Olivia and I sat on the sofa. It hadn’t been unfolded into a bed yet, although Olivia had told me she’d made up the bed. Shed carefully folded extra blankets and laid them on the arm chair nearby. There were two pillows carefully stacked on top.
Olivia shifted around, tucking her legs beneath her and turning to face me.
I knew she wanted to ask me questions about being in prison. She was too shy to ask them. She moistened her lips carefully.
I leaned toward her and carefully tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You can ask. It won’t bother me.” I insisted.
Olivia pursed her lips. She hesitated then placed her hand on my leg. “What was it like?” She asked.
I shrugged. “It’s pretty much like movies. I wasn’t in with the general population. I was pretty much put in my cell and stayed there. They brought my food and everything there. I didn’t even get out to shower or anything.”
Olivia frowned. “That’s…. inhumane.”
“They would have probably let me in with the other inmates after a while. They were probably waiting for a cell to open up or to see if I managed to get bail or not.” I shrugged. “It was probably a good thing. The people in jail are pretty tough. I didn’t want to get my ass kicked or killed or anything.” I mused.
Olivia nodded. “Well, I guess I can be glad for that.” She mused. “I’ve never been so worried in my life. I tried calling every single day… they told me you wouldn’t accept any calls…”
“Liv, when you’re staring at the same four walls, with no TV or anything… you’re kind of left to your own thoughts. I convinced myself that you were better off without me. I’m a convict, Liv. I’d just bring you down. You could be anything you want to be, you could get married and have fifty-thousand kids… you don’t need a criminal dragging you down.”
Olivia frowned, shaking her head. “You’re not a criminal. You’ve made mistakes, but you’re not a murderer or anything. You’re a kind and honest person. You have a strong sense of morality and those are all reasons why I’m with you. It’s why I fought so hard for my dad to get you out. He’s going to fix this all. He… he has to.”
I sighed. “I’m just not entirely convinced that I deserve it yet.”
“You do. You’ve learned from your mistakes and you deserve a second shot. Everyone deserves a second chance.” She insisted.
I wasn’t going to argue with her, but I wasn’t entirely sure I deserved a second chance.
I moved my arm around the back of the sofa, turning to face Olivia. She lightly laid her smooth cheek on the back of my hand for a brief moment. She smiled for a split second, then turned serious again.
“Why won’t you talk to your parents?” She asked. “I talked to them every day almost. They’re worried about you.”
I nodded. “I know, Liv. I’ll talk to them eventually… I just need some time… I just… I can’t take their disappointment right now. I’m sure that even though nothing was my fault, my parents are going to blame me. Even if they deny it, the blame me for messing up their perfect little family. You have no idea how much they judge me. You have no idea how hard it is to be the ugly crack in a perfect surface. I feel like they’re scrutinizing my every move, just waiting for me to mess up.”
Olivia nodded. “They don’t seem like that to me. To me it seems like they love you very much and are very, very worried about you. I am to.”
“Liv, I’m okay.” I insisted. “I can handle it.”
Olivia drew in a deep breath and released it slowly. “Okay. I trust you… but I’m here if you need anything.” She insisted.
“I know.” I replied.
Olivia wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged me tightly. I shut my eyes and hugged her tightly. She turned and lightly kissed my cheek. I sighed softly.
The timer went on the lasagna and Olivia sprung up to her feet. “Oh!” She quickly flew into the kitchen and opened the oven.
I watched her curiously. She peered in at the lasagna, pondering over it.
The smell coming from the oven made my mouth water.
“Almost ready. Just a few more minutes.” She told me. “I should call my dad. He said he’d be here, I hope he doesn’t forget.” She fretted.
Olivia pulled her hair into a high pony-tail and wiped her hands on her jeans. She set the timer again and began reaching down plates.
“Liv, honey.” I got up and moved into the kitchen. “Why don’t you let me set the table?” I offered.
Olivia smiled warmly at me. “That would be lovely. Thank you.”
I moved to the small square dining table and placed three plates at three different chairs. I retrieved silverware and three glasses, bringing them to the table.
Olivia crossed the room with a pitcher clicking with ice cubes and lemon slices. “Sweet tea.” She explained. “I made it yesterday from a recipe I found.”
“Cool.” I smiled. I lightly placed my hand on her lower back.
She stood on her toes and lightly nestled a kiss against my lips. “You have no idea how good it feels to have you back.” She told me.
I moved my arms around her, holding her close. “I was just thinking the same thing about you.” I chuckled softly.
She smiled and stood up on her toes again to kiss me. Before our lips could touch the door banged open.
“Olivia?” Her father asked.
“Right here. Hi Daddy!” She skipped across the room and hugged him.
My palms were starting to sweat. I wiped my hands on my jeans.
“I made dinner,” Olivia chirped. “Vegetarian Lasagna.”
“Okay. In that case, perhaps we should go out to dinner, then.” He chuckled, removing his coat.
Olivia gasped. “Daddy, no.”
He chuckled. “I’m kidding, sweetheart. How far are we away from dinner? Do I have time to shower?”
Olivia nodded quickly. “Of course.”
Olivia’s father crossed the room and extended his hand to me. “Isaac, good to see you under better circumstances.”
I shook his hand. “Yes. I can’t thank you enough. Seriously. You have no idea what it means that you’re helping me here. I need it.”
Olivia’s father nodded. “I’m glad to help a friend of my daughter’s. You clearly mean a lot to her. And forgive me, but I’ve checked with your parole officer and I’ve seen your marks and your letters of recommendations from your teachers… you’re clearly an outstanding young man. I’m glad to help get this mess cleaned up.” He insisted.
“Thank you.” I nodded.
“Okay, I’ll be back shortly. After dinner we’ll go over everything and I’ll get started on appeals first thing in the morning.” He clapped my shoulder and set off toward his bedroom.
Olivia beamed happily and crossed the room. She threw her arms around me. “See? Everything is going okay.”
I nodded. “Yeah. He doesn’t seem as scary.” I shrugged.
“Scary?” She asked, frowning.
I shrugged. “Well, he is a judge and I am a kid who’s been in jail twice in the last two years.”
Olivia lightly laid her palm on my cheek. “It wont be long before he sees past that and see’s what a wonderful person you are.” She smiled. She stood on her toes and lightly kissed me.
I was slightly uncomfortable. I wasn’t exactly comfortable kissing a girl who’s father was in the next room.
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