"Chapter I - Home Run"
*A/N: After a long five hours of conjuring up the first chapter of many to this story, I hope you enjoy*
Bea Smith winced as she adopted an upright position on the bed. Placing a red fleck of her curly hair behind her ear to see no one other than the governor herself, Ms. Bennett. She sighed, knowing that she would be held accountable for her actions two months ago when Joan Ferguson stabbed her thirteen times in the abdomen. What were fresh incisions were now scars; merely surviving the dreadful attack.
All Bea had seen since she was released from the hospital was this bleak cell. She had memorised the colour of the walls. Presented as a pale-grey, they reminded her of the colour of the sky after a thunderstorm. Not like she had even been outside in the last two months apart from her admission into Wentworth. The floor was designated the same colour, and the only applicable furniture was a bed with a mattress like a slate of cement. There was a
plastic chair of a sky blue colour that reminded her of Allie's eyes. Allie.
Nobody had engaged in conversation with Bea since the incident; she had sunk into a deep depression having been devastated over Allie's death. The last news that she had recieved was that they were going to shut off Allie's life support. She didn't need confirmation but a spec of hope remained inside her.
Actions have consequences and Bea knew that. Vera's punishment for Bea was the fact that she had her placed in protection under medical supervision until she saw her fit to release her back into general. Bea knew she wasn't going to get off lightly. She had lied to the governor, and had nearly cost her her job. Nearly.
"Nurse Radcliffe, if you could excuse us" Vera said, sternly. Her hair had been thrown up into a tight bun, her uniform smartly pressed and creased in all the right places, and looking furious. The nurse rushed out having seen the expression on the governor's face, and wanting to steer clear of her warpath. Bea's brown orbs were suddenly flowing with tears, and Vera couldn't help but feel sympathy.
The strong Bea Smith she once knew was now weak. She had been stabbed, drowned, beaten up countless times, and Vera suddenly wondered if this woman could take anymore. All the anger she had now was gone. She almost felt affection for Smith having seen how much she had suffered during her time at Wentworth.
Vera dragged the blue chair and sat on it and Bea looked away at the wall with tears in her eyes. The silence remained eerie until Vera began to speak. "I don't need to ask you why you did that and I don't expect an explanation" Vera stated, pulling a tissue out of her blazer and handing it to Bea. She took the tissue and wiped her eyes with it. "I don't want to be here anymore. Not without Allie" Bea said, her voice so small that it came out like a whisper.
Vera was surprised by the confession but also deeply saddened by it. Bea Smith was struggling, and she is now a shadow of her former self. Vera looked down at her shoes, and was a bit taken aback by what to say. Bea broke the silence. "I figured I'd end my own suffering by taking the Freak down with me. She was never going to go down for Allie's murder" Bea said, a fresh flow of tears running down her face.
Vera nodded. She understood. She admired Bea's bravery, but was still not satisfied that she almost killed herself in the process. She didn't even need to ask Smith why she didn't take the phone with her and get the confession from Ferguson. Part of her agreed with Smith; she was going to be set free without any repercussions for her crimes.
"I must ask a favour of you, Smith" Vera stated, now looking up at Bea. She had bags under her eyes after seemingly months of crying and feeling very depressed. Bea nodded towards Vera, gesturing her to continue. "Over these few months, I have found out through an anonymous source that Mr. Stewart was supplying inmates with drugs. I need you to say that he let you out of the prison grounds" she finished, taking a gulp after finishing her statement, wondering what the faded redhead's response would be.
Bea took a moment before speaking quietly. "Why should I help you?" Bea supposed. Vera was agitated by her response and stood up. "Because I helped you out two months ago when you went on a kamikaze mission. I think you owe me one" Vera announced. Bea scoffed, although she could see the anger building up in Vera's eyes. "Fine" Bea finally uttered. Vera smiled and began to walk out of the door before she conveyed one final thing to the inmate. "I think you'll find a sufficient reward waiting for you" she grinned as she walked out.
After a quick check-up from the nurse, two detectives came into her cell by the name of Mackintosh and Davidson. They looked like twins, they were both tall and lean men with black trench coats and bald heads. Bea smirked internally when they walked into her cell. "Ms. Smith, very nice to meet you" Davidson said as he offered his hand out and introduced himself and his colleague. "I'm sure I will not need to explain why we are here" Mackintosh stated, giving Bea a small smile. She nodded shyly in return.
After a few brief moments of the detectives flicking through their folders and revising the information that had been given to them by their superiors, they finally spoke to Bea. "So Ms. Smith, you were questioned obviously before and your statement is as follows. A guard, who you left un-named, let you out with the intention of getting a confession from Joan Ferguson that she was the one that induced a lethal dose of heroin to Ms. Allie Novak - correct?" Mackintosh recited. Bea nodded, pushing more curls of her hair away from her face.
