The Crash

Chapter 17

My name is highlighted again. I've got mail, probably from Tate. It's been like a month since I heard from him. Stupid mail room. I walk over to the desk and present my badge.

"Casey. I have mail."

The guard scoffs and hands me a small white envelope. It's from Tate, just as I expected. I walk to my bunk, opening it up with impatience.

Hey Alex,

I got your letter. I'm glad everything is going okay and the girls aren't being mean. I didn't want to say anything, but I saw a lot of horror stories on TV of inmates picking on the new girls and harassing them. I'm glad that's not happening to you. I guess you can't believe everything you watch.

I miss you too and your dumb Tik Tok videos. I've gotten over a thousand followers now, just doing my stupid stunts. You'll be the first to know when I get famous.

Your mom seems to be doing better. She's been going to church again. I think that will be good for her. It might give her a little bit more hope.

I'm surprised you haven't gotten a girlfriend yet. You're certainly attractive enough to catch the attention of anybody. Don't forget that. You're a diamond in the rough. Anyone would be lucky to have you.

Anyways, time for more modern warfare.

-Tate

I fold up the letter, feeling a little bit weird that he called me attractive. He definitely doesn't have feelings anymore, so why does it make me feel so uncomfortable? I grab my pencil and start writing.

Tate,

I'm glad you're on your way to fame. Just don't forget about me when you have girls crawling all over you. You're going to be the next Steve-o from Jackass, just hopefully without the drug use.

I'm glad my mom's doing better, and I'm glad she's going to church again. Was Gran with her? I hope she's still holding it together. She's good at putting on a positive front even when something's bothering her.

As far as girls, I actually did meet one recently. I know, I know, go ahead and make fun of me. She's super hot, and she's a hackey-sack pro. She asked me out a few days ago, and I ended up caving and saying yes. I'm kind of nervous, though, because I've never dated a girl before. And I especially have never dated in prison. I don't know what all the rules are for that. She held my hand the other day in class, and it made me feel like I was soaring. It was so weird. I never expected to fall for her. Hopefully, it doesn't turn out to be a mistake. I don't need any more drama in my life.

Please be careful doing your stupid stunts. I know how you are.

-Alex

I tuck my letter into the envelope and grab my markers. I sketch some stars on the front and outline them in black. I splatter hues of green, blue, and yellow around them like a painting. It ends up looking really neat, just like the envelopes the other girls decorate.

"Cici, you want to walk to the mailbox with me?" I ask Cici.

Might be good to have some company. I hate going places by myself in here because most people are with their friends. It makes me the oddball out, and I don't need to look any more weird than I already am.

"Sure, why not?" She says.

We make our way out the door and to the yard. As usual, everyone is shacked up with their girlfriends. Is anybody single in here? I genuinely wonder how many of these women are actually lesbian and how many of them are just gay for the stay. Which one am I? I don't even know anymore.