Your Favorite

19.

~NY~
two days later.

picking up onika from the prison felt like a movie. they insisted she stay cuffed, she looked exhausted, she was silent. the whole process of leaving i hadn't looked at her eyes completely. either they were closed or she was looking down. i couldn't comfort her too much in a room full of officers, so i was rushing us to get to the truck.

her short steps kind of frustrated me, i placed my hand on her back going through the crowd of reporters and photographers. it got out that she was going on trial and the world seemed to be outside.

watching the clips of her trial before, and the day she went to jail, they did the same eight years ago. those people were deep into it. i don't want it to become too much for her this go round. she's already very discouraged.

"come on." i let her climb inside first before going after her. the officer got the door closed from the reporters who wouldn't give it a break. fuck. "are you okay?"

all i received was a nod. i placed my hand on hers, rubbing softly. she was dressed in her jumpsuit as she said she would. her hair still in the low ponytail i did days ago but she still looked good.

i so bad wanted to tell her the great news i'd gotten from the judge, but she didn't seem to care. something deep said to let her find out in the court so it'll be a surprise. she needs a little more excitement.

long story short, she could possibly get out on a personal recognizance bond. she'll have an ankle monitor though, following the same rules as her weekend visits. a parole officer...i know that's gonna piss her off for sure. the weekly drug tests and reporting.

but it's better than sitting inside a cell until the end of a possibly very long trial.

"are you hungry?"

she shook her head focusing out the window.

"you sure?? i could get something you'll like."

she shook her head again. i huffed giving up on trying to hear her speak, just looking out the window as well. maybe she's not in the mood, i can't make her be in the mood. i have to start looking at things from her point of view.

so we sat there silently the whole ride to the courthouse. i noticed my friend, kelly, and we gave one another a nod getting out of the separate trucks. a small smile came across my face feeling excitement come through me. 

it should all be set in stone then. this feels good.

"watch your step." i helped onika out, finally catching a glimpse at her eyes. they were as red as could be, slightly puffy. my heart dropped seeing it, i wanted to grab her face so bad. but the large crowd came towards us so we had to hurry.

they were throwing questions left and right. but i'm glad onika knew not to react to any, don't look at them and show no expression that could cause suspicions.

"have to use the restroom?"

"no."

"i think you do." i grabbed her hand and pulled her with me. she can't take a hint at all, i literally gave her an eye signal. she huffed when we got inside, rolling her eyes super hard at me. "are you okay?"