Bea Smith had an obviously bad day that much was clear. Allie noticed that she have looked odd during the morning count and it was even worse during the breakfast. The normally quiet and collected top dog was fidgeting and snapping at everyone.

It did not get better during their shift either. Bea was quiet for one hour and a half, then she scolded Boomer for no reason. Ok, she was loud but not more than usually. Boomer did not say a thing just lowered her voice and kept working.

Girls from H2 were the next ones to be scolded and yelled at. Those talked back but that made Bea angry even more and it ended up with a big scene and yelling.

During lunch, Bea was quiet again. Not eating, just tossing her food around. Allie threw few glances her way but didn't say a thing. Just chewed on her rice and kept her head down as everyone else. After getting back to H1 Doreen and Sonia started to work on their project again. Boomer went to check on her snack stash getting into Bea´s way as the top dog marched into her cell and slammed the door behind her. Allie raised her eyebrows and looked at Maxine who just sat down on the couch.

- What was that? What is up her ass?

- Nothing love, just let her be. – Liz said as she sat next to Maxine.

- Ok, what is it? – Allie asked as she noticed the look the two women exchanged.

- It´s Debbie´s birthday. – Maxine whispered. Allie´s eyes went wide, ah now it is understandable. Bea is upset and cranky. Of course, she is it must be a really difficult day for her.

- Just leave her alone. – Liz said and Allie nodded as she sat down to the table. She had a lot of questions, but Liz and Maxine looked very serious and the young blonde felt that asking would be inappropriate.

Losing a child must be something terrible and under circumstances, as it happened to Bea, well, that is even worse. That must be something very hard to overcome, probably it is not even possible and one can just learn how to deal with it. Allie was hoping that Bea is getting help from Westfall. She needs it for sure. Bea is so strong and so tough, but her life as a top dog is very draining. No question about it.

Maxine and Liz were still going over the magazines. They were so lost in them that they have never noticed when Allie stood up and sauntered over to the redhead´s cell. She opted not knocking. She didn't want to be stopped or wake up Bea in case she already fell in sleep while she was gathering her nerves.

The way her hand was trembling was not even funny. The reaction what her body and whole being has to the redhead is out of this world. Of course, the lust, desire and all what comes with the physical attraction was not so unexpected, even if the magnitude of it was more than surprising. Allie had no idea that her body is capable of feelings and reactions what the older woman caused her. But that was physical attraction and it made sense that her body was reacting the way it did. Now, this was something else. A trembling hand is a physical reaction too, but it is different if it twitches and shakes because it wants to feel soft skin or silky hair. And it is something else when it trembles because of a thought.

Allie tried to be as quiet as possible. She slipped into the cell hoping that she won't get scolded right away or that Maxine won't burst in and drag her out. She just wanted to see Bea, she wanted to be there and …and what? Allie had no idea. She leaned against the door and watched Bea lying on her bed. Allie assumed that even if she was quiet Bea heard her and it was confirmed as the redhead said.

- I want to be alone Allie. – Bea said never turning towards the door or moving to that matter. She was lying on her side facing the wall her voice coming muffled but audible.

- How did you know it was me?

- Everyone else would not dare to bother me now.

Allie smiled and stepped closer, nudging Bea´s legs aside she sat down on the other end of the bed. They were both quiet for awhile. Allie suddenly questioned if it was the right thing to barge in and Bea was battling between wanting to be alone but feeling somewhat better since the blonde dipped the bed.

- Tell me about Debbie. – Allie said quietly, her voice shaking more than she wanted. Bea shifted looking sideways at the young woman.

- What do you want to know?

- Everything. – Allie smiled softly.

Bea turned onto her back and stretched out her legs over the blonde´s. She saw the surprise on Allie´s face but then the young woman smiled and placed her hands on Bea´s legs. Genuine interest showed on her face as she played with the fabric of Bea´s pants and looked at her shyly waiting for her to start.

"This is what having a sister feels like." – Bea thought as she felt calmness washing over her. She was pretty wound up all day, probably since last night. Debbie was on her mind the last few days but last evening it started affecting her badly. The image of her beautiful daughter persistently haunted her mind. Now she felt her insides getting loosened up and the weight from her chest was gone too. There was no way to deny it, Allie has a strange impact on her. If Maxine is her best friend, what the tall brunette most definitely is, then Allie is kinda taking place in her life as her little sister. Bea was not sure if she likes that. She doesn't need anyone to be that close to her – for a lot of reasons. It was dangerous and just a burden, she is stronger alone.

