In the dimly lit corner of the jail cell, Claire stood pale and frail in her orange prison uniform, the number 78 printed on her right side. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, and she barely had the strength to hold her ground as she faced the bully.
Taking a deep breath, Claire finally walked towards the prison cafeteria, her heart racing. The clatter of footsteps echoed through the room as a group of girls approached, their laughter sharp and taunting.
"Look who we have here," one sneered, leaning against the bars.
"Don't worry, we don't bite…often," another added, smirking.
As they closed in, Claire's breath quickened. The cold steel of the bars loomed behind her, trapping her in the cage of their mockery. "What's wrong? Scared?" they jeered, shadows dancing around her.
With a sudden shove, she stumbled back, the chill of the concrete floor sending a jolt through her spine. Thud! Her back hit the ground, pain blossoming as their laughter echoed in her ears.
Claire struggled to hold her composure but the bullies outnumbered her. Verica who seemed to be leader of the gang grabbed Claire by her hair and pinned her to the wall behind.
"I hate people like you." She clicked her tongue,her face twisted with scorn. "Look what daddy's girl is doing—ugh, pampered little doll."
She spat, her voice dripping with venom. Before Claire could react, Verica grabbed her collar, pulling her close so their faces nearly touched.
"Do you think money makes you tough? Do you think it'll save you here?" she hissed, tightening her grip on her as her fingers dug into Claire's skin.
With a harsh shove, Verica released her, watching with satisfaction as Claire staggered back. "In here…" she sneered, voice like gravel. "...rich girls like you are at the bottom. And I make damn sure they remember it."
This was the twelfth time in this week that Verica had bullied Claire verbally and physically. Claire was still struggling to stand.
"Claire let me help you," A faint voice called out from behind, accompanied by a gentle hand on her shoulder. A skinny girl with pale complexion smiled gently at her.
Claire managed to stand firmly and returned a quick smile. "Thanks, Beth. I owe you a lot. You have been taking care of me since I came here."
Beth's grip tightened on Claire's arm as the memory resurfaced of her being outnumbered by the bullies with no one brave enough to even tend to her injuries. "I know how it is to be lonely in places like these."
Claire could see the pain in her eyes. With a nod of gratitude, Claire thought to release Beth once she was out of this hell. But was it possible? Would she ever be able to get away? Who would go against such a monster and help her? Chills ran down her spine as she pictured the person who sent her here to witness her misery.
"It's fine, Claire, I have your back. Verica is just jealous, She hates rich people. And you are a renowned personality in Ashvil. Anyway, she despised you from the start whenever your news was displayed on the TV counting you among the inspirational youths of this city. And now, she is simply venting her hatred on you."
"Thanks, Beth. I'm so happy to have you as a friend and supporter." Claire spoke with a trace of sadness in her eyes as they both headed towards the cafeteria.
Claire took a plate and slowly moved towards the food junction. Seeing the dishes served made her nauseous, not because she was a spoiled rich lady. The food in this area of Section 6 was horrible and they sometimes served the extra food that was stored in refrigerator three days ago.
On her second day, after finishing her meal she suffered severe pain abdomen. Since then, she just grabbed a piece of bread and a glass of water, but one could hardly stay healthy after a week of bread and water. The food served was least edible.
The last time she tried to politely address this issue to the superintendent, she was mocked and ignored. She even requested to prepare her own meal, and was refused with a blant sentence. "You are in prison, miss. This ain't a seven-star hotel, either you eat or you starve."
Seeing her returning back to her cell, Beth ran towards Claire and said excitedly, "Come with me, I have something for you. Eh…. I mean something for us." Claire followed Beth towards the exit of Section 6.
They snuck over to the open area near the outer gate of Section 5, a small garden-like space. With a sly grin, Beth sauntered up to the guard, flashing a mischievous smile that made Claire's heart race.
*What was Beth even up to? Claire's mind raced with worry. If the guard reported them, it could mean harsher punishment, especially with Verica's daily torment.
But within minutes, Beth returned, holding a plate piled high with chicken skewers, fruit, and garlic bread. Her face held victory as if she'd just conquered something great. Claire's jaw dropped looking at what Beth was holding and wondered how swiftly she managed to pull this trick?
"Beth?" Claire stared at her with amazement., "What? He likes me," Beth chucked mischieveiously. "No harm in smiling and getting a meal this worth it."
They laughed as they made their way towards the side area, finding a cool spot they hovered over their food.
The warm, smoky aroma of the skewers hit her, the rich scent of spiced meat mingling with a hint of char. As they bit into the tender chicken, flavors of garlic, pepper, and a slight sweetness burst on their tongues. The garlic bread was soft and buttery, with a crisp edge and a comforting, savory flavor that melted in their mouths. Each bite felt rare.
"Do you believe in my capabilities now?" Raising her eyebrow, Beth looked at Claire with a cute pout.
"Yes. Yes, Madam Beth, you are just awesome and magical. I will make sure to not mess with you." Claire chuckled. They both lay there with there with satisfaction and peace, laughing at their own shenigans.