7

Chapter 7

My eyelashes flutter as I blink over and over again, but the image in front of me doesn't move.

Clarissa.

Her blond hair flowed down her shoulders, with her brown eyes brimming with a certain twinkle she didn't have in prison.

Yes, she was an ex-mate. Clarissa was a doctor before she was framed by her husband for a death she had no idea about.

So, that's how she ended up at a California prison alongside the rest. She had been there years before I came, and got out before I did.

I never in a billion years thought I would meet her again.

“Oh! I did see you on TV, Spitfire.” She chuckles, pushing the seat in front of me back as she takes her seat.

“Yeah, right,” I murmur, feeling a tad embarrassed at my actions.

“Honestly, I know Big Bird would be proud of you. Spitfire isn't so shy anymore.” She grins, twirling her signature pen in between her fingers.

It's a black fountain pen. She was always with it and helped calm her during a panic attack. I don't know the story behind the pen because she never told anyone. We all just knew it was important, and we made sure she never lost it.

“Yeah, I guess, I wasn't thinking. That bastard really married my best friend, even went as far as brainwashing my baby into thinking Florida is hers.” I don't know why I explain, but I do.

Maybe I just need to let it out somehow.

“Motherfucker. You did get his forehead pretty good, though. Next time, aim for his fucking eyeballs or dick.” She grunts, shoving a fistful of her hair backward.

I chuckle, shaking my head as I take a sip of my coffee once again.

“So what have you been up to?” I ask, wanting to take my mind off my recent predicament.

They had told me in prison.

“A man who lets his weak wife take a fall for his sorry ass sure as hell doesn't love you, spitfire.” Those were Big Bird's words, and she was right.

The bastard didn't.

“Not much. I have my own apartment now, I left that sorry excuse of a husband, and I am slowly trying to pick up my life.” She says, shoving yet another fistful of her hair behind her ear.

Yeah, Clarissa was weird like that.

I remember thinking when I first met her, why wouldn't she just pack her hair in a ponytail if it disturbs her so much.

Turns out, her hair distracts her just enough not to panic at every overwhelming sensation she feels.

“That's nice. It's really good to see you.” I murmur, letting a small smile escape my lips.

Sure, it was hell in there. But those ladies taught me a lot of things, and how to survive was one of them.

Said life was too shitty not to be tough.

“It could throw you a fucking curve ball any day, any time, and you must be damn well ready for it.” Big Bird's words once again ring through my head.

Out here, I see now that everything she did was training, not really bullying.

It was like she knew what was waiting out here for me, for all of us. Like it was her own way of watching out for us.

An unfamiliar feeling blooms in my chest towards her.

Gratitude.

“So, where do you stay?” Clarissa drags me out of my thoughts, causing my entire being to slump in surrender.

“For now, nowhere. Just waiting for the rain to pass, and I decide. Derrick kicked me out, so I am alone for now.” I struggle to force the words out, pushing back the shame and embarrassment.

“You can dunk with me, it's fine, really. We could rant and plot the end of men together.” She offers, tugging a fistful of her hair behind her ear.

I crack a smile, “Oh Clarissa, I don't want to be a bothe–”

“Don't you dare, Lord knows I have been praying for a roommate since forever. Please accept, if you feel really bad, can you get a job and pay rent?” She suggests, tugging harder at her hair.

A sign that she is getting frustrated, I nod meekly, really appreciating the gesture.

“Thank you, Clarissa, that would really solve a lot for me.” I accept, knowing I have nowhere else to go.

She squeaks, bouncing her leg in excitement, her brown eyes twinkling.

How can a man turn on such an amazing creature? At this, I bring to a conclusion that men are stupid.

“Come on, let's say Big Bird's slogan.” She cries out, flapping her hands in excitement.

I shake my head, but once she gives me those eyes of hers, I can't help but melt.

“Sure.”

“I receive and deserve life's magic.” We chant at the same time, and oddly, it makes me feel better.

After spending some time together, we headed out to her place.

~~

“Hey, how are you doing?”Clarissa's words float into my head, snapping me out of the torture that is my mind.

“Could be better,” I mumble, pushing my feet deeper into the duvet.

It's been three days since I started staying with her, and she has been amazing, but what has me sulking isn't her.

It's the press, and what Florida has done to my name.

Lies upon lies have been spouted, turning the entire media and world against me. Paparazzi have been outside Clarissa's house for the last two days, asking what I have to say about trying to ruin Florida's home.

“Wicked witch.”

“Ex-convict snatcher.”

“Are there no more men in jail that you now want your own best friend's man. Such a shameless woman.”

“Evil woman, trying to claim her best friend's life.”

All sorts of lies have been spouted at me, and name-calling has been my new normal.

It's not fair, really. I can't even leave the house.

“If I get that bitch, I will wring her throat with my cord.” Clarissa grits, her pal forming a fist.

“It's okay. I just want to be alone, I am fine really.” I tell her that I just want her to leave.

“Okay, take care. I am here if you need me.” She says, and leaves.

I respect her for always giving me my space.

My phone pings, a new notification showing another station posted an interview with Florida and my baby.

“I love my mommy, she is the best mum ever,” Rose says in the video.

Those words shatter my heart. She really took everything, including my child, from me.

My palm forms a tight fist as that familiar feeling courses through my veins.

Rage, pure raw rage.

She will pay, they both will pay. And I don't care if it's the last thing I do, but they will pay.

My phone screen lights up, showing a new text from Spencer.

My heart skips as I read the text, “They've started a full campaign against you. Are you ready to fight back?”

I take a sharp breath as I think, am I really ready?