It was nothing like what Harper was expecting. Nothing like what she’d seen in the movies.

There was no big fanfare. No huge brigade of armed guards awaiting her arrival. Just three — two waiting at the gate as her father’s car entered, and one standing by the entrance as they pulled up.

It all felt so… anticlimactic. They may as well have been dropping her off at school. Harper was surprised that the police had not insisted on bringing her in themselves. Instead, they’d simply given her a date and time. Okay, this definitely isn’t how they do things on TV… Harper thought as she got out of the car, trying desperately to control her fear.

Her parents’ eyes were red with tears as they stepped toward her. It was a sight that sent a wave of anger rushing through her, overshadowing her fear for a few moments. How the hell could they stand there pretending to feel bad when this was all their fault? Especially her father… If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be in this fucking mess. She thought bitterly, trying her best to hold her tongue.

Her mother couldn’t even find the words to speak, it seemed. Hope was sobbing hysterically, burying her face in her daughter’s shoulder for a few moments. Harper patted her back awkwardly with one hand, but said nothing. What could she possibly say anyway? Nothing that wouldn’t simply make her mother cry harder.

When Zayne approached her, it was even worse. Not including the tears of joy he’d shed the night Phoenix was born, Harper had only ever seen her father cry — truly cry — three times in her life. When each of his grandparents had died, and when his Onkel Florian passed away.

But now, it was four.

“I’m sorry, babygirl.” He blubbered as he threw his arms around her. “I’m so sorry.”

Harper stiffened under his touch, waiting uncomfortably for him to finally let her go. “Yeah, you should be.” She muttered under her breath, knowing he would not hear her over his own tears.

At last, he released her. Zayne wiped his eyes hastily with the back of his hand and sniffled slightly. “We promise we’ll see you soon, honey. Phoenix too.” He forced a small smile. “Maybe your Oma too, if it’s not too many people.”

A soft sigh passed Harper’s lips. If she had any say in the matter, Phoenix would be the only visitor she’d ever get. But someone had to bring him to her, didn’t they?

Harper simply nodded. “Okay.” Her reply was stiff and cold. “Well… Bye, I guess.” She muttered awkwardly. She couldn’t even bring herself to meet their gaze.

Saying goodbye to her parents was so uncomfortable. Harper was still so angry at both of them — especially her father. Part of her felt so eager to finally be rid of them… But even that wasn’t worth the giving up her freedom, was it? Or more importantly, giving up being a mother to her little boy.

One hour a week. That was all she’d get with him now. Sixty fleeting minutes with her beautiful son. Then seven long days of nothing. How many milestones would she miss? First steps. First words… Harper had heard there would be opportunities to earn longer visits in the future. But would that really be much better?

Nothing could replace what she’d had for the past six wonderful weeks. How would she be able to go on without seeing her little boy every day? Saying goodbye to him had been one of the hardest things she’d ever had to do. The memory of holding him in her arms for the last time sent a searing pain through her heart.

She rubbed a fist roughly against her eyelids as she finally turned away from her parents.

The female guard nodded curtly at her. “This way, Miss Rosebrook.”

With a deep breath, Harper lifted her duffel bag from the ground, and followed.

The processing was surprisingly quick and painless.

They took her photograph and fingerprints, just as they had when they’d arrested her. They made her fill out a bunch of paperwork. They had her leave most of her personal belongings in a locker, and change into an ugly beige jumpsuit. They handed her a copy of a daily schedule. And then, they escorted her to her cell.

As they walked along the hallway, Harper was surprised to see a few inmates walking along the hallway unescorted. In fact, though there were several security cameras looking down from the walls, there was only one other guard in the entire hallway. She glanced almost questioningly at the guard by her side, who smiled slightly.

“You’ve been watching too much TV, huh?” The woman joked. “This is a low-security facility… As long as you stick to your schedule and stay in the designated areas of the building, we don’t need to babysit you.” She explained, still smiling.

At last, they came to a stop outside one of the doors at the very end of the hall. “This one’s me?” Harper asked nervously.

The guard nodded. “Dinner isn’t until 6:00… That should give you some time to get settled and meet your cellmate.” Harper’s stomach sank at the word. “And as soon as Rob finishes checking the rest of your belongings, we’ll bring them to you.”

Harper nodded slowly. Her heart was already beating so fast in her chest. Shit. This is seriously happening. I’m really in prison… She watched as the guard gave her one last nod, then turned and headed back down the hallway.

She stared at the doorknob for a few moments then, hesitating. She knew it would be unlocked, of course. None of the cell doors had locks on them here — from the inside or outside. No privacy. But no confinement either, at least.

Still, it felt rude not to knock… With a slightly trembling breath, Harper lifted her fist and rapped her knuckles gently against the door.

The muffled reply from the other side was too quiet for Harper to make out… But she took it as an invitation.

Harper’s eyes scanned the tiny room for several moments. The whole place felt somewhat cold and sterile… But still better than what she’d been expecting. It was immediately clear which side of the room would be hers. There was a bed, a shelf, and even a desk and chair against the right wall. But it was all so cold and empty.

On the left side, however, she saw that several personal touches had already been added. Knick-knacks and books on the shelves, pictures and posters on the walls… And a rather shapely woman with long dark hair lying on the bed.

Harper took a moment to appreciate the view before clearing her throat softly. “Um… hi.” She muttered uncertainly. “Guess you must be my roommate?”

“Heh. Yeah, guess so.” The other woman replied, clearly uninterested. She closed the book she’d been reading and finally sat up, swinging her long legs over the side of the bed and turning to face Harper at last.

The moment their eyes met, Harper felt all the air in her chest suddenly leave her lungs.

“No way… No fucking way.” Her cellmate’s eyes widened in recognition. “Harper Rosebrook?! Oh God… This is too damn good!” She threw her head back, loud peals of laughter now echoing off the white walls.

But Harper felt more like vomiting than laughing. This has to be some kind of sick joke. It can’t really be her… It can’t!

But there was no mistaking that shrill, cruel laugh or that smug smile.

Katie.

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Hehehehehe the bitch is back 😉 I dedicate this chapter to Katie’s #1 fan, superkyle! 😛

Also… guess who’s going back to Wednesday and Saturday updates starting today? 😀 See you Wednesday 😉