“When you were sentenced, I was away from Srixby. I’d already committed to a film project and couldn’t get back until five months later.”
A distant look came over Chelsey.
“I remember the film you’re talking about.” Her voice wavered as she recalled, “Back then, I was your assistant…”
The words caught in her throat, and she finished in a low murmur, “But now…”
The sight of Chelsey in chains, looking so lost and defeated, stung Hadley. It was hard to believe Chelsey was only in her early twenties, yet facing six years behind bars. Life had barely started for her, and everything had been thrown into chaos.
“Chelsey, listen.” Reaching out, Hadley tried to comfort her.
“Please don’t lose hope. You’re still young. Nothing about the future is set in stone.”
“Do you really think so?” Chelsey stared at her, eyes vacant.
“Is there still a chance for me to have a good life?”
“There is, if you want it,” Hadley said with a reassuring nod.
She paused for a moment, then gently added, “You never intended to hurt me. Someone took advantage of you, and you got lost along the way, isn’t that right?”
“That’s true.” Tears filled Chelsey’s eyes as she nodded.
“I was so confused.”
Hadley felt the urge to ask why things had turned out this way. She stopped herself in time. Chelsey had refused to say a word about it the last time Hadley visited. Bringing it up again would likely only lead to silence.
Besides, Hadley worried that pushing the subject might keep Chelsey from seeing her in the future. She decided to change direction instead.
“I brought a few things for you. They’re with the prison guard right now. After they’re checked, you’ll get them.”
“Really?” Chelsey blinked in surprise.
“You brought things for me?”
“That’s right.” Hadley gave her a soft nod.
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“Just some essentials, and a couple of books to help you pass the time.”
A shudder ran through Chelsey as she closed her eyes, her lips trembling.
“Hadley, thank you. I mean it. Thank you.”
Hadley’s smile was warm.
“You don’t have to thank me.”
She went on to explain what she had included in the package, never bringing up Linda, keeping her visit focused on their friendship alone.
A guard soon appeared, politely reminding them that visiting hours had come to an end.
Chelsey got to her feet.
“Thank you for coming, Hadley. I… I need to go back now.”
“Alright.” Hadley stood as well.
“Take care of yourself. I’ll come to see you again whenever I can.”
A small, shy smile touched Chelsey’s lips before she turned and walked away. Once the door clicked shut, Hadley lowered her eyes and released a long, thoughtful sigh.
“Miss Pearson, let me show you out.” The guard who had handled her visit approached.
“Thank you for your help.”
.
.
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