The governor of Wentworth correctional center, Vera Bennett, sealed her lips tightly, listening to the voice on the other side of the phone. The big day has finally arrived. If everything goes alright, the worse of it will be over soon. Vera listened to the lawyer telling her about the details. Time of her testimony, the order of the witnesses and so on. She nodded even if she was on the phone, she got all of this, she is ready this time. Although, she is not sure if "they" are ready.
- Yes, yes I understand. Did you let them talk? Does she know?
Muffled. – Not, yet. – was heard from the phone speaker. Vera shook her head.
- Listen you don't get it. If you don't let them talk and they will see each other first time in the court, I can assure you, they won't be able to testify.
She barely heard the excuses on the other side.
- Trust me, you don't want them to meet like that. It will ruin your case, it will ruin everything.
Vera Bennett had very rough months behind herself. She got herself into trouble as always with very bad judgment call and she promised herself to never do it again. Ever! She sacrificed everything during these weeks to make sure, she will put Fergusson behind bars and Jake Stewart too. She must cover and fix everything and start again. She knows that she is capable of doing it, she just has to be smarter.
They walked slowly down the hallway, the sun was going through a dark yellow window behind them, making shadows on the floor. Bea Smith listened to her steps. Her heels making soft clicks and clacks on the creamy brown tiles. The lawyer opened the last door at the end of the hallway and let her in. After he closed them, he motioned to the big chairs in front of an old oak table.
- Please sit down Bea. – She did as she was told and watched him move in front of her and perching up on the edge of the table. – I have to tell you something, just please stay as calm as possible, alright?
- Only news what could possibly make me upset is if you let Fergusson go if she escaped or paid off the judge.
- No, nothing like that. It's not really about Fergusson. We brought you here so early for a reason, not just to avoid the press. – he rubbed his thigh. - I'm sure you won't like it, that is why I'm saying that please stay calm and think it through. It was the only solution how to keep you safe.
- For Christ sake, spit it out!
- You have to promise me that you won't change your mind about testifying.
- You well know there is no reason what could change my mind. I will bring her down one way or the other!
- I know, but sometimes emotions get the better of us.
Bea laughed.
- You well damn know that I lost my emotions a long time ago. Only one thing on my mind is a calculated cold revenge. I just hope I can help you to make her lose it, so everyone can see what a psychotic bitch she is. Never mention that you have my written testimony and all kind of signed papers placing me into a corner. So, tell me what could you have possibly done to make me change my mind.
- I hope nothing Bea, but I wanted to be sure, just in case.
Bea nodded, stupid lawyers! He slid down from the table and squatted in front of her.
- There is someone here to see you. – he placed his hand on her knee in a comforting manner. – She is a witness too, of course, you can't talk about the case, alright. But we wanted to make it possible for you to meet her in private and not in front of everyone in the courtroom or in the hallway.
Bea smiled, must be someone from Wentworth.
- Who is it? Liz? Maxine? – she asked but then she realized they don't really have a lot to say about Fergusson. – Franky? Did you tell her that I'm alive?
- No Bea, it is not them. She is here to testify because Fergusson attacked her. – he was watching her face if the words sank in. Nothing. – Fergusson injected her with a hot shot, she is a surviving victim. – He saw on her face that she is still not really putting it together. Probably she is thinking about all of the women Fergusson could have attacked while waiting for this, even if speedy, trial. It was obvious that he have to say the name out loud for her to comprehend. Yes, Bennett was right, good thing they have arranged this meeting, Smith is clearly emotional about this. – Allie Novak survived the attack, she was under protection at Wentworth as you were in Perth. Nobody knows you two are alive.
Bea felt her stomach twist and turn, a wave of nausea hitting her, she wrapped her arm around her stomach taking deep breaths. Her head was spinning and blood rushed into her head, she felt pressure in her brain, ears and she felt as she has not enough oxygen.
- Bea! – she heard his concerned voice – Bea, breathe!
Allie is alive! Allie is here! Bea tried to calm her breathing and stop her brain from going to overload. She looked at the man in front of her.
- Where is she?
He squeezed her knee and stood up.
- She is down the hallway waiting for me. I will go and tell her. When she is ready we will come here.
- Is the courthouse safe? Is this floor safe? Do you have a lot of people around? Who knows about her?
- You are both safe, no worries. I will be back.
Naïve stupid jerk in a suit, she watched him leave. Even if she loved him at the moment, she was sure that he has no idea what is he dealing with. Who cares, though! Allie, her Allie is alive! Bea felt tears swelling up in her eyes and her throat tightened. Her brain already started asking questions, but she tried to shut it down for now. She will see Allie, she will make sure that bitch goes behind bars and stay locked up under hundred locks with no contact with outside world at all. Or she will make sure that someone kills her. She was ready to do anything for revenge and now she was ready to do even more for protecting Allie.
