Prologue

“Treasure, are you almost done with the mopping?”

“Give me two minutes, Butterfly”

“Ok hurry so we can go have lunch”

I nodded as I continued mopping the floors. When I finish the last room, I ring out the mop and place to the side. Then I took the dirty water pour it into the toilet flush down the drain. I put the cleaning supplies away, Butterfly and I exit out, heading to the cafeteria.

   There at the cafeteria, we grab our food headed to our usual spot. Once at the table, Butterfly asks “how long have you been here?”

“It’s been almost three months. Why?”

“I’m just asking. its seems like only yesterday is your first day being here,” Butterfly said.

“Don’t remind me I remember my first day here, How I got off that bus chained. When I enter the building, the sound of the bars slamming shut. That when I knew my life was about to change”

“I agree everyone felt the same way when they arrive here. I have been here now for two years. Let me tell you the first few weeks I was here was hell. Then from there I started learning the daily routine, also I learn who to trust, not everybody your friend in here”

I nodded. I agree with Butterfly being in juvenile detention is no fun in the park. There are all girls who are in here for vicious crimes that they committed. While some girls like me and Butterfly are here for doing a crime only in self-defense. I was here because of my mother's boyfriend. Each time I think of that day, my blood boils, not only for him my mother too.

 When Butterfly and I finish our lunch, we left headed into the rec room. There we join two other girls Sunshine, and Rainbow, at the table. We all sat back talking and laughing. All four of us became close while being in here. Sunshine is in here because her twin sister set her up by drugging the kid at a party when the cops came to the home, they found the drugs in her room. She said she told the police she did not do it. Of course, they did not believe her.

   She told us when the police took her away, she saw the smirk that her twin sister had on her face. Her evil twin set that up. Through it all, she put a smile on her face. That is why we call her Sunshine.

  Rainbow's story was that she was hanging out with friends, then one day one of her friends stole a car. They all took it for a joy ride by the end of the night. Rainbow and her friends got caught. Since Rainbow was the youngest, and it was also her first offense, they gave her six months.

   We were on the third round of playing cards “Lawson” I looked up to see it was Lady officer, Daniels.

“Yes”

“ Come on you’re out of here, go to your room, gather up your things,”

I was in shock. I could not believe my eyes. I looked around to see everyone was happy for me. We all stand did a group hug, once we broke from the hug, I could see my friends with tears in their eyes.

“We are so happy for you Treasure,” Rainbow said.

“Thank you, you don’t know how much this means to me. finally leaving this place, I’m going to miss you all the most”

“We are going to miss you too,” Sunshine said.

I could help but to smile but also feel sad because I’m leaving my friends behind. I wish that we all could leave out here together. You can’t always get what you want in life, that what sad about it. they must sense what I was feeling.

“It’s ok, we will be out of here before you know it. Enjoy your freedom,” Rainbow said.

“Let’s not waste any more time, let get you pack up,” Butterfly said.

“Are you sure you have everything pack up, Treasure?”

“I think so. If I left anything I know you will put it until we meet again”

“Of course Treasure, I cannot believe that you are getting out of here”

“I know it still feels like a dream that I don’t want to wake up from”

“Trust me honey, it’s not a dream. I don’t want to see you back here again. You have so much to achieve in life. I hate to see your life get ruined because of stupidity of others.”

“I want let you and the girls down”

“I know you want Treasure” Butterfly said embracing each other. Shortly our hug were interrupted a sound of someone clearing their throat, we turn to see it was Officer Daniels.

“It’s time Lawson”

I nodded, gathering up my bags, follow behind officer Daniels. I look back to see the sadness on Butterfly's face.

“Don’t worry Treasure. My lawyer informs me I should receive some good news soon. I have a feeling it’s good”

“I hope so,” I said leaving out.

Officer Daniel and I were standing at the door. She removed my arm band while another guard was processing my paperwork. There was silence until she spoke. “ Lawson, I have seen so many girls return here. When I first seen you, all I could see was pain in your eyes. I knew you were different,” Officer Daniels said.

“Here are your papers, you are free to go now,” An officer said handing me the papers.

I took them in my hand.

Daniels and I were walking outside towards the gate. There we both stop, Daniels faced me. “This is where I stop, remember don’t come back here,” she said with tears in her eyes.

I hugged her and whisper “I promise I will not disappoint you”

We broke from the hug. “Open the gate” Daniel shouted. The gates open as soon as I walk right out, then it close behind me. They're in plain view I face with a person who I hate so much right now my mother. I look at her I see no sign of remorse, just a look of irritation.

I approach her as she stood by her car. We gave each other a glare, then she spoke “You learn your lesson?” I gave her a look, just walk pass her without saying a word. I knew where this conversation was going to lead to.

“ I ask you a question, little girl. I did not have to drive all this way to get disrespected”

“Whatever Bitch” I said, getting into the back seat of the car.

Two hours later we were pulling into the driveway in front of the house. I grab my things step out of the car. My mother did the same. We both were at the front door. My mom pulls out her keys to unlock the door. She went in, before I could I took a deep breath and follow. I close the door right behind me. I walk as soon as I enter the living room, seeing my mom cuddling up with that asshole in the couch just made my blood boil. I said nothing I walk right past them. I was almost out of the room. “Don’t you have something to say to me?” When our eyes lock together, I stop and turn my head. I could see the cut I place on his face was now a scar. That made me feel good on the inside.

“What am I supposed to say?”

“You supposed to say you are sorry for putting me in the hospital”

“Really? Let me say this, I’m sorry that I put you in the hospital, instead I should have killed you. I want to make one thing clear: stay out of my way, and I will stay out of yours. Cause next time, you laid a finger on me, I promise you, you will not live” Before they could say anything I walk out of the room.