6. | minutes till midnight

"Please..." I cry out as my eyes shoot open, cold sweat decorating my face and limbs. Still numb from the amount of both confusing and saddening dreams, I force myself to sit up straight to be able to reach out to my phone.

Quickly glancing around my bedroom still half asleep, my teary eyes fall upon the digital clock on my lock screen, the bright digital numbers telling me it's already 8:10 AM.

I blink a few times before realization of not setting my alarm last night kicks in. I rush out of my bed and manage to shower and get dressed in just twenty minutes, to my surprise.

After all the rushing to get there not too late, I finally walk through the entrance. I quickly put down my bag with stuff for the upcoming two days and a few minutes later my father walks in.

"Good morning Brooklyn." He manages to smile while greeting me. "Ready for another week?"

"I am." I reply, completely ignoring his greeting in general. He's used to it; we don't like each other very much. He tries to make it look like he adores his daughter, but I know better.

Neither of us starts the conversation and I softly let out a relieved sigh when Reed walks in.  "Good morning Brooklyn." He grins, coming to stand next to me. "Coffee?"

"No, thank you." I kindly decline his offer, "I will get some later. I'm going to fix my face because I look like I'm planning on auditioning for The Walking Dead."

Chuckling at this, he shakes his head. "You don't look any different to me, honestly."

"You're just trying to be kind." I smile, grabbing my bag. "But I look terrible. I'm going to fix this."  I point towards my face, earning another chuckle. "I'll see you later. Don't forget to bring me the list of names!"

"I won't." He replies as I leave and walk into the room I'll be sleeping in for the next two days. I put down my bag with clothes and take out my small make-up bag. I haven't been able to put any make-up on because of all the rush.

I walk into the small bathroom that my father and I will have to share and lock the door behind me. I stare into the mirror, my reflection showing how exhausted I am because of the constantly waking up in between nightmares. I slightly bent down to the level of the sink as I splash some cold water on my face.

After I finish, I quickly dry my face and take out a few basic things to cover up my dark circles. Finishing quite natural, I only curl my lashes and apply some rosy blush on my cheeks and nose.

Glancing at myself one last time, satisfied with the miracles a little make-up can do, I make my way back to my room. Quickly grabbing everything I'll need for my conversations, I start my routine of mentally preparing myself and getting ready as I walk into my counselling room.

A few minutes later, Reed walks in, bringing me a cup of coffee as if it's part of his routine from now on. Thanking him as usual, I can't help but wonder why he's this kind.

I know kind and genuine people still exist. But there's something off about Reed. I can't seem to figure out why he's this nice to me when we've only known each other for a week now.

I'm aware of the fact that people are capable of developing a friendship in a short amount of time, but Reed and I barely do anything besides him helping the inmates get to my room.

I honestly need to stop doubting everything and accept that he doesn't need a reason to be kind. It must be one of his personality traits, the genuine kindness, which is rare these days.

The day passes by incredible slow. I end up talking to four inmates. Two of them I had already met past week. We're not anywhere near progress, but they're starting to like the routine of seeing and talking to me. The other two were new and luckily nothing odd happened. They were both thieves and both already determined to get out and start an actual life, one that does not include stealing and ending up back in this place. Those two will definitely be easy to work with and I'm happy I'll be able to.

Why wasn't Ethan on the list?

The question that keeps tainting my mind. He was supposed to talk with me today. I'm sure of it. Yet somehow, he wasn't included.

Just when I'm about to grab my notebook and leave the room, Cole walks in.

I've seen him around a few times, but I've never been able to sit down and talk to him for long. All I know is that he was the one that arranged the extra conversation with Ethan last week, when Ethan asked him to. When I asked Ethan about Cole, he told me that he has been kind and helpful to Ethan ever since he got into this prison.

"Hey Brooklyn," He interrupts my thoughts as he closes the door behind him, "How was your day?" he asks, walking over to my desk.

"It actually went pretty well. Although I must admit I was so tired, it felt like dinner time would never come."

He chuckles at this, "Well, you've made it through."

Just when I'm about to speak up, he continues. "Ethan wasn't on your list today, was he?"

Surprising me by asking this, I reply by shaking my head, not trying to show any emotions with my facial expressions. I can't deny it, I'm disappointed.

"But he was supposed to be, right?"

"Yeah, I thought so..." I softly answer, wondering where he's heading with these questions.

"That's odd." Is all he says, not asking about the issue any further. However, he surprises me by lowering his voice as he continues. "I know Ethan has been looking out to see you. You know, he's a good guy."

I look up at him, eager to know what he's about to say. "On Mondays I have to look out over his section at nighttime. There won't be other guards having access to the camera's of that section tonight. If you're okay with it, you can see and talk to him while everyone sleeps."

And thus, I agree to visiting Ethan at nighttime.

During dinner, me and Cole sit a little further away from the other guards. He tells me that it would be risky to talk to him from in front of his door. Just when I think Cole can't surprise me anymore, he slips a single key into the palm of my hand from under the table.

"I trust Ethan and Ethan really needs the talking." Is his way of reassuring me that this is okay. I can't deny I'm incredibly nervous.

Till this day, I haven't spoken with Ethan that much to start spending time with each other during nighttime. We have spoken, we have shared some things. But the thought of letting an actual inmate out of his cell at nighttime makes me kind of nervous. I know he wouldn't do any harm to me, yet I can't help it. Cole has told me several times that I don't have to, unless I want to.

I want to. If this is a way for me to get to know Ethan better, it's worth the risk. Also, Cole having Ethan's section during nighttime is only possible on Mondays, so it's now or in week if I'm lucky. The daily conversations are too short and are also being heard.

The minutes till midnight pass extremely slowly, causing me to get a little more anxious with every minute. Dressing up into something comfortable, I take the key, a bag of some of my favorite candy and my phone with me and leave my room when I'm sure that my father has fallen asleep in the room next to me. I really can't risk running into him. I can't risk running into anyone or I can kiss this internship goodbye already.

I make my way up to the floor of Ethan's cell, which I still remember from the first day Reed had showed me around.

How could I even forget when that's where our eyes crossed for the first time?

I notice Cole walking around and he gives me a reassuring nod when he sees me. Reaching Ethan's cell in absolute silence, I'm surprised at the state he's in.

He's sitting sideways on his bed, with his right shoulder leaning to the wall next to him. His eyes are peacefully closed and his breathing seems slow and steady. It looks like he has fallen asleep, waiting while facing the door.

Waiting for me to show up.

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A/N; last night i was having some trouble with publishing this chapter, so tonight you guys get two chapters! (even though it's nearly 4 am for me)

thanks for reading, i hope you enjoyed.

please don't forget to vote & comment, i really enjoy reading every single one of them.

— lyra b.