Chapter 27
<Callie Stevens>
I'm sitting on the metal chair in the county prison, the air from the vent over my seat making me shiver involuntarily. I rub the backs of my arms in a feeble attempt to warm them up while I wait for Julio to be brought out. My eyes are trained on the door, trying to avoid the prisoner across the room who is staring at me, his black eye and wired jaw making me uneasy.
A guard brings Julio in, shoving him into the open seat across from me and refastening his chains so he can rest his hands in his lap. The guard whispers something gruffly in his ear and struts off. Julio's dark eyes find mine and we sit in silence for a few seconds. His expression is neutral, but there's a flicker of concern in his eyes. He sets his hands on the table, revealing bruised knuckles. I draw in a deep breath before speaking.
"Did that happen in the fight?" I ask quietly, setting my hands on the table to mimic his.
He nods and laces his fingers together; a painful gesture based on the way his face is contorting.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Why? I'm just some stupid thug who got in a prison fight." Julio snaps, his eyes narrowing.
"I never said that."
"You didn't have to. It's all I've had to hear from these damn guards since it happened. Those days in solitary were a blessing because I didn't have to hear them run their mouths about me all day."
"Julio, you can't let their comments define how you see yourself. You're so much more than anyone in here can see."
"You're the only one who thinks that, Callie." Julio sighs and gently pulls his fingers apart before setting them back in his lap.
"What was the fight about?"
"Can't we just leave it at 'some dumb prison fight'?"
"Not if it's something more."
Julio inhales and leans forward, prompting me to do the same. I lean in so he can whisper in my ear.
"You see that guy with the black eye and the wired jaw?" His voice is low, the warmth is comforting against my ear.
I nod, my eyes focused on the table instead of the guy.
"He and his friends called you a bitch and were talking about how they'd like to..." Julio pauses, his face tensing. "How they'd like to violate you in ways too horrible to repeat. I made it so they couldn't speak for a while. The guards broke it up before I could do worse, but I wasn't going to sit by and let them say those things about you, Callie."
He pulls away from me and leans back in his seat. I bite my lip as I look around the room, suddenly feeling exposed. I cross my arms over my body and try to focus just on Julio. He reaches across the table and grabs one of my shaking hands.
"I won't let them hurt you, Callie, not even just in talk. I'm sorry if it upset you." He rubs the back of my hand comfortingly.
"Thank you, Julio." I reply quietly, trying to keep my anxiety at bay. "I appreciate it."
Julio nods and we drop hands as I go to open my Bible to the passage for today. I pull a few folded notes out and glance at them before meeting Julio's curious gaze.
"So, I have some verses to share with you, but I want to talk to you first about the fight." I say, my cheeks heating up.
"You don't have to be embarrassed, Callie, I chose to do it and I suffered the consequences and I would do it again." Julio gives me an encouraging look before allowing me to speak again.
YOU ARE READING
A Girl Named Callie
Spiritual*sequel to A Boy Named Jasper* ~~~~~ When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6) ~~~~~~ Jasper has been in L.A. for almost five years. Not a day w...
