When Bella woke up and immediately checked her phone she saw a text from Veronica.
V👑 Carl's home
Bella sighed, that was the absolute last person she needed to see right now. She was on the road to recovery from anything to do with Carl fucking Gallagher. She knew he would be back for his mom's funeral but she didn't expect it happen so soon. Putting on her black, embroidered robe-she began downstairs. As she was in the process of making her morning coffee (still in her pink bunny slippers), there was a knock at the door. She knew it was him but for some reason she was afraid. Bella Leticia Zambada Garcia is afraid of no one, she reminded herself before marching towards the door. He looked as handsome as ever, with a nice haircut, a perfectly ironed uniform, and a bouquet of roses in his hand. He looked like he had showered in the past 24 hours, which surprised her.
He smiled and all she could do was stare into his beautiful eyes. "Good morning gorgeous" Carl spoke happily, grabbing her hand and kissing it as if he hadn't betrayed her for Dominique once again. Bella didn't care if it was months ago, he promised that he was "becoming a man" and ran back to the slut not even a day later. "These are for you"
Bella tried to slam the door in his face but he knew that would be her response,sticking his foot in the doorway to prevent it from shutting. The second he had arrived home and found all his stuff in trash bags that had previously been at Bella's-he knew he would have to work hard to get back from this one. It was all he could think about in his time away, imagining new ways to sweep her off her feet. "I'm making breakfast and I really hope you'll join us. I missed you"
She wondered if he was sad about Monica. Bella shrugged in response to his words. He left the flowers on the doorstep and saluted her, which she couldn't help but laugh at. "You look good white boy".
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Bella didn't have time to join the Gallaghers for breakfast, she had her first day of work today. Over the past few months she had been trying to convince V's mom to give her a job at the salon. Doing hair, nails,eyebrows-pretty much anything that was thrown her way. At first the woman said no, seeing as Bella wasn't technically (or legally) qualified to provide these services but Bella was no quitter. She showed up to the salon every day she could and would deal with any clients that Carol didn't want to deal with. After seeing Bella's work, the woman caved in and offered her a paying job. She was excited to make some money for herself and even more excited that this was a step towards the "new" Bella. Therapy had really opened the teen's eyes and she decided to take her life seriously for once, she didn't wanna end up like the older people from group. The ones who let their anger destroy their lives.
Carl was sad that Bella didn't join them for breakfast. He chewed the piece of bacon that was left on a plate for Bella, he even did her eggs just how she liked and warmed up a tortilla for her-knowing she prefers them over toast. Debbie couldn't help but snicker at her solemn brother who was eating Bella's food pathetically, his head sunken.
"Oh please, you can't be that surprised Bella didn't show up" Debbie scoffed.
Carl rolled his eyes, choosing to not say anything. But he knew his other sister, who was currently washing her plate would have to chime in too. "You're lucky she didn't punch ya' in the face and send you rolling down the steps like Dominique!" Fiona jokes before grabbing her keys and walking out the door.
"Bella always forgives me" Carl shrugs, he knew that didn't make what he did okay but he was surprised that after all their time apart she still hadn't gotten over it. "You really think this time is different?"
"Bella's trying to better herself. You got her sent to jail!" The redhead explains, taking a sip of orange juice. "Maybe she's finally realized she's too good for someone like you"
Carl sighed at her harsh words, it wasn't his fault that Bella assaulted Dominique. "Well I'm never giving up on her" He stood up with an uneasy feeling in his stomach. "She's gonna have to forgive me eventually. We're soulmates" He spoke like he was so sure of himself and Debbie hoped that for the sake of his heart-he was right.
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Bella straightened her hair as fast as she could, cringing at the thought of her damaged hair follicles. She was running late to Monica's funeral, which made her feel like an asshole but Carol made her stay late and sweep hair at the salon. The teen girl was trying to go as fast as she could, practically stomping on the gas pedal as she peeled out of her yard.
Meanwhile, Carl could hardly think as he sat by himself at the funeral. He didn't know what to feel. He felt sad but he felt numb which didn't make sense to him. He wondered what she was like in her few days back, imagining the things she might have said. A part of him felt guilty for not being there when she died but the other part of him felt like she deserved it. He wondered if she met Bella and if she was sad that he wasn't home. Monica was many things but Carl was always the one to give his parents a chance. He looked up at Frank, who didn't seem like Frank anymore and he almost felt bad for his father. The only thing holding him back was the memory of his dad latching onto Fiona and Debbie last night, leaving both of his sisters even more pissed and confused. He never wanted to be like Frank, and he would never treat Bella the way his dad treated Monica. Thinking back on one of the times Monica came back he couldn't help but smile at the memory of his parents waking him and Debbie up in the middle of the night to eat junk food and watch scary movies. At least all of their memories weren't terrible. The only other thought on his mind as Lip talked was that if went up and looked at his dead mother he might just completely shut down.
Carl desperately did not want to stand up from that chair.
Bella walked in quietly but the clacking of her heels turned everyone towards her as she entered the room. She quietly apologized for being late and took a seat next to Carl. She noticed the weak expression on Carl's face and took all her pride aside to grab his hand and squeeze it comfortingly. V looked back at the girl who kissed Carl on the side of the head, she was glad Bella decided to show up. V knew it meant the world to Carl.
Once Debbie had sat down, everyone waited for Carl to stand up. He faltered, his legs feeling like jelly. Once he got up there it was in a way harder to believe she was dead. It was chilling to see someone as lively as Monica completely still and motionless. He took a deep breath and looked back at his family and friends, his eyes glossy as he scanned the room. They looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to make a speech the same as his siblings but he found that no words could come out. Taking a seat next to Bella he avoided her eyes but she brought his head softly to her shoulder, brushing her hands through his hair and he finally let out a sigh of comfort. It felt like he hadn't taken a breath that whole time.
"Thank you for coming" He whispered.
"I was never going to miss it"
It didn't matter how mad she was. In this moment she just had to be there for him. Dominique and that kiss weren't even a thought in her brain right now.
