Thursday, 29 December 2016

Awake Chapter Eleven "Let the Dust Settle"










December the twenty fifth.  Otherwise known as Christmas.  Shadow's first Christmas in jail.  He knew things worked a little differently at this date.  he would not have any lesson today.  Today was only meant for relaxation.  He wondered how much he could relax, without the guards having a go at him.  There was knock at the door.  Shadow guessed it would be Inspector Crosby.  Who else would visit him? Without answer the door opened and sure enough, Mitch walked in with some envelopes.  Shadow expected these to be Christmas cards; he also did not expect to receive many.  "Ok, 3145 you have two Christmas cards here.  One  is from your father and the other one is from your sister." Shadow took the one from Gideon and opened it.  he did not pay close attention to it.  He still had a strong contempt for Gideon, which could never be undone.  There was one particular bit that did spark his interest.  Gideon said that he would do what he could, to make prison life a bit more bearable.  Shadow did not believe he could do anything.  How influential was Consultant Jones? Why was Gideon giving him false hope? Shadow ripped the letter in half and dropped it on the floor.  He took the one from Gravity.  He did not recognise the handwriting, but he saw his sister's name and was amused to see Bliss' paw print.  The letter offered him some comfort.  The rest of the day slowly crept by.  Dinner was roast turkey with all the trimmings.  Shadow looked at the bird and had to say, it did not look appetising.  Poor animal.  It would have been better off staying alive.  Shadow reluctantly ate the turkey.  An hour later, he received severe stomach cramps.  An examination by the doctor, observed that this was caused by undercooked food.  Shadow sighed, he had gotten used to the stomach cramps by now.  He went to bed and pondered Gideon's words.  How could he possibly make prison life better?
****
Gravity's Christmas differed slightly.  Sh received cards, translated into Braille.  She did not have any tuition today.  she knew that this would please the guards.  hat that she was blind, made teaching very difficult.  Almost everything had to be done verbally.  When she was not aren't she was usually locked up in her cell.  Today she was allowed to leave and enjoy herself.  As, because the inmates were fairly young the guards decided to throw a little Christmas party, with games and cake.  Not that Gravity could participate in much of this.  She sometimes wondered if her affliction as a curse or a blessing.  Today she definitely knew it was a curse.  She could not even enjoy the cake.  It was as stale as old bread.  Gravity did not pay any attention this though, when she lived on the streets, sometimes stale bread was all she could get.  Four years left in here.  I can't take four more minutes of this.  Is there any way I can possibly survive? Gravity thought.
****
First of March.  Shadow's twenty second birthday.  His second birthday in prison and thankfully his last.  It was just six months until he would be released.  Shadow had to admit that Consultant Jones did try hard, in improving cell life.  His bed was a lot more comfortable and the guards were more competent.  Maybe, Gideon was really trying to make up for his past mistakes.  Maybe he was not so bad after all.  Shadow was reading through the birthday card that Gideon sent him.

Dear Shadow,
I hope all is well; I have tried my hardest to improve the quality of life in that dreadful place.  This is why I have arranged something prior to your release.  I shall adopt you.  I have sent this same letter to Gravity and of course Bliss shall be welcome as well.  I know we have had our hard times and you still don't trust me , but I implore you to think this through,  I have learnt from my mistakes.  I have tried to help you.  It would not be possible to adopt you straight away.  We would have to have periods which I just adopt you.  I will be visiting later today to collect your response.  I also hope your present has arrived safely.  I admit I am no Ainsley Harriet, but it should taste better than the food you are currently eating.
I shall see you later today for your response.
Goodbye, son
Love, your father

As soon as Shadow had finished reading, he went and told his probation worker the good news.  "Inspector Crosby my father has offered to adopt me, when I get out of prison.  I'm not going to go back onto the streets.  This is great."

Mitch hesitated.  "Prisoner 3145, I have something to tell you.  I promised your father that I wouldn't divulge this information, but you have to consider it, before you let him adopt you.  Remember when yo were in hospital and you had been poisoned and remember when I said that I didn't know who had done it-"

"Gideon told me it was that Sergeant Smith."

"That was a lie.  He was lying to you.  He was the one who poisoned you.  He was trying to ill you.  I reckon he did, it so you couldn't tell anyone, what he had done to you.  He said he did it, so he could keep you safe.  He said he did it, because he was trying to keep you healthy, so you couldn't be beaten up anymore."
****
It was the afternoon.  Time for Shadow to visit Gideon.  Inspector Crosby was currently escorting prisoner 3145 to the visitor's room.  Or Shadow was storming down the corridor and Mitch was trying his best to keep up.  Shadow walked into the room and slammed the door behind him.  "You tried to kill me?!"

"Let me explain."

"Inspector Crosby has already explained.  You must be out o your mind, if you think I'll put my life and my little sister's life in your hands."

"Doesn't she have her own choice?"

"There isn't any way, you're adopting me.  You're right.  She does have a choice.  If she does want to go home with you, then it's not my place to intercede, but I swear if you harm my sister in any way I will kill you."

Gideon smiled.  "Will you? I doubt that."

"Oh, I will.  My father was the one who made my life hell. My father was the one who tried to  kill me.  My father was the one who tried to kill my sister.  I've killed before.  I can do it again."

"Can you kill me? I brought you into this world."

"Yes you did, but you also tired to take me out of it.  Do you know good I'll feel, to wrap my fingers around your throat? Do you know how good I'll feel watching the light drain out of your eyes? Do you know good I'll fee, seeing you dead?"

"I can imagine."

"Anyway, how did you even manage to improve my prison?"

"Money.  A hospital consultant is a very lucrative career," Gideon glanced over by Mitch, "come close son.  Let me whisper."

"Doesn't matter how quietly you whisper, our microphones will still pick it up.  Whatever you have to say, say it out loud Gideon.  There's no need to hide anything here." Mitch assured him, confidently.

"Thank you Inspector Crosby.  I bribed some prison guards.  I think you'll find that  money can be very influential."

"How can you even adopt me and Gravity? We're your biological children."

"not exactly.  When your mother and me found out that you had run away, we disowned you." Shadow noticed how hesitantly Gideon answered this question.  the man was losing his composure.

"Ok, guys visiting time is over.  Back to your cell 3145."
Shadow's new bed seemed tainted by Gideon's evil.  He never ate the cake, he could not be sure if it was poisoned or not.  Shadow fell asleep feeling betrayed and alone.
****
Mitch apprenhensively approached Sarah's desk.  he kenw that she had been stuck doing paperwork for the pst few days and he also knew that nobody hated paperwor more than she did..  "Sarah, did you hear about about prisoner 3145? Basically, Consultant Jones offered to adopt 3145, but I'd told the prisoner the truth about what happened at the hospital.  As you can imagine, he was furious and refused his father's request.  I'm feeling slightly guilty, after all it was my fault, but I had to tell him.  After 3145 is released from prison, he'll be sent to a small house which the police can arrange for him.  I was thinking, just until all the paperwork is completed and the place is set up, we could take care of 3145 and look after him.  Once he's settled in, we could check up on him and just help him get life back on tract."

