Hard Time (Hard Time Series Book 1)

What We Became

It was always ironic when certain inmates who you would never think would become close became just that. Usually it happened when it was least expected and could sometimes form the strongest of bonds between the most polar opposite women there were. This could be said for many of the relationships in Chowchilla and sometimes these bonds formed simply out of tragedy, loss, grief and even happiness.

When Callie and Tracey arrived back at Chowchilla Stef could not be happier. Of course she still worried for her grandbaby but at that moment she was so relieved to see that both girls were ok. Tracey had been gone for almost three months and yes she still had an arm sling but her face and ribs healed up well and rehab had made her stronger. Thankfully she had no terminal brain damage despite the fact that both Raquel and Cheryl had kicked her head in repeatedly causing seizures days later and bleeding. The girl was lucky to say the least however it didn't stop Stef from reprimanding her for going off alone.

FLASHBACK

"Tracey I am glad you are ok, fucking lord knows I'm glad your little ass is ok but what the fuck were you thinking? Huh? What were you thinking roaming about alone when Mama Lion and I gave specific orders and instructions that everyone stayed together.  You aren't above my rules or things I put in place."

"I know and I'm real sorry. I am Mommy." 

"Sorry ain't cuttin it little girl and it's not good enough. Do you realize you could have died? Not to mention you jeopardized your sisters and this family?  Angela got alot of heat from me because of this and I almost kicked her ass out." Feeling bad for what she had caused Tracey's eyes continued to look into the blondes even if she felt more intimidated than ever. With Lena sitting beside her wife she did not interfere letting her handle it.

"And for what Trac? Huh? I know you like making music baby but that wasn't the right way. You're smarter then this I told you that and I don't go around just telling anyone that shit Trac. You know this and you know how important your role is here and to me. You didn't think baby and that's not something any of us can afford not to do. I have every right to demote you once you are healed up more and I damm sure should. You of all people know the rules, know the code know it all. And when someone as loyal and feisty as you starts fucking up what do I do? MM?" With Tracey remaining silent and her eyes still focused on Stef the blonde sat back in her chair as Lena remained silent. Of course she had no desire to kick Tracey out  but the girl had to pay her dues for not following the rules.

"Tracey I needed you the most during that time. I needed you watching Callie. I needed you to make sure shit ran right while I closed my eyes for 5 minutes. And you failed me in that respect. You did and you went and almost got yourself killed by neglecting my orders. So you tell me. You tell me what I should do about this. MM? Because I can't let it fly. If I punished Angela and a few other girls you get yours too and believe me I'm being nice baby. You have my permission to talk now."

"I know I fucked up. I know and I understand if you want to demote me. I do and if you do I will work my way back up. I will even if I have to start as a minion again. I apologize that I defied you and Mama Lion. I am and I never will again."

"How do I know that? MM?" Stef asked sternly.

"You don't and I have to prove to you that I won't ever do that again. But Mommy this, this family means everything to me and I would do anything for it. I know it was a bad time for me not to listen and it was stupid, and I'm not trying to make up any excuse. None."

Staring at the girl Stef soon got up pouring a glass of water as Lena watched her as well as Tracey. SHe knew her wife was angry at the girl even if she was relieved that she was ok and Lena had comforted her many nights when she cried about Tracey. The slim woman knew the blonde had to stand her ground and she expected nothing less.