She told Allie about the time when Debbie made hotel for snails and how she learned riding a bike. They laughed a lot as Bea brought up just the good memories. For some reason, Allie´s presence and warm smile kept the bad memories away. It is nice to have someone who makes you feel so at ease. Nice, but scary and maybe a little unsettling. Wentworth is not a place where you can keep close relationships. One way or another you will get hurt. Especially if you are a lifer.


Maxine and Bea walked into the H3 without any fear or hesitation. Girls from H3 are not the most pleasant inmates of Wentworth that is for sure, but they are not the bravest either. They are more the sneaky pain in the butt type, what means that if the top dog and her right hand walk into their unit no one will put up a fight.

Maxine opened every cell door and told everyone to leave. Bea stopped in the middle of the unit facing Juice´s cell.

- Juice! Come out, we must talk! – she yelled.

It didn´t take long and the cell door cracked open. Juice was coming out with a smirk.

- Top dog herself, what do we owe this pleasure?

Bea was not in the mood for her today. Actually not ever, but on good days she could at least stand her somewhat.

- Cut the crap Juice, what the fuck are you doing again? Fuck sake I told you that you can´t touch anyone without their permission.

-What are you talking about?

- The blonde from G3. Stop harassing her, alright?!

- She liked it, Bea. – Juice smirked.

- Fuck sake Juice, I don´t think so, if she is asking for help to get rid of you.

- This is not nice Bea, not everyone is screwing the guards, women needs to get laid.

- Stop spreading this bullshit about guards, nobody is screwing them! If you want to get laid work on your charm and find yourself someone willing.

Juice smirked.

- Maybe you should cut me some slack Bea. I could be useful to you.

- I don´t even want to know what you mean. – the redhead rolled her eyes.

- I mean that I know something that could save your blondie.

Bea felt like someone just hit her with something big and heavy over her head.

- What the fuck are you talking about? - She asked as her heart started racing and her veins were painfully pulsing in her temple. But her confusion soon grew into anger as Juice smiled.

- Your polish princess is in a big trouble. I might tell you who is after her if you let me have some fun. Everyone wins, Novak might survive and I will get laid. It is a good deal, Bea.

It was not. Before she knew what was happening Bea had her pinned to the wall.

-You should know better than to fuck with me by now! – she growled and pushed her arm more into the old woman´s neck. – You don't get to blackmail me! Stupid old bitch! – Juice was getting red by the lack of oxygen and the pressure on her throat. Bea relieved the pressure a little to let her breath, but just for a second so she could press back with more force. – If anything happens to Allie or anyone from my girls for that matter, I will kill you. If they slip and break their leg it will be your fault, if they get cold – it will be your fault. Do you understand? If someone from H1 gets into trouble with screws or anything bad happens – it will be on you and I will end you. – She let her go and stepped back just to have more room to hit her. Juice got two huge blows. One landing on her jaw and one somewhere under her ear, it will ring for few days surely. – It starts to feel like Tina, Proctor and you forgot while I´m here. I think that I will have to take one of you out to remind everyone what happens if someone messes with my family. – With that, she turned around and made few steps towards the door just to be stopped by a defeated voice.

- If you want to take out someone, it should be Proctor.

Bea turned around to face the old woman again. Juice wiped the blood coming from her mouth and tried to straighten up herself.

- She is after your blondie. One of my girls heard her talking to Stewart in the kitchen. I don´t know more. She was in the supply room hiding behind the shelf far away from them. All she understood was that the screw will help Proctor. They were talking something about cameras and places where people don't go often. I assume they are trying to find a place for an ambush. That is all I know. You owe me one.

Bea laughed, fuck sake, Juice is really just this stupid.

- No Juice, I don't owe you anything! You screwed it up when you have decided to blackmail me instead of telling me straightforward.

- I don't do straight Bea. – the old woman winked. Geez, she is unbelievable!

Bea wanted to punch her but Juice is not worth it. Bea´s mind was on something else already. She must make sure Allie Novak is safe. What a mess! She let go of the old woman and quickly walked out of H3.


Maxine waited until the gate was open and then walked straight to the top dog´s table where Liz, Sonia, Boomer, and Allie were sitting.

- Listen, we have a problem. – Maxine said as she sat down turning towards Allie. - Proctor is after you and she is not alone, Stewart is helping her.

- What?! Are you sure? – Liz asked.

