Walking out of the juvenile detention center, Carl felt the sun beaming on his head. If it wasn't for the sun, he might actually believe he was living a nightmare. He couldn't believe he actually signed those remediation papers, but somehow he agreed to do community service and have a parole officer.
Heading towards the exit, Carl suddenly stopped when he heard his name being called. As he looked ahead, his little brother ran towards him, arms wide open, tears streaking his face.
"Carl, you're finally out!" Liam screamed as he hugged his brother around the waist. "I missed you."
Hugging Liam with the same amount of force, Carl couldn't help but feel tears start to sting his eyes. "I missed you too buddy."
"Hey Liam you can't hog all the hugging time, I want one too." Lip said with a playful smile on his face.
"Hey don't forget about us." Fiona said with a big smile on her face and tears in her eyes.
Looking around made Carl realize why he signed those papers. He missed his family like crazy. Being a Gallagher, family always comes first, and being in juvie made Carl realize it even more. Having all of his brothers and sisters around him right now made him feel like one lucky guy. He knew he fucked up, but knowing they still cared made all the difference.
"Hey guys lets get going, we gotta party to get to. Don't want the food getting cold." Ian says waving everyone to the parking lot.
Walking back into the Gallagher household, Carl felt all the tension leave his body. So many times they cursed that house, wished they had something better, but really it was the perfect house for them. It held so many memories, good and bad, but it was home, and Carl was glad he was back. Lip and Ian had moved out recently so the house had less members, but that didn't stop the bond they all had with each other.
Heading towards the kitchen there was a big poster that said "WELCOME BACK CARL" hanging from the ceiling. The kitchen had all of Carl's favorite foods and deserts, there was a ton of beer everywhere, and good music playing in the background.
"Home sweet home." Carl mumbled to himself as he grabbed a beer from the fridge.
Watching his family dance and laugh in the living room made Carl smile more than he could ever remember, but as he and Fiona shared a glance with each other, he felt like a jackass all over again. He knew Fiona was still pissed off at what he did, and he knew he disappointed her with his actions, but any doubt he had about his sister loving him melted away when she smiled at him.
"Carl c'mon." Fiona said waving Carl into the living room. "You don't wanna miss your own party do you?"
Placing his beer on the kitchen counter, and walking into the living room, Carl gave Fiona one of the biggest hugs ever, leaning in to whisper, "Thanks for always being a great sister."
"Ok guys, I gotta go. Have to be at work early tomorrow." Ian said pulling his jacket onto his shoulders.
"You got enough leftovers for you and Mickey?" Fiona asked while clearing off the table. She knew they were going to be eating this for days so she was trying to get rid of some.
"Yeah I'm good thanks Fi." Ian says holding up his to go bag. "I'll try to swing by tomorrow after work, for movie night. Love you guys, bye." Ian says walking out the door.
"Hey guys I should probably get going too. I gotta big company meeting tomorrow." Lip says grabbing his keys off the table. "Fi call me if you need anything, and Carl please stay out of trouble." Lip says smirking at Carl who gives him the finger on his way out.
"Ok lets just straighten up a little bit, then you guys can head upstairs." Fiona says handing Carl the broom
"Sorry Fiona I can't stay long, I gotta go meet somebody." Carl says not trying to look Fiona in the eye.
"Carl is it really that important, you just got back home and your already trying to leave?" Fiona questioned, looking at Carl in disbelief.
"Fi it won't take long I promise. It's just a little celebration party." Carl says.
Looking at Liam and Debbie who both look like they're ready to pass out and then at the clock on the wall as it flashes 11:15 pm. Fiona reluctantly agrees to let Carl leave.
"Debbie, Liam you guys can head upstairs, I'll finish up down here." Fiona says pulling her hair into a ponytail.
Making sure they've gotten out of earshot, Fiona steps into Carl's face.
"No more bullshit Carl. Now I'm giving you until one in the morning to get back home, or you can spend the night somewhere else. We clear?"
"Sir yes sir." Carl said.
Walking to the front door, Carl wondered how he couldn't get in trouble tonight, especially when it was Hank he was meeting up with.