"What? There's no way we can do that."

"Why not? I feel responsible for him now.  This could be like having a child, but we don't have to worry about waking up at two a.m. to change his diaper."

"What? You're already thinking about babies?"

"No, I was thinking about temporarily looking after 3145."

"Anyway, prisoner 3145 is twenty two.  You're proposing that we effectively become his guardians.  If this happens we'll have to worry about college and university placements.  Where are we going to get the money for that?"

"I'm sure the prison will arrange something.  Anyway I don't think that will matter to him.  He would be grateful that he'll have someone who cares about him."

"What about his sister?"

"I was thinking that we could adopt her and Bliss.  She's still young enough." Mitch replied.

Sarah nodded slowly.

"Yes, thank you, I'll talk to prisoner 3145 tomorrow."

"Ok, but Gideon is visiting his daughter tomorrow.  Should I try and put off the session, or discourage Gravity from accepting his offer." Sarah asked.

Mitch shook his head.  "No, it's up to her to make her own choice."
****
Shadow was in the recreation facility finishing off some work.  Mitch approached him.  "Prisoner 3145, can I speak to you?"

Shadow put his work down.  "Sure., what's on your ,mind?"

"Ok, remember when you turned Gideon's offer down and now you don't know where you're going to go when you will be released?" Shadow nodded.  "The prison will be arranging a temporary accommodation for you.  Until that's all sorted, me and Sergeant Dames are willing to take care of you and Gravity.  Once you're settled into your house, we'll look after you."

Shadow thought for a while.  "It seems I don't have much of a choice.  I don't want to be separated from Gravity.  Besides you and Sergeant Dames seem like nice people.  I accept your offer."
****
Gideon was staring intently at his little girl.  The colour of her eyes seemed to have softened and the icy exterior had deteriorated.
"Gravity?"

"Yes dad?"

"I have a proposition for you."

"You have a what?"

"I have an offer to make to you." Gideon explained.

"What is it?" Gravity asked, attentively.

"This offer I have also extended to your brother, but he has declined.  The offer is to adopt you and Bliss."

"Adopt me? Wow, that's really big news.  What will happen to Shadow?"

"I don't know, but wherever he goes, he'll be welcome to visit us."

"This is really big news.  I'm going to have to think about this."

"Very well.  I shall return in one week." Gideon got up and left.

Sarah walked over to Gravity.  "Are you going to accept?"

"I don't know.  This is big news and I don't know if I want to be separated from Shadow.  What's going to happen to him?"

"I and Mitch have decided to temporarily look after him and he has accepted.  We have also decided to adopt you and Bliss if you want, but if you want to go to Gideon, then none us will try to stop you."

"I am rally going to have to think about this."
****
A week had passed, for Gravity those seven days seemed slower than anything she had ever known.  She was now back sitting opposite to her father.  "What's your answer?" Gideon asked, with great tension.

"I accept your offer."
****
Shadow was officially free.  He had been released from the police station, where he had been staying for the past two weeks, just to clear things up.  Mitch was turning his key in the lock.  behind this door Shadow expected to see an apartment full of glass and chrome, but was instead treated to the sight of something that looked like a hurricane had it it.  There were dirty clothes strewn across the floor and from what Shadow could see of the kitchen, there were grimy dishes stacked as high as the could see.  "Sorry about the mess Shadow, but I hate tidying up." Mitch stated.

Sarah walked past him and muttered, "don't expect me to clean this mess up."

"Shadow, will you be alright taking the sofa tonight?"

Shadow nodded.  "When will Gravity be arriving? I'm sure she is going to choose to stay with us and not Gideon."

"Oh.  Shadow, your sister has decided to live with Gideon."

"what? Why has she gone an done that?"

"I think it's bedtime now. I'll see you in the morning  Shadow."
Shadow was still awake.  he was lying on Mitch's sofa.  There were enough clothes to create a make shift blanket.  He was till was in disbelief.  How could his sister go to live Gideon? How could his sister go to live with someone, who had tried to kill her?
****
Gideon rang Mitch's doorbell.  Besides him were his daughter and her dog.  After Gravity had been released from solitary confinement she had been on her best behaviour.  This meant that her appeal had been accepted and she was free.  Shadow answered the door.  He gave his sister a tender hug.  He then knelt down and softly stoked Bliss.  He had missed both of them greatly.  Shadow straightened up.  "What is he doing here?"

"He is the one who accompanied your sister here; you wouldn't expect her to find her way here all by herself."

Mitch came to the door.  "Hello, Gideon, Gravity. Come inside.  Take a seat." The four of them sat on the sofa, with Bliss by Gravity's feet.

"Sis, how could you this? How could you let this man adopt you?"

"It was my choice."

"This man abandoned you; he left you out to die.  Why do you want to go back to that?"

Mitch quickly panicked and glanced at Gideon.  "Do you want to get some tea?"

"Sure.  Tea sounds good." The two men quickly left.

"Shadow, everybody deserves a second chance.  He's my father.  I can't leave him." Gravity protested.

"Yes you can.  You can come and live with Mitch and Sarah.  They're good people.  Gideon failed to kill you last time now he might actually succeed."

"He won't try to kill me Shadow.  He's changed."

"You can't go back to him.  I won't let you."

"Shadow, I can take care of myself."

"I know you can."

"I'm fifteen now.  I'm old enough to make my own decisions."

"Yes you are.   I still see you as my baby sister." Shadow reluctantly admitted.

"That's not going to change.  Just because we live in different pales doesn't mean we still won't be siblings."

I know.  Ok you can go live with him, but you're welcome to visit me any time"

"So are you.  I can't believe we're separating after all this time.  We'll still see each other right?"

"Of course we will," Shadow knelt down and gave Bliss a hug, "you take care of Gravity.  I'm going to miss you." Bliss barked and licked Shadow across the face.  Mitch, Sarah and Gideon came back into the room.  "Have you two straightened things out?" Mitch asked hesitantly.

"Yeah we have." Shadow responded.

"Gravity, I think we had better go now." Gideon said.

"Ok dad, I'll miss you Shadow." Gideon and Gravity left without another word.  "Are you ok?" Sarah asked.

"Yeah I think we've just got to let the dust settle." A clap of thunder startled the whole city and then the rain started  A few drops at first, which then turned into a cascading, never ending downpour.  Shadow looked out of the window and just about saw a crowd dispersing.  He also noticed a homeless person sitting on a nearby shop front.  He was like that once. Lost and afraid.  He was not alone though.  He was never alone.  Even now, he had two people who cared for him and a sister and dog whom he had an unbreakable bond with.  This is what made him different from the homeless person.  He was asleep when his family was separated for the first time, but this time he was awake.

*Author's Notes*

So this is the story in its entirety.  Perhaps not the most realistic of endings, but I had always wanted to split the siblings up.  They lived their whole lives together, depending on each other.  Now they can grow and mature without one another.
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Thursday, 22 December 2016

Awake Chapter Ten Foster Hall










Gravity sat up and slowly moved along to the bottom of her bed.  She stuck a hand out and was relieved to find Bliss there.  Due to her unusual circumstances,  Bliss was allowed to stay with her.  She had spent a week at the police station, waiting for her sentence to begin.  Gravity heard a clanging of metal and a creak.  She realised that somebody was unlocking the door.  "Who is it?"