Maxine nodded. Allie felt how her heart started hammering in her chest. This is not good, she knows Kaz, if she is angry like this she is capable of everything.

- Where is Bea?

- She will be here soon. She went to see the governor and tell her about Stewart. She will be back soon and give orders. But you know the drill. Under no circumstances stay alone. Don´t follow anyone, even if they ask for help it might be a trap.

- Yes, I know. I remember.

- No worries, Bea will take care of it. – Sonia smiled at Allie. – She should deal with her for good, that Proctor woman is a huge troublemaker.

- I wanted to choke her, Bea said no. – Boomer shrugged.

- Boomer, you can't just choke people. – Liz scolded her.

- Why not? She deserves it.

- That is true, but then you could choke almost everyone in here.

The bickering went on and suddenly Allie felt that she had to get away for a minute and breathe without having worried eyes on her, so she stood up and straightened her jumper.

- I need something sweet, can I get you anything?

- No, I´m fine. – Liz said and Maxine shook her head.

- I want some cookies, but I will go with you. – Boomer said standing up.

- No Booms, that is ok, I will get you some.

- Blondie, we have to watch you, so I´m going. Nobody will touch you, I promise. I will bash everyone first I swear.

- I know, thanks, Booms, but it is ok if you watch from here. – She pointed at the confession stall. – It is right here and I´m sure that nobody will try anything yet, so all is good.

-I´m not sure…

-It is alright Boomer, I think that she can go and get some snack by herself. – Maxine smiled at Boomer. – Nobody is around, plus Booms we have to look like nothing is happening. You can´t hold her hand all the time. Just make sure she is not alone.

Boomer nodded and sat back down. Sometimes she was confused from all this prison politics and rules. Her friends liked to complicate things and over think. She was not like that. If it was up to her she would have already ripped a new one to Proctor. Bashed her head and it would have been all over. But Bea is the top dog, she makes the rules and what she and Maxine say that is what Boomer does. This is the way she made it easier for herself. So, she just sat back down and watched as Allie walked towards the concession stand.

Allie made it to the stand and lined up in the cue if we can call it like that as there were just two women in front of her. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly trying to collect herself at least a bit. It is starting to look like the life in prison is all about getting from one shit to another. She kinda missed the days when all she had to do was observing the top dog and nothing else.

Now she had the top dog close, but she couldn't observe her as there was always some shit going on. She got cookies for Boomer, some salty crackers for the table and orange for herself. Bench across the yard was occupied by two girls from H3. Allie noticed them as she walked back towards their table. Are they here to watch her? Is it possible that they are now making mental notes about what is she doing? Are they looking for the best moment to attack? She couldn't help but wonder.

She tossed the crackers on the table and sat down handing the cookies to Boomer sitting next to her.

- These are great! Thanks!

Thankfully the girls were talking about something else know. Allie was grateful for that. This whole thing was putting her again in the middle of everyone´s attention and she did not like it at all. She felt bad that everyone will have to accustom their life to the mess she brought with herself.

Allie´s short nail easily slid under the orange skin and she starts to peel it off. Her mind was racing in every direction and she was not really paying attention to the gossip around the table. Getting bashed from Kaz and her old crew was not a very pleasant vision but getting raped or killed by Stewart was even worse. She pushed the peeled orange skin aside and tried to tear it apart without getting the juice all over herself.

- Here she comes. – Liz said and before Allie could have turned to see who she was referring to she felt for a second whiff of a scent what was unique for the top dog Smith and then she saw her sitting down across the table right in front of her.

Their eyes locked and suddenly all became lighter. Allie smiled as she ate the first piece of the orange while watching the redhead settling down on the bench. Bea shifted a little trying to get comfortable while quickly looking at her crew. The gossip stopped and obviously, everyone was looking at Bea waiting what she has to say.

- I assume that Maxine told you what is going on. – They all nodded. – Bennet was already gone she had some meeting or what; anyway I will talk to her tomorrow. For now stick together more than usually and especially make sure Allie is not alone.

-Don't worry, I will look after the blondie. I like this goof. You just find a way to stop them. – Boomer said. - Or I can choke that old bitch.

- No choking, Booms, not yet at least. We have to be careful if a screw is involved. You have just only one thing to do and that is keeping eye on Allie. Maxine and I will take care of Kaz. Nobody will start meddling, that is a strict order! We have to look like everything is cool.

- What is exactly your plan Bea? – Sonia asked.

