Lust or Love? ~ A Franky Doyle and Bridget Westfall Story

Chapter Seven

Franky's P.O.V
I went back to the unit to see that most of the women were still outside. It was summer in Australia and although we don't really get to go sightseeing the women can still enjoy the sun outside. I think that's the only reason they took us off lockdown. They didn't want a death on their hands from how hot it is inside this prison, they were probably fed up of the women's complaining about the heat. I know I was. I went and sat on the bench in the unit playing cards with myself as I'm used to being alone. I was locked up in isolation for however long, the silence eventually became comforting. I prefer it if I'm honest. I heard the padded footsteps of a prisoner entering the unit. I didn't bother looking up from the cards. I wasn't in the mood for talking. I mean I'm over the moon about my parole hearing but I'm also nervous as hell, what if I fuck it up again. I can't tell the other women about this. It will destroy them. They count on me, as well as Bea but I don't see her getting out anytime soon. I chuckled to myself about that thought.
"What's got you in such a good mood? It's been impossible to even get you to sit out here with us. Has a certain therapist pushed the right buttons today?"
The all familiar voice spoke up. She's the only person that I've told about Bridget. The only real person I can trust around here, I mean she saved my life. The one and only Queen Bea. Should I tell her about my parole hearing?
"I've got used to then quiet, you know that Bea. It's easy to come out here when no-ones around. When everyone's here, they just want to question me about the fire, about the slots. I can't catch a break. And as for the certain therapist, yes I did see her but we just talked."
"Talked my ass. Franky Doyle doesn't just talk with the girl she likes. And I get what you mean about the questions but they are just worried about you, we're your family you can tell us anything."
"Seriously Bea we just talked. We talked about my parole hearing that is tomorrow."
"What? When did this happen? This is great news! I assume the girls don't know. You should tell them. They will support you!"
"Bridget pulled a few strings and persuaded them to hear me out as it was unfair for revoking my parole."
"That woman is incredible. You've found yourself a good one. Don't let her go. I can see how much you love her."
"Love is a bit far Bea... I mean I'm a prisoner. She's not. She deserves better. But yeah she is incredible."
I decided to go outside for the first time in a while. All eyes were on me. I went and led on a table just soaking on the sun. I was trying not to be bothered by the stares that I could feel on me. I didn't feel comfortable. For the first time since I was a little girl I didn't feel comfortable to be looked at, I'd rather be a shadow in the background, a nobody. I decided I wasn't going to get any quiet time out here unless I stood up for myself. So I stood on the table to make an announcement. I put my fingers in my mouthes and whistled to make everyone who wasn't already looking at me look at me.
"Listen up women. I know I haven't been around in a while but I got slotted for the fire which was ridiculous and now I would really love it if I could have some peace and quiet so I can enjoy the sun. Now you can go back and do whatever the fuck you were doing."
With that I sat down. I said what I needed to say and that was that. I led on the table trying to get a tan until someone stood in the way of the sun. I sighed to myself.
"Look I'm not doing autographs. I'm not talking about the fire. Just fuck off and let me enjoy this sun."
"Well that's no way to talk to the person who may have got you your parole."
I instantly knew who that voice belonged to. Bridget!
"What the hell are you doing out here? You never are!"
"I could say the same for you. I figured you'd be hidden away in the unit but Vera asked me to watch the women out here."
"I was going to stay in there but I was going to sweat my tits off in there. Is there any chance you can get Vera to get some air conditioning in there? The heat is ridiculous."
"Anything else you would like to add to that list you majesty" Bridget said giving a little bow which made me break into laughter. It felt good to laugh as hard as this, I haven't done this in a while. I noticed a couple of women were watching and whispering so I quickly regained composure with a smirk on my face. Bridget gave me a confused look.
"The women are looking at us and whispering. If I really want to get out of here then we can't get seen flirting. Sorry Gidget I know how much you want me." I said under my breath giving her a wink at the end which caused her to chuckle a little bit.
"Now who's being the sensible one. I'll see you tomorrow okay. Good luck you will do great. I won't let you down!"
Bridget walked off but not before she patted me leg. I mentally facepalmed as I knew that Maxine saw that. Luckily it was her and none of the other girls. Maxine came and sat next to me. I knew this was coming.
"Franky I'm not one to pry but what was that about with Bridget"
"It was nothing just drop it Maxine."
"I saw the way you looked at each other. The way you could barely keep your hands to yourself. That kind of love shouldn't be ignored but be careful as you're making it obvious."
"I'm not in love with her. Why do people say that? She just helped me out with something that is all."
"Who else knows? And what did she do that has made you actually tolerate her?"
"Bea knows but that's it so if you want to bitch she's the one to do it to but no-one else! And she got me my parole hearing for the second time. It's tomorrow!"
"Listen Franky I don't have anything against it but just not in the prison. Someone will find out and it won't go your way. And congratulations! That's great! I'm sure you will be fine. Good luck on the outside."
"Thanks Maxine! We haven't really been that close but I'm gonna miss you!"
"Right back at ya Franky."
"I'm gonna head back to the unit I'm kinda tired. Got a big day tomorrow."
"Okay, make sure you say goodbye!"
"Yeah sure."
I walked back to the unit trying to avoid as many people as possible. It was 7:00pm and it was still light outside which meant the women were still outside. I led on my bed and kept tossing and turning but couldn't go to sleep. I got up and walked as quickly as I could to the one place I knew would give me comfort. I knocked on her door and waited for her response.
"Come in."
I opened the door and went and slumped in the chair. I was exhausted. I haven't been sleeping during the night which meant that I had broken sleep during the day. I kept having flashbacks of the fire and this heat wasn't helping. Bridget got up and closed the blinds and locked the door.
"Oh Franky what's wrong?"
"I'm exhausted Gidget I can't sleep. It's even more exhausting to keep this front up for the women. You're the only one who I can be real around."
"How come you can't sleep?"
"I keep having flashbacks to the fire. The heat. Ferguson begging me for help. Dor's baby crying. The sound of the flame crackling as the ceiling collapsed. Thinking that I wasn't going to get out. I can't stop thinking about it. It's breaking me Gidget."
I didn't realise I was crying until Bridget came over and wiped my tears away from my eyes and pulled me into a hug.

