Selina didn't rest, no matter how hard the tasks were. She remained determined to rescue her friends and didn't take a single day off from her training to become a police officer.
At the police station, Selina walked in and greeted some officers. "Hi, I'm looking for Officer Roberts," she said.
"Here he comes," one officer replied, pointing toward Roberts.
Selina turned to find Roberts with her friends. "Hi, Roberts. What's going on here? Lucy, what happened?"
"We're free!" Lucy exclaimed, her face lighting up.
"What? How?" Selina asked, her heart racing.
"It was the officer," Lucy replied, nodding toward Roberts.
Selina turned to Roberts, her gratitude evident. "I'm so happy for you guys. Go live your lives to the fullest!"
The other former inmates thanked Roberts and Selina as they exited, but Lucy stayed behind. "I want to thank you for what you did. This is the result of your efforts; you didn't forget us."
"How could I forget my best friends?" Selina replied.
"Thank you, Officer. Thank you, Selina," Lucy said, her eyes glistening.
"Say hi to everyone," Selina said.
"I will," Lucy promised before hugging Selina warmly and exiting.
"Are you happy?" Roberts asked, observing Selina's beaming smile.
Selina hugged Roberts in return. "I don't know what to say, Roberts."
"Then don't say anything," he replied with a grin.
"I would love for you to be my boss," Selina added.
"I don't know yet," Roberts replied, chuckling.
"I can achieve that. I'm still stubborn," she said, causing Roberts to burst into laughter.
"I can see that," he said.
"I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you the other day. I was out of line," Selina admitted.
"I know, but you were right. I don't need permission to do the right thing," Roberts acknowledged.
"Someone smart told you that, right?" Selina teased.
"Take a day off," he suggested.
Selina and Roberts erupted into laughter.
Later, at Tony's house, Anne was busy making calls while Tony played with the kids. "Take a break, honey. You work too much," Tony said.
Anne finished her call. "Alright, I'll get back to you. Thank you very much, sir. Have a good day." She hung up and sank into a chair.
"You are too much," Tony said, smiling.
"I'm happy doing this, honey. Selina is also making a difference," Anne replied.
"I admire you so much."
"I know," she said with a laugh as Frances burst in, running toward the kids to give them hugs.
"Who's your favorite grandma?" she asked.
"You!" they chimed in unison.
"I got each of you a present," Frances announced, handing gifts to them. The kids rushed to their rooms to unwrap them.
"Thank you, Aunt," Anne said.
"Aunt? And thank you?" Frances replied, feigning surprise.
Anne smiled and hugged her. "Thank you, Mom."
"Why are you guys thanking me? They are my grandkids. I'm no stranger," Frances replied.
Just then, Diego and Taylor entered.
"Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad," Anne greeted.
"Good day, everyone. Hi, Anne," Diego replied.
"Good day to you, Diego," Frances responded.
"Hi, Frances," Taylor said, receiving a hug from her.
"Hi," Frances replied.
"Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad," Tony chimed in.
"Our favorite son-in-law," Diego said.
"The best," Taylor agreed.
"Where is Selina?" Anne asked.
"Training, you know," Frances replied.
"I promised to visit," Anne said.
"Why don't we all go?" Diego suggested.
"Yeah, that's a great idea. I'll go get the kids," Tony said.
"Thanks, honey," Anne replied as Tony exited.
"How's everything with the NGO?" Frances asked.
"It's going smoothly," Anne said.
"I'm proud of you two," Frances replied.
"You helped us; you're an amazing mother."
Time passed, and Selina was no longer an intern; she had officially become a police officer. Roberts was her boss, and she treated him with respect. Together, they worked to catch and arrest criminals. Selina visited schools, asking children if they were being bullied. She was determined that no one would ever go through what she had experienced.
At the police station, Roberts and Selina were discussing cases when Anne entered.
"Officer Selina, hi!" she called out.
"Oh, Anne!" Selina exclaimed, embracing her warmly.
"Hi, Officer Roberts," Anne said.
"Hi, Miss Anne. You're the only one who calls me Officer. Your friend here just calls me Roberts," he replied.
"What? Selina, he's your boss!" Anne said, surprised.
"I know, but he calls me Miss Richard," Selina teased.
"Touché," Roberts replied with a smile.
"I was on my way to my parents' place, so I decided to stop by and see the officers," Anne explained.
"Aww, thanks," Selina said.
"Alright, bye!" Anne said as she exited.
"I have something to tell you," Roberts began.
"Don't fire me! I just became a cop a few days ago," Selina said, her eyes wide.
