When Cherries Fall | Kingston Prisoners

CHAPTER 5 - VAUGHN

       I feel a weight on my chest.

       I look down to see Cherry's head on my shoulder - sleeping soundly. Her arms are sprawled out over my chest.

       I turn to look out the window. It's only the early hours of the morning.

       What the hell have I gotten myself into? I smooth my hands over my face.

       How did she end up here in the first place? Fuck. I shouldn't care. It doesn't matter.

       I'm going to pretend as if yesterday didn't happen. I catch another glance at her peaceful form.

       I notice her eyes flutter open and I quickly look away.

"Good morning!" she beams.

       "Good morning," I mutter back as I sit up and turn to hang my legs over the side of the bed. I sweep the room trying to take in my surroundings.

       I look back and watch Cherry weakly pull herself back. My chest begins to hurt.

       I wrap an arm around her shoulders and pull her back gently. I head to the stand on the other side of the room to pour a glass of water and hand it to her. She takes it with both hands.

       "Thanks, Mr. Grouch," she says with a smile.

        I hold back a smile and instead, give a nod.

         "What are we doing today?" Cherry asks. "The staff here aren't very informative," she says with a tone of humor.

       What are we not doing today?

       "It's mostly hard labor. It depends on your placement. Usually, we head to breakfast, go to work, and then run the mile - it's part of our daily physical activity if there wasn't already enough of that."

       "I love running! Oh! We're going to have so much fun!"

       "I wouldn't exactly call it fun," I deadpan.

        "We're starting the day off with two miles and then heading to breakfast because Director Frazier is a - I mean, animal."

         Cherry stands up trying to grasp her balance. I go to hold her upright.

         Cherry starts again, "We're just going to have to troop through it. Got no other choice right?"

         I nod. I don't know how Cherry is going to handle the mile. She can barely stand.

        "You look anxious," Cherry says, as she interrupts my train of thought.

        I shake my head.

       "Just tired. I never get anxious."

        She smiles and nods.

       "We better get changed then!"

       Cherry heads to the closet and pulls out the Institute's track outfit - a short-sleeved skirt and pair of pants.

      "At least they gave me something," she smiles.

      Cherry points at the bathroom in our room, "I'm going to head to the bathroom to change, and then we can head out to the field."

      I nod and go to grab a fistful of my clothes from the chair near the window.

     Fuck. Today better go smoothly.