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It's been three months since Carl got out; not many people on the south side can say the same. After everything went down with Nick, Carl wanted to be as far away as possible, fuck street cred. Though he did have to start getting his weed from a different guy, just because Carl is out doesn't mean he's safe if he were to run into his old gang. So he told his guy to meet him under the EL so he can pick up a 2 gram, which will be needed after the day he's had. Carl reached the EL underpass hoping to see someone already there, but it looks like he's the first to arrive. He stands there for a few minutes though he was early, and turns to see a figure heading his way. Carl thought it was his weed guy for a split second until he notices them stagger and puke against the wall.
Sighing, he realises that there's only one person he knows that would be pissed at 11am, and it's not someone he wants to see right now. But, unfortunately, he's already been spotted by the man, not to mention Carl is still waiting for his pick up.
"Ian! Son, you couldn't spare your dear old father some cash by any chance?"
"Not on your life Frank and it's Carl. You know your other son."
"Of course, Carl. And you don't want me to starve, right? C'mon, I only need like 10 bucks."
"You could die tomorrow, and I wouldn't know the difference. So go bother someone else with your existence."
"My own flesh and blood wishing death upon me? You know you used to be my favourite, never disrespected me like the rest of them. Guess I was wrong."
"Yep, guess so, and you can shove the respect bullshit up your arse motherfucker."
Every time Frank loses his shit, you can see in his eyes the moment he snaps, the glimpse just before he lunges at you. However, he is also drunk and likely high what the fuck can he do apart from puke on you.
"You fuckhead!"
His first move is always the headbutt which I won't lie... It hurts like a bitch.
"What you think you're all tough white boy Carl? You're nothing but a little turd, no better than the shit on my shoes."
"Or in your hair, by the looks of it, you look like shit. If you're done abusing your kids, can you go? I'm waiting for someone."
Just as it looks like Franks about to lunge at me again, this pretty built dude knocks him on his ass. Emphasis on pretty. Frank scampers off with his tail between his legs as I turn to the guy in front of me.
"Thanks for that. Is it you I'm supposed to meet here, or is this just a happy coincidence?"
"If the names Gallagher then yeah, it's me, looking to pick up 2gs, right?"
"Sweet, yeah, that's me. How much do I owe you?"
"Quality is pretty good, so we're looking at $40. Who was that guy, by the way?"
Carl hands over the cash while filling the guy in.
"That is the southside's infamous Frank Gallagher and, unfortunately, my sperm donor."
"Yikes, I do not envy you. Your nose is still bleeding pretty heavily. My place isn't far, and I have a first aid kit if you wanna get cleaned up?"
"Not gonna lie, dude, but I just met you. I appreciate the offer, though."
"Dude, I'm in the same grade as you. We had a couple classes together."
A look of realisation ghosted over Carl's face.
"Sorry, could you remind me of your name? I was rarely at school as it is, not to mention I spent like a year in Juvie."
"Oh shit, I forgot you went down for the drug thing, the names' Leo Donovan. To be honest, I'm not surprised you don't recognise me. I've changed a fair bit."
"Oh shit, yeah, I remember you! You set fire to the outdoor shed next to the locker rooms. Damn dude, you weren't kidding about changing."
"Wait, how did you even know that? Nobody could work out who did it."
"I was smoking the other side of it. I had to move, so I didn't get burnt."
"Shit, I didn't even notice; well, thanks for not grassing me up, I guess."
"Please, I'm no snitch. I should go; my nose is still bleeding a fair bit, and I actually like this jacket."
"Yeah, of course; well, you've obviously got my number for when you want more weed, but if you wanna hang out at some point, let me know."
"Sure sounds good, later, dude."
Carl makes his way back to the Gallagher house, his bloody nose slowed but not stopped. As soon as he walks through the door, he sees Liam watching TV with Franny and Debbie and Lip arguing in the kitchen about fuck knows what. Ian and Mickey share a look at the table that can only be described as exasperation for listening to Debbie whine and Lip secure his seat on his high horse. Mickey is the first to look over at Carl, his face going from annoyed to angry in a second.
"What the fuck happened to you, Gallagher?"
"You know, you're in a house full of Gallagher's, right?"
Lip pulls his attention away from Debbie, turning to him.
"Carl, Jesus fuck, Ian check to see if his nose is broken, Debs get some towels.
Ian walks up to Carl, tipping back his head to get a closer look at the damage done.
Ian sighs, waiting for Debbie to come back with the towels.
"Well, it's not broken, but it's gonna hurt like a bitch for a while. Seriously Carl, what the fuck happened."
"Well, we've all had worse, I'll live. I just ran into Frank during a pick-up; he wanted cash. The guy I was picking up from knocked him one, and he left. It's Frank. It's not the first time he's pulled this shit, as we all know, and I doubt it'll be the last. I mean, for fuck sake, Ian, you've been on the other end of this more times than the rest of us."
"Fucking Frank and Carl, you realise that just because it's not the first or likely the last time doesn't mean it's right. Like you said, I'm usually his target, but that's because I'm the bastard child of his brother and wife. Fuck sake, where is Debbie? DEBBIE TOWELS!"
Debbie shouts back down the stairs, seemingly still annoyed at everyone and the world.
"ALRIGHT SHIT, I'M COMING."
Debbie finally makes her way downstairs, towels in hand, giving them to Ian.
"Alright, hold that to your nose for a while."
"Oi Gallagher, how much did you pick up anyway? And why didn't you come to me?"
"Again, Mickey, you're in a house full of Gallagher's right now. Anyway, I just picked up a 2 gram, and I thought you weren't selling anymore with your probation and that?"
"Roll me up later, and I'm not selling, but my cousin is, coulda probably got you a discount."
"Which cousins that? You have like 20 of them. Either way, it's chill. I had to find a new guy after everything went down with the group I ran with. This new guy seems decent, good quality too. His names Leo; apparently, we were in the same grade. Give me an hour, and I'll roll you."
All of their faces scrunch slightly at the mention of the old gang Carl ran with, obviously remembering how deep in he was. During that time, many of his family were pretty judgemental of his decisions, especially Fiona and Ian. However, Micky always showed a level of understanding and empathy, knowing how easy it was to fall in that deep and how hard it was to get out.
Debbie finds her time to speak up now that the attention is no longer on her.
"I need someone to take Franny to school tomorrow. Carl, can you? Lip refuses to, and Ian and Mickey have work."
"Sorry I have plans tomorrow. Why can't you?"
"Urgh, you're all so selfish. I have a life outside of being a parent, you know. I actually have plans."
"Debs, I hate to break it to you but your kid your responsibility. It takes less than half an hour to do the school run; just push your plans back a little."
"Carls right, Debbie, we're happy to help when we can, but our lives don't revolve around catering to your needs. We have our own lives. I didn't refuse because I'm a dick. I have a meeting tomorrow which I already told you about."
"Oh yeah? Well, what are you doing that's so important tomorrow Carl?"
"Hey! I don't owe you shit. If I say, I have plans, I have plans. She's your daughter, so what are YOU doing that's so important?"
"See! I knew it! You don't have plans. You just want to make me suffer!"
"Right, of course, because I plan my time around what's hardest for you. Fuck off, Debbie."
With that, Debbie just huffs and storms upstairs, everyone else looking absolutely done with her shit.
"She acts like we do nothing to help out with Franny." Everyone murmurs in agreement before Lip replies.
"She'll learn eventually when she actually has to take responsibility for her own actions."
"Jesus, I'm glad I picked up today. Fuck."