Hi everyone! so yeah because you all hate me as it is for all the cliffhangers in Southern Pariah Unkept, i decided what the hell and posted this! because im mean and ive had this in my files for way too long. I actually really liked this story idea, the whole Kenny and Karen thing really touches me because even though their poor, they love each other and he treats her like shes a little princess whos just lost her way from her castle. ok really weird speech moment type thing there but whatever lol. I also have yet to make a Bunny long story so thats what this will be. I hope everyone likes it and i made sure to put emphasis on Kennys poverty because i love poor kenny whos still a sweetheart and i hop you do to:) and i even edited this for once! I legit NEVER EDIT! your welcome my lovelies!

I woke up early on a cool Friday morning. Spring has just begun but it still felt chilly in the cold mountain air, especially to me, living in the situation I did. Groaning, I slid off my mattress and focused on the pile of clothes on the floor that equaled a closet, since my closet had been replaced by my parents booze. Sighing, I pulled out a black hoodie that I loved to wear, even though it was incredibly thin, and a pair of blue jeans I'd worn three days in a row. I looked at my TracFone and saw it was still 3:30 AM. Perfect.

I'd have enough time to do some business before school starts, and maybe, just maybe, get some food for Karen.

Karen was my little angel; basically I was her guardian, her bodyguard, he shield, whatever the fuck you wanted to call it. All I know is I would do anything for that smiling 13 year old girl.

Which really fucking sucked, because with our 'monetary issues', or in other words, my parents being too fucking buzzed all the damn time to get a fucking job, it was hard to be the brother who could provide for her. I've tried looking for jobs everywhere, convenience stores, mall stores, fast food joints, you name it, I've tried it. Too bad no one wants a 'filthy delinquent' like me working in their stores, afraid I'd scare away all the people away.

Seriously? Show your customers a fucking grease trap from McDonalds; let's see which one scares away a customer first.

So I was forced to watch my little sister starve, because I was hated and my parents were alcoholic assholes.

I didn't give a shit about anything else in the world, when I could give my baby sister some food and see her brilliant eyes flash and her smile go from ear to ear, no matter what I'd had to do to get it, it was worth every second.

I was walking out of my room, the cardboard door sagging and fell off the wall "Shit," I grumbled, trying to reattach the duct tape to the wall to no avail. I crept into Karen's room and stared at her sleeping form.

Her long dark blonde/light brown hair draped across her flat pillow and frizzy from her slumber, her large eyes shut with a slight purple streak under them from the restless nights she lied about. I knew she didn't sleep well, no matter how many times she tried to tell me otherwise, and I knew exactly why too.

Karen was scared. She was terrified of home. That is something a 13 year old girl should never have to be afraid of.

I gently kissed her forehead and scribbled out a "Good morning beautiful," on a balled up tissue in the corner of her room. It had no snot, but it was still sort of stiff, making me believe she wiped her tears with it. The thought sent a pang through me. Why the hell did she have to go through this? She was so fragile, so innocent and pure, she shouldn't have to put up with the shit she did.

Sighing, I hurried back into my room and grabbed my nice black pistol, kindly donated from Jimbo after a 'job' I did for him, out of my nightstand and headed out.

I tugged the hood up, like I used to when I was a little kid. I don't even know why I did that, I just felt safer when I was covered up, like the hood closed tight around my face could shield the problems and secrets from the people who didn't care anyway. I went around to the side into the 'garage' and grabbed a plastic bag nearly filled to the top with meth, tucking it inside the large pouch on the front and heading out.

The springtime buds were just beginning to bloom from the bare trees and snow scorched ground after the rough winter. This was Karen's favorite time of year, when the growing things were just beginning to come out. She said that they were hopeful, they were overcoming the cold times they had faced after hiding for so long. It was a beautiful thought, but I didn't fully understand it. Karen would always be deeper than me. I had too much to worry about, I had to take care of my little sister and make sure there was enough food and necessary items for survival, as well as making sure she was happy. Karen had no one to worry about besides herself, and so she had the time, and the beautiful pure mind to think deep thoughts that my mind just couldn't connect. Karen needed to get her emotions out, so she drew and wrote poetry. I knew this is what really made her happy, so I tried to do the best I could. I would save up money to get her special notebooks and art pencils and stuff but sometimes I would just have to steal. Whatever charge I would get if caught was nothing compared to the bright smile and shine in her brilliant blue eyes, exactly the color of my own. Sighing out of my thoughts, I hurried my pace, shoving my hands in the front pocket as guests to the meth and the gun. I just hoped everything would be alright, and that no damn cops would be out tonight.

