A few days have passed since the first interrogation. People came and went, asked questions and even a psychologist visited me, who promised I would see her again.
The situation still didn't feel real and everything was kind of a blur. They were a little annoyed that I refused all visits, but they treated me decently anyway.
The only thing that really bothered me was that I didn't know what was going on out there. I had no idea if I was in the news or not, if I became famous like I always wanted, though not in this way.
If I had asked, they might have told me, but for now, I couldn't muster enough courage to ask. Maybe now.
A few minutes ago, they walked me into the same room where they always took me when they were interrogating me and placed a cup of coffee in front of me. I appreciated the gesture, but it tasted awful. I sighed and drank it anyway. My whole body shook, but at least I felt like my brain had recovered.
When I heard the distinctive sound of the door opening, I raised my head and caught my breath. Those brown eyes with little gold dots. Rhys. It felt like forever since the last time I saw him.
Without a word, he took a seat in front of me and I immediately took a defensive position.
„I'm surprised you drank it." He said with a subtle smile on his face.
„I did not agree to the visit." I muttered grumpily.
„This is not a visit, but an interrogation." Seeing my surprised look, he added. „We have nothing to do with each other, so I didn't see the problem why I couldn't investigate the case."
„I'm not sure if this..." I shook my head. I have nothing to do with whether it's legal or not. „I've already said everything that could be said." I crossed my arms in front of my chest.
„I know. Actually, this is a visit disguised as an interrogation." He whispered softly, not that anyone was with us to hear.
„Isn't that what they call an abuse of power?" I raised an eyebrow.
„I always told you that you see me as much better than I really am." He shrugged nonchalantly. „And I appreciate that you wished me a bad girl this time in your letter." I could feel my face getting hot.
„Why are you here?" I tried to change the subject and calm down.
„Your mother and Shannon are very worried about you. And they are also angry that you are so stubborn." I didn't expect them to look for him. „They asked me to tell you, that no matter how long you are in, they will wait for you."
I closed my eyes for a moment. I didn't want to feel relief because I didn't deserve it, yet... The knowledge that someone was waiting for me despite my sins... It was too much. I forced back my tears.
„Shaelynn." He said my name so gently, I opened my eyes. „Please let them see you. I know you think you're doing them a favor and you want to spare them from everything you can, but... You're just causing them more pain. Just imagine yourself in their shoes."
„I'll think it over." That was all I could promise for now. I still thought it would be best for them to keep my distance, but everyone sees things differently so... I'll think about it. „If that's all..." I was about to say but he interrupted me.
„I heard you talked to a psychologist. How do you feel?" I sighed. I can't just walk away and I can't force him to leave me here either.
„It was uncomfortable." Just like this situation. Can I request that he be removed from this case? Am I entitled to such a thing? „Thinking rationally, I understand that this is necessary and can do me good in the long run, but it's not a good feeling when someone wants to see so deeply into you and poke your brain." I forced myself to relax my posture.
„Jane knows her stuff, she's the best. You can trust her." He tried to reassure me.
„Do you know her?
"Years ago, we met during a case. After that, she started working with us." Does the scar on her face have anything to do with this case? Not that I have anything to do with it.
„I see." I didn't have anything to say to him. I said what I wanted to say in the letter and I didn't want to get an answer. It was pretty selfish of me, but I could give myself worse names.
„I..." I saw the hesitation in his eyes and I knew what he wanted to say was something I didn't want to hear, yet I didn't try to stop him. „I love you but I won't wait for you." I didn't think anything he said would surprise me, but it shocked me. „I don't know what sentence you will get, but life will go on. And I will live my life the same as before you and with you. I won't put a hold on it for you. However, I can't imagine meeting anyone who could take your place in my heart. So..." He looked deep into my eyes. „After you become a free person and if my feelings remain the same, and I'm sure they will be, I will ask you out on a date."
I buried my face in my hands. This man... He was so frustrating and infuriating. So stubborn.
He says he won't wait for me, yet... He has no intention of giving me up.
„Rhys, you are an idiot," I said not meeting his gaze.
„I know." His voice was resigned, but as I stole a glance at him, I saw that he was smiling. „I lost my common sense the first time I saw you."
What can be said about that? I'm sorry? Thank you? He was an unlucky man for our paths to cross, and I was an incredibly lucky girl because of it. I felt pity and gratitude at the same time.
„I would like to return to my cell."
I needed some time alone to think. This brief encounter stirred up too many things in me. I would have liked to throw myself into his arms, but I was afraid that it would be disadvantageous to him.
He said he's not waiting for me, so there's a chance he'll meet someone with whom he could have a much simpler relationship. I wished him happiness from the bottom of my heart, before with anyone... But what he said made me feel that I didn't want to give him up to anyone.
„All right, I'll tell the guards to escort you back." He walked to the door but looked back at me once more. „But Shaelynn... I will be back."
The door closed and I leaned back in my chair. My situation was definitely not easy or enviable, yet I felt much happier than when I woke up and couldn't wipe that small, hopeful smile from my face.
I believe that one day we will walk together again under the sun.
The end