Addicted (OITNB)

41- Dyke Wedding Plan

THE NEXT DAY, I'm sitting on a bench outside with Nicky. We're both bored out of our minds, staring at each other as we sit on opposite sides. It's scorching hot and we're both sweating bullets at the moment.

"You know, I was thinking of changing my hair up. Cutting it shorter, maybe even dyeing it." I say, staring off into the distance. It's scorching hot out here, but at least the bench is shaded off.

"What colour?" Nicky asked with a toothpick in her mouth.

"I don't know, maybe red. Like a hot, fiery red, you know?"

"No, I don't know." Nicky pulls out the toothpick. "I like your brown hair. It matches your complexion."

I can't help but smile at that. "Well, alright fine. No colour. But, what do you think about cutting it short? Like this." I gathered my hair up to look at shoulder length. If I were to cut it this short, then it would be almost the same length as when I first arrived here. Since then, my hair had grown drastically long.

Nicky stared at me for a few moments, her eyes tracing my entire head.

"I like it." She nodded, propping the toothpick between her teeth again.

I let go of my hair and grin.

As we continue chatting about plain things, I notice Ryder in mid conversation. He walks past the sheds, disappearing behind them. I contemplate whether I should confront him or not, but then decide what's the worst that could happen.

As Nicky rambles on about another inmate, I slowly rise from my seat. Nicky stops talking and looks up at me with a confused look.

"Rude." She scoffs and I quickly apologize.

"I'll be right back, stay here." I say, quickly scuffling out from behind the bench and planting a quick kiss on Nicky's lips before chasing after Ryder.

When I turn the corner of the shed, I find Ryder with his back facing me. He is flat against the wired fence, his fingers clasped above his head.

I'm not sure what to do for a few seconds, but I eventually decide to grab his attention. I cough, causing him to whizz around like a startled deer.

When he realizes who I am, his face puts on a frown.

"What's your problem with me?" I ask, walking towards him. I lean my shoulder against the fence as I face him. "Because I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to be the one upset, not you."

"Why are you talking to me? I'm a CO. I'm just doing my job. We aren't friends."

His words don't hurt me. I keep my stance.

"I get that, but you got to admit, we did get close over the last few weeks. I'm fine with you not wanting to be friends but don't give me attitude for no reason."

Ryder runs his fingers through his hair, looking around. "I'm not-" he lowers his voice, but speaks through gritted teeth. "I'm not giving you attitude. You can't talk to me like that. I'm way up here, and you're down here." He indicates with his hands.

I smile. "I know I'm short but-"

"That's not funny. I'm serious. I could lose my job for being nice to you."

I frown as I realize why he's been acting this way. For some reason I feel bad for him. Ryder was a nice guy who wants to show it, but he can't anymore.

"Okay, I get that. I'll uh, go now." I awkwardly slide away from the fence and walk towards the direction I came from.

"Evie, wait. Just wait." I feel his hand pull me back by my stomach and I stumble around. I look up at him in confusion.