The Crash

Chapter 2

My door buzzes open, startling me awake. I climb off my bunk, put on my black Velcro shoes, and peak out of the doorway. Inmates are gathering on the first tier, forming a line in front of the door to the main hallway.

A large metal cart sits blocking the way out as a woman in a hair net hands out trays one by one. I'm assuming this is breakfast. I'm starving, but I've seen prison food on TV, and it barely looks edible.

I make my way down the steps and place myself at the end of the line, all eyes on me. I try to avoid any direct eye contact. I really don't want anyone saying anything to me. I don't know any of these women, and for all I know, they could have done something worse, or I guess I should say, intentional.

Slowly, everyone inches forward, waiting for their breakfast.

When I get to the front of the line, the cafeteria worker in a hair net hands me my tray. I look down to see a hard, square pancake and some awful-looking grits. I grimace as I slowly turn around, trying not to spill anything. That's the last thing I need.

I sit at a table by myself, hoping and praying that no one else will join me. But just my luck, a girl with caramel colored skin sits down next to me and grins as she puts her arm around me. I shudder as I cringe backward.

"So, do you like girls?" She says with a smirk.

What kind of question is that? I literally don't even know you. What an inappropriate thing to bring up.

"That's none of your business." I snap harshly. Who does she think she is? I'm not here to get a girlfriend. I'm here to serve my time and get the hell home if that ever happens.

Another girl with a light complexion and long hair sashays to the table. Her eyes twinkle as she lets out a high-pitched giggle. I already know I don't like her.

"Don't mind her. She's always looking for her new flavor of the week. My name is Amber, by the way." She cocks her head at me, studying my expression.

"You've never been to jail before, have you?" She asks.

Seriously? Do I look like I've been here before?

"No." I say. "And I don't plan on it being a career."

The first girl rolls her eyes at Amber and throws her a playful punch. "I'm Tee."

I have to admit, she's cute, but like I said, not here for a girlfriend. Not to mention the fact that she made a terrible first impression. I don't even know if I like girls. I've never been with one before. It doesn't matter, anyway. I have other priorities, like trying to forgive myself for taking someone's life.

"Alex." I tell them flatly.

I look down at my food, my stomach turning. The grits have chunks in them, like they weren't even stirred. The pancake is dry even with the large coating of crystallized syrup. I think I'm going to be sick.

I try to eat as fast as I can before taking my tray back to the metal cart.

I spot a television and carve a path through the other inmates to avoid as much interaction as possible. I've had enough for one day.

These girls think it's a joke being in here. They are oblivious to the fact that they are in jail. This isn't a fucking game. We really fucked up and it's time for us to sit back and figure out what ultimately landed us in here so we can fix it and never come back again.

The TV is a small one, the same as Gran has in her room. She always refused to upgrade to the flat screens. I still don't understand why. I've done my fair share of persuading to no avail.