Kaylee Jaymie Halstead

The Unexpected Apology

Kaylee pov
I had been having an okay day. I managed to stay somewhat focused in my morning classes, hadn't had a seizure yet and Zach had brought me an energy drink before second period, which she wasn't technically allowed to have but totally needed. It's weird but they calm me down. They work opposite on me. It was a decent day until Carl Gallagher sat down across from me and Zach at lunch with an expression that looked way too much like guilt which is rare for the psychopath. I glanced at Zach who had noticed Carl's presence too. Carl never sat with them. Ever. Only if it was to make fun of us. Since we found out we were siblings he was distant and he'd keep away from me.

Carl: hey
Kaylee: What do you want Gallagher?
Carl just shifted awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck
Carl: Okay I probably deserve that
Kaylee: Probably? You've ignored me for, been kind of a dick whenever we did talk and now you sit here like we're buddies? So yeah probably isn't the word I'd go with
Carl: Yeah. I was a dick. I know. That's... kinda why I'm here
Carl leaned forward
resting his arms on the table
Carl: Look, I get why you don't trust me right now, and honestly? I don't blame you. I just I guess I wanted to say I'm sorry
Kaylee: You're sorry?
Carl: For being a jackass. For acting like you didn't exist. For not giving you a chance. I mean we're family right? And I never really gave a shit about that before but maybe I should have
Zach: And what changed?
Carl: Liam, actually
Kaylee: Your little brother?
Carl: Yeah. He, uh... He called me out on it the other day. He asked why I don't talk to you, why I act like you don't matter when you do. And I didn't really have an answer. I mean, it's not like I hate you or anything, but I just I guess I was just being a stubborn ass
Kaylee: he knows about me?
Carl: yeah. Fiona told everyone after Ian heard us talking
My first instinct was to call bullshit. But the thing was he looked genuine. Zach must've noticed it too because he didn't immediately call Carl out either.
Kaylee: ...Okay. So what now? You apologise and we suddenly start acting like siblings?
Carl: I mean I don't expect us to be best friends or anything but I'd like to get to know you. If you'll let me
I didn't say anything. I didn't know what to say. Zach nudged me under the table
Kaylee: Alright. We can start there, I guess
Carl: yeah?
Kaylee: yeah
Carl: cool
Zach: Just so we're clear—if this is some kind of joke or bet or whatever bullshit you Gallaghers like to pull, I will kick your ass
Carl: I swear it's not. I mean it
Kaylee: Guess we'll see
Carl: Fair enough
I expected him to leave after that but he actually stayed. He talked with us, joked a little, even stole some of Zach's fries. The bell rang so Carl left. As me and Zach walked to our next class Zach nudged me
Zach: so you believe him?
Kaylee: I don't know. Maybe? He seemed real about it
Zach: Yeah but it's Carl. Dude's pulled a lot of crap before
Kaylee: I know but I kinda wanna see where this goes
Zach: Alright. But if he messes with you im gonna kill him
Kaylee: Zach
Zach: fine maybe not kill him but I'll smash his face in
Kaylee: deal

The rest of the day went okay but I got sent to mr James so spent most of the day with him. Me and Zach were walking
Kaylee: you wanna go to the firehouse?
Zach: sure
We started walking in that direction. Zach was just talking about random things while I was still tryna wrap my head around what had happened at lunch. Carl apologized and he hadn't just given me some half-assed, "whatever" kind of apology—he had meant it.
Zach: You look like your brain is about to short-circuit
Kaylee: thanks?
Zach: I mean it though. What's going on in that head of yours?
Kaylee: I dunno. I just—Carl's never been nice to me before. And now all of a sudden he wants to be siblings? It's just... weird.
Zach: Maybe he actually means it
Kaylee: Yeah or he's got some ulterior motive
Zach: Or maybe he's just trying to make up for being a dick. People can change, y'know. Your dad changed
Kaylee: maybe
We were halfway there when we were interrupted
Carl: yo Kaylee
I turned only to see Carl walking toward us with his hands shoved into his hoodie pockets.
Kaylee: You following me now?
Carl: Nah, just figured I'd walk you home. Y'know since we're trying this whole 'siblings' thing.
I exchanged a glance with Zach, who was watching Carl like a guard dog.
Kaylee: okay, and?
Carl: And... I was wondering if you maybe wanted to hang out sometime. You know, actually get to know each other
Kaylee: Like... outside of school?
Carl: Yeah. I mean, I know we've got different lives and all but maybe we could do something. Grab food, watch a movie, I dunno. Just... something
Zach nudged me lightly.
Zach: Up to you, babe
I studied Carl for a long moment, trying to gauge whether or not this was some kind of joke. But for once, he looked... genuine. Like he meant it
Kaylee: ...Alright. We'll give it a shot
Carl: Cool. How about tomorrow after school?
Kaylee: Sure. But if you try to prank me, I will kick you in the shin.
Carl: noted
Zach: I will be keeping an eye on you jackass
Carl: Understood. I erm I gotta go im gonna be late for work
Zach: work?
Carl: yeah gotta help out Fiona
Zach: what do you do?
Carl: can't tell you
Zach: legal?
Carl: kinda. Look I gotta go

Carl left and we went to the firehouse.
Kelly: hey guys
Zach: hey
I just walked past and went to his quarters. I could hear Zach talking to Matt. I was just zoned out
Kelly: what's up kiddo? You okay?
Kaylee: I dunno
Kelly: has anything happened?
He sat down beside me and put his arm around me
Kaylee: Carl apologised today
Kelly: did he hurt you?
Kaylee: no he was apologising for being a dick. He said he wanted to get to know me. He wants to hang out tomorrow
Kelly: you're worried
Kaylee: I dunno. I just I don't know if I can trust him. What would you do?
Kelly: I guess I would give him a chance then if he screws up that's on him
Kaylee: okay
Kelly: you sure that's all that's on your mind?
Kaylee: yeah I guess so
Cruz: Kelly, Jays been tryna get through to you
Kaylee: shit
Kelly: you didn't tell him your here
Kaylee: I forgot
Kelly: Call him now please
I got my phone out and rang him
Dad: Kaylee I've been worried sick
Kaylee: sorry. I'm at the firehouse
Dad: lemme know next time yeah
Kaylee: yeah