Running to Willow

Chapter 13: Sound the Alarm

Faith felt now that she was considered innocent her worries were over. However, this assumption would later cost her. Thinking everything was okay, Faith fed the prisoners after school the next day. Faith ordered the fruit/cheese plate from Francisco per usual and headed towards the dungeon. Faith walked until the flat red carpet ground turned into the hard cobblestone floor. When Faith reached the jail cells she was welcomed by Willow, "Any news on the trials?" she asked. Every day since the prisoners had informed Faith the guards were suspicious as to why they were gaining weight Faith had updated them on the drama.
    "Yes!" Faith replied to Willow excitedly. "All of the chefs and butlers said they didn't know anything, except one. Francisco, the chef I order from every day to get you guys this here cheese/fruit platter," she said while pointing to the dish Faith had set on the floor. "He said that I had been ordering the fruit/cheese plate every day for the past couple of months, which is true, but I had a simple excuse that got me out of a trial and that made me appear innocent. Cause feeding the starving is a crime." Faith paused letting everyone get a laugh in. "I simply said I ordered that plate every day because I was a growing girl and I loved that type of food. So here I am again, like the good old days before anyone suspected you guys were fed extra. I ordered from Francisco and got y'all the cheese/fruit plate."
    "Faith," Willow said, "you sure you're innocent? I mean I wouldn't want you to push your luck for us."
    "Nah," Faith said as she dished out the food to all of the prisoners, "I'm fine."
    Willow's mom cut in, "Faith the last time you said you were fine what happened?"
    "We got ourselves into this mess," she said sharply, "but I promise this time, I am sure everything is okay."
    "Better to be safe than sorry," Willow muttered.
    "I AM FINE!" Faith snipped. "Now eat."
    The prisoners glared at her while Willow said, "Well ok then."
Faith heaved a sigh, "Sorry guys; I like to think I can handle things myself. If you don't need other people than losing them isn't as hard. Like my mom, I like to think I don't miss her and don't need her, but I wish she were here. With my dad I want him to be who my mom married. She must have loved him for some reason...anyway if I didn't want two caring parents maybe I wouldn't hold myself back so much, so I have been trying not to hold myself back. Anyway, that is why I am determined to keep feeding all of you. No setbacks."
    Everyone stared at her as the air stood still until Willow commented, "Sorry, Faith I understand. I guess we just forgot you have had a hard past too. We are very grateful for all you have done for us and how determined you are to let nothing stop you. I also as you know don't have a reliable dad, and at times I feel that limits me too and I hate being restrained." Willow said, letting her hand slide down the hard, cold jail wall. "But, at the same time, it is important, as I have learned by ending up in jail, that you don't go so extreme that it could hurt yourself. My point is always good to be cautious." Willow ended.
    "Thank you," Faith said, "I am so happy to have you to keep me on track Willow." Willow smiled as Faith did the same. "Although I am sad about what I have had to go through, without it I wouldn't have met you." Faith whispered adoringly. Caught in the moment Faith reached through the bars of Willow's cell. As quick as Willow screamed the alarms went off.