Guilty until proven innocent

Crossroads

TW: Short mention of physical abuse. 

In the days that followed, my emotions continued to be in a whirlwind. The news of the appeal had breathed new life into Erik, and he was more optimistic than ever about the possibility of being free one day. We continued talking every day, sharing our hopes, dreams, and fears, and the connection between us grew stronger with each passing moment.

I even started getting weekly calls from the warden with updates from new inmates signing up to be in the program and the positive impacts it seemed to be having on the prison.

As the weeks turned into months, I found myself falling deeper in love with Erik. He had become an integral part of my life, and I couldn't imagine a future without him. But with the uncertainty of the appeal and the challenges we would face if he were released, I knew I had to be cautious and realistic. He still didn't know about the true pain I had been through in the past and it wasn't just emotional or mental abuse I suffered from my exfiance. I was very lucky to be alive today.

One evening, as I sat in my office at the shelter, Sam walked in with a concerned look on his face. "Lily, we need to talk," he said, taking a seat across from me.

I put down the paperwork I was working on and gave him my full attention. "What's on your mind, Sam?"

"I'm worried about you, Lily," he said, his voice gentle. "I can see how much you care for Erik, but you need to be careful. This is a complex situation, and you don't want to get hurt. Are you mentally prepared for all angles of society if and when he is released?"

I sighed, knowing he was right. "Sam, first I love you. I've tried to prepare myself as best as I can but it's a situation where we have to cross that bridge when it comes. It's just that being with Erik feels so right, and I can't ignore the connection we have regardless of what society thinks."

He nodded, understanding my feelings. "I get it, Lily. But you need to consider the realities of this situation. Erik is in prison, and there's a long road ahead if the appeal is successful. You have your life and responsibilities here, and you need to think about what's best for you."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled with the conflicting emotions inside me. I didn't want to give up on what I had with Erik, but I also knew I couldn't ignore the practicalities of our situation.

"I don't know what to do, Sam," I admitted, my voice shaky. "I love him, but I don't want to lose myself in this." I hadn't even mentioned to Sam yet that during a meeting with Erik and his lawyer the concern came up for where he and Lyle would stay upon their release and without thinking twice I offered my farm as a temporary living arrangement.

He reached across the table and took my hand. "Lily, take some time to think about what you really want. Talk to Erik about your concerns and fears. Communication is key in any relationship, and it's even more crucial in a situation like this. You both need to be prepared for what's going to come with this. Now, it's just the two of you having fun, but when he gets out, the whole world will know who you are. I just know if he ever hurt you he'll wish he was never released from prison for the wrath he will face with me."

I nodded, feeling grateful for Sam's support and advice. "You're right. I need to talk to Erik about everything. We need to be on the same page if we're going to make this work, and Sam there's something I didn't tell you."

He cocked his head and said "Lil, what did you do?'

I told him about the arrangement and I thought he was going to kill me. "YOU DID WHAT, Lily I know that man is hot and you need to get laid but what in the actual fuck. Both he and Lyle will be living with you, on the farm?"