Six months come and go. Aaron hadn't realized time already flew but he made it a point to visit Georgina in those six months of her imprisonment whenever he can. His niece Donna found it odd he would always go somewhere but Aaron didn't want Donna to meet Georgina while she was in jail. He didn't exactly plan on keeping Georgina from her but he wanted them both to have a proper meeting with no preconceived first impressions.
Georgina didn't mind staying in prison and actually enjoyed her cell because of the company she had. Aaron was transfixed with her cell mates and the stories they had, sometimes wondering if he would be able to meet them.
Soon Georgina was finished with her prison sentence and here Aaron was with her best friend Veronica and her cousin Connor. They were by the waiting lounge, seated on uncomfortable metal chairs with its cushions nearly gone. Connor was picking at his nails and sighing every once in a while, Veronica seated primly in her own chair and staying quiet.
Aaron had gotten the pleasure to know them by coincidence. He had met them when they also decided to visit Georgina in prison and he found the couple to be both lovely people. Veronica is like a mother figure to Georgina despite them being the same age but Veronica doesn't seem to mind and actively dotes on her friend at every available chance.
If he remembered correctly, Connor was younger than Georgina but being a man, he towered over her by inches. He was boyish and charming with a handsome face and round spectacles. He was also flirtatious but seemed loyal to his fiancée. Overall, Aaron liked them both and deemed them to be trustworthy.
Connor then released a loud sigh, both Aaron and Veronica turning to him.
"Gosh what is taking that curly-haired midget so long? We oughta eat in a restaurant and stuff ourselves full. Her treat."
Veronica rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Connor, she's just about to come out of prison. Frankly, I think we should be the ones to treat Georgina."
Connor chuckled and patted his fiancée's hand. "I'm just kidding, darling. Of course we'll pay for Georgina; we both know she has a bottomless appetite."
They giggled together, Aaron smiling at how comfortable and in love they were.
"Also, I think Gina's in average height for her age."
"Yeah but she's shorter than you," pointed out Connor. "That's enough reason for me to tease her on something." He then had a thoughtful expression as he asked, "You think she's okay though?"
Aaron observed how Veronica's face took on this melancholic and anxious look, visible lines on her forehead where she frowned. Her back slumped slightly, Aaron watching keenly and getting ready to speak if she needed to be eased.
"That's what I'm worried about. What if she spent the last six months shivering, all alone and surrounded by men all around?"
Aaron smiled wanly and said to ease her, "Veronica, if it helps matters Georgina is quite fond of her cell mates. They are four, each with their own personalities and she tells me they treat her well. She sometimes calls them her family and often voiced out her thoughts of wanting to visit them someday when she gets out."
Connor's eyebrows jump in surprise, Veronica blinking up at him.
"Oh well if that's how she feels, I'll believe her."
"Yeah. She's a tough gal and she's got herself handled," Connor said, Aaron noticing the tint of pride in his tone as the other man leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms behind his head.
Silence once more enveloped them, Aaron looking around with nothing to do and wishing he had brought a book or a pamphlet to pass the time.
"Hey uh… Aaron?" Connor called in an uncertain and timid tone, which was a first. Aaron turned to him in confusion and interest, wondering why he spoke like he was afraid to ask something.
"Yes?"
Connor shared a look with Veronica, who only stared back with confusion. She blinked and her expression shifted but Connor had already turned back to Aaron and was taking a deep breath.
"V and I know she got captured this time 'cause she was robbing your place," stated Connor. Aaron merely stayed silent and gave a small nod. Connor seemed to falter, rubbing his forehead and trying again. "Do you… hate her? I know it's rude to ask but you're here and everything and I wanna know how to act when around you two."
Aaron opened his mouth to speak but shut it again, unsure on what answer to give.
He didn't particularly hate her. Hate was a strong word and he didn't feel that at all. Disappointed? Yes. Upset? Definitely. He still cared for her to some extent and it didn't feel right he would cut ties with her over something habitual. Yes it was wrong to justify stealing but if he could be of help in some way then he would try. He didn't forget the promise he made to her the first day he went to visit her.
Aaron smiled towards the engaged couple, mind made up.
