In The Valley Of Broken Dolls

Meet Johanna.

Sasha wakes up.

She looks at the time.

"It's 10 pm and dad still isn't home yet." She says to herself.

She gets up to go wash her face.

Before she can get to the bathroom, the doorbell rings.

"Just a minute!" She yells.

She opens the door.

There is a girl standing in the doorway.

She looks about Sasha's age, she is very skinny but pretty anyhow. She has long, brown hair a little past her shoulders.

Her blouse and her heels are matching in color.

"Hi," she says. "I didn't know Mr. Richards had a daughter. You are his daughter, right?"

"Yeah I am, I didn't know that there were any people my age in this town." Sasha replies.

"That's funny. I'm Johanna Gilmore. I live up the street. I was wondering if you had speakers that I can borrow?"

"I have some just give me a second. I'm Sasha by the way. Come in."

Johanna walks into the house. She looks around.

"Cute place. A little old though but cute." Johanna says.

"Yeah." Sasha replies.

There is an awkward silence as Sasha is getting the speakers.

"So I've never seen you around before."

"Yeah. I only visit during the Summer and the Winter. I live with my mom in Ohio."

"Oh. I never knew Mr. Richards was married. Actually know I always thought he was gay."

"No. No, my dad is not gay. At least I don't think he is," They laugh together. "No they divorced when I was eight."

Sasha then hands her the speakers.

"Hm, how tragic. If it makes you feel any better my mom killed herself when I was twelve to get out of a divorce."

"What? That's so, oh my--I'm so sorry," Sasha stammers.

"I hate that. I hate when people say that! It's such a cliche. I'm sooo sorry. I mean I don't get it, what are you sorry for? You didn't make her kill herself."

"You're right. In that case I guess I'm not sorry."

"My God you are a total bitch!"

"What? No I'm not." Sasha says defensively.

"I'm kidding. You know, you're kind of cool. You should come by my place. I'm having a party it's gonna be fun."

"Oh. Okay, yeah. Although I'm not sure when my dad is gonna be home but I'm sure I can go. I'll just text him."

"You need daddy's permission to go up the street? What are you five?"

"You're right. That's so stupid. Let me just get my keys."

"Wait. You're not coming over in that are you?"

Johanna gestures towards Sasha's clothing.

Sasha is wearing some skinny jeans and a floral crop top.

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" She asks.

"Nothing, I have some stuff over at my place that you can change into."

Johanna smiles awkwardly.

"I like what I'm wearing," Sasha says.

"Well I don't. It's my party and if you're going to hang with me then you need to dress appropriately. Unless you want to stay home alone and miss out on the festivities."

"Whatever. Let's go."

Sasha storms past Johanna. Johanna grabs her wrist and stops her.

Johanna can see that Sasha is upset.

"Sasha look. I'm just trying to help you out. You seem pretty cool and you need to make a good impression with people here. Just the wrong shoes can ruin you for life."

"Are you serious? That's so stupid."

"No it's not. These are life lessons. You'll see. Come, come the cute guys await us."

"Guys are going to be there?"

"Yeah. I mean what did you think it was an all lesbian orgy? Wait you aren't a lesbian are you?"

"No, I just..."

"You just what?"

"It's just that guys make me nervous."

"Aww that's too cute. Don't worry you have nothing to fear with these guys. They don't bite. At least I don't think they do. Although I had this one experience with Evan and..."

Sasha suddenly, "OK! Let's go."

They leave.