"That leads us to the million dollar question. Which guard, Ms. Smith?" Davidson enquired, expecting no answer from the prisoner. "Mr. Stewart" Bea replied bluntly. Mackintosh was surprised by the confession, however Davidson was intrigued as he wiped his brow and conscientiously decided to push further. "What was his incentive to let you out, Bea?" quizzed Davidson. Bea took in a deep breath and replied "he wanted to get rid of Ferguson. He gave her the drugs and knew she was a loose end. He knew that I would be more than willing to put her away, and it all went bad from there" she declared. Davidson rushed to scribble down the notes. Mackintosh was trying to read Bea to look for any lies and he had a hunch.
"In the CCTV, there is a weapon. It is unclear, however the only shot we can see is where Joan Ferguson wielded it and then proceeded to stab you with it. Can you confirm that you were not the one to bring the screwdriver?" he asked. "Yes" she replied curtly. He nodded and looked over to Davidson who smiled at Bea and closed his folder with his notes. "Thank you Ms. Smith. We will contact you again if your assistance is required anymore" he said as he stood up and left the room.
"Novak for you, governor" Linda Miles said as she opened the door and let the blond-haired inmate take a pace inside. Vera was sat in her office chair looking at the files regarding the stabbing incident and peered over to Miss Miles, nodding in appreciation. "Thank you, Miss Miles. Take a seat, Novak" she said, as Allie did what she was told. "I take it this is an update on Bea then" Allie smirked as she looked at the governor. "Mm, yes it is. She is not aware you are alive Novak, so your presence may be a shock to her. I have had a meeting with her trauma consultant and he thinks that she will be able to handle the shock of seeing you alive. It'll be a nice surprise" Vera smiled.
Allie returned the favour and beamed. "When will she be coming back into H1?" she interrogated. Vera braced and stared at her computer before speaking. "It'll be after dinner, tomorrow. I trust that you will notify the rest of the H1 inhabitants" Vera said, looking back at Allie. Allie rubbed her hands on her thighs before standing up and walking towards the door, pushing a lock of her blonde hair out of her face. "Thank you, Ms. Bennett" she grinned as Linda Miles took her back to H1.
Bea stared at the ceiling from her bed, bored out of her mind. She sat up again, and winced. Her abdomen was still very painful, but the pain medication was doing its best to dull it. It was mainly her insides that hurt, not the exterior injuries. Bridget Westfall, the Wentworth Prison psychiatrist came in with Franky Doyle, a former prisoner and one of Bea's best friends. The pair both beamed at Bea, happy to see her alive. "Nice to see ya, Red" Franky voiced, bringing in the redhead for an embrace. Bea was glad to see her and gave her a small smile. "You're being released back into general. The nurse is pleased with your progress and she will give you some advice how to tend for your wounds" she declared.
Bea smiled at Bridget. She was kind, for a prison psychologist at least. "I'll just be glad to be out of this cell" Bea stated. "Can you walk?" Franky enquired, quirking a brow. Bea swung her legs off the bed and placed them on the floor, slowly standing up. She took a few small paces before being able to walk at a regular pace, a little bit slower than normal. "I'll tell the nurse you won't need walking aid" Bridget said, gesturing her hand towards the door. "The girls are waiting for you" Franky winked before she left the room with Bridget.
Allie and the girls of H1 had spent all day making sure that Bea's cell was perfect. She had the floors mopped, cleaned her mirror and sink, placed the sheets on the bed including her red blanket which brought back memories of the first time they made love. The thought made Allie smile, but as it dawned towards Bea's arrival, she grew increasingly nervous as Bea thought she was dead. She focused back, putting all of her possessions back into the correct places before standing in Bea's doorway, nodding to the rest of H1.
Since Allie had recovered from the hot shot, she had rekindled her relationship with Kaz and had cemented an agreement that nobody was to touch Bea when she was released back into general. Allie didn't concern herself with the crew anymore, however, Kaz still saw her as her daughter, and therefore treated her like it. Kaz made a rare appearance into H1 with the rest of the Hand crew, who had managed to sneak in a couple bottles of liquor. "For your queen. She's safe as long as I'm top dog, kiddo" Kaz smiled at Allie before bringing her in for a hug. "Thanks Kaz" Allie spoke, happy to see that her adoptive mother had adhered to her promise. The Red Right Hand girls made themselves scarce in preparation for Bea's arrival.
The girls of H1 were practically jumping up an down with excitement. They'd all got her a present; Maxine had managed to draw her a vase of flowers, just like Bea did for her when she recovered from her operation, Boomer got her two packets of her favourite biscuits, Monte Carlos'. Liz and Doreen pitched together to get her five bars of chocolate, and Allie had got her a bouquet of white rose flowers, and a matching seahorse necklace that she had managed to sneak in. Allie was so nervous that she could've passed out, she had no idea what to expect from Bea but all she knew is that she was coming, and very soon.
Bea was escorted back to H1 by Mr. Jackson who had offered to take her. He updated her on all of the things that she had missed out on while being stuck to solitary medical confinement for the last two months, telling her of how Ferguson was being held in Uxbridge Psychiatric Facility for a proper evaluation. In other words, she was never going to be a free woman again. He also told her something she already knew; Kaz had stepped up as top dog and her alliance with Tina Mercado. When he finished his speech, they finally turned the corner into H1, where Bea stood still and found herself that she could not move.