He answered honestly, "I don't hate her. I want to help Georgina because I know she can be better; I think you believe it too because the fact you're both here waiting for her means you haven't given up on her either."
Connor blinked and looked to Veronica, her face also showing shock. But then it faded for a small smile to play on red lips, nodding slightly.
"You are a good friend to Georgina, Aaron. She's so lucky to have met you."
Connor turned to Aaron and clapped him on the shoulder, shaking it for good measure.
"What V said, Aaron. I'm not much of a vocal person 'cause I don't know words but I also care for my cousin and absolutely hate it when she won't try and reconsider her life. Having you here's a good thing. And know we appreciate your company too."
Aaron smiled a little wider, heart warmed at having favor from Georgina's closest friend and cousin. He wasn't trying to win them over or anything but hearing them say they want him around too was a nice feeling.
Soon the door to the waiting lounge open, the three of them quick to turn and get to their feet as they see Georgina dressed in a large plain shirt, baggy gray sweatpants, and orange sneakers. A taller male officer was standing near her, on guard. Once Connor caught sight of her he laughed, Georgina scowling his way.
"Can it, buster. This was the only thing that could fit me," Georgina said, raising her hand curled into a fist. "I'm gonna hurt you so bad you're gonna be feeling my fist for weeks!"
Veronica flung her arms around Georgina's shoulders, the latter stumbling but quick to return the gesture with a tight hug and a soft sigh, her features relaxing as she wrapped her arms around Veronica's waist and squeezed.
"Oh Gina I've missed you so."
Georgina hummed. "Yeah I missed you too so bad you won't believe it."
Once they parted Veronica turned to the officer and inquired about Georgina, said woman punching Connor's shoulder when she got near enough. Aaron was about to tell her off when Connor retaliated with a hip thrust, sending Georgina toppling to the side with a surprised shriek.
"Connor, be gentle on her," he admonished.
Connor turned to him with a grin and shrugged.
"Chill out, man. Ol' Georgie's tougher than she looks." Connor fully turned to him, threading a hand through his crisp hair and smirking. "When we were younger, she used to wrestle around with the boys and usually came out the winner. Sure Aunt and Uncle didn't approve much but over time they came to appreciate Georgina's strength. Look where she is now from all that tumbling around. Eh Georgina?" he called back to the woman, who straightened her glasses and huffed.
Then her lips turned upward into her own cocky smile and chuckled. She looked to Aaron and pointed a thumb Connor's way.
"He's right. And 'sides, all that pinching with Connor keeps me on my toes. He knows my limits and he knows not to test them so we're fine." As an afterthought she smiled his way and said, "But thanks for the concern Aaron."
Aaron blinked in mild shock but felt himself smile, able to do nothing but nod her way.
Veronica gave one last nod to the officer, who addressed them all and left swiftly. Veronica turned to them all but let her gaze linger on Georgina longer before she spoke.
"So Georgina finished her six-month sentence and the officer said if she's caught again she will have to serve a longer sentence in jail." She paused to give her best friend a knowing look. "I hope this doesn't happen again though."
Georgina let out a nervous laugh and grinned sheepishly.
"Great. Did you have to pick up a few personal belongings or something, Georgina?" Connor asked his cousin, who shook her head.
"I didn't have anything valuable on me then so I don't hafta pick up anything," shrugged Georgina, pushing her glasses up. She looked around and suddenly became timid as she asked, "Hey uh… is it okay if we stop by somewhere to eat? I'm fucking starving."
By the corner of Aaron's eye, he saw Veronica and Connor exchange swift looks. He answered for them.
"Yes we will be eating. Connor where is that place you want to go?" he prompted the other man.
"Oh yeah I know a great Japanese place around here. Let's go." He linked arms with Georgina and said in a teasing tone, "You'll be the one to pay, all right?"
"WHAT!" shrieked Georgina, attempting to wiggle out of her cousin's hold but Connor held tight. Aaron giggled, sharing a glance with Veronica who also had a mirthful smile on her lips. "I just got out from jail and you want me to pay? Are you crazy or what?!"
Aaron laughed alongside the Veronica, knowing full well Connor would be the one to pay. And judging by Connor's wink thrown his way, he knew that too and didn't mind one bit.