The Last Honest Look – Chapter 7

Tegan POV

The last few days had passed without incident. Sara's bruises were almost gone and she seemed to be finding prison life a little easier day by day. I kept my promise and didn't leave her side; I even got her enrolled in my classes so we would spend all of our time together. The more time I spent with Sara, the more I realised how attracted to her I was. It wasn't just a physical attraction, although there was no doubting her beauty. She was kind and sweet, smart and I could talk to her all night.

I was glad she had revealed she had an ex-girlfriend, lots of the women prisoners use other women just for sex, before going back to their boyfriend once they are released. I didn't want this to just be about comfort, I wanted this to be the beginnings of a relationship. I wasn't however in a great position to woo Sara, my options for dates being somewhat limited. I decided I wanted to ask her out on a date, but first I had to work out what we could do.

I enlisted the help of Lizzie, and although she felt it was too soon after LB's departure she agreed to help me. Lizzie was a former athlete, inside for fraud, and her small amount of fame gave her some sway with the guards. They would shamefully pull out their camera phones for a snap with Lizzie to show off to their friends. My plan was simple, but required a lot of turning of blind eyes from the guards and Lizzie had already smoothed the way. I felt bad that I had to leave Sara alone for a few hours but knew she would be safe with Stacey and Em.

Once the date was planned and I had called in every favour available to me all that was left was to ask Sara. I never even considered she would say no with the glances she gave to me, and the way she had asked me to hold her. I was now nervous though, what if I had misread all the signs and this was just a recipe for disaster and an uncomfortable environment for the next few months. 'Man up Tegan' I repeated in my head.

Sara POV

I wasn't sure what Tegan was up to today, she'd been acting a little bit strangely for a couple of days. I hoped I hadn't done anything to upset her and that her enrolling as my guardian angel wasn't putting unnecessary strain on our friendship. She had said she had to help Lizzie out with a few things this afternoon so I shot hoops with Em and Stacey to pass the time. I hadn't seen Rach, and had managed to stay out of any trouble.

I was a sweaty mess when I got back to our cell in the early evening. Tegan was already there, sat up on her bunk reading. She smiled as I walked in and jumped down from her bunk. 'I have something to ask you, and I'm really nervous about it, but I just need to get it out and say it. God I'm rambling. Sorry.' Tegan struggled to get out the words. Sara looked at Tegan with an anxious and confused look on her face. 'I want to take you out on a date. I have it all planned. I promise it will be as special as it can be in here. Please say yes.' With that Tegan pulled out a small posy of wild flowers she had behind her back. I was shocked. Tegan took my lack of response the wrong way and backtracked. I realised I still hadn't replied 'I'd love to' was the best response I could come up with. My heart was beating fast as I looked directly in her eyes 'and thanks for the flowers they are beautiful.'

Tegan POV

That was close, I really thought she was going to say no when she just looked at me in stunned silence but now she's agreed the pressure is on. I want this to feel like a normal date, not a prison one. I knew my planning would help, but hoped Sara would like what I had put together. I let her know our date would begin at lights out and that we would be leaving the cell so not to change into pyjamas and we both decided to read to pass the time.

I was so excited I could barely get through a sentence of my book. Once lights out was coming closer I could feel the excitement in the air. Just doing something different for once in this place lifts your spirits and having a date with Sara is all I have thought about since she walked into my cell for the first time. At lights out our cell door opened, phase one of the plan was underway. I took Sara's hand, and put a finger to my lips, motioning for her to be quiet and led her down the metal staircase.

Once we were outside the room we used as a classroom I told Sara to wait there. As she was waiting I went inside and finished setting up. Once I was done I brought Sara in and immediately the look on her face made the whole plan worthwhile.

Sara POV

I was getting nervous waiting outside the classroom door but when I entered Tegan had put candles around the room and had draped the walls. There was a small table at the centre with cupcakes on plates, candles and wine glasses. Rihanna was playing in the background. I don't know how she did all of this but it was perfect. Tegan pulled out my chair and I sat down, grinning from ear to ear. Her signature gummy smile was out in full force whilst she seated herself across from me at the table. 'Do you like it?' Tegan asked shyly. 'I don't like it, I love it', I replied honestly. 'When did you do all of this? How did you do all of this?' Tegan told me she had spent the day with Lizzie bribing guards and getting everything together. She then poured a glass or sparkling grape juice, 'it's not the real thing but it will have to do.'

Tegan poured us a glass each and then stood up, She looked nervous again as she changed the music. Florence and the Machine started to play through the speakers. She looked into my eyes, 'Can I have this dance'. It may have been cheesy as hell, but with the way she looked in my eyes as she asked the question I could not refuse. I slowly stood up and she put my arms around her neck as she placed hers around my waste. We swayed slowly to the music and I moved my head to her shoulder. I felt tingles down my spine as her cheek met mine and she slowly touched my lower back under my t-shirt. I felt dizzy and happy and didn't want this night to end.

As the song changed to Time after Time, Tegan lifted my chin with her hand. I was mesmerised by her beautiful hazel eyes. I could get lost in them. I felt hypnotised as she slowly leant forward. She bit her bottom lip in the most sexy way and I licked my lips. When our lips touched for the first time it was like a fireworks display had been let off in the room. She licked my bottom lip and I immediately let her in, tongues clashing in a war of dominance. I tugged the back of her hair as we kissed and this sparked a deeper passion in her. As things were getting more heated there was a knock on the door. Tegan groaned 'I hate to say this but I think our date is over for tonight – at least we don't have to decide on your place or mine'. I loved how Tegan could go from an incredibly passionate moment to joking. It made me always feel comfortable in her presence.

Tegan POV

I blew out the candles and returned the room to its classroom state. Sara helped by pulling down and folding the drapes. Once we were happy with the room, I gently took Sara's hand, kissing her softly on the lips and we walked hand-in-hand back up to our cell. 'Just so you know, I don't put out on the first date Tegan but I did have the most beautiful night. Thank you so much – tonight has been the most normal I've felt and it's all because of you. I know it might be a bit weird but I want to take things slow with you. I want to build a relationship with you.'

I couldn't believe that Sara was vocalising my exact thoughts. I looked in her eyes again and we kissed. 'You're worth everything. The effort of tonight and I'm happy to wait.' Sara got in her bunk as I brushed my teeth. I turned around and grinned at her. 'Just because we're not having sex yet, doesn't mean we can't snuggle does it?' Sara looked at me and pulled the sheet back giving me permission to get in with her. It really was the most magical night of my life.