I took turns and corners, a darkness settling like a fleece blanket over the small town, enclosed in the rocky mountains like a precarious mother protecting a child, almost like how I tried to protect Karen.

I finally found a dark, creepy alleyway that had a familiar face in it. Grinning at how much he would buy, I walked in the way, blocking him from leaving.

His dull eyes turned to me, a stone gray that had the exact amount of emotion as a common boulder. Small tips of black gothic bangs peaked out of the bottom of a blue and yellow chullo. We stared at each other for a long time, then finally to humor him, I said "Lovely weather huh?"

He sneered "cut the shit McCormick, you got it?" he asked, not a single emotion in his voice.

"All in good time Tucker, all in good time. So how are you doing this fine morning?" He looked ready to burst, and I couldn't help but smirk at him.

I probably shouldn't taunt a regular customer but I knew he wouldn't leave without his stash.

"Better if I could just get what I fucking want!" he nearly shouted.

"Ah ah ah, my dear Craig, I want the money," I pulled a hand out of my front pocket and held it out to him, palm up, wanting my offering of cash.

He shook his head "How do I know you won't just take my money and run off?" it sounded more like he was daring me to than a question.

I laughed with my chest "Don't you trust me? I've proven myself trustworthy, with more than just your drugs,"

He was motionless, he knew what I was talking about, then finally reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash "80 dollars right here," he held it out. I pulled out the baggie and he stared at it, then shoved a hand in his pocket "I have a gun, so hand it over,"

"prove it, pull it out," I ordered, as I pulled out my own pistol. His eyes only slightly widened, before returning to their dead nature. He didn't move his hand.

I cocked the pistol and pointed it directly at his forehead, its smooth surface barely gleamed from fading moonlight and distant street lamps. Craig took a step back. My face didn't change, my eyes remained hard and steady, my pencil like lips remained straight "Craig, I don't want to do this, but my sister needs this," I moved my hand toward the trigger.

"Okay okay! Here," he tossed the wad of money and, still with the gun pointed, made sure it was all there. Then I lowered it, shoved it back into my pocket and tossed him his weed. He glared at me the entire way he walked past me, and I returned it. Anyone who tried to fuck with my plans would get fucked in the face. This was never for me, I would be happy to never see a single scrap of weed again, but money was money, no matter how shamefully earned.

Contrary to the rumors in school, I did not smoke weed, I tried it once, but then I saw what it did to my parents and decided right then and there to never touch it. Until Kevin got arrested, then I needed to take up the drug selling business. I didn't smoke it though, I refused to touch it other than to pass it onto some other poor unfortunate asshole, like Craig.

I was just about to leave when I heard a car, I turned my attention, wide eyed, to the headlights that appeared. As quick as I could, I ducked behind a dumpster, which smelled like some serious shit.

"H-hello? Anyone back here?" That wasn't a cop's voice, but it was familiar. But I still didn't jump out, because it wasn't a person I wanted to know anything about me.

"I know you're here, come out," Damn. Grunting in annoyance and slight fear, I shoved myself up and stared into the dark brown eyes that I've seen since I was a little kid. His sweeping but still not too long locks entangled on his fair skinned forehead. Not pale, but not tan either, that's what you get in Colorado without it being a spray on. His pale blue jeans and blue button up shirt stood out against the harsh street colors. He must be new to this.

Of course he was new, or else I'd have seen him before.

"Kenny? You're in charge of this? I thought it would be someone older," He asked, his eyes narrowing and I just hoped he wouldn't tell the police, or else Karen would have no protection.

I refused to let him see my fear though "What, you expected better? Come on Mr. Marsh, you know what this is about. You gonna tell the cops that this is how I make my money?"

