A Prince's Love

Chapter 52.

*Unedited*

Maadwoa

Three weeks have passed in this hellhole. It's been torture. Small portions of food as if I'm a toddler, temperamental inmates (except Gina, who is a bit more level-headed), kept from seeing everyone I love, not even being allowed to make phone calls. My life right now sucks and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't contemplating ending it all at one point in time. If I'm just going to be stuck here forever, then what's the point in living anyway?

I guess the only good thing that has happened for the first time in forever was Gifty and Tyler visiting me last week. Gifty came along with her parents while Tyler told me his mother wasn't feeling well so his dad stayed home to take care of her.

*Flashback*(one week ago)

I watch as Mr. and Mrs. Badu exit the small room, giving me one last wave as they leave me with Gifty and Tyler. I sigh, glancing over at Gifty.

"Do you think your parents hate me now?" I ask her shamefully.

She shakes her head vigorously, leaning forward over the table. "No, of course not. Why would they?"

I shrug sadly. "I mean, I'm a criminal now. I don't think any parent wants their child mingling with an inmate."

"You're not a criminal, Jojo. Stop that." Tyler butts in.

"My parents have known you since you were in diapers. They know and we know that you didn't do what you're being accused of."

I give them a sad smile that didn't reach my eyes. It felt comforting to hear someone say that they believed I was innocent. All I've been getting is hate and disapproving looks from everyone I meet because they couldn't stand to look at the girl that committed such a crime against the royal family. 

I sigh before speaking again. "H-how were you guys able to visit me? I was banned from having visitors." 

They exchange a knowing look with each other before averting their gaze back to me. I narrow my eyes at their little silent interaction and lean forward towards them.

"What?" I question curiously.

"Um, we spoke to Danny." Gifty informs tentatively, tapping her fingers on the metal table.

My eyes fall from their faces as I struggle to maintain eye contact with them. Hearing his name hurt. All I could remember was him standing there when his father's guards were hauling me off to jail. All I could remember was him not defending me, not believing me when I pleaded with him to listen to my truth.

"Oh." I simply mutter.

"He was being a bit difficult but we got through to him. It took his father two weeks of convincing before he finally allowed us to see you."  Tyler continues.

I didn't know how to respond so I just nodded sadly, avoiding eye contact with them. I felt ashamed. None of this would be happening if I had just been realistic and listened to Afia and Nana about Danny. I should have been smart; someone like me could never be with someone like him.

"He still cares--" Gifty starts but I shake my head.

"No, he doesn't. But it's okay. I don't want to talk about him." I begin and they nod understandingly. "I've missed you two so much. I'm miserable here."

Both of them grab onto my handcuffed hands, giving me a tight squeeze. Just being able to touch them makes me feel so much better. I've missed human contact from people that actually care about me. The only human contact I've been getting is slaps and shoves from some of the inmates.