- We have some girls watching Proctor already, so we will ask them what they saw. We will have to put someone on Stewart too and I will talk to the governor tomorrow. That is all we can do for now.

Everyone nodded and with that, they continued the gossiping. They are used to this, another day at Wentworth. Too many bored women locked up in a small space – conflicts are very common. Older inmates who remembered times before Bea Smith became the top dog were thankful for the quiet times what her ruling brought. Just some of the newcomers tried to stir some shit, but they have quickly learned that it is better to follow the rules. Everyone was hoping that Proctor will give up with her nonsense soon too.

Bea looked at Allie, the young woman looked fairly collected under circumstances. She was chewing on a piece of orange looking calm but lost in her thoughts. Her blue eyes were fixed on the orange in her hands. Bea carefully observed her. The young blonde was so different from everyone else in Wentworth. She looked like someone who really doesn't belong in a prison. There was something pure and innocent in her. On the other hand, she looked like someone who did not care being locked up, someone who embraced the prison life. She is weird that is for sure, Bea knew that for a long time now. The young woman lifted her head and their eyes met. They were silently staring at each other until Bea spoke.

- Allie, you just do as I say ok. Please don't go investigating or trying talking with Proctor. Don't do anything on your own, alright. I will fix this and I will do it quickly, trust me. But I must know that you are safe all the time, alright?

Allie nodded and handed her piece of orange.

- I promise that I won't go near her and I will stay around people.

Bea chewed on the orange raising her eyebrows.

- People? No Allie! You will stay around Maxine, Booms or me. In the special case with Liz and Sonia, but under no circumstances any of the other girls. We have no idea who is on Proctor´s side. Most of the women have enough brain, but some of them might be influenced or simply blackmailed.

- Alright, I get it. – Allie said and handed the redhead the last piece of the orange after throwing one into her own mouth.


There was some shuffling outside again. This time Bea got up from the bed, pulled on her pants and threw the red blanket over her shoulders as she was cold after getting out from under the warm cover. She slowly opened the cell door and peeked out. She was right, it was Allie. The top dog came out of her cell and leaned against the door waiting for the blonde to come back from the kitchenette.

The blonde was shuffling back soon enough with a cup of steaming tea in her hand.

- Bea? – she said quietly as she spotted the redhead. – Did I wake you? I´m sorry.

- Can't you sleep? – Bea asked the obvious.

- Can´t turn off my brain. I can´t believe that she would do that.

Allie sat down on the chair, tucked her legs underneath her body and looked into the cup as she was expecting to find some answer there. Bea walked to the couch and sat down watching the young woman nervously running her fingers over the cup.

- I will keep you safe, I promise.

- I know. I´m not really scared. I mean, I am – she nervously tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear - but I´m more anxious and stressed than scared. It is a mess. Part of me is hurt that she would do this to me and I feel so guilty bringing this mess here to H1.

- Come here. – Bea said and patted the couch next to her. – This is not your fault. Stop blaming yourself. – she said watching Allie standing up and sitting on the couch next to her. Bea reached towards her aiming to take her hand and offer some comfort, but before she could do that Allie shifted and laid down on her side placing her head on the top dog's lap. Curling up she never saw the mild shock on Bea´s face. It did not last for long, though. She pulled the red blanket from under herself as it was wrapped around her and threw it over Allie. She evened it out and then after awkward hesitation, she rested her hand on Allie´s hip.

- Try to sleep you need to be sharp tomorrow.

Allie´s hair is soft, very soft and silky. Bea slid her fingers gently over the young woman´s scalp. She tucked few strands behind her ear watching her profile. The contour of her jaw, lips and her flickering eyelids. She must have been very tired. Bea already noticed as the blonde´s breathing relaxed and her body softened and loosened up. Allie reached out from under the blanket and grasped Bea´s hand pulling it from her hip to her chest. Bea felt two soft hands clutching hers and she couldn't help the smile forming on her face.

She kept stroking Allie´s hair and she was thinking about how in the hell can Kaz Proctor be so cruel. She helped Allie, Bea knew that and she knew that Allie at one point considered the old blonde for some sort of mother figure. How can she do this to her? Conspiring with Stewart indicates that what she have planned is something really bad. Bea had no idea how could someone want to hurt this kind young soul. Proctor is simply crazy. Bea squeezed little her hand vowing to herself to make sure that no one will ever hurt Allie Novak while she is around. She felt a squeeze back and then Allie tightened her grip and pulled her hand closer to her chin cuddling it strongly to her chest.