"It's Sergeant Dames.  I've been assigned as your probation officer and I'm going to escort you to Foster hall.  You are a little younger , then what they would usually accept, but we have made some arrangements.  Even so you should look out for yourself.  This place is pretty treacherous; it's where some of the most dangerous women in the country go."

"Then why are you sending me there?"

"It's where the murderers are sent." Sarah replied, simply.

Gravity nodded and stood up.  She felt around the bed and picked up Bliss' leash.  The dog slowly raised her head and jumped of the bed.  Sarah went over to her and took her hand.  She led her out of the police station and into a car.  She buckled Gravity in.  "Don't worry; Bliss is just behind you in the boot, but for hygiene reasons...."

"She is house trained, you know."

Sarah smiled.  "Yeah, but this is a nice car and if she fouls it, then it comes out of my wages to clear it up." Sarah walked around the car to the driver's seat.

"Wow, this seat feels so soft.  I'm a dangerous murderer, why am I being treated so leniently?"

"Consultant Jones arranged it." Sarah refused to say any more about the matter.  Gravity smiled; maybe her dad was not so bad after all.  If he had not interfered, then she would probably be handcuffed in the back of a police van, with an armed guard.  After a short and bumpy ride, Gravity felt the car slowing down and coming to s stop.  She heard one door close and another open.  "Ok, it's time to go." Sarah reached in and unbuckled her;' she then took her hand and helped her up.  She led her to the gatehouse and signed her in.  Afterwards Gravity was led down a quiet corridor.  They came to a halt and she heard a knock on the door.  "Come in," said an old soft male voice, with a slight northern accent, "is this Gravity?"

"Obviously." Gravity replied, coldly.

"I know you have a disliking of medical staff, but this should be different.  Obviously I can't restore your sight, but I can tell you, if you're ill in any other way."

Gravity nodded.

"Hold on," Sarah took her to one side, "Consultant Jones told me, that he met you at the waiting room of the hospital and Shadow asked him if he could you help you.  But you must have know he couldn't have.  Why did you go there?"

"We were picking targets."

"Why didn't you pick your father?"

"We were more intent on killing that receptionist."

"Are you finished?" The doctor asked.  Sarah nodded.

The next hour consisted of Gravity being analysed and examined in every respect.  Everything was recorded and written down.  A series of psychological tests were performed.

"We're now going to do a Rorschach test.  Do you know what that is?"

Gravity shook her head.

"It's basically random blots of ink on paper, that you are supposed to interpret.  Usually this is done using sight, but in your circumstances, we have arranged to do it, using touch.  If you could just put your hand there."  The doctor gently took Gravity's wrist and guided it towards the paper.  "What do you feel?"

Gravity knew instantly hat this was.  She had felt the same thing, with her old gang.  It was a man lying in a pool of his own blood.  She knew she could not say this, if she did then she would be considered criminally insane and taken to the junior version of Broadmoor.  "it's a child playing in the snow." Gravity smiled sadly, she wished her own childhood could have been more like that.

"How about this one?"

She recognised it instantly.  It was a man on his knees, with a gun pointed to his head.  "It's just some children playing around.  They're doing cowboys and Indians."

"The doctor nodded.  "Ok, Gravity, that'll be all for now.  You're free to leave," a police officer appeared out of nowhere, "Burns will escort you back to your cell." Burns helped Gravity up and led her out of the room.

Sarah approached the doctor.  "What do you think?"

"I don't know.  I think she really did know what those shapes were, but she lied about it.  During those tests, she never showed any signs of remorse or guilt.  Whoever operated on her before, made her into the perfect killing machine."

****

It had been two days since Shadow's encounter.  He had been recovering well.  Mitch was watching all this through CCTV.  He had seen Shadow take the pills and he had also sounded the alarm.  Luckily some nurses arrived and stabilised him, before any serious damaged been done.  The contents of the pill were analysed and it contained poison.  He immediately went to Gideon about it.  "Did you know somebody just tried to kill your son?"

"Yes I did." Gideon did not even blink.

"Why are you being so calm about it," Gideon looked at the floor, his eyes heavy with guilt, "oh my gosh, you did it.  You tried to kill your son.  Why?"

Gideon shot up.  "Did you see how he was, when he was brought in? He had been beaten every badly.  His knee was fractured.  This will happen to him so much in prison.  He'll get it, day in and day out.  He won't be able to take all this abuse; he'll end up killing himself.  You see, I did it for him; I'm giving him a chance to end it quickly.  He's my son; I don't want to see him get hurt." Mitch was surprised, this was the first time he heard Gideon  expressed an affection or emotion for Shadow.

"Think of it as euthanasia." Gideon added.

"That's your justification for attempted murder? Euthanasia? No that's not it.  I bet you're quite respected doing the medical industry."

Gideon shifted uncomfortably.  "I haven't won any awards or anything, but you don't start out as a consultant.  You have to work your way up."

"This is it, isn't it? You're afraid that your reputation would be destroyed, if it was discovered you have a murdering homeless son.  You didn't do it to protect prisoner 3145, you did it to protect yourself.  You're a sick man," Mitch turned his back and walked away.  He briefly looked back, "don't worry.  I won't tell anyone.  I'm sure that deep down you might mean something to Gravity or even Shadow and it might damage them to find out their father is in jail."

"Mitch, you have to understand you can't tell anyone, especially Shadow.  If you did, then he would hate me so much.  He knows, I tried to kill Gravity and if he find out that I tried to kill him too, then that hared could turn into something else."

"Gideon.  It's too late for that.  Shadow doesn't see you with hatred, he sees you with the utmost contempt." Mitch turned back and walked out.

****

Gravity had just arrived in her cell.  She heard a heavy bolt slamming home.  Bliss was down by her knee.,  Bliss looked round and saw a basket in the corner.  She as tired and wanted to go to sleep, but she knew she had responsibilities and should stay with her master.  Gravity slid down the door and gently stroked Bliss.,  She decided it was time to explore her cell.  Se stood up and unsteadily walked a few steps.  She frowned, as her foot kicked something.  She knew down and put her hand out.  She discovered something very soft, like a cushion.  "It's ok Bliss; you can sleep here if you want to." Bliss walked over to the basket and sat down.  Gravity leant over and gave her a rub.  She turned and started crawling on her hands and knees.  She groaned, when she put her hands in something wet and squishy.  She put her hand up to her nose and smelt it. It smelt like something meaty in gravy.  It did not take to realise that she had put her hand in Bliss' food.  Luckily her faithful dog was there to lick it off.  She laughed a little, as Bliss' tongue tickled her hand.  Gravity stood up and slowly moved around her cell, with one hand on the wall for balance.  She felt that the all was padded and slightly sot.  So maybe they thought that she was a little crazy after all.  There was not a lot else in the cell: a single table, with a plastic chair, a bed.  gravity had been given an overnight pack, containing some reading and writing material.  She had been allowed to keep Darkness, her birthday present from Shadow.  Sarah decided that it would count as a book. She walked over to the bed, with a hand on the wall.  When she banged her leg on the metal frame, she could tell she reached her bed.  Gravity felt around for the edge of there sheet and pulled it back. She got in under the covers.  There was no uniform at Foster Hall; she was allowed to remain in her own clothes,  Bliss watched her master go into bed.  She walked over to her and jumped up.  Gravity reached down and was relieved to feel Bliss there.  She was glad that she had company.  She was going to need it.

