Summertime thoughts

 "Did Monica actually win this?" Carmen couldn't help but smile. She'd never been this close to one of these keychain dolls that everyone was talking about.

"Uh," Randy looked at her as if she had better give the PopMart toy back. "It's not like she got it on the first try, you know." It had been a night of suspense at the Claw Machine.

"Well, I want to go. I want to win one at the arcade." She looked it over and knew it would take a lot of money for one of these. For a split second, she thought she could win one for Kenny, but then again, she might keep it for herself.

"You think you could make one, like these?" She gave it back and went to tidy the apartment, making sure Kenny went home with all his stuff.

"You mean a knock-off?" Randy gave her a sly look. "I don't think so. I mean, I could study it for a bit, but I dunno, not exactly. I wouldn't want to."

Carmen nodded, as if she understood.

"But, we'll go again. Maybe you and Justin could go." He went to put the funny creature away in a safe place in his room, and then took out the recyclables.

A part of Carmen wished they had big plans for the Fourth, but Justin wasn't exactly sleeping lately. She had a feeling he just wanted to be left alone on the computer. Of course, Trish was back, and Carmen guessed they would all celebrate the Fourth together. 

Maybe someday they would do something on their own. Like, spend the day at the lake and watch the fireworks on the water. Maybe even camping. Still, she liked seeing everyone. She liked making cold JELLO salads and brownies, too. 

It was good to see Kenny with a home, and she wanted to be a part of it. Just then, she got a text from Eric. She hadn't heard from him in ages.