"Don't be stupid Kenny," he snapped, using the same tone as his son when I said something perverted or incredibly idiotic "I've never done this before but I have smoked pot before. Besides-"

"Woah woah, wait, what?" I asked, "You're here for the drugs?"

"No shit Sherlock," once again, just like Stan. "Have any or what? What do you charge?"

I mentally cursed myself. If I had known more than one person was gonna ask I would have brought more! Fuck!

"Come back at five, I'll have more. For a full bag I charge 80 dollars,"

"80 bucks! That's fucking expensive!" He exclaimed, glaring at me.

"80 bucks or no drugs." He muttered a little but I knew he'd give in, so I walked right past him, bumping into him on purpose. He let out a grunt of protest but said nothing. I curled my lip, but he didn't see.

When I was near my house again, the morning light was barely peaking over the mountains in the distance, but it was still plenty dark. I undid the shitty lock and shoved in, the reek of the house hitting me full on. Lucky I was used to it by now. I walked toward the garage but a small shadow caught my attention. I turned on my heels.

Karen was shaking, her hands wringing and eyes cast downward. Her large pajamas were on crookedly, one of her sleeves were over her shoulder, leaving it exposed. Her hair, which had grown so much since she was younger, was touching her upper back and was tousled. Her large eyes seemed to glow in the darkness, since we had no power. The bright pastels of her pajamas were dull and wrinkled. She shivered as a breeze rushed through the broken window. "Why are you up Karen?" I asked her, walking closer.

"I couldn't sleep, I heard you leave" She rubbed her eyes with a balled fist, like a little child. She WAS a little child, she would always be my baby sister, even though she hasn't been an infant for a long time "where did you go?"

My stomach dropped. "I just went for a walk, I couldn't sleep," I lied easily.

And yet she knew "Kenny, I'm not a little kid anymore, I can handle it."

I sighed, still unwilling to tell her. I muttered "selling drugs," into my feet.

She tilted her head toward me "What?"

I looked back up "I was out selling drugs for money,"

Immediately her gazed changed. Her fist balled up and her large eyes narrowed at me, but they also had a tear leak out of them. She wiped at it impatiently with her fist "Kenny, stop selling the damn drugs. That's how Kevin got arrested, I can't lose you too!" she got louder and louder until she was near shouting, her voice breaking in pain and loss.

"How the hell else am I going to get you food!" I yelled, then walked over to her and hugged her, petting her unkempt hair "I have to go. Go back to bed, I'll be here when you wake up,"

She looked back up at me, her eyes glistening "Promise?"

I smiled "I promise," I kissed her forehead, letting her know she always had me.

"Be careful," She stayed for a moment longer, then pulled herself out of my grip and without looking back, walked back to her room. I almost didn't hear the sob escape form her throat as she slammed her door.

Fuck. Sighing, I went back to the garage and grabbed another baggie, then headed out before I could change my mind.

Why the fuck did poor little Karen have to live in this environment? What the hell did she do to condemn her to this life? I needed to get her out of here, and fast, before something could go wrong.

I found my way back to the alley and saw Randy had waited. I made my way over to him but made sure I blocked his exit. People could be sneaky, and there was no fucking way this douchebag wouldn't pay up.

"Alright here it is," I pulled the baggie out, and he actually began to salivate. Disgusting.

And people thought this was the kind of person I was. Then again, did selling it make me any better than the people smoking it? Yes, I mentally convinced myself, because I'm only doing this for Karen.

"Can I get a sample," He questioned, never removing his eyes from the pot.

"No, pay me," I snap. I don't want to be here all fucking night; I just want my money so I could go home and see the look on Karen's face when I showed her.

"Give me some now," he demanded.

I shook my head "I have a gun Randy, don't make me use it." I patted my middle pocket.

Most people that was enough, but he was suspicious of my honesty "Prove it,"

So I pulled it out, spinning it on my finger and catching it by the rigged handle. His eyes widened and with no further protest, he handed me the money, snatched the baggie, hustled into his car, and drove away, but suddenly turned back, smoke rising and wheels screeching, he came back, nearly hitting me, and ordered threateningly "Don't tell anyone, especially Stan, that I was here," and with that, he left me.

