April 25th, 1985.

14

I sleep a lot over the next few days. Then Mike explains the 'situation.'

Mike says we have to be careful, because Papa and his men are looking for us. They've said Mike has stolen me. That I need to be returned to my 'family'. Mike says that's bullshit. I agree. We have been staying with Dustin for too long. His apartment is dark and somewhat secluded- "no one wants to live in this shit hole, especially given the location. Man, who would've thought I would end up in Bumfuck Alabama!" was how he put it- but we need to move on.

"You guys can't just go out with her looking like that, though." Dustin comments, gesturing to my head. I cover it embarrassedly. I am no longer shaved bare, but the matted ear length mass resting on my skull isn't much better. And Dustin's clothes are comfortable, but not exactly 'cool'.

"What? She looks fine." Mike insists indignantly. "Don't be an asshole."

"I'm not being mean," Dustin rolls his eyes and crosses his arms. "I'm just being honest. She looks like a street rat. You need to talk to Nancy."

"No, I can handle her. I'll get some, uh, clothes, and scissors, and uhhhhh. Do you need, uh, sanitary products?" I nod slowly and he flushes even further.

"No, Mike. It'll look weird as hell if you go out and buy that shit. This is a small town. Word will get around fast. Just. Call. Her."

"Who's Nancy?" I venture.

"She's Mike's sister. He doesn't like to talk to her because she's in a polyamorous relationship and is a badass drug dealer."

"Dustin!" Mike protests.

"What's a drug dealer?" I ask, utterly confused.

"Fine! I'll call her." Mike's face is bright red as he rushes over to Dustin's phone.

"Pol-ee-am-or-us? What's that?" I question again. I can decide if these words make 'Nancy' a 'good guy' or 'bad guy'. I do know what those are. Dustin watches a lot of television and he likes to yell and curse at the set while he does. Especially when the 'bad guys' come on screen.

"Mmm, I let Mike explain that one."

Mike spends a very long time on the phone with Nancy. Dustin and I sit on the couch and watch a movie called "The Breakfast Club". I don't understand most of it, but I hate when Bender shows the other guy his burns. So I am not the only person with a bad Papa.

I recoil under my blanket, hiding my face as bad memories flood through my mind.

"Turn it off." Mike commands Dustin roughly.

"Geez, okay." He clicks the remote and the sofa depresses as Mike sits besides me.

"Hey, Elle." He says softly. "I talked to Nancy. She'll be here in a day or two. She's only in Memphis, but she has, some, um, business to attend to."

"Great." Dustin remarks. "Just hope she doesn't bring Fucking Steve with her."