Rhiannun knew her time in Arkham was coming to an end. She hated herself for being so selfish as to leave, but she felt as though she had no choice. She was innocent, so she knew she didn't deserve to be here and she would admit to anyone that she wanted out…but her doctor, Mr. Arkham, Fr. Jeff, and Mr. Paul had all helped her and tried to make sure she was comfortable.
Yet here she was listening to the escape plans and not planning on telling anyone. She felt dirty and despicable. But who could she tell to redeem herself and stop them? The answer was simple: No one. If she told anyone, she was dead and not even Scarecrow would be able to save her.
Then the ward doors started to open and everyone went back to their 'casual' positions. Guards came in and took them each to their respective appointments.
Instead of seeing Dr. Roze, she instead came face to face with Mr. Paul. He smiled at her when he saw her, "I've got good news kid: You've got an appeal date!"
Rhiannun gave him a small smile. Mr. Paul noticed and sat down in the chair behind him, "What's wrong? I thought you'd be ecstatic about this."
She felt so guilty, "Well…I-I just don't think it will be successful. If Mrs. Black can buy the system once, she can do it again."
Her attorney stood up quickly, "You can't give up now! Not when you are so close to being free."
'if only he knew how close.' she thought.
"If it's alright with you, I would rather stay here and not go to the trial. I just don't think I could stand going through that again."
She walked to the door and opened it. Her guard stood there, "You can take me to Dr. Roze now."
She walked out and left Mr. Paul in the room alone, "She's changed."
After her appointment with Dr. Roze, Rhiannun got to see Fr. Jeff for, most likely, the last time. When she saw him she kneeled in front of him and taking his hands, kissed them gently, "Father…Forgive me."
He looked down at her, "What troubles you my child?"
With those words she knew what she was going to do, "Forgive me Father for I have sinned, it has been one month since my last confession."
Fr. Jeff closed his eyes, "Continue."
She bent her head, not once letting go of his hands, and told him everything. By the time she was done, she could barely contain her tears or her shame, "Please, forgive me."
The old priest opened his eyes, "Little daughter, you bear such a burden. I do not know what to say to you…All I can say is do not lose hope and always stay on the right path. As for what you have told me, I can not bring myself to tell you to reveal yourself. All I can say is be safe and if you get the chance return to this place do so, and when you can…tell the truth. I absolve you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
A single tear escaped both of their eyes as they finished the confession, "Goodbye."
She left him with feelings of joy and regret in her heart.
After dinner everyone was talking softly as Rhiannun gathered her things up and set them at the foot of her cot. She turned to them and smiled, "Tomorrow?"
Everyone nodded, "I know I'll be staying with Ivy, so I won't see any of you much, will I?"
No one said anything and she continued, "Eddy, I'm going to miss joking around with you. You were kinda my best guy friend."
He smiled, "No problem darling."
"Though, if you ever make me kiss Scarecrow again, I will have Joker kill you."
He laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his head.
Rhiannun laughed, "Two-face, I know you don't like me at all and that you only tolerate me…but I'll miss you."
He grunted and said nothing.
"And Joker…I still don't know what to make of you: You terrify me and make me laugh all at the same time. Considering how you are when you're free, I hope you don't hold it against me if I try to avoid you."
Joker took her words to be a compliment and purred out, "Of course not kid."
Rhiannun then nervously looked at Crane, "Well, Dr. Crane. We may not know each other that well but you've become a good friend to me and I'll definitely miss you. Hopefully, we'll see each other soon."
Crane nodded and gave her a small smile before taking of his glasses. Rhiannun openly blushed, "Scarecrow, despite our differences, we've become close. I-I really like you and uh I-I…I'll miss you."
He nodded, "We'll see each other again."
She tilted her head to the side, "Promise?"
Scarecrow chuckled briefly, "Promise."
Ivy suddenly cried out, "Goodbye's are so sad!"
For some odd reason everyone looked up, as if speaking to a higher power and said, "Yeah, they are."
Wow…this was really sad for me. Next chapter is the last one. I'm so glad I'm writing a sequel or else I think I might get depressed. Making the chapters shorter is my way of drawing it out.
Next chapter is called the Smoke Curtain Rises. heart you guys!