Entering the city

Mary walked for hours until she reached downtown Bountiful Hills. She was marveling at how places she was familiar with were completely different, and some buildings looked worse for wear compared to the newer looking ones she knew. There was a park where she knew was a housing development in her time. It was odd seeing the run down independent theater in such good shape, and showing Batman Forever. She resisted walking up to see a movie she had only experienced at home. She had to find Doc and get back...home.

The sun was coming up, and Mary definitely felt like she was about to fall asleep if she didn't get some caffeine. She found a coffee shop on a corner, where she was sure was now a Starbucks. She walked in and saw it was mostly empty. She walked up to the counter, and was greeted by an woman in her 50s.

"Morning, Honey! On the way to work?" She asked.

"Kinda. You open?" Mary asked.

"What you need?"

"Well, can I get a Grande Soy Latte with a double shot of espresso?" Mary asked.

"We don't got any fancy Italian drinks here. You want coffee?" The woman asked, holding up a coffee pot.

"Oh, sure." Mary replied.

The waitress handed her the mug of black coffee and Mary took a sip, recoiling at the bitter taste.

"Oh...its...great. Hey, you have a phone I can borrow?" Mary **** a smile as stood at the counter.

"Sure, it's over there." The woman said, pointing to a pay phone next to the restroom.

Mary had never seen one in good condition before. She picked up the receiver, and tried to remember Doc's number from memory, but couldn't. She pulled her phone out of the clutch purse and saw it had no signal, but she could still access her contacts. She quickly pulled up Doc's number, and dialed. She heard one ring before an automated voice said she had to insert coins or a prepaid call card. Having neither, she gave up on the phone. She would have to find Doc some other way. Mary walked back to the waitress.

"Hey, I'm looking for someone. I know their name, but not the address." Mary said.

"Have you tried 4-1-1?" She said.

"What's that?" Mary asked.

"Damn, don't your parents teach you basic skills? Just dial 4-1-1 and an operator will help you find an address or name." The waitress scoffed, wiping down the counter.

Mary went back and did as she was told. To her surprise, she got a real person on the other end, who gave her Doc's address. 42069 North Kwim Dr. She typed it on her phone and put it back in her purse. The entrance bell rang as a girl entered, wearing a denim jacket, high waisted jeans, and a black tank top. She got a donut and a can of coke. She sat at the counter and took a bite of her donut before opening the can and taking a sip. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail, the neon pink scrunchie contrasting with her outfit. Mary couldn't shake the fact she looked familiar.

"Hey, take a picture, it'll last longer!" The girl shouted at Mary.

"Uh, sorry. I thought you were someone else." Mary said.

Suddenly, the door opened, and a hulking large male entered. He seemed both imposing and dumb as a brick wall. He sauntered over to the denim girl.

"So, Lomnocht. You got my homework?" He said.

Mary's eyes went wide in realization. She was looking at Seth, which meant the denim girl was...

"You're Kristy Lomnocht!" Mary shouted.

"Yeah. Who the hell are you?" The girl retorted.

Mary gulped as she tried to find the words.

"Lomnocht. Home. WORK?" Seth asked, shoving his ugly mug in Kristy's face.

"I'm working on it. At HOME. it's not due until tomorrow, so I figured i could give it to you..." she began.

"Um, HELLO Lomnocht! Think about it. If i handed in my homework in your handwriting, I'll get expelled. And you wouldn't want that to happen, right?" Seth asked.

"No, of course not. I'll have it done tonight." Kristy said.

"Great, I'll be by your place to pick it up, and maybe we can finally go out, eh?" Seth said.

"Ugh, not in a million years, Seth." Kristy said, pushing him aside and leaving.

Mary quickly walked out to follow her mom. This was a side of her she'd never seen. Perhaps she had been worn down over the years? Then a truly dark thought entered Mary's mind:

What is Seth is my biological father?

The notion was too gross to think about. She instead walked out and followed her mom. Kristy got on a bicycle and rode away, so Mary was unable to catch up. She saw Seth and his friends get into his car, probably heading to the high school. Mary figured she should go too. Not wanting to ask Seth for a ride, she began walking on the sidewalk. She wished she had her skateboard, but didn't mind much. She was fascinated by how different her hometown was compared to how she knew it. As she walked, she heard a bike speeding behind her, and a bell ringing. She stepped to the side as it passed, but felt tug as it went by.

RRRIIIIIIIPPPPPP!

Mary stood frozen for a moment as she couldn't believe she was stripped again so easily. She stood on the sidewalk wearing only sandals and panties. She crossed her arms over her chest and yelled at the cyclist.

"Hey, you on the bike!" She shouted.

The cyclist stopped half a block away and turned around to see naked girl running up to him. The boy was well kept, and seemed nerdy by most standards. He greeted the naked woman nervously.

"Hey, er uh...hi." he said.

"You kinda stole my dress." Mary said, nodding in the direction of his handlebar.

The boy's eyes widened and looked, seeing the black strip of fabric wrapped around his brain handle. He quickly extricated it and handed it to her.

"Thanks." Mary said, sarcastically.

"Hey, I'm Zack. Maybe I can let you borrow some clothes before school starts." He said.

"How far do you live?" Mary asked.

"Oh, not far. I was actually on my way home after picking up a few items in town. Just a couple houses down." The boy explained.

Mary followed him as he walked his bike home. They didn't speak a word until he opened the door. His mom stood in the doorway, already not looking too friendly.

"Zack, did you make friends with a prostitute?" She asked, crossing her arms.

"No. I actually accidentally tore her dress off when I rode past her." He explained.

"Still doesn't explain her lack of bra." The woman said.

"Please, I need to borrow some clothes. I...can't go home yet. At least let me in?"