authors note: Story is slightly AU to fit with my plans. For example Trisha's death was an actual suicide. Nothing to do with Mendez.
Inmate Emma Johnson had been out walking towards the bathroom when she walked into a bunch of others and the teens from the scared straight program. There was a big commotion. "What the hell?" She asked Chapman. "Pennsatucky went all healing on a teen.." Alex explained.
All of a sudden they overheard the walkie talkie on C.O. Bell . "Don't come down corridor 3." Said Fischer. "We have a situation here too."
Ch. 1
They all stood in the hallway as they wheeled Tricia's body away in a body bag. Boo sobbed into Nicky's arms as they all stood In shock. As the doors closed on them Emma felt the tears pour down her cheeks. She turned and walked away with everyone else. She found herself walking to the kitchen, the only place she knew no one would be at this time of day. She sobbed quietly into her hand trying to compose herself. She stopped suddenly as she heard another persons soft sobs. Walking towards the noise and saw the shaking form of Red standing in her kitchen office. Emma froze, she in the 3 years being at Litchfield had never seen the fiery Russian show any weakness. She thought about leaving but something kept her there pulling her towards Red.
"Red?" She said cautiously. The older woman jumped up. Swiping at her tears.
"What?!" She shot back in a harsh whisper.
Emma pushed back slightly wiping at her own tears. "Sorry, I was just...I came back here to..I didn't know anyone would be here. I'm sorry..I'll leave."
"No no stay..please.." Red said almost pleading. She let Emma into the small room. Sitting down on the chair she looked up, tears rolling down her cheeks. "It's my fault she is dead..I pushed her away. I just wanted to teach her a lesson...not this."
Emma looked shocked at her words...she sat in the chair opposite Red, facing her with their knees almost touching. "Aww hey no Red it's not your fault. She was sick, she was depressed..she wanted to die. It's not on you."
"Nicky said the same thing...but it doesn't make me feel it's not my fault." Red stated sadly. "She was one if my girls. My poor girls...I have to be strong for them." Her voice broke and her chin wobbled.
Emma felt the urge to comfort the woman."Umm don't starve me out for this ok Red?" Slowly she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Red. The older woman kept her arms at her side but didn't pull away. "You don't have to be strong for me Red."
Slowly Emma felt Red's arms reach up and wrap tightly around her. She felt Red's shoulders begin to shake. "It's ok Red...I got you..I got you." That opened the flood gates and soon Red was sobbing into Emma's shoulder, her hot tears burning her neck. Emma just sat quietly rubbing her back. She had never seen this side of Red before. She considered them friends but she never thought Red would trust her with seeing her in such a state.
It was at least 15 minutes before Red's sobs subsided. She pulled away from the embrace and rubbed away her tears. "Thank you Johnson...Emma..." She said softly.
She stood and started walking to the door. "It's almost lights out we better get back." She said.
Emma nodded and walked to the door. She turned and said "Red, I know you want to be strong..but by all means if you need someone else to lean on..I'm there ok?"
Red's eyes softened as a small smile played upon her lips. "Thanks love." She said her Russian accent thick with emotion. She and Emma walked out the kitchen door. Just as Emma turned towards her cube area Red stopped her. "Johnson..just don't tell anyone what happened in there..I have a tough bitch reputation to uphold." With a smirk she turned and walked away.