Girl Interrupted

Ch.1

(being edited.)

Jail is all I've known for the past five years. I adapted to what used to be a strange environment. Now I call it home. Somehow I feel comfortable here. I feel comfortable around other people just like me. For a while, I enjoyed eating flavorless oatmeal and burnt double sided toast. It became the norm. It became my norm.

I hear keys rattling against the steel door interrupting me from my thoughts. My favorite cop approaches with a smile on his face.

"Your aunt June bailed you out finally." Ivan says before releasing a cloud of smoke in my face.

I step back before replying, "Thank God. I was starting to think I had to get used to this place."

I was arrested on charges of assault and battery. Apparently, I tried to beat up my boyfriend in the CVS parking lot and one of the clerks. But that is false. My boyfriend hit me because I refused to buy him cigarettes so we had a shouting match. Then the cops were called. I tried to hit him but it was too late because handcuffs were slapped over my wrists. They didn't see him hit me though so I looked like the aggressor.

I touch the chilling metal bars before me as Ivan watches me intimately. Ivan always wanted to get a taste of the strawberry shortcake and I never allowed him. I must admit, I'm a huge tease and huge flirt. So I always lead him to believe that maybe one night, one lucky night, he'll have a drink from the Joanne fountain.

"Bye Jo!!" My cellmate, LaQuisha calls out.

"See ya, wouldn't want to be ya!"

LaQuisha and I promised each other that we'd look after one another here. She felt like a older sister to me. Always making sure I had fresh pads and delicious treats. I told her that if I were to leave before her I'd send a message to her kids. I hope I can deliver that promise.

As I walk through the halls I reflect on the unforgettable, captivating, and insane memories. For example, I got jumped for calling someone "white trailer trash." Yes, I'm aware that was wrong but she called my boots ugly. Those boots weren't any ordinary boots you purchase from your nearest outlet. I ordered those boots from Japan. My leather, star studded, ankle boots. It took several months to arrive.

Equally important, I fell in love with this guy that goes by the name of "Cigarette". He chose that name after he robbed a gas station of cigarettes. His name didn't make him lovable. It was his ability to be courageous and actually rob a place of cigarettes. Like who would causally wake up from their sleep and say, "I'm going to rob a gas station today for a pack of cigarettes." ??? It has never been done! His addiction sort of pushed me away but the sex kept me hooked. I hosted a relationship with Cigarette for over six months, so to just get up and walk away is quite difficult. The only difference between him and my ex is that Cigarette never tried to put his hands on me.

His real name is Twann Pulaski. He is so controlling at times. For instance, he'd tell me what I should wear, how much makeup to wear, when and how to cut my hair, etc. I didn't know what self love was so I didn't know how I should be treated. I never knew ho to combat Twanns' narcissistic tendencies. Was I abused? Would I be ridiculed and demoralized for not discovering this sooner? But I appreciate him for never physically disrespecting me. That relationship could've been much worse.

I walk past the prison yard and approach the gates. I am finally leaving. This is actually happening.

Anyways, I'm Joanne. My friends call me Jo.

***

"Jo? Are you going to change?" My aunt June asks me with a annoyed voice.