****

Shadow was ready to be discharged from the hospital.  During his last few days, Mitch made sure all of his medicine was thoroughly analysed and all staff were meticulously investigated.  He also had Gideon assigned to a different part of the hospital.  Shadow did not mind this.  He hated Gideon and did not want to be anywhere near him.  Luckily no more attempts on Shadow's life were made.  "Are you ready to leave?"

Shadow nodded.  "Have you found out who tried to poison me?"

Mitch hesitated.  "No.  It was probably someone who has a score to settle with you.  Come on let's go."

****

Gravity instantly picked up the sound of a key turning in a lock.  She heard the door creak open and footsteps, as Sarah walked over to her.

"This is how today is going to work.  'll take you to a tutor who is especially trained for cases like these."

"Surely it would be more convenient if the tutor came to me." Gravity replied.

"That's a good point, but the tutor has a lot fo equipment which can't be moved, so we have to go to him." Sarah helped the blind girl to her feet and passed her Bliss' leash.  The policewoman led Gravity out of the cell and along the corridor.  Halfway down the hallway Sarah clicked her fingers impatiently.  "I'm such an idiot.  I left some important paperwork in my office.  I'll only be ten minutes.  Stay right here." Sarah walked off leaving Gravity standing awkwardly in the middle of the corridor.  With one hand outstretched and Bliss leading the way, Gravity tried to make her way to the side of the hallway.

****

The blonde woman walking down the corridor was chewing a stick of gum.  Her name was Camille Nanti and she had been arrested for credit card fraud.  She had a massive temper and when she got angry, she would explode like a volcano.  She took no notice of the blind girl and walked straight into her.  Camille turned around.  "Watch where you're going, you little lummox."

Gravity smiled apologetically.  "Sorry, but I can't see."

"Oh yeah you're that blind girl.  Just look where you're going."

"If I'm blind I can't see where I'm going, you stupid person."

Camille punched Gravity to the ground and started kicking her  Bliss bit the woman's leg hard.  Taking advantage of this diversion,Gravity concentrated on the sound of Camille's grunts.  When the girl believed she was acing the right way she opened her eyes and stared at Camille.  The blonde woman started to convulse.  The gum fell out of her mouth, as she began to froth,  The convulsion were rocking her whole body,  Sarah was coming back from her office and seeing what was taking place, charged at Camille, knocking her to the ground and out of Gravity's line of sight.  A prison warden took advantage of this distractions and took out his truncheon and knocked Gravity unconscious.

****

A few hours later, Shadow was sitting in afternoon lesson.  This consisted of English and P.E. Ms. Devon was his English teacher and quite attractive, but she was ten years too old for him.  "An important writing device Dickens uses in Great Expectations is pathetic fallacy.  Does anyone know how he uses those," there was silence, "In the first chapter Pip is in the graveyard where his family was buried, and he is very sad and angry.  His emotions are represented in the weather, as in the chapter it's very stormy and wet..  Another writing device which is used..." Shadow zoned her out.

To hell with English.  He thought.  He never much liked school when he was a kid and he hated it more now.   Slowly the seconds ticked by and finally class was dismissed.  Now it was time for P.E, which was an hour in the gym.  He was weak and still quite malnutritioned; he could barely lift anything.  Not that it bothered him.  He was here to improve his physique.

****

Gravity woke up.  Mentally at least.  She could not physically open her eyes, as she had been blindfolded.  Behind her she felt that she had been handcuffed.  She could tell that she was sitting on a soft padded floor and the wall behind her felt padded as well.  Perhaps this was it.  Perhaps she had been transported to the junior version of Broadmoor.  At least she would not be alone.  "Bliss." She said, expecting to feel the warmth of her dog, at any moment.  "Bliss." She said, expecting to feel the warmth of her dog at any moment.  "Bliss!" She repeated, slightly panicking now.  There was no reply.  "Bliss!" She screamed desperately.  Nothing.  The police must have taken her.  She was alone now.  Completely and utterly alone.  In her whole life Gravity had never been alone; her dog had always been there for her.  She laid down on her floor and started to quietly cry.

****
It was three p.m. and Shadow was supposed to be having fun in the recreation facility.  This facility contained snooker and football tables, magnetic dartboards and table tennis.  There were guards by the doorway.  Shadow was supposed to spend three hours in here and he spent them thinking in the corner.  Occasionally he would be asked to play, but he always declined.  At six it would be time for dinner.  Dinner was always beef casserole.  Shadow would have enjoyed this, if the casserole was not burnt on the outside and if the inside was not full of blood.  He did not want to this, but knew that there would be nothing to eat until breakfast.  It had been along time since he had a school diner, but he decided that it was definitely a hundred times better than this.

****

The police woman walking down the corridor to talk to gravity on her second day of solitary confinement was Chief Inspector Lizzie Banks.  She was older than Sarah, in her late forties.  She had short brown hair.  She had long stopped wearing makeup and had an expressionless face.  She unlocked the cell door and sat down opposite Gravity.

"Who's there?" The girl asked,

"My name is Chief Inspector Lizzie Banks and I'll be looking after you, while you're here."

Gravity frowned.  "Sergeant Dames doesn't have the clearance to be here.  I've brought you some food."

"Where am I? Is this blindfold really necessary? Where's Bliss? Let me have my dog."

"The attempted murder of Camille Nanti, who has been confined as well for provoking your attack, has earnt you a week in solitary confinement.  I believe that it is imperative to keep you blindfolded.  While you're here you might try to hurt or kill someone.  As for your dog, having Bliss was a privilege and you've lost that right now.  We'll look after her until you're released from solitary."

"Let her stay with me."

"I can't do that."

"Let her stay with me!" Gravity demanded.

"I'm not allowed to do that." Gravity roared in frustration and launched herself at Lizzie.  The girl's forehead knocked into the woman's nose.  Before anymore damage was done, Chief Inspector Banks threw her off and knocked her out before making a swift exit.
****
Day three in solitary confinement.  To avoid any more, Gravity had been put into a straitjacket and kept under heavy sedation.  She just had enough energy to eat and talk.  As for food, Chief Inspector Banks had refused to return, meaning that the plain faced policeman Burns fed Gravity.  Burns had told her that if she refused to eat, then would have to been force fed through a tube.  Gravity did not want this, so she decided to relent.  She had also been told the minute, she had attacked Chief Inspector Banks, she had earnt three more days in solitary confinement.  Just seven days left.  Seven days of loneliness.
****
Dinner only lasted an hour and not it was time for community service.  Shadow to had to spend two hours doing this.  He had to work in the local care home.  He did not mind his placement; his granddad had spent the last few years of his life in a place like this.  His granddad did so much for  him and this was his way of paying him back.  At nine p.m., his work was finished and he was driven back to the prison.  He curled up in his bed and let his heavy eyelids drop.
****
Mitch walked into his apartment and dropped heavily onto his sofa.  Sarah came over and sat down next to him.  "Tough day?" She asked.
"It was pretty bad.  Prisoner 3145 just got out of hospital; he didn't suffer any permanent damage from the beating." Sarah knew he was talking about Shadow.  She also knew it was protocol to call him that.  "Oh, I forgot to say."