Bea smiled as she saw the rest of her H1 crew, but felt destroyed as Allie wasn't there. She was heartbroken, and this was like rubbing salt into a wound. "We've missed you so much, love" Liz beamed, a small tear running down Bea's face. Everybody was so emotionally happy to see Bea back. "Missed ya Bea. Kaz is contesting for top dog with Sonia now" Boomer voiced, Bea surprised. "How?" Bea questioned. "She's teamed up with Juice and a crew from D Block" Boomer replied, handing her the biscuits. Bea placed all her presents and thanked her friends, but she couldn't believe her eyes when the best present anybody could've got her was standing in front of the couch at the back of the hallway, holding a small box and a bouquet of white roses.
Time seemed to stand still and she had the biggest smile of her life displayed on her face for everyone to see. "ALLIE!" Bea practically screamed as she walked as fast as she can to see the love of her life. Tears streaming down her face, she hugged onto Allie as tightly as she could. She was so overwhelmed, she was almost hyperventilating. "They told me you were dead" Bea sobbed into Allie's shoulder and Allie stroked her hair, so happy to be reunited once more. "No, I'm very much alive Bea Smith" she said as she pulled Bea back to rest her head on her forehead and look into those gorgeous brown orbs. "I ca..can't believe it" she grinned, tears still streaming down her face and she leaned in to kiss Allie. Allie responded in kind, pressing her lips against Bea's passionately. Bea had never felt so complete.
"Oi..stop it you two. We're gonna get pissed!" Boomer shouted. Bea and Allie giggled at each other, Bea still dumbfounded. "What was that, Jenkins?" Linda Miles asked, H1 oblivious that it was the evening count. "Uh, I said your gonna get pissed if we aren't standing by our doorways" Boomer smartly correct herself. "Move it, ladies" Miles ordered as the girls all headed to their doorways. Bea was surprised to see her room freshly cleaned and knew it was all Allie's doing as she gave her that wink that made her weak at the knees. She still couldn't believe it, even when Allie's surname was called on the roll call.
After the count was finished, they all sat down as a unit and told Bea absolutely everything that she had been missing. Allie was sat down on the couch as Bea's head was led in her lap. Boomer, Liz, Maxine and Doreen all sat around the table, sharing the liquor that Kaz's crew had given them. Bea was surprised that Kaz had even agreed to protect her but she couldn't even feel sad about being so weak when she had Allie here. Allie was here, Allie was alive. Joan Ferguson truly had lost and Bea couldn't feel any better to be alive. After two hours of heavy drinking, excluding the reunited couple and Liz, they called it a night. Allie and Bea retreated to Bea's cell where they got dressed into their pyjamas and led on the bed talking.
"I missed you so much, no words can explain" Bea beamed, the smile not fading one bit. Allie returned the favour and caressed Bea's face, pulling her in for an intimate kiss. As the kiss deepened, Allie pulled back, realising she needed to speak about the elephant in the room. "Does your stomach hurt?" Allie questioned. Bea's smile fading a little bit, realising she was going to have to tell Allie the extent of her injuries. "Not as much no, but my insides still kill and little tasks are a bit harder for me" Bea confessed, seeming a little bit more depressed. "I don't want you to see them" Bea also confessed, feeling very self conscious. She didn't want to show Allie because she didn't want Allie to think less of her or not want her anymore. It scared Bea so much, and Allie had come to the realisation of this.
Allie pulled Bea's top over her head and gestured for her to lie on the bed. Bea reluctantly complied as Allie looked at her stomach. There was one large, red incision, almost angry that stuck out the most. It looked painful as there were numerous other small incisions. Allie could read Bea like a book, she was so self conscious. Allie knew she had to plan her next move carefully, and she didn't want to push Bea too far. Allie placed herself on top of Bea and moved up the bed to kiss her. As their kiss got more erratic, Allie grabbed her hair at the back of her neck to pull her in more. She started slowly moving her hands over the redhead, past her shoulders and down her arms. Bea felt more comforted by Allie's presence now as she studied her reaction as she looked at the scars.
Allie looked back at Bea and smirked. "You look hot as hell...even with the scars" Allie chirped as she moved lower down the bed so that her head was hovering over Bea's stomach. Allie leaned down to lick the scars and massage them with her warm hot tongue, all while looking at Bea whilst doing so. Bea could see no bluff in Allie's eyes and could not believe how lucky she was to have someone as accepting and caring as her. As Allie continued to lick the scars on Bea's stomach, she was becoming more increasingly worked up, and Allie realised that Bea needed rest and that she was not stronger for anything else yet. She pulled herself up so that her forehead was resting on the redhead's before she spoke. "We'll work on getting you better first, yeah?" Allie voiced, a small smile given to Bea.
Bea nodded and returned the favour before giving her one deep kiss. Allie pulled herself off Bea as she grabbed her shirt to give it back to Bea. Bea put it back on with Allie's help before the two got underneath the covers as the redhead snuggled into her. Bea inhaled the scent that is distinctly Allie; one more thing into believing that this is actually real and isn't a dream. She slightly giggled before snuggling even further into her, as the pair both fell asleep in each others arms after two long months of being apart.