Don't Call Me Angel

Angel 21

Lavender White sat in the sterile visiting room of the Baldwin Correctional Facility, her nerves tingling with anticipation. She had received a message earlier that day about visitors. When the door creaked open, her heart leaped, and she couldn't help but break into a grin as she saw Celeste Bailey and Josh Worthy walk in. Both were wearing mischievous smiles.

"Lav!" Celeste exclaimed, rushing over to give her a tight hug. "It's so good to see you!"

"Hey, Lav," Josh said, giving her a more subdued, but no less genuine, hug. "Looking... well, you're here, so as good as you can be."

Lavender couldn't help but laugh. "Thanks, Josh. I appreciate the honesty."

Celeste took a step back and examined her friend. "Wow, Lav, this prison wardrobe really doesn't suit you. Orange is definitely not your color."

Lavender rolled her eyes but smiled. "Tell me about it. I miss my old clothes."

Josh chuckled and set down a bag on the table. "Well, we brought you some stuff. Thought you might like it."

Lavender's eyes lit up as she peeked inside the bag. It was filled with little comforts from the outside world: a soft blanket, some books, and toiletries that smelled like home. "You guys are the best," she said, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes.

"We know," Celeste said with a wink. "But seriously, how are you holding up?"

Lavender sighed, leaning back in her chair. "It's tough. Really tough. But seeing you guys helps. A lot."

Josh sat down next to her. "We miss you at camp. It's not the same without you."

"Yeah," Celeste agreed, pulling up a chair. "But don't worry, we've been causing plenty of trouble in your honor."

Lavender laughed. "Of course you have. What's been happening?"

Celeste launched into a detailed recount of the latest camp antics. "Well, let's see. There was the time we swapped the counselor's shampoo with hair remover. That was priceless. And then Josh here tried to 'liberate' some snacks from the kitchen and almost got caught."

Josh grinned. "Almost. Key word."

Lavender shook her head, smiling. "I can't believe you guys. Same old troublemakers."

"Someone has to keep the tradition alive," Celeste said with a shrug. "But enough about us. What's been going on with you? Anything new?"

Lavender hesitated, thinking about Ambrose and the lawyer Isabel Veratti. "Well, I got some good news. A lawyer named Isabel Veratti is taking on my case. And Ambrose's too."

Celeste's eyes widened. "Isabel Veratti? The Isabel Veratti? That's amazing, Lav! She's like, a legal rock star."

Josh nodded, impressed. "Yeah, if anyone can help you, it's her."

Lavender felt a swell of hope. "I know. It feels like I might actually have a chance to get out of here."

Celeste leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Tell us everything. What's she like? What's the plan?"

Lavender spent the next few minutes filling them in on her meeting with Isabel, the details of her case, and her hopes for the future. Celeste and Josh listened intently, their support palpable.

"You're gonna get through this, Lav," Josh said firmly. "We believe in you."

"Yeah," Celeste added, squeezing Lavender's hand. "And when you get out, we'll be waiting. Camp reunions and all."

Lavender smiled, her heart full. "Thank you. You guys don't know how much this means to me."

Celeste glanced around the visiting room and leaned in conspiratorially. "By the way, any hot gossip from the inside? You know we live for drama."