When Cherries Fall | Kingston Prisoners

CHAPTER 15 - VAUGHN

Am I currently picking the neighbors' lock with a bobby pin right now? Yes. Did I wait for Cherry to fall asleep before I attempted to do this? Yes. I'm not proud of what I'm about to do, but I never claimed to be a saint. And Maddox isn't one either.

I had to wait until the guards left for the remainder of the night before I broke in. I'm not out to hurt anybody - just him. He might not even care. We'll see ...

After fumbling with the lock as quietly as I could, I'm finally in. Who knew a past in crime would prepare you for sweet, sweet revenge ...

I quietly make my way in through the door. The light from the window provides enough illumination into the room to make out my surroundings. I notice the room has a similar layout to ours.

And they're fast asleep. Both of them are sleeping on the bottom bunk with Maddox's arm wrapped around Daphne. Their bodies are turned enough that I can see their faces when I walk in. The sight catches me off guard. I would've never expected Maddox of all people to fall fast asleep with someone in his arms. It reminds me of how much I'd rather be sleeping with Cherry right now.

I just need to grab Daphne and head out. As I make my way over to the bed, I see Maddox wrap his arm around Daphne's waist even tighter. Fuck. He needs to be in a deep enough sleep so I can move his arm, or this is going straight to hell. I grab Maddox's wrist and gently move it towards himself.

Kidnapping is a crime. He should know. That's what the bastard is in for. I go to pick up Daphne and she doesn't stir. Thank God. Let's see how long it takes for him to notice Daphne is missing.

I head for my room and close the door behind me with Daphne in my arms. I let out a sigh of relief, but it's short-lived because Cherry is standing in the middle of the room with her arms crossed staring at me dead in eyes - and she's not happy.

"What are you doing?!" Cherry shouts in a whisper.

"I can explain - Maddox decided to mess with you so I'm messing with him. I wasn't going to hurt her, just hide her and make him go a little crazy."

"Are you insane?!" Cherry whispers angrily. "Put her down on the bed now. It might not be too late to get her back and get you out of trouble -"

Before Cherry can finish her sentence, I look down at Daphne who's staring at me with wide eyes.

I quickly put my hand over her mouth. "If you scream, I'm going to make Maddox's life a living hell," I tell her quickly.

She nods in a panic and I let her down.

"Vaughn!' Cherry exclaims. "You can't say that!"

"Come here Daphne, Vaughn is just planning some stupid revenge garbage." Daphne goes to sit with Cherry who throws an arm around her in an attempt to comfort her.

"I promise I'm not going to hurt you," I explain. "Maddox is trying to mess with Cherry - I don't know how much you know about him, but he never does anyone a favor unless it's business or revenge."

"I don't exactly know why he's helping Cheryl," Daphne says softly, "but he's not a bad guy," she continues. "Please don't hurt him," she pleads.

I nod. "This is it. I'm not going to do anything else to him. It's just to send a message. Don't you want to see if he seriously cares about you?"

Daphne looks around the room. "It doesn't matter if he cares about me or not. I care about him, and he's not who he used to be," she says in a soft yet confident voice.

"How could you not see that he cares about you," Cherry exclaims in a whisper. "Didn't you see how worried he was about you?"

"He's my best friend - we've protected each other through thick and thin," Daphne explains. "You tend to care about the people that can protect you."

"If you think he only worries about you for the money or loyalty, you're wrong," Cherry says.

Daphne smiles at Cherry. "I need to go back," she pleads.

"I can't let you do that, I'm sorry," I say sincerely. "You'll be able to go back when Maddox bursts his fuse."

Daphne nods.

"Do you want a cupcake?" Cherry offers. Daphne's face lights up. Cherry smiles and goes to grab the cupcakes from the corner of the room. "There's only three left," she explains, "but you're worth it."

Daphne smiles. "Thank you, Cheryl," she exclaims as she gives her a big hug. "Can I take one for Maddox?" Daphne asks. Cherry nods with a smile.

"There's no way you're letting her go back?" Cherry says in a plea.

"No one messes with you," I respond.

"I guess we'll try and make your stay a comfortable as possible," Cherry says to Daphne.

"If you're trying to break Maddox using me, it won't work, but I'll stick around if you agree not to hurt him," Daphne says.

"It's a deal," I respond.

"It's three in the morning, what are we going to do in the meantime?" Cherry asks.

"Go to sleep Cherry, you've already taken your medicine," I say.

"You're sick?" Daphne interjects.

"Not exactly," Cherry replies. "Why don't we girls sleep on the top bunk and Vaughn sleeps on the bottom."

I guess I deserve that. I take Cherry into my arms and lift her onto the top bunk. I watch as Daphne climbs up onto the top bunk as well.

"Goodnight, Mr. Insane," Cherry coos.

I just shake my head.

Sleeping without Cherry isn't going to be the same. But at least I get to mess with Maddox just a bit. I wonder how he'll even react ... that's another story.