Jail Chronicles, Chapter Fourteen

Released.

I barely allow myself to believe it.  I know I still have to go back to G-pod, and pack my things.  They will be calling my name to bunk and junk.  I am not the only one going home that day, and I tell myself I can wait it out, and let everyone go first.

Once back in the pod, there is much celebration and I Told You So’s at the news I have been released.  I head straight to my cell and pack up everything I own.  A box full of papers, and the property I was issued.  It seems as if everyone else is leaving first. I finally beg Peggy “Please, I want to go home”

She calls my name and says the magical phrase, which is really silly, she knows I’m standing at the door packed.  I grab my things, walk up front and wait among the others as my papers are processed.  I am given my clothes and allowed to change into them.  I hand over my oranges, glad to be rid of them.  My clothes are loose on me now, and wrinkled and no longer appropriate, but there is not a trace of orange on them.

I am handed my paperwork, my purse, and escorted out to the lobby.  I am within feet of freedom.  Just beyond the double set of doors.  I stop on my way out to buy a soda and I walk out the door into the sunshine. 

I sit on the curb, drinking my soda, enjoying the sunshine, the caffeine and the freedom. I turn on my phone, and ignore all the messages.  I have just three phone calls I want to make. I dial his number. I don’t know if he’s at work, if he’s home, if he can come get me, or even if he’ll answer the phone, but I call, if for no other reason than to hear his voice.

I call Batman. 

Batman: Hey
Me: What are you doing?
Batman: I’m getting ready to leave..
Me: Where are you going?
Batman: Home.
Me: Would you come get me and take me home too?
Batman: Where are you?
Me: Free.
Batman: I’m on my way.

I am free, and going home.

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