Many things have scared me over the last nine months but her voicing one of my biggest fears has me dropping the pen and paper. I can’t lose myself, it’s the most tiring part of all trying to fight to stay myself.
I remember my dad saying having a baby and attending college would the hardest part of my life. He was wrong. This is.
39
Amelia
Nine Months Later
“Ginny Glover. Amelia Haynes. Petra Papac.”
Putting my book down, I sit up and climb off my cot.
“I thought you said your dad wasn’t coming till next week.”
“He’s not.”
“Glover. Haynes. Papac. Don’t make me call a third time.”
Rushing over to the door, C.O. Collins is stood in the middle of the block clutching a clipboard. Ginny and Petra walk toward him and whatever he says has them breaking out into huge grins.
Rushing down the stairs, I head over and clear my throat to announce myself.
“I’m glad you could join us.”
“What’s going on?”
Ginny and Petra have rushed back to their cells.
“You’re up for early release. You have ten minutes to pack up. Here.”
He passes me a clear sack and numbly, I reach out and take it.
“What?”
“I’ve already had to repeat myself, you heard clear enough. Nine minutes.”
Backing up, I climb the stairs two at a time. My breath coming short and sharp. I barrel into the cell and Lori raises her brows.
“What did he want?”
“I’m getting out.”
I can’t quite believe I’m saying the words I’ve waited so long to say.
“I’m going home.”
Taking a shuddery breath, I make a start pulling down my photos, careful not to tear any. I scoop up the pile of Darius’s letters and then I stop. The food and drinks, the shower products, everything else I’ve accumulated is stuff I won’t need once I get home.
“You can have it all,” I tell Lori.
“You serious?”
“You need it more than me.”
Picking up the sack, I surprise myself by taking one last look around. It doesn’t take me long, the cell isn’t that big, and I laugh to myself.
“So this is goodbye?” Lori says.
