LOVE is DEAD [RARL]

9

Dinner with Carl's dad was always awkward for everyone involved, especially Carl. He usually sat silently for the first half of the meal before attempting to worm his way into the subconscious of his kid, grilling him about his social life.

"That Anderson boy came by again while you were out," He said, chewing his mouthful of overcooked beef that he'd insisted on making himself, rather than purchasing precooked. "Really wanted to talk to you."

Carl grunted, chasing his food around his plate, not making eye contact with his dad.

"Is something going on with him? You don't hang out with him much anymore. Not that I'm complaining; that kid's always in some sort of trouble."

"Nope, just trying to ease away from the drugs, dad." Carl muttered, lying through his teeth. Rick nodded, looking back down at his food.

"Met any girls? That Enid girl is nice. Still talk to her?"

Carl's stomach flipped. No, the sexuality conversation was NOT going to happen, not then, not EVER.

"Yeah, but, I met someone else," He said, finding himself lying.

Rick's eyebrows shot up. "Yeah? What's her name?"

"Um," Carl panicked slightly, eyes darting around the dining room, landing on the flowery plant that was set on the island counter in the kitchen, bought by Rick, undoubtedly for one of the ladies at work that he was smitten with. "Rose."

"That's a nice name," Rick said, chewing asparagus. "What's she look like?"

Carl swallowed thickly.

"She, uh, has... blond hair and brown eyes... She's really funny, actually; always telling jokes."

"Pretty?"

"Y-yeah, totally." Carl looked back down at his plate, ears glowing red.

"You should bring her around for dinner sometime. I'd love to meet my future daughter-in-law," Rick joked, smiling. Carl felt sick, like he was letting his dad down.

"Can I be excused? I'm not really hungry."

"Yeah, sure." Rick waved him off, and after putting his leftovers away, Carl dashed up the stairs to his room.