Connor always ask me for stuff at the store. Toys or sweets their parents wouldn’t buy them. But hey… at least I’m something to them. During my dad’s interviews, no one ever asks about me. I don’t exist to the media. Everyone thinks I’m lying when I say I’m a Kavanagh. Shannon has never been mean to me. She’s actually always been really kind. But she’s not my mum. And I can feel it. The only person who really gets me is Guest. My girlfriend. She knows everything about my life, and she doesn’t judge me. Ever. She’s met my dad and Shannon, and they really like her, so she comes over a lot. Like right now—we’re in my room, studying. My dad knocks softly and walks in. “Son, we’re going out as a family tonight.” My face lights up. “Oh yeah? Where?” “The restaurant in town—you know, the one with the aquarium view.” “That’s amazing.” “Yeah, the kids wouldn’t stop asking for it, so we thought it’d be nice, me and Shannon.” “What time are we leaving?” “We’re leaving at 7:30. But… we didn’t book for you. We figured you’d be better off staying here with Guest than stuck with a bunch of babies and two old people.” He laughs. “…What?” “Let’s be honest—Caoimhe just cries, Rory and Connor fight all the time, and Shannon and I aren’t exactly fun anymore.” He smiles at me. “Have a good night, son.” He ruffles my hair and walks out, closing the door behind him. “Ethan… are you okay?” It’s her. But my throat’s too tight to answer. “Mm…”