"What?" Sarah asked.

"When prisoner 3145 was picking what he wanted to study, he told me that when he was at school he was interested in science and g-forces, especially gravity."

"So?"

"Don't you get it? Gravity is his sister's name.  Obviously, her parents didn't call her that, so how did she get the name?"

Sarah shrugged.  "Well, it seems that her parents hated her a lot.  Maybe the name was a last insult."

Mitch shook his head.  "I don't believe that."

"I'll be with Gravity soon, I can ask her then."
****
It was nearly the end of Gravity's fifth day in solitary confinement.  She had expected Burns to have entered her cell and fed her, but she had not been given food all day.  She was starting to get hungry now, but she ignored these feelings.  On the streets Gravity regularly went without food and her body had learnt how to adapt.  She could deal with the hunger, but the loneliness was crushing her.  Her isolation was slowly suffocating her.
****
Gravity still had not been fed.  She almost finished the sixth day of her solitary confinement and she had still not eaten.  A lesser person would have given up from the gaping abyss, which was starting to fill their stomach, but Gravity was stronger than this.  She could live without food for a quite a while.  Not that she minded.  The sedatives made eating extremely difficult.  The sedatives made anything difficult.  They did not impede her mentally, but if she wanted to  move a few inches, then this took all of her energy and willpower.  She would lie in one spot for hours thinking.  Thinking to pass the time.  Thinking about Bliss and Shadow.  Thinking.
****
An electronic ringing sounded.  Shadow twisted in his bed, trying to remain in the escape of sleep just for a few minutes longer.  He groaned, as his knee hit the wall and the old wound flared up.  It had been three months since Shadow's imprisonment started.  He had always wondered how long the wound would be with him.  He knew what day it was now and he was not looking forward to it.  Mitch escorted him to a room, cut in half by a huge pane of perspex.  On one side of the Perspex sat Gideon.  Shadow knew it was vising day; if it was up to Shadow he would rather see Gravity, but Shadow did not have a choice in anything.  He had not heard from Gideon, since had been released from the hospital.  Gideon looked up at Shadow and saw someone he barely recognised.  He noted that Shadow had dark rings under his eyes and he had lost a lot of weight.  Gideon felt slightly guilty, after all he was the reason his son was here.  He hoped his guilt did not show.  Shadow heavily sat down and avoided eye contact.

"So, how have you been?" Gideon asked.

"I've been absolutely brilliant.  I get to eat inedible food and I'm sleeping on a bed of nails.  I've been beaten up and poisoned.  I've been brilliant."

Gideon shifted uncomfortably.

Shadow noticed this.  "What is it? Did you find out who poisoned me?"

"No," Gideon flinched at his mistake, he had answered the question a little too fast, "I mean, it was probably that Robert Smith fellow, just trying to finish you off."

"Stupid idiot.  Have you seen Gravity yet?"

No, she hasn't been allowed visitors, but Sergeant Dames said that she's had her ups and downs, but is coping well."

"Sergeant Dames?"

"Yes, she is Gravity's probation officer."

"Ok, 3145 visiting time is over, let's go." Shadow felt himself being lifted up and pushed through the doorway.  Gideon made sure he got a good look at his face before he was gone.  He was worried that by the time he saw his son again, he would have already forgotten what he looked like.
****
Day eight.  Twelve hours before, Gravity had been allowed to eat again.

"Why didn't you feed me on the fifth and sixth days?" She asked.

"It was because you attacked Chief Inspector Banks and this is just extra punishment." Burns replied.

"What a spiteful person." Gravity muttered.  Once the girl had finished eating,Burns packed everything away and left.  Gravity was so cold.  Even though there was no uniform in Foster Hall itself, you were expected to wear a paper thin, pale blue t-shirt and trousers when you were placed in isolation.  Gravity was surprised by how much the cold affected her.  When she was living on the streets she had to live and sleep in rain, hail and snow.  She grown a seriously thick skin to keep the worst of the cold out, but this was a different type of cold.  This was the cold that came with extreme loneliness.  Everything that had ever cared about her had been taken away.  On the streets when the cold did occasionally pierce her skin, she would snuggle up to Shadow and Bliss until her shivering subsided, but they were not with her now.  Nobody was with her to protect her from the cold.
****
Day nine.  The loneliness was affecting Gravity the most.  More than the cold.  More than the hunger.  Once Burns had finished feeding her, he would pack everything away and leave.  He was the only visitor the girl had.  Once he left he would be all alone.  Her cell was completely soundproof and no noise from the outside world reached her ears. She had never been alone in this sense before.  Since Shadow had rescued her from the riverside, she had never been alone. Whenever her brother went out to beg amongst the crowd, he would leave Bliss with Gravity.  The girl had often thought that he had done this just for convenience, but perhaps it was because he had not wanted her to be by herself.  He was one the who wanted a dog as well.  Even at that age, he was trying to protect her, if without knowing it.  Perhaps he felt an extremely strong duty to protect his sister.  Now she understood why he fought so hard at trying to keep her out prison and how shocked he was, when she told their entire story to the police.  If only she had kept quiet.  When Shadow had fond his sister by the riverside, Gravity wondered whether he had promised himself to never leave her alone again.  Unintentionally he had broken his promise and it was all her fault.
****
Somehow Gravity had made it through ten days in isolation.  Now she would be released.  She had also been allowed to change back into her regular clothes.  She was taken from her cell in solitary confinement and placed back into her normal one.  As soon as she stepped inside, she heard a bark of joy.  She could recognise that bark anywhere.  Bliss came rushing over to her and rubbed her head against the girl's legs.  Gravity crouched down and tenderly hugged her dog.  The girl stood up and with a hand brushing along the wall, made her way to the bed.  She felt for the edge of the covers and pulled them back, before slipping in.  Just as she expected, Bliss jumped onto the the of the bed.  She reached down and softly stroked her dog's head.  She might have four years left in prison, but with Bliss by her side, Gravity felt she could survive it.
****
Shadow woke up unwillingly again.  He hated prison and the only escape he could find was in sleep.  It was back to normal classes today.  He was walking to "school", when three men approached him.  They were only a few months older than him.  They had a thin layer of hair and they were all very muscular.  The leader of the three was black and called Tony Skinner.  The other two were white.  Shadow had heard a lot about these three men from other inmates.  These three men were very infamous.  They had committed several armed robberies, stealing hundreds of pounds.  They were all in white vests.  Down their arms were tattoos.  Shadow had expected something like this to happen.  He was skinny and looked very vulnerable.  "Word says you got Robert into trouble." Tony said.

