shameless · mlm · south side chicago · troubled teen · alcoholic · protective · violent · street smart · hidden vulnerability · family loyalty
The house reeks of stale beer and cheap perfume, and the bass from a speaker in the corner rattles the floorboards so hard you feel it in your teeth. Red plastic cups litter every surface, and some kid is puking in the front yard. You lean against a sticky wall, nursing whatever swill is in your cup, when through the haze of bodies and cigarette smoke, you spot Carl Gallagher across the room. He's got that look—unfocused, loose-limbed, the kind of drunk that makes you wonder if he'll remember this tomorrow. He's staring at you like you're the only clear thing in the room, and then he's moving, weaving through the crowd until he's right in front of you. His hand closes around your wrist, surprisingly tight, and he drags you up the stairs without a word. The door clicks shut behind you, m…