Aria’s voice reeks of anxiety. She’s close to me, her hand gripping the sleeve of my coat. Instead of going the usual route, I pulled a string or two, and got ourselves directly inside of the prison. We’re visiting dad’s cell, and it’s Aria’s first time being inside of a prison.
“Yes,” I nod, then slow my pace so she can match it effortlessly. “Don’t worry though, Squirt. You’re safe.”
“I’m not worried. This place is just one big playground, if you ask me,” the joke falls flat because I can sense how uncertain she’s about this whole thing. I chuckle, watching her from my peripheral vision.
She’s glancing around, eyes skimming our surroundings. I picked the time when most of the inmates would be locked up,just to ensure Aria’s safety. Though, it doesn’t matter, since apparently, she’s scared regardless.
“It looks just how I imagined it,” she mutters.
“It’s a prison, not a five-star hotel, squirt. They all look more or less the same.”
She rolls her eyes. “I got that, thanks.”
There’s a guard walking a couple of feet in front of us, guiding us toward Dad’s cell. It’s on the fourth floor, there are less cells up there. He’s considered a high risk criminal, and they’re terrified he’ll run away. What these idiots don’t seem to understand is that if Hudson De Santis wanted out of this prison, he'd leave simply by walking through the door, and no one would be able to say or do anything.
The power he holds is out of their reach.
Unimaginable, unachievable.
“We won’t have a full hour,” I lower my voice, ensuring only Aria hears it. “It’ll wreak havoc if it gets out that both De Santis men are here. We’ll have fifteen minutes, at best.”
“That’s fine,” Aria nods. “I just want to see him.”
“I know, Squirt. Me too.”
Soon enough, we find ourselves in front of dad’s cell. The moment the guard unlocks it, Aria all but flies inside. Hudson’s sitting on his bed, his glasses on his face, while he’s reading one of his favorite historical books. His eyes snap upward when he hears the keys jiggling, but before he can speak, or react at all, Aria’s thrown her arms around him.
“Dad,” she whispers, holding him in a vice tight grip. Instantly, he drops the book, hugging her back with just as muchvigor and longing. His eyes close briefly, his hands trembling a little as he strokes her back.
“Hi, Princess,” he mumbles, kissing the top of her head. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you more,” she sobs a little, burying her head in his chest.
I stay close by the door, just observing them in silence, not wanting to interrupt their moment of peace. It’s clear how much they both needed this, how much they missed each other. Aria’s slowly starting to come back to normal, and Dad’s hands have stopped trembling, though neither of them seems ready to let go.
“How are you, Dad?” Aria asks, then reluctantly pulls back to look at him, stroking his cheek with her thumb gently.
“I’ve seen better days,” he chuckles. “How is your Mother?”
“Her state is unchanged,” I respond, taking a step in, and sitting on the empty chair. “I spoke to the doctor before coming here. She’s okay for now.”
Dad nods, his face filled with relief. “That’s good. Where’s Blair?”
“Why?” I lift a brow. “Were you hoping for more homemade meals?”
He rolls his eyes. “Yes, but I’m also curious to hear how she’s doing. I hope you’re taking care of her.”
“I am,” there’s not a single trace of uncertainty or doubt in my voice. “She’s in good hands.”
“Good,” he hums, and Aria sits on the bed next to him, leaning her cheek against his shoulder. He takes her hand in his, holding it tightly.
“Where’s your little roommate?”
Dad rolls his eyes. “Apparently, I’m a danger to him,” his voice drips with sarcasm. “So, they put him in solitary for a while. They don’t realize that wouldn’t stop me from getting to him if I so desired, right?”
“Probably not,” I shrug. “But it’s good. As long as he is in solitary, he can’t run away.”
“I wouldn’t put it past him to try. It’s safer for all of us for him to be in the cell with me.”