"What's it to you?" Shadow replied.

The leader stood face to face with Shadow.  "He knew how to keep little idiots like you in line." Shadow ignored the insult; he was used to all of the abuse.  "Robert was good at his job unlike that Mitch, he is far too soft."
Shadow once again kept quiet.

"I understand Robert disciplined you, but I don't think he did a very thorough job.  Allow us to finish it form him."

"I'm good guys.  I'm going to be late for class."

Tony grabbed Shadow's collar.  "That wasn't an offer." The leader swung his fist around.  At the last Shadow dodged it.  Tony roared in frustration and threw Shadow to the ground, making him land on his bad knee.  Afterwards the leader went forward and viciously kicked Shadow's injured knee.  Shadow was in too much pain to get off the floor.  He waited for the inevitable.  Tony knelt down and again grabbed by his collar.

"I promise you, you won't dodge this punch." The leader gave an uppercut to Shadow's chin.  The punch threw him off the floor and into the air, making him crash back down.  "This is prison.  You have to learn how to fight." Tony said.

Shadow spat blood out of his mouth.  "Is that why you're doing this to me? You stupid thug," he snarled.  Shadow sat up, "Your mum is so stupid she attempted to kill herself by jumping of the curb." Shadow said, bravely.  Tony stormed up to him.  Shadow noticed that his two friends were just standing there.  Shadow wanted to get angry.  When people were angry, they made mistakes.

"You want to stay that to my face, punk?!" As soon as the attacker was in range, Shadow kicked the man in the crotch with his good leg.  The assailant fell to his knees Shadow saw his opportunity and kicked Tony in the face.  The leader's colleagues rushed up to Shadow, but police warders came along and held them back.  Shadow felt himself being dragged backwards.  He looked behind him, there was an unknown police officer holding onto his shoulders.  He wondered if he was going to be disciplined again, but he was thrown back into his cell and the door was locked.  It did not look like he would be going to school today.
****
The alarm sounded.  Gravity was already awake.  When she lived on he streets she tried to wake up as early as possible, just to try an rake in some extra money.  There was a knock on the door.  "Hey, Gravity, it's time for breakfast now." Gravity recognised Sarah's voice.  The door opened and Sarah took the girl's hand.  She also put Bliss' leash in Gravity's free hand.

"Do you mind, if I ask you something?"

Gravity shook her head.

"How did you get your name? I doubt your parents named you that."

"It was one of my first words.  Shadow decided to name me it."

"Gravity? Gravity was your first word? I thought you lived with your grandparents for four years.  Wouldn't your first word have been grandma or granddad?""

"Yeah, obviously gravity wasn't my first word, But Shadow was always going on about it.  He wanted to be a rocket scientist or a physicist, maybe even an astronaut.  He wanted to study gravity, maybe even defy it.  I suppose all his talk about gravity rubbed off on me and influenced me."
By this time Gravity was sitting in the cafeteria with porridge in front of her.  Sarah picked up the spoon and put it into Gravity's hand.

"Ok, the bowl is directly in front of you, jut take your spoon and dip it into the porridge.  Good, good now into you mouth," Sarah turned away, "I'm sorry, this must seem so patronising."

"It' ok.  It's been a long time since anyone has cared for me like this." Gravity ate the rest of the food in silence, until the bell rang, signalling the start of another depressing and dismal day.
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Thursday, 15 December 2016

Awake Chapter Nine Prison Life








It was a few hours after the trial.  Gideon was sitting outside the courtroom, with his two children.  Shadow notice, when he was leaving the courtroom that his defense lawyer was nowhere to be seen.  The lawyer must have scarpered for fear of being injured or murdered the the hands of his client.  Shadow looked up at Gideon, then at Gravity.  The silence between the three of them was deafening.
"I'm sorry kids. but I had to do it.  Anyway you got off pretty lightly.  If you were any older, you would probably be locked away for the rest of your lives."

"What will happen to us, when we're released? We haven't got any family to go back to."

"I've made arrangements to send Gravity to an orphanage and the prison will arrange temporary accommodation for Shadow, as he is too old for children's homes.  I know the right thing to do would be to adopt you, but I haven't been much of a father recently and I doubt I could be a good one in the future."

Shadow smirked.  "Do I detect a little bit of remorse in your voice? A little bit of guilt? It's a little late for that now.
****
Mitch walked up to the children and they got to their feet.  He led them out of the building and into a police car, that was driven back to the police station.  After one uncomfortable week, Shadow was taken for a short drive in the back of a police van, which was barely bigger then a wardrobe.  After two uncomfortably hot hours, the van finally stopped outside an ugly red brick building.  He assumed, this would be where he will stay.  He was marched up to the gatehouse of the building.  The gatehouse was a few metres behind a ten foot brick wall, which was topped of with razor wire.  Nobody could escape that way.  In the unlikely event that they did, armed guards with dogs patrolled the perimeter of the prison.  Shadow was marched into the reception area.
****
Mitch quickly checked him in, signed some forms and left.  Shadow was given a number, which was an identification number.  He looked down and read it.  3145.  3145 was now Shadow's new name.  He was then led to the sanitation area of the building.  There he was forced to strip completely and to hand his clothes to a prison guard, in exchange for a uniform.  Shadow pulled on a pair of shapeless boxer shorts and tried to ignore the fact that they had not been washed since last time.  He then pulled on a grey cotton t-shirt and tried to ignore the dried on blood stains.  Afterwards he put on grey tracksuit bottoms.  He tried not to look at the stains, around the crotch.  He saw his own clothes being put into a transparent bag, labelled and then filed away.  A man in a white coat walked up to him and quickly checked in a file.  The man looked old and tired.  A pair of glasses were perched on his crooked nose.

"Shadow or prisoner 3145 I presume?"

Shadow slowly nodded.

"This way, please." Shadow walked down a very clean corridor and into a room, littered with medical and surgical equipment.

"If, you'll please take a seat on the bed." The man's voice was a matter of fact.  In the following hour, Shadow was poked and prodded in places that he did not even know existed.  Finally, he was allowed to leave and he was escorted to his cell.  He stepped inside and heard the door locked behind him.   Shadow looked around at his accommodation.  The walls were painted white and there was a single bed in the corner, which was very similar to the one at the police station.  The bed clothes had not been washed and Shadow could see a lot of stains.  There was only one bed, so Shadow presumed this would be solitary confinement.  There was a wash basin in one corner, with a toilet next to it.  The toilet had started to rust.  There was a barred window, set high in the wall.  "Lights will be turned out in ten minutes." Said an unemotional voice through the intercom speaker in Shadow' room. He got into his bed and closed his eyes.
****
A slam of a bolt being drawn back, woke Shadow up.  He pulled the rough, paper thin covers back and went to the barred window.  He looked out of it and saw that it was just getting light.  Shadow heard a noise behind him and turned around.  The noise was the door opening and two officers walking inside.  Shadow recognised one of them as Inspector Mitch Crosby, but he did not know the other one.