If that is even truth. Could it be that he was just playing with her? Maybe he is Fergusson's puppet too. Oh god! What if he will bring Fergusson here now and she is waiting with teary eyes and smile. She stood up and quickly looked around the room to find something sharp or in any way weapon like. Walked to the window placing between herself and the door the chairs at least. She can jump to the right and take cover behind the table in case it is needed.
She heard the door handle and her head snapped towards it. It slowly opened, slim blonde figure in a black skirt and dark blue blouse stepped in, closing the door instantly behind her. She took a deep breath, turned around and leaned to at the door before lifting her head very slowly. Their eyes met and Bea had to brace herself grasping the table hard. Allie Novak, alive and looking great. Little skinnier, but looking healthy and what is the most important she is alive. Bea felt tears running down her cheeks as she saw them on Allie's face too. She was not sure if she will make it to the door, her legs can easily give up, but she tried. Made five steps filled with so many emotions. First of all, it was excitement, then relief, happiness, joy, but after that, it was fear and confusion. Allie gave out a soft sob and that gave Bea the much-needed kick to finish the rest of the distance quickly. Her arms raising and wrapping the young woman in a fierce hug.
Allie Novak couldn't believe what was happening. Her world crumbled three months ago and now it was shaken from its core again. Her nose was suddenly filled with that so familiar scent and she felt strong arms wrapping around her as she was pushed against the door gently. The weight against her was very welcomed, first of all, it was Bea Smith, second of all, her legs were giving out. She grasped the body in front of her and buried her face into Bea's shoulder. Holding on tightly, never intend to let go. They both moved in the same time nuzzling into the other´s neck, breathing heavily, hands and arms squeezing and holding. Maybe five or more minutes passed when Bea finally felt like she is calm enough to let go, at least as far as she had to pull back to be able to look into the young blonde's face.
- Allie… - she whispered as she finally smiled. Allie smiled back through her tears and lifted her hands to caress those cheekbones she was dreaming so much about. Bea would normally close her eyes and relish the feeling of ghosting fingers over her skin, but she didn't dare to close her eyes this time. She was sure that she never will. She will just keep them open and never stop looking at the face in front of her. Those gorgeous blue eyes and that radiating smile.
They slowly leaned in, enjoying the expectation, when their lips finally met and lovingly brushed against each other gently, they both smiled into the kiss. They kissed for long minutes, trying to connect their starving souls through their lips and tongues. Allie pulled away reluctantly to catch a breath. Running her hands over Bea´s arms, admiring her in that fitting black pantsuit. This was more like a dream come true. Bea pulled her arm. They ended up in the chair with Bea sitting while Allie sat on her lap sideways.
- Is this alright? Are you in pain? – Allie asked.
- I'm great, I'm great! – Bea quickly kissed her lips. – I don't even know what to say to you. There is so much I want to know, so much I want to say. Allie smiled at her.
- I had no idea. – she kissed Bea´s forehead. – They told me you were dead. I can't believe that you are here. What will happen now? Are they going to send you back to Perth?
- I don't know, they kept me in the dark too. But I don't really care, you are alive, nothing else matters. – Bea kissed her hungrily. – I will find my way to you, trust me. You are alive, nothing and no one will stop me.
They hugged each other, holding on tightly, fully enjoying the warmth radiating from the other.
They heard a soft knock on the door and the lawyer came back.
-Are you ready?
- What will happen to us now? Are you sending me back to Perth? – Bea asked him right away.
- It would be better for your safety.
- I don't care, I want to go back to Wentworth.
- You promised that you won´t make trouble.
- I'm not making trouble! I´m just saying that I want to go back and you owe me that much.
He laughed.
- I have your transfer papers ready and for the record, I don't owe you anything. But you sure deserve it. As I told you, just Vera Bennett knows about you both being alive and she wants you back. Will Jackson knows about miss Novak, but those are only two people who have a clue. We had to take special precautions. As far as I know Bea, you will be taken back to Perth to keep up the charade and to fix some paperwork. Today is Tuesday, you will be back in Wentworth not later than Friday. I can promise you that.
Allie felt as Bea squeezed her hand and gave her kiss on the cheek. Four days, she can live with that. This morning she woke up with thoughts that after the trial if they finally put that freak away she won't have reason to live and now she has.
- You should say goodbye, you won't be able to see each other after testimony. We will take you right back Bea and it is almost time.
Bea just nodded and kissed Allie with everything she had. She was so full of joy and hope that she even did not felt the pain of being torn apart again, even if just for a short time. As Allie neared the door, Bea called after her.
- I love you, beautiful girl!
Allie turned back and smiled. – I know, I heard you.
Bea Smith smiled like never before. Life is good, life is great, it is full of hope and miracles. They are alive and nothing can stop them, never again.
