"Who were those guys?"
Bess' father slammed the door as soon as she came inside. Mom was nowhere to be found, then again, that was the norm. Bess' father glared at his daughter before taking a swig of his beer.
"You're not whoring yourself out, are you?" he accused, pointing at Bess.
Why else would she be hanging around with losers like them? Bess quickly shook her head, beginning to get scared. She knew where this was leading to.
"You are, aren't you!"
Her father threw the beer can at Bess, letting the remaining drink splash over her. She wrapped her arms around her head, doing her best to shield herself.
"Daddy, no!" Bess cried in fear.
"Don't talk back to me!"
He grabbed her by the hair, pulling her toward the back of the house.
"Let's see how much money you made."
Bess' father shoved her into the bathroom, letting her fall against the tub.
"Daddy... " Bess whimpered.
"Quiet!" he yelled.
He pulled her large coat off, rummaging through the pockets. The only thing that could be found were a couple of crumpled bills, as well as Jay's ruined tape.
"What's this?" Bess' father asked holding the cash. "Prostitute money?"
He pocketed the bills, pushing Bess into the tub.
"You're just like your mother. Wash yourself off."
He turned the shower on, letting the cold water run over Bess' body. The young woman cried, her tears mixing with the running water. She slowly began pealing her wet clothes off and sniffled as she saw the bruises on her arms. Some fresh, some fading to show this was not the first time this had happened.
Bess knew she had to get a move on if she was going to meet up with Jay and Silent Bob. She just had to get out of this house, even if it was just for the day. Two sets of snores could be heard in the house. Mom was in the bedroom, still dressed in stripper clothing. The smell of alcohol strong on her breath. Dad was passed out in the recliner, static coming from the TV.
Bess gave a sigh, knowing he still had that money that was taken away. His hiding place was well-known to her and easy to find. Bess reached her hand under the recliner, retrieving the money she would need. Keeping herself mute, Bess picked up her coat, sneaking out of the house.