I smirked. When the hell did I give away confidentiality? I shoved the money and gun back into my pocket and walked along the abandoned streets back to my own. I closed the flimsy door gently, making sure to not wake anyone. I walked into my room in four steps and looked in the broken mirror, pieces of my face broken up and repeating in each separated crack. Deciding I looked good enough, I didn't bother using the minimal water we had and just went into Karen's room again.

I stepped gingerly over the messy floor and was just about to place a gentle hand on her shoulder when she rapidly spun around, looking me directly in the eye.

"Kenny!" she threw her arms around my neck and buried her head in my thin hoodie. Closing my eyes, I hugged her back, rubbing her back as she sobbed.

"Shhh, it's going to be okay, I promise," We just sat there until her head lifted, big blue eyes looking into mine.

"Kenny . . . I'm scared," and I wanted to rip the house to shreds right then and there.

Instead I squeezed my eyes shut, then opened them and looked into her eyes, smiling and soothed her "I know, don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you. Why don't you spend the night at ruby's house?" she nodded and her face was losing its subtle redness.

"Get ready for school," I patted her shoulder and she jumped up from her bed and raced away to the bathroom, grabbing a ratty, overused towel on the way. While she was in the shower, I grabbed a Poptart and snuck it into her bag. A few minutes later she was out, her long hair naturally pin straight and no makeup on. Not like she needed it. She wore an old green jacket zipped fully up and a pair of ragged jeans. Her shoes were regular tennis shoes that had definitely seen better days. Sighing, I ushered her out the door and walked with her to school, which was South Park High School. There was a total population of 458 students in the whole school. Four hundred and fifty fucking eight, which sucked ass, seeing as I saw them all much more often than someone at a normal school.

"Kenny, are you staying home tonight or are you going over one of your friends?" Karen asked.

"depends on if you're going over Ruby's" I told her. We walked in silence the rest of the way. When we arrived, the little freshmen saw her strawberry blonde haired friend and with a small squeeze of her hand, I let her go, watching as they walked and talked immediately as Karen reached her and they laughed as they walked into the building. I grinned and turned, only to nearly smack into Kyle and Stan.

"Dude, what the fuck! Why the hell weren't you and Karen at the bus stop?" Kyle snapped. I squeezed my eyes shut, my eyebrows furrowing. It was too damn early to be yelled at.

"Bad night alright? Fuck off," neither one left, in fact, they just ignored my retort and we began to walk, Stan and Kyle talking about school.

"Dude, I have no fucking clue what we're doing on Pre-Calc, do you get it?" Stan asked. I forced a straight face, trying to not give anything away. I sold Craig drugs all the time, but this was Stan's own fucking father, it was harder to not give a damn about selling weed to one of my best friends dads.

"Dude, it's not even that hard, you just have to use the paper we got and simplify the equation . . ." ok Kyle was getting boring, time to zone out.

The halls were full of pubescent teens rushing around, trying to find their equally awkward friends. I on the other hand, was far from awkward. I was a confident mother fucker. Every time a girl passed, their eyes trained on my lengthily and I made sure to make them feel wanted, winking or smiling. They would walk away giggling, most likely trying to find their friends so they could brag.

Kyle and Stan were still talking about that damn Pre-Calc lesson when we reached our lockers, which by some miracle, were all stationed right next to each other. I ignored the redhead and raven next to me, somehow managing to stay away in a math conversation, a feat I had never mastered, and opened my locker, spotting a long, thin white envelope on the bottom, as though someone had shoved it hastily through the vents on the door before scurrying off.

I looked at the front 'To Kenny.' it said, in neat but not perfect handwriting. I untucked the flap and in the envelope, staring me right in the face.

Was a twenty dollar bill.

I stared at it, almost gaping. I looked around, wondering who could actually give enough fucks about me to give me money. We were high schoolers! Who the hell had money?

I pulled it out, it was slightly wrinkled but moderately clean for a bill. I smiled at it, folded it, and shoved it into my pocket. I was about to throw away the envelope until I realized it was thicker than I thought. With another glance, I realized a note was shoved into it. I unfolded it, and written in black pen, was this in the same handwriting.

