“Hey, Ky, who’s your new friend?” Ashley interrupts. “Ash, Carmen. Carmen, Ash.” Kyla points between them unenthused. “Hi,” “Hey,” “See, I told you.” Kyla says making Carmen laugh. “You find me next time. Ok?” Kyla gets up and drags Ashley away.
“Do you have to be up my crack all the time?” Kyla says angrily. “Wow, sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt your date.” Ashley steps back. “It was not a date. I just want people to know me separately from us.” They sit back at the table with Madison. “Uh… Kyla, a little advice, if you wanna survive around here stay away from Carmen.” Mads has on her gossip face. “Why?” Kyla’s brow is scrunched. She receives a ‘do you really have to ask’ look from the entire population of the table, save Ashley. “One word: tortillera.” Ashley stiffens. “What does that mean?” Kyla looks around. “It means she’s a freak; a disgusting degenerate dyke.” Madison makes a face.

“There’s nothing wrong with being gay. Where do you get off saying ignorant prejudiced loads of shit like that?” Ashley stands up cracking her knuckles. “Woah, you betta take a step back gringa.” Madison stands as well. “You don’t have the right to talk to me that way.” Ashley makes a fist. “What are you gonna do about it? Huh? I’m not afraid to fight a sick cunt eater like you.” Madison spews. Kyla looks between them; Madison is trying not to look scared shitless, Ashley has murder in her eyes. Ashley’s fist flies out at lightning speed. Kyla grabs her just in time and drags her away.
“Ashley, what the fuck?” Ashley yanks her arm away and punches the wall. Paint chips crumble from the crack in the concrete. “People say crap like that all the time. You’ve never hit anyone for it before. What is wrong with you?” Kyla reaches out to her. “I’m sick of it. I’m sick and tired of keeping my mouth shut. I’m sick of feeling like shit for being gay. I’m sick of living in fear of my life all the time.” Ashley’s voice is husky and raspy. “There is a time and a place. They can kick you out for being gay and for beating a girl into a coma. You’ve got to chill.” Kyla tries to calm her down. “Yeah, sorry.” Ash walks off. “ Where are you going?”  “I don’t know, somewhere.” She disappears out the door.