Emma Swan was sulking. As weeks had gone this certainly had to be in the bottom five. Not only had her boyfriend spectacularly screwed her over, not only had she found out she was pregnant but after the suckiest trial ever she was in jail. Not just any jail, one in freaking Maine. Make that bottom three.
Unsurprisingly the day she was due to arrive started badly. The prison bus she was transported on smelled strongly of bleach and body odour; there where stains on the seats she didn't even want to think about. After an agonisingly long and silent trip with only the greasy bus driver for company she caught her first glimpse of Brooke prison; which was suitably grey and dull looking.
"Hey come here often?" she joked to the driver. He maintained his stony silence. "Gee I hope the rest of this place is as exciting as you" she muttered under her breath.
The large chain-link fence was topped with some not-so-inviting looking barbed wire and opened for her arrival. The bus driver led her through two metal gates inside the building before signing her in impassively. "I know you love me really" she called after him as he walked away. Another nameless and silent guard came to collect her and Emma sighed; this place looked like it was going to be so much fun. Just when she thought it couldn't get any worse it was time for the strip search. The day just kept getting better and better.
The arrival of the warden however piqued Emma's interest.
"Inmate number 815, Miss Swan. Follow me please."
The woman had the same chilly disposition as the other guards but she was poised and alert. Her outfit and demeanour screamed wealth; but not the kind that could be earned working in a low security jail. A trust fund perhaps Emma thought, although that didn't explain what she was doing in this place. She looked slightly worn down and had the air of someone who would rather be anywhere than where they are now. She clearly didn't belong. Answering some of unasked questions running around Emma's head she explained;
"I'm Regina Mills the head warden at this facility. I oversee the day to day running of operations and make sure that things run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. If you cause any trouble in my prison then you'll be sent directly to me."
"You like the bad girls then huh Regina?" Emma smirked.
"You'll address me as Warden Mills" she corrected irritably. She took a left turn and stopped outside of a closed double door. "This is the dining hall. Breakfast is at 7.30, Lunch at 12 and Dinner at 6. As part of your routine you may opt in to work either in the kitchens or the laundry room; the wage is 50 cents an hour and I can assure you that it's the most anyone around here will pay you." Regina gave what Emma would come to classify as her signature sneer and Emma rolled her eyes.
"The shower block is to your right and will be available for use before breakfast and an hour before lights out. You are free to mingle with the general population from twelve to one on weekdays and twelve to two on Saturdays, the rest of your time you will be confined to your cell unless eating, washing or working. Any questions so far?"
"Yeah, where's the best place to get a drink around here? Preferably something strong."
"Stick to sensible questions Miss Swan" the Warden sighed exasperatedly.
"Well" said Emma pausing for a moment "it'd be nice to know where I'm sleeping I guess"
"Follow me"
Warden Mills took off authoritatively through a maze of corridors, her heels clicking on the floor as she walked. She finally stopped in section B1404.
"Welcome to your new home for the next 18 months Miss Swan. Your roommate is currently on shift in the laundry room. She will be back to collect you at five before dinner. "
"Wait I have a roommate?"
"Oh I'm very sorry Miss Swan" Regina's voice dripped with sarcasm. "We must have got your reservations mixed up with someone serving a prison sentence; you were obviously expecting an upscale hotel suite."
Emma ignored her and stepped into the cell. Unlike the recently built prison cells or modern renovations Emma had seen on daytime TV re-runs of Law and Order the door and front wall was made up of long painted white bars. So much for privacy Emma thought. On the left hand side of the room was a stainless steel bunk bed with clean enough looking sheets. To the right was a matching metal sink and toilet. The centre of the room was taken over by a small desk and lamp. Emma took a step towards the bed.
"At least its en-suite. Very classy"
"Your roommate appears to have already taken the bottom bunk. iIf you have any complaints about that take it up with her"
"Don't worry Warden, I like to be on top".
It was Regina's turn to roll her eyes. They finally settled on Emma's stomach. 'Fantastic' thought Emma. Just the person I really wanted to know.
"I'm sure you two will be very happy here"
And with that parting message she shut the door and left, leaving only the faint smell of apples. Perhaps this place wouldn't be quite so boring after all.