"Prisoner 3145, you will come with us to start your induction session.  First, you will have a reception interview with Inspector Crosby here, who has been assigned as your probation officer, to discuss any concerns or problems you might have.  If you'll follow us.  Said the unknown prison guard, in a flat, monotone voice.

Shadow shook his head.  "I don't have any problems or concerns and as for a tour of the prison.  I'll make my own way around." He tried to keep the tone of his voice, as light as possible.

"Prison 3145, that was not a request.  It was an order." Mitch injected.

"It might have been an order, but I'm not following it." This time, Shadow did not even try to keep the contempt out of his soft voice.

The unknown prison guard went up to him and gave him a swift backhand across the face, leaving a nasty red mark.  What was a bored and tired looking guard before, had turned into an aggressive and violent thug.  He pulled Shadow to his feet and pushed him forward.  After a short walk, he was pushed into a room, with two plastic chairs and a table.  the unknown officer remained outside, while Mitch followed Shadow in.  "Ok, prisoner 3145, do you have any questions?"

"Yes.  Out of all the police officers out there, how come you were assigned, as my probation officer? Why isn't that nasty git outside my probation officer?"

"Gideon paid me to look after you and he had a word with the prison staff.  I suppose he wants to make up for being a bad father."

"He's got to do a lot better than that; anyway you weren't looking after me when that officer hit me."

"Well prisoner 3145 you were asking for that.  You can get so cocky."
Shadow smiled.  He was beginning to like Mitch.

"Anyway, this session is to help introduce you to prison life.  After a few days, you will choose what course you want to study here."

"What's the point of studying?"

"Prisoner 3145, you were left homeless at an early, resulting in no GCSEs.  We offer an alternative.  You can study your chosen subjects and then sit your exams.


Shadow sat back and crossed his arms.  "I don't want to study or sit exams."

Mitch sighed.  "it is that kind of attitude that will get you hurt.  Anyway, if we release you with no exam results and no chance of getting a job, then you will resort back to crime and if you resort back to crime, there is a very strong chance, that you will end up back here.  Who knows, maybe in two years we'll be having this exact same conversation?"

"Exactly.  I'm only in here for two years, which means that I only have two years to study." Shadow protested.

"That's the same amount that secondary schools do.  However if you'll prefer, you can stay here for another two years.  Or six years.  Or eight years."

Shadow sighed and nodded in a agreement.  He knew that he did not have a choice.

"Good lad.  Do you have any idea what you want to do, when you leave here?"

Shadow shrugged.

"That's extremely helpful 3145, but we'll worry about this later.  If you do suffer any abuse from the other inmates, report it to one of the officers."

"Do you I report abuse from the officers, as well as inmates?"

"If you do get hit by the officers, it's only because you're asking for it.  So do you actually have any concerns or problems?"

Shadow shook his head.

"We do expect some things from our prisoners.  We expect good behaviour and attendance, we expect cooperation-"

"So, basically everything a school would expect?"

Mitch nodded.  "we also expect not to be interrupted.  If any of these rules are broken, you will be severely disciplined.  One last question.  Do you remember your real name?"

"I chose to forget it.  At the time I didn't want to remember anything related to my parents."

Mitch nodded.  "Now you will be escorted to your cell."

The door opened and the unknown officer walked in right on cue.   "Should I escort prisoner 3145 back to his cell?" Mitch nodded.  The officer walked over to Shadow and roughly pulled him to his feet.  He gave him a hearty push forward and walked over.  Shadow walked in the direction of his cell.  He was helped along, with a few shoves by the officer.  Ten feet away from his cell, he was tripped up.  He fell flat on his face.  The officer grabbed his collar and heaved him up.

"You really don't like me, do you?" Shadow asked.  He was determined not to be intimidated by this horrible man.  The officer kicked him in the knee.

"No I don't like you; you helped to kill one innocent man and even though it can't be proven, I bet you killed all the others."

"Why are you punishing me? Are you trying to avenge their lost souls? Hasn't your mummy told you that two wrongs don't make a right?"

The officer groaned and slapped Shadow across the cheek.  "Shut up."  The officer walked to the cell and unlocked it.  He dragged Shadow over and shoved him inside.  Shadow shook his head and rubbed his cheek.  "Stupid idiot." He muttered to himself.  Without warning, the light went off and Shadow bet the nasty officer had cut power to his cell, even though it was the beginning to the day.  He shook the notion off and went under the covers.  It was hours before he fell asleep.  He felt cold and unwelcome.  Eventually the escape of sleep came.
****
The early morning light crept into shadow's cell and woke him up.  He had been locked in his cell for the duration of the previous day.  Having nothing better to do, he decided to catch up on some much needed sleep.  He enjoyed sleeping on a mattress, rather than the streets of London, but he missed the company and warmth of his sister and dog.  Maybe he could see them again.  he hoped that sometime he might be allowed to visit them.  It seemed unlikely, but he hoped nonetheless.  The cell door unlocked and Mitch and the unknown, nasty officer walked in.

"Prisoner 3145, my name is Sergeant Robert Smith.  You are expected to shower, then Inspector Crosby will accompany you on a tour of the prison.  Afterwards, you will decide what you want to study here."  Shadow nodded and hesitantly walked to the door.  At the last second Sergeant Smith stuck his foot out and swept it back, resulting tin Shadow crashing to the floor.

"Sergeant Smith, leave him.  You're not going to help like that." Mitch Said.

"This thing helped to kill someone.  This is the only language it understands."

"That might be so, but he's got to spend two years in here.  it won't reflect well on the prison or the police, if he kills himself within his first week." Sergeant Smith simply sneered at Mitch, as he reached down and helped Shadow to his feet.
****
"Ok, your tour begins here, with a shower, because you stink." Shadow smiled and looked around the room.  It was poorly lit, with separate cubicles.  "Shower time is is fifteen minutes.  You have five minutes of hot water; I suggest you use it wisely." Shadow stripped and stepped into the cubicle.  Without warning, a jet of hot water thundered out.  He sighed, as he it let wash over him.  He did not even notice, when the hot water had stopped and the cold water had started.  After a long time without a wash, even a cold shower was a luxury.  Suddenly the water stopped and Shadow reluctantly stepped out.  He wished he could stay in there forever.  He dried himself and got dressed back into uniform.  He walked outside and saw Mitch waiting from him.  "Right.  It's time to pick the subjects, you'll be studying here."
****
Shadow stepped into a room named 'Opportunities'.  How sanctimonious was that?" The room was small and cramped, with appear and notices everywhere.  "when you were at school, what did you excel at?" Mitch asked.

Shadow thought back.  It was such a long time ago.  "Art and science I think."

"Any particular science?"

"I really enjoyed physics, especially learning about forces."

This sparked Mitch's interest.  "What kind of forces did you learn about?"

"The usual forces that everybody learns about."

"Can you give me some examples?"

Shadow sighed.  "I remember us learning about friction, up thrust, air resistance and gravity."

"We offer classes in all these subjects.  Now subjects you have to study are English, maths and luckily for you, science.  Then you pick three other subjects of your choice.  Now as you have an evident interest in art, we should look at that first."

