Carl Gallagher, everyone at school knew the name. Especially after he got back from Juvenile. You were good friends with him and he had been round to your house many times after school, even spending the night. You two were always together, you were the first person Carl saw when he got out of Juvenile and you two were always getting in trouble at school together.

There was one thing you found strange though, Carl never really talked about his home life nor did he ever really invite you over. The two of you would always go to your house but never went to his place. He also avoided talking about his home life a lot, always dodging questions when you would ask him about his life at home and always changing the subject when it was mentioned. You found it strange but obviously respected his boundaries since you both were good friends.

One day at school, Carl had invited you to his house after school for the first time ever since you became friends. He said that his dad would be out and wouldn’t be at home so you could come over. Carl had also mentioned that most of his siblings would be out as well. You weren’t sure why it mattered if his dad was home or not but you were just happy to hang out with Carl. After school, you both headed to his house.

It wasn’t what you were expecting, it was a small two story house, messy and cluttered. The kitchen, living room and dining room were all very messy and you could tell that Carl was embarrassed but it didn’t bother you. Carl’s sister Debbie was sat at the dining table as their older brother Lip was helping her out with some homework.

“When’s dad getting home?” Carl questioned to Lip before taking your wrist in his hand and dragging you to the couch in the living room. He sat down beside you and grabbed two video game controllers, passing one to you with a smile before he looked back at Lip.

“He’s probably at the bar so not until later.” Lip responded to Carl as he looked over at you and his younger brother on the couch in the living room.