Bridget's P.O.V
It broke me to see her this way. The way she finally opened up to me was incredible. She's finally letting me in. I need to help her. She's been through enough. I sat back into my chair and cleared my throat.
"Uh it seems that you have PTSD from the fire, it's quite common when something that traumatic happens to someone. You can either get over it by therapy or medication. At this moment in time I think it would be best to just talk about it and give you some basic sleeping tablets as they may not let you out if they see what the fire has done to you as most people with PTSD do become violent so they may not grant you parole."
Franky just simply nodded her head. It destroyed me that she didn't even have the words to speak. Her eyes had lost their spark. I reached into my bag and gave her two of my sleeping pills and then escorted her back to the unit. The women had came back to their units now. Franky didn't even have the energy to put her front back on. I was worried for her. All eyes were on us as I brought her back into the unit. I was about to leave when I heard Franky's small voice say "Thank You Gidget"
"It's alright Franky we will get you through this just rest up okay, I will come and get you for your parole hearing."
I left her room. Everyone still watching me as I left the unit. I got halfway down the corridor when I heard someone call my name. I turnt around to see who it was. It was Bea. I put a fake smile on for her.
"Hi Bea, is everything okay?"
"Alright Bridget cut the crap I know about you and Franky and although you aren't together I know that you both have feelings and I guessed that as she wasn't in her cell when we got back she was with you. But she looked like she had seen a ghost when you brought her back what's up with her? She has her parole tomorrow she should be over the moon."
"She's suffering from PTSD from the fire and she's not coping. I've gave her sleeping pills to help her get a good rest tonight for her hearing tomorrow. I will not be reporting it to the board as they will probably keep her in longer. Just tell everyone that she is tired and wanted to consult about her parole hearing one last time before tomorrow. Look out for her Bea. You're a good friend."
"Yeah I will do. I'll make sure the girls know nothing. You're good for her you know that. You helped her let go of all the anger she had and she's became a better person because of it so thank you! And yeah of course I will look out for her."
I walked back to my office and sat at my desk. I put my hands in my head and sighed. Wentworth had stolen Franky's smile and I was going to get it back no matter what it would take.