'I hope everything works out for you. Stay safe and god bless you and your sister'

I wished it had a name on it, but it was anonymous. I patted all around my locker and sure enough, another little gift from my new anonymous friend.

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I began to salivate more than Randy had earlier that morning. I can't even remember the last time I had seen so much food in my own possession. Not Kyle's or Stan's or Cartman's or even Karen's, but mine. It was MY sandwich.

My mother fucking sandwich, I was given a sandwich FOR ME.

I ripped it open and ate half of it, which settled my screaming stomach for a short while and somehow found the self-control to save the rest for lunch later. It was exciting to have food waiting for me later today.

Plus I was hanging out with my friends with their stuffed cabinets and full fridges. Today would be a good day.

I grabbed necessary books and shit and rushed to my first class, Gym, reaching the locker room just as first bell rang. Sighing relief that I wouldn't get detention AGAIN, I went to my gym locker and pulled out my uniform and began to change, Butters in the locker next to me.

"Kenny a-are you okay? I mean you're usually happy but right now your, like g-glowing" Butters asked.

I laughed "Yeah, I'm good, just a better morning than expected,"

"That's good," Butters smiled before turning back to his locker and pulling his clothes off, causing me to glance over at him.

Butters, as guessed, had a very feminine look to him. Everything about him was soft. He had pale, milky skin and light blonde hair. His soft baby blue eyes were massive and seemed like a clear pool, it seemed as though all his tears had collected around his pupil to form the pale robin's egg blue eyes that enclosed them. His smile was dazzlingly white and his face clear and smooth as milk, seeing as his parents expected him to always be decent and perfect and obedient. Nothing different so they could say proudly to their friends "Yup, our son ALWAYS follows the rules and does everything he's supposed to!" Butters never complains about being just a trophy, but I can tell it doesn't sit well with him. He still keeps that etched on smiled bright and happy, just like mine. He had a perfectly flat stomach, seeing as his parents had him on the PERFECT diet (his parents pissed me off, trying to display perfection even though all of them were fucked up) and his ass was a soft curve but still wonderful to glance at. I knew every ass in the school and Butters' was one of the best, a close second to Kyle.

I also changed, the rough fabric of the uniform harsh against my bruised, cut skin. We just walked the entire class, and once we finished we changed back and I saw I had a message from Karen

Karen

Received: 7:26

I'm staying over Rubys tonite, walking home, grabbing some stuff, then her dads picking me up. Dont worry about me ill be fine

I smiled. She knew me too well, she knew I'd ask that eventually.

"Who's that Ken?" Butters asked.

"Karen," I could hear the warmth in my voice and so could he.

"Aww, that's nice," and with that, he grabbed his stuff and left, but not without another look at me, a smile given that no one else gave me, a genuinely nice smile and scampered away. Even my friends smiles seemed forced 99% of the time.

No need to wallow in self-pity about that though, I deal with enough shit, from idiot crack addicts to ignorant friends to drunken family members.

Butters smile made me feel a little better about the whole 'selling drugs to my best friend's dad' thing, which had begun to pick at my brain again. Only he and Karen could melt the steel in my heart.

Feelings were weakness, and I needed to be strong for everyone who depended on me, whether they wanted to or not. Whether they tell me their deepest secrets, I know them anyway. I was needed in school, not wanted, and honestly, it had just been normal to not feel wanted. But that smile changed it, and I found myself smiling to myself.

Ok so i would love feedback, what to improve or expand on or even just comments about the whole thing please review. and also if anyone ever has anything they ever want to talk about, home problems, tragic love life (hey, like mine! oh wait mine doesnt exist, 'lol sadness' {whoever the first to name the video that that last part in single quotes is from i will give you a special mention in my next chapter} haha) etc etc just PM me and ill help as much as i can cuz i want to make you all happy and feel perfect because you all are beautiful :) smiling yet? i hope so, and if not, heres somethign to smile about, i swear i will post the next chapter of Southern Pariah Unkept in less than a week, maybe tomorrow if i have time not doing homework and walking for kidney disease (hooray for charity!) but if not at the latest wensday. love all of you so stay beautiful!