In Plain Sight2008

[Maureen has taken off for the night, leaving Tripp to take care of his siblings]

Mary Shannon:
You can't keep doing this, Tripp. You've got to start thinking about what's best for you. Look, I know you think I'm a meddlesome pain in the ass. And you're right, I admit it. But everyone who comes into this program has problems, and I get my jollies trying to figure out what those problems are and then solve them. It's fun. It's like doing a puzzle, except I hate puzzles. But you get the idea. Anyway, just between you and me, most of the time, I'm... I'm completely winging it. I'm just trying to figure it out as I go. But this is different. This is one case where I know what I'm talking about. I can see twenty years down the road you're on, and trust me, it's not heading anywhere fun.

Tripp Stewart:
Oh, yeah? How do you know? What makes you such an expert?

Mary Shannon:
I just know. I've seen it before.

Tripp Stewart:
Well, that's a good answer. It's right up there with "Because I said so." Thanks for helping us out tonight. I'll see you in the morning.

Mary Shannon:
I know because my father ran out when I was six. He left me at home with an infant sister and an alcoholic mother, and I did what you're doing. I-I-I protected my sister, I took care of my mother, I made excuses for both of them. Pretended to the whole world that everything was fine. Never had a single friend because I didn't want anyone to see how we lived. It's a bad way to live. Tripp, it's a really bad way to live.

Tripp Stewart:
Yeah, but it is what it is. You had to take care of your sister, I have to take care of Billy and Gretel. And I don't see that changing any time soon.

Mary Shannon:
Well, it could.

Tripp Stewart:
Yeah? How?

Mary Shannon:
Okay, this isn't gonna seem like a great idea at first, but you need to keep an open mind and just hear me out. If the U.S. Attorney's Office believes the three of you are living in an unsafe or neglectful environment, they can initiate action to have you removed from the home. Now, I know foster care is not ideal, but... but it's better than this. It's better for you and it's better for Billy and Gretel. And... and I can see to it that you're all placed in really good homes.

Tripp Stewart:
Split us up? Not a chance.

Mary Shannon:
Maybe not. I can try to keep you all together. Or at least close enough to see each other. And-and-and think about this... In five years, you're twenty-one. You can get custody of Billy and Gretel if that's what you want.

Tripp Stewart:
No. We're staying together. I'm not putting them with strangers. I can take care of them. And as long as they're with me, they'll be okay.

Mary Shannon:
Yeah, but you won't.

Tripp Stewart:
Then I won't. I'm their brother.