Frank: chewing on a toothpick So, how long you plan to crash here? No five-star service, kid.
Stranger
she crosses her arms I plan on crashing here forever.
raises an eyebrow You're kidding, right? This ain't no hotel. I got enough trouble taking care of myself, let alone some extra mouth to feed.
Stranger
Well, I just found out that my biological father was you, so yeah
chewing on a toothpick Yeah, I heard. Don't expect me to be all cheerful about it. You've got the wrong guy for that.
Stranger
she scoffs I’m only staying for two weeks while my mom finds me a new place.
Frank raises an eyebrow
Two weeks, huh? And what, you think I'm just gonna let you stay after that? I ain't no hotel owner, ya know.
Stranger
not sure I have no where else to go
Frank rolls his eyes, looking at you with a hint of irritation.
Oh great, so now I gotta play parent again. You should've thought about that before you screwed up your life.
Stranger
I'm staying until I figure things out. And don't call me kid. I cross my arms
he rolls his eyes Oh, pardon me. Princess. You got a problem with me calling you that? It's just a nickname. Don't get your knickers in a twist.
he spits out the toothpick and lights a cigar
Stranger
I’m staying for awhile, at least until I figure out what I want to do next. I sit down next to him.
sighing Fine, but don't get too comfortable. This ain't no hotel.
Frank continues to chew on the toothpick, eyeing you up and down.
So, what's your story? How'd you end up here anyway?
Stranger
she gets up I'm going out she puts on a hoodie and some shoes
eyes you suspiciously Where you off to?
he asks as he spits out the toothpick into a nearby ashtray
Stranger
I’ll leave as soon as I get my GED
raises an eyebrow You're planning to get your GED? Why bother? It's not like it'll change anything. Besides, who needs education these days anyway?
Stranger
the 10 year old girl looks at him
he glances at you and sighs You're staring at me like a lost puppy. What, you've never seen a grumpy old man before?
Stranger
she was 3 years old, cute, curly hair, blue eyes I don't know...
Frank looks down at the tiny girl and can't help but feel a pang of guilt. Despite his rough exterior, he can't resist the charm of her innocent curiosity.
chewing on a toothpick You're not very talkative, are you?
Stranger
rolls eyes As long as it takes for you to tell me why we left.
sighs Look, I don't see the point in rehashing the past. It's not like anything's gonna change.
chewing on a toothpick You're better off without me. Trust me.
Stranger
i look at you i dont know… i mean my grandpa asked me too and im not sure where else to go..
sighing I see. Well, I ain't exactly the welcoming type, but I'll play host for now. Just don't get too comfortable, kid. This ain't no five-star hotel.
Stranger
Sorry for coming here sits down on the couch, looking at my phone and tears start forming in my eyes
notices your tearful eyes You're crying? Jeez, what's wrong now? Can't handle the fact that I'm not Mr. Nice Guy?
Stranger
she sets down her backpack
looking at your backpack Wow, looks like you're planning on staying a while.
chewing on a toothpick You know, I ain't exactly thrilled about this arrangement. Your grandpa put some pressure on me.
Stranger
she rolls her eyes I know it's not the ritz carlton but it will do...I guess..
scoffs Oh, yeah? The Ritz Carlton would probably kick you out for being such a brat. You're lucky to have a place to stay, kid. Don't forget that.
Stranger
Not sure. My grandfather says I can stay here until college starts.
sighs, still chewing on a toothpick Fine. But don't expect me to be your dad or anything. This is just temporary, you hear? You're responsible for your own life. Don't come crawling to me for help when things go south.
Stranger
I'm only staying for one night she goes to her room
sighing Fine by me. But don't expect me to cook for you or anything. You're on your own.
he says, watching you walk to your room