Chapter 9

She could recognize it just anywhere.. That bracelet, it's hers.

Oscar had gifted it to her, it's the only thing of Oscar's she has here... How could she have lost it? Why didn't she notice?

She could vividly recall taking it off out of anger after listening to Oscar's press conference. How then did it get to the warden?

And what does it have to do with the inmate that tried to escape?

These and many more questions flooded her mind.

"You have ten seconds to step out... " The wardens began to count down and with each count he took, her heart kept beating.

However, she stepped out before she could stop herself.

"Excuse me Warden, the bracelet is mine!."

The Warden sharp gaze were fixed on her.

" So you are that inmate who tried to escape?"

" No, I assure you, there seem to be a mix up somewhere. The bracelet is mine but I have no idea how it ended up with you. I didn't try to escape, I promise " She said in her defense.

She hasn't been this confused in her entire life? How did this all turn towards her.

"Save your explanation for the custodial officer...." He faced the other wardens. "Take her"

The Wardens moved to her and grabbed her, pushing her forward like a lowlife slave.

Althea still had no idea what was happening, but she thought it was best not to argue with the wardens so as not to complicate things.

She turned slightly, staring back at her inmates only to see them smiling at each other.

She had a gut feeling that this really wasn't a coincidence of any sort. Else, why would her bracelet be found at such a place.

She balled her fists, while gritting her teeth hard.

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Althea sat, her hands handcuffed and on the desk before her. Her shoulders downcast and her head lowered.

Tears brimmed from the corner of her eyes as she tried to think about what wrong she must have done to her inmates.

Why are they all after her life? Isn't she already ruined as it is? Why should they make her suffer more?

She's so sure that they orchestrated everything just to make her the prey. If it isn't the red haired crazy lady, it could be any of her minions.

The Wardens paid no attention even as she tried to make them know that they have the wrong person. What they're keen about is the bracelet belonging to her.

She didn't know how long she has been seated but her back hurts a lot. but she wondered what they're going to do to her.

She lifted her head up when the sound of footsteps approaching caught her attention.

"So you had the nerve to want to escape uh? Do you think you're so special?" The custodial officer said, walking towards her.

"No please. You have to believe me, I have no idea what is going on! I promise, I didn't try to escape" She said in her defense.

"Then..." The officer hit the desk loudly, making her flinch back in fear.

"How do you explain the bracelet that's yours? Do you think you can play us for a fool? who was trying to help you escape? I'm certain you weren't alone, who are your companions?"

"I promise, I'm being framed by my inmates. I swear, I have nothing to do with this"

There was a stunned silence and all that could be heard where that of the officer, tapping the desk with his finger.

" You have committed a grave offence by trying to escape prison. All evidences points to you. All you have to do now is mention those who were part of your plan except you're willing to serve the punishment for all"

Althea shook her head negatively.

" I have said this before and I'll say it again officer, I am not the culprit. Plus, how my bracelet ended up there, is still a mystery to me"

" Very well then.. Since you have refused to open up, be ready to accept whatever comes your way.."

He turned to the Wardens. " Take her to the confinement room. She is to be locked up in there for five days with no food or water. Let her experience what hell really is like in prison "

He gave his order and walked away.

The confinement room was not the least of what Althea had expected. Her jail cell was better.

It was dark and terrifying. There was a small window at the top corner that emits just a little light into the room.

She looked back to the closed door, she could hear their footsteps retreating. Hot tears circulated in her eyes as she looked around the dark room, barely seeing a thing.

She hated being in the dark. The only source of light was from the small window.

How can she survive being in here without food or water for five good days.

She moved slowly to a corner, curling herself up and bursting into tears.

No one is on her side. Whether she tries to defend herself, no one believes her? Why won't the wardens carry out proper investigations?

Why should they assume just because they found her bracelet?

The police who are meant to protect the rights of individuals and even criminals as well have become so unfair in their dealings.

But then, she's always the one getting punished for other's mistakes!

She hated herself for being so gullible and stupid towards Love.

This was not the perfect Romeo and Juliet love story where they died for each other's sake.

This was reality and Love sucks!!

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Five days came by in a flash and Althea barely noticed. She has lost track of time. She couldn't believe the wardens actually left her in here without coming to check if she's dead or not.

She could feel it, the heaviness in her head as well as the emptiness in her tommy.

Her throat feels dry and she feels drained of energy. Her body aches from sleeping on the cold floor and she could barely breath as she felt suffocated.

She strained her eyes open, forcing herself up as she couldn't handle it anymore.

As she stood up, her legs felt jelly... Balls of sweats forming on her forehead. Her lips were dry as well, so much for someone who hasn't even had a drop of water in days.

Althea knew that she would not recognize her own reflection if she were to look in the mirror. She must have become so thin and ugly.

Getting to the door, she banged on the metal door before her. She needs to get out of here as soon as possible.

She needs a lot of air.

"Please, get me out of here. Someone, get me out..."

Unable to maintain her stance, she lost balance and fell to the ground, her hands still banging on the door weakly.

"please... Someone!! " She mumbled before collapsing to the ground completely. Her head heavy and her sense of hearing diminishing.

If this is how death feels like, then she's at the verge of dying.

Hot tears rolled down her eyes as everywhere suddenly went blank.