The Crash

Chapter 23

I hear the clink of keys as my security door is finally opened.

I step outside, and it's like stepping into the light. Literally. It's so dark in this cell, I was beginning to feel like a vampire. I'm so happy to be out, I thought I would never see grass again. The world was starting to feel like it was made of concrete.

A guard leads me out of the cell and down to the central vault. I fetch my belongings, tied up in a large, clear trash bag. I haul it back to the dorm, tired from exhaustion by the time I get back. It really did a number on my already aching back. That mattress was no joke.

I can't wait to lay in my "real" bed again, which is crazy to say because it's still a prison cot. I've grown used to it, though, and now it's actually rather cozy. I have all of my hobbies right on my bed, and I'm surrounded by all the things that I like.

"You're back!" Cici screams, running towards me.

This is so embarrassing. I don't know what she thought of me when I did that. I hope she's not mad at me for leaving her. I hope Sam isn't mad. I had to do the right thing.

"I'm back." I say. "That was the worst three days of my life. I never want to go back there again."

True story.

"I still can't believe you did that. I'm proud of you for doing the right thing, even if you did get sent to the hole. That girl could have died, and the guard could give a shit less."

I give her a quick hug when the guards aren't looking and start to unpack my things.

Cici sits on her bunk while I organize my lockbox. She takes out some paint and floor wax to do her nails. Women sure get creative in here. Did I say that already?

"I saw Sam at work, and she wondered why you weren't at the yard the other day. I told her everything that happened. She's not mad or anything. She said she would have done the same thing."

I breathe a sigh of relief. "I was just about to ask you about her. I've been worrying the whole time."

Worrying is an understatement. It was absolutely eating away at me every hour of every day. I couldn't stop wondering if she would still be my girlfriend when I got out. For a split second, I even wondered if she would find a replacement. Some hotter, or smarter, or better at kissing.

Then, I felt bad for even thinking the thought.

I close my lockbox, spinning the lock to secure it. I learned really quickly not to leave my things out when I got one of my custom-made coffee cups swiped from my TV stand. I'm still sad about it.

We walk out to the yard, hoping to find Sam. Thankfully, I find her in her usual spot on the bleachers, watching some of the inmates shoot hoops. She looks happy. That's a good sign. I missed talking to her so much, and I missed seeing her beautiful face. I missed her hugs, and I missed her kisses. I missed her.

"Sam!" I yell, trying to walk as fast as I can towards her.

"Alex!" She calls, power-walking towards me."

She stops in front of me, looking deep into my eyes with concern. When the C.O.'s aren't looking she gives me a quick hug. It feels good to be home in her arms. My safe place.

"I was so worried about you. I didn't know what happened. For all I knew, you left completely. Thankfully, Cici filled me in on everything when we were at the library."

Thank God for Cici. She really saved my ass with this one. I'm going to have to remember to make it up to her when I get a chance.

"I really missed you." I sigh. "And those perfect lips."

Those lips. It's like kissing an angel from Heaven. I never knew a woman's lips could be so utterly soft. I was really missing out.

"Ew!" Cici says with fake disgust. "Get a room, you two."

I'm not sure I'm ready for all that yet. I just recently kissed a woman for the first time. I'm trying to take it slow since it's all so new.

Sam lets out a hearty laugh. "You don't want to hear my thoughts about her, then."

Okay, maybe I kind of want to hear what those thoughts are. I wouldn't be opposed to acting on them, down the road, of course.

I blush, very obviously. It's becoming my trademark lately.

"Okay, kids. That's enough." Cici states. "Let's play some volleyball."

We walk over to the court, serving the ball to each other until the yards close.

*     *      *

When I get back to my bed, there's a little note folded up into a tiny square.

That's weird. Did Sam write me again?

I open it up, trying to figure out who it's from.

Alex,

I've noticed you a lot lately. I didn't see it before, but you are absolutely gorgeous. I know you don't really know me, but I'd like to get to know you better. You seem like a cool girl. I've seen you hanging out a lot with Sam Benson, so I don't know what's going on there, but hopefully it's nothing serious. I'd like to think I have a chance, even if it's slim. Write back if you can.

-Bri

I stare at the note, dumbfounded. Who is Bri?

I stand on the bar of Cici's bed, straining my neck to look around the dorm to see if I can find the culprit somewhere out there. Then, I notice a mixed girl with short dreadlocks eyeing me from a few bays over. She's not obvious at all. I quickly look away, a red tint creeping up my neck and spreading across my face.

"What are you looking at?" Cici says as she walks up.

"I was looking for someone." I say.

Why did she have to come back now. I really don't want to have to explain this to her.

"Sam isn't in this dorm." She laughs. "You know that."

"I know, Cici." I reply with a hint of a sting in my voice. "Someone wrote me a note and I'm trying to figure out who it's from. I didn't recognize the name."

She looks at me, bewilderment on her face. "What kind of note?"

I roll my eyes. "What do you think? Why would someone write me a note, Cici?"

"Oh my God, no way!" She gives me a playful punch. "Girl, you got it going on. Everyone wants a piece off Alex now."

"Ugh. That's so disgusting. Please don't say that." A shiver runs thorough my body.

"It's true! Ever Since you got with Sam, all the studs have been breaking their necks to look at you every time you walk by."

Really? Well, it doesn't matter. I only have my eyes on one woman. Sam.

"I don't really care." I say, no hint of emotion in my voice. "They aren't Sam."

She makes a sad face. "That's so cute. I wish I could find someone who loves me as much as you love Sam."

Love?

"Woah, hold on." I pause for a moment. "I never said I loved anyone."

Cici guffaws. "It's obvious, Alex. And you've been dating long enough. You need to tell her."

Maybe I do love her. Is that possible already?

"I don't know. I'll think about it."

I hoist myself off her bunk onto my own, picking up a book and distracting myself from this new thought. If I love her, what does that mean? What's the next step?