PLANK'S CONSTANT|| ASHTRAY O'NEIL.

Anything, Really.

"I'm here for you. See?"

CARMEN'S POV:

I wave goodbye to Alex and Elena as I walk into the house. It's not that late, the sun's setting over the horizon.

I stop at the door, cautiously looking around for my dad. This is usually the time he drinks. And having an alci that is easily set off for a dad, means you have to remember his drinking pattern and stay on your fucking toes during that time.

I walk into the living room and see him watching something on the TV with a beer in his hand. I can't see the front of him.

"Hi, dad." I say, walking next to him and sitting on the couch. He gives me a flat smile before speaking.

"Did you make any friends?" He asks, taking a sip of his beer. I fuckin hate the smell of beer. Weeds got a waayy better smell.

"Yeah, this girl named Elena and this guy n-" Dad cuts me short as she snaps his head tword me.

"A guy? You were seriously alone with a guy, Carmen?!" He yells, standing up.

"I just said I wasn't alone." I say quietly. I know I shouldn't back talk my father. And I'm really trying not to.

"Oh, so now we're fucking back talking!?" He yells. At this point their ate tears lining my eyes.

Dad always said I'm not to cry or he would give me a reason to.

"Dad, I- hmph!-" I make a small whimper like voice as he back hands me across the face.

I sit there as he stares down at me, my hand shakily over my cheek as I take deep, broken breaths.

My dad takes a few steps back. This only gives me room to run.

I spring up from the couch, out the living room, and down the hallway. "Carmen, I'm s-" I hear before I slam the front door behind me.

I keep running. I can't seem bring myself to stop. I run out of the cul-de-sac.

Do I know where I'm going? No. But it has to be anywhere but home right now.

I walk down the rode. There's not a lot of cars at this time of day, at least here. As I walk, there are trees streaming down my face.

I put my hands on my pockets and.... feel.. something. I pull it out. Cash, five bucks. Alex had let me have it earlier when we were hanging out.

I think I know where I'm going now, Imma go to Fezco's store. I've been wanting to go back there ever since I sensed someone looking at me.

I walk a little longer until I see it. I walk into the big parking lot. I open the door, almost forgetting to wipe my eyes.

Fez looks over at me, his eyebrows furrowing slightly. "...hey kid." He said.

I smile at him before going down the candy isle and looking at the gum.

I grab a pack of water melon gum and head up to the counter. I hand it to Fez, who scans it.

"So, what brings you by again, Carmen?" He asks, taking my money I had slid over to him. He opens the register before squinting a down at it.