"Ok  we will have a look at it." Shadow and Mitch walked over to a woman with pencils in her hair.

"Hello Ms Eves, this is 3145 and he has show interest in art.  I was wondering if you would like to take him in your class."

"Yes, we will be happy to have him.  So 3145, do you think you are good at drawing?"

Shadow shrugged.  "I think so.  I've never had any training, but I do enjoy doing it; it relaxes me."

Ms Eves handed him some paper.  "Go on.  Draw something.  I want to see how good you are." Shadow took a pencil and started drawing and within then minutes, he had produced a detailed picture of his dog Bliss.

"Wow, that's really impressive.  Consider yourself a member of our class."

"Ok.  That is great Ms Eves.  3145, if you like drawing then maybe you should do graphics as well.  Mr Holbert teaches graphics, don't tell him I said this, but he is very grumpy."

Shadow smiled at the joke.  "I don't think, I want to meet a grumpy man like Mr. Holbert, unless I have to, so I think I'll just take it."

"Ok, there is another lesson you can take.  Anything else you're particularly interested in?"

"I always enjoyed music at school.  I found something rewarding out of making music.  It's hard to explain.  It sounds really stupid, doesn't it?"

"Not at all.  If this is the thing that you like doing, we should really pursue it.  You never know, it could lead to a career."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves.  Anyway could you sign me up to these three subjects?"

"Are you definitely sure, you want to pick these three? When you start these courses, there's no changing your mind."

"Yes I am.  At school I showed a certain talent for music and graphics sounds fairly similar to art, so I'll take them.  I think that I'll be able to deal with Mr. Holbert.  I am positive that he won't be able to handle my cockiness."

"I'm not sure.  He is actually a very scary man.  I would watch myself, if I were you.  Anyway I will fill in application forms.  If all goes well, your classes will begin next Monday.
****
The morning light slowly crept in, through the barred window.  The light always woke Shadow up, before the siren that acted like an alarm clock.  It was eight a.m.  After Shadow had his fifteen minute shower, he went to have breakfast.  Porridge.  Porridge with lumps.  Shadow hesitantly picked up his spoon and started picking at it.  He knew if he did not eat this, then he would have nothing until lunch and if he was going to get through his first day of school, it was vital that he ate something.  He forced himself to scoop up some of it and put it into his mouth.  It tasted absolutely vile, but he ate all of it.  The time was now nine a.m., which was when school started.  He stood up and marched to first lesson.  Graphics.  “Everybody take your seats.  My name is Mr. Holbert.  I will be teaching you graphics.  At the start of lesson, you were given pencils and paper, if you’ll like to take them out.”
Shadow raised his hand.

“Yes…” Mr. Holbert did not appreciate being interrupted.

“Shad- 3145.  These pencils are really sharp; they could be used as a weapon.  What happens if somebody attacks me?” Shadow said the sentence as whiny as he could make his voice go.

“Prisoner 3145, your concerns have been noted, but I don’t think that will be a problem.” Mr. Holbert’s voice did not rise once, but his eyes had turned to the colour of ice, warning Shadow not to test him.  Shadow decided to heed the warning and somehow made it through the rest of morning.  It was now time for lunch.  Lunch, was fried eggs on toast.  Shadow was looking forward to this, until he saw it.  The bread was either undercooked or overcooked and the eggs were dripping with grease.  Once again, Shadow forced himself to eat this.  A siren sounded, signalling the end of lunch.  Shadow stood up and walked back to “school” for afternoon lessons.

He saw Sergeant Smith on the way and immediately quickened his pace.  “How are you, you stupid tramp.  How much money have you made so far? Who have you killed this time? Are you going to kill me and steal all my money?” Shadow ignored him and kept walking.   “Hey, 3145 I’m talking to you.” He went up to Shadow and slapped him.  It was only now, that Shadow realised how short the man was.  Shadow kicked him in the knee.  Sergeant Smith cried out and bought his hands down.  Shadow saw the opportunity and kicked the policeman’s hands and pushed him over.  He quickly continued on his way, like nothing had happened.  Sergeant Smith reached for his radio.  “I’m in the canteen.  Prisoner 3145 just assaulted me.” Out of nowhere Inspector Crosby and three other officers rushed in and took Shadow down.

They dragged him across the floor and into a small and enclosed room.  Shadow’s shirt was ripped off and his arms were roped to either side of the room.  Shadow saw Sergeant Smith smiling at him.

“Now this is where you go to get severely disciplined.” The policeman picked up a brutal looking rounders bat.  “Don’t worry I won’t inflict any permanent damage.”

Somehow Shadow doubted this.  Sergeant Smith swung the bat into Shadow’s back.  He cried out.  The policeman moved his hands down to the bottom of the bat and pushed it into Shadow’s kidney.  This time Shadow remained silent, he was determined that Sergeant Smith would not get any satisfaction out of this.  The bat was swung again, straight into the knee.  This was payback for the earlier incident.  Another strong blow in the stomach.  This winded Shadow, yet he still remained silent.  The bat was swung again, into his forearm hitting a pressure point making his arm go completely numb.  The action was repeated on the other arm.  He was slowly untied.    “You got off lightly.” Sergeant Smith dragged Shadow across the floor.  Even if he had the strength to stand, he would have not been able to walk.  Sergeant Smith threw him onto his cell bed and walked out of the cell chuckling maniacally.

He woke up in a clean room, with sunlight streaming in.  He sat up and noticed that the mattress was a lot softer, than it should be.  He looked around and saw syringes and medicine.  So I’m in hospital.  So much for no permanent damage.  I hope that bastard rots in hell.  Shadow thought.  The door opened and Consultant Jones walked in followed by Inspector Crosby.

“Ah good, Shadow you’re awake.”

“How did I get here?”

“Mitch called me, after your beating and I made arrangements to get you out.  Your knee has been fractured, but otherwise it’s just bruises everywhere else.  We can mend the knee and give you painkillers for now.  You’re going to have to stay in hospital for two weeks, then you’ll be released back to prison.”

“How’s Gravity?” Shadow asked, weakly.

“I don’t know.  I haven’t seen her yet.  Don’t worry, she can look after herself.”

“I know she can, I taught her how.” Gideon did not falter.  He was angry at Shadow for bringing this up.  Mitch saw what was about to take place and decided to intervene.

“Prisoner 3145, now I know you’re probably mad at me, for not helping you during your ordeal, but you struck an officer and he gave you an appropriate punishment-” Shadow started to protest, but Mitch raised his hand.  “I know what you’re going to say, we know you were provoked and Sergeant Smith has been fired and is being tried.  He will almost certainly be imprisoned.”

“I suppose that is some consolation.”

“We better let you get some rest now.  These pills are to help you sleep.”

Gideon went over to the bedside table and put the pills down, then he and Mitch exited the room.  Shadow picked them up and dropped them in a glass of water.  He waited for them to dissolve and then he drank out of the cup.  His vision started to blur and he became dizzy, he assumed these were side effects from the pills.  Suddenly everything went black.

*Author's Notes*

Again correct my fourteen year old self on how prisons work.  I really didn't know any better.
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