A HEALTHY LOVE

CH.12: The Secret Date (Part 1)

The next day, Alex was loading her cart in the library before her rounds. McCullough was passing by in the hallway. Alex,looking around quickly, stepped into the hallway after her. "Hey.." Alex called out softly. McCullough turned around at sound of Alex's voice with a soft smile. "Hi" McCullough replied im return.

Alex:"I wanted to thank you for sneaking in that burger. It was great."

McCullough: "It was no problem. It's the least I could do after you took care of me the other day. I'm just glad you liked it."

Alex(shaking her head): "We both know you don't have the extra money to be spending on burgers and shakes."

McCullough:"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine,Vause."

Alex knew it that instant that she had to return the favor. In that moment, she hatched an idea of her own. "Well, what are you having for lunch today?" Alex asked. McCullough smirked and gave a slight chuckle at her question. "A peanut butter sandwich" McCullough replied back.

Alex: "How exciting. If you could get anything you wanted, what would you get?"

"Anything?" McCullough stopped to think. "Honestly, Chick-fil-a has these,uh, big chicken wraps that are really good. Their lime ranch flavor is the best or so I'm told."

Alex (nodding): "Small world..I like their fries."

McCullough: "Those are good too..and their sweet tea."

Alex: "When do you go on break?"

McCullough: "I don't know. Probably in between your lunch and dinner."

Alex(smirking at McCullough): "You know, I did feel a bit like a glutton last night…crushing that whole burger and shake by myself. It is always so sad to eat alons. It was tasty, but with a side of depression. Anyway, I'd better finish loading my cart. Most of the women in here desperatly need to read a fucking book."

With that, Alex went back into the library. McCullough went on her way, though she was slightly confused at Alex's words. She rolled Alex's words around her head for most of the day. Then, between the inmate's lunch and dinner hour, McCullough's radio crackled just as she was headed to break. "McCullough to the front office" a voice called out. So, McCullough went to the front office. A boy in a red polo shirt was standing in the lobby, holding a bag and a drink carrier. Copeland was waiting for McCullough and she gestured to the boy when she walked up. "This guy says you ordered Chick-fil-a" Copeland said.

"Oh,um...That's right,I did. I forgot to mention that I'd placed the order" McCullough replied. Copeland folded her arms and gave McCullough a serious look. "We're not supposed to order in" Copeland said boldly. McCullough decided it was best to act nonchalant and dumb. "We aren't? I'm sorry. I didn't know. Do you mind if I get my food this one time?" McCullough asked politely. Copeland mulled her over question as looked over the bag, with a grin. "Tell you what.." Copeland returned. She held up three fingers. "Three fries, and we both forget this happened."

Smirking, McCullough took the food from the delivery driver. She reached into her bag to retrieve three waffle fries for Copeland. She ate them in one go. McCullough quickly went to the break room to investigate the order. There were two of everything. She recalled what Alex said about eating alone and smiled brightly as she walked to their usual closet space.