"No, silly. I've been transferred back to where I was," Roberts explained.
"What? Why?" Selina asked, stunned.
"You know I was transferred here because of your case. They're glad you're a new you, but I have to go back," he replied.
"Are you happy with it?" Selina asked.
"I am, but I'll miss this place," Roberts admitted.
"Okay, goodbye. Take care," Selina said, feeling a pang of sadness.
"And I'll miss you," he replied.
"Do you have to leave?" Selina asked, her heart heavy.
"I work under someone," Roberts said.
"I don't know if I can cope without you," Selina admitted.
"What? Have you forgotten I'm your rival?" Roberts teased.
"I know, but I'm not that kind of person anymore," she said earnestly.
"Selina, I trust you. You're not alone. There are a lot of cops here you can make friends with," he encouraged.
"I don't think I can get that from anyone here," she replied, looking down.
"Give it a try," he urged.
"Alright, take care, Roberts," she said, forcing a smile.
"Here we go again," he said, shaking his head with amusement.
Selina smiled and wished him luck.
"I'm leaving tomorrow," he added.
"Okay. I have to do one right thing before you leave," Selina said.
"What is it?" Roberts asked.
"It's none of your business," she said, a playful smirk on her face as she exited.
"That blood is still there," Roberts chuckled to himself.
At the cemetery, Selina called her mother to let her know where she was. She approached her father's tombstone and took a deep breath. "I think it's time. I can't hold this hatred forever. You were wrong, Richard, but I was wrong too. Two wrongs don't make a right. I'm sorry for what I did to you. A good daughter would never think of what I did."
Frances arrived, tears in her eyes. "But a good daughter would do what you're doing."
Selina hugged her mother tightly. "I have forgiven him, Mother. No matter what, he is my father."
"Yes," Frances replied softly.
"I feel relieved now," Selina said, a weight lifting from her shoulders.
"You did the right thing," Frances affirmed.
"Let's go," Selina said, and they exited together.
The next day, at a restaurant, Selina was enjoying a meal with her prison friends and Anne. Laughter filled the air.
"I didn't know you knew a good soul like Selina," Lucy remarked.
"Good soul? I'm bitter, Lucy. Don't try to flatter me," Selina said, rolling her eyes, and everyone burst out laughing.
Suddenly, Selina noticed a man trying to harass a girl who had refused to date him.
"What is it?" Anne asked, noticing Selina's change in demeanor.
"I have a job to do. I'll be right back," Selina replied, standing up.
As she approached the man and the girl, she asked, "What's the problem here?"
"Stay out of this, lady," the man shot back.
"Leave her alone," Selina warned.
"Who are you to tell me that?" he retorted.
"It's a warning," she said firmly.
"Hey, I said stay out of this!" He lunged at Selina, but she quickly pinned him to the ground, revealing her badge.
"I am a cop. Now, apologize to her," she commanded.
"I'm sorry; I didn't know," he stammered.
"I said apologize to her!" Selina insisted.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" he repeated, fear evident in his voice.
"Good. Now run. If you ever try this again, or if anyone does, don't hesitate to tell me," Selina warned, releasing him. He dashed off immediately.
"Thank you, officer," the girl said, relief washing over her.
"You're welcome. Enjoy your day," Selina replied, walking back to her friends.
"I love this cop," Anne declared.
"Who doesn't?" Lucy added.
"Come on, guys, I'm just doing my job," Selina said, smiling.
"Jake would be so proud of you if he were here," Anne said, her voice filled with warmth.
"Thank you, Anne," Selina replied, touched by the sentiment.
As they continued to enjoy their meal, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and camaraderie. Selina felt a sense of fulfillment she hadn't experienced in a long time. She had come a long way from her past, and she was committed to making a difference.
Over the following weeks, Anne continued her work with the NGO while Selina and Frances helped her as much as they could. Lucy and her family gradually rebuilt their lives, finding happiness again. Selina, meanwhile, dedicated herself to her role as a police officer, refusing to take a day off from her mission to keep crime at bay.
She frequently called Roberts, updating him on her progress and sharing stories of her experiences. Each call reinforced their bond, despite the distance.
Change was indeed within reach. Selina knew her journey was just beginning, but with every small victory, she felt more confident in her ability to help others. She was no longer the girl defined by her past; she was a cop, a protector, and a force for good in the community.
As the sun set on another day, Selina looked out from the police station, reflecting on how far she had come. She thought of her friends, her mother, and the life she was building. With renewed determination, she stepped forward, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.