Twenty five

Josh was in the community garden, even though it was snowing. He was shovelling snow of the paths leading to the allotments and to the community garden itself. It was cold but Josh didn't care. It was distracting him from his more pressing matter of his roommate. Daniel was being very horrible and Josh didn't think he could stand much more of it. He was happy it was Monday though as Jessie was coming to see him today. On Monday's their visitors were allowed to stay for tea. Mrs Oldham, one of the old ladies who had an allotment at the garden came towards him. "you are doing a good job Joshua, keep it up," she said smiling at him cheerfully. Josh smiled back.

"Thank you," he said. A lot of the people with allotments at the garden were a bit sceptical of him as they didn't know what he had done. They assumed it wasn't something dangerous though as he wouldn't be allowed in the garden otherwise. Mrs Oldham and two of the other elderly ladies were the only ones who made an effort to talk to Josh and to appreciate his work. Josh dug out one of the side paths. It was enjoyable out in the snow. He got away from the institute for two hours and was free to do what he wanted within reason. It was relaxing and allowed him time to think. Today he was worried. The positive side to Jessie's visit was Jessie's visit. The downside was that Daniel would meet her and then he would find out what she looked like and who she was in person and she could be in real danger. Josh had thought of calling it off but had decided against it. He looked at his plastic watch he was allowed. It was three o'clock, he had to start walking back to the institute. He was wearing a tag so the YOI could track where he was and what he was doing. It got taken off whenever he got back to the institute but it was still irritating. Josh waved at Mrs Oldham as he left and wandered down the snowy road back to the YOI. He signed back in and had his tag taken off.

"your sister is here already, she's waiting for you in the visitors lounge," the warden said. Josh smiled as he pulled off the coat he had borrowed. He headed down the stairs to the visitors lounge. Jessie was sat talking to some of the other inmates and their friends and family. Josh was relieved to see that Daniel wasn't there. Josh slid up to his sister who screamed in surprise of his arrival.

She smiled at him and Josh relaxed. Jessie was looking happier and she seemed pleased to see him. She handed him the black coat she was holding. "It's for you. It's Rick's old one, the lining is slightly ripped but it should still usable. I remembered you did community service and don't have a coat with you," she said.

Josh grinned. "thanks, I had to borrow one today but having my own will be so much better. Thanks Jessie," he said looking the coat over. He assumed it had been thoroughly searched by the warden's to make sure Jessie wasn't smuggling him in a knife or anything. He hugged her and turned to talk to her. "So how was counselling?" he asked.

Jessie shrugged. "It was alright. I feel better than I did. How's life in here?" she asked.

Josh bit his lip. What could he say? "Well I have a new roommate. He's called Daniel, he's a year younger, smaller than me but quite threatening," Josh explained slowly. "He's in here for murder," Josh said. Jessie's eyes widened in shock.

"has... he... like threatened you?" she asked nervously.

Josh pulled a face and nodded. "he said if I annoyed him, he has contacts that she'd send after you to ruin your 'pretty little face' as he calls it," Josh told her.

Jessie laughed out loud. "Is he aware that my face is scarred already?" she asked. Josh shook his head. "Oh that is priceless," she said laughing. She made her face more serious. "I mean it's serious but can't wait to see his face when he sees me." She laughed again .

Josh shook his head at her in despair. "it's serious this Jessie. I think he means it," he said seriously. She stopped laughing.

"Well of course he means it but I'll be fine. I've got Mike to protect me and Elektra," she said. The dinner bell rang and everyone stood up. "Josh, don't do anything rash," she said. "Don't beat him up or anything. I want you out as soon as possible WHICH MEANS getting parole," she argued.

He nodded. "alright," he said as he led the way down to the dining room. He sat down and Jessie sat next to him. Daniel walked in soon after. He spotted Jessie sat laughing with Josh and after grabbing his dinner went and sat opposite them.

"So is this your sister?" Daniel asked recognising the ginger hair from the photo he'd smashed. Jessie refused to look up from her plate of steamed vegetables and chicken. Josh nodded resolutely. Daniel leant over the table and lifted her head upwards so he could see it. He spotted the scar. "So you really did hurt her," he stated looking sickeningly at Josh. Josh just glowered as Jessie pulled her head away. "that is cruel. Even I wouldn't do that," Daniel told him.

"I told him to. So leave him alone," Jessie said angrily. She ate her dinner and once she and Josh were finished they were escorted back to the visitors lounge where Mike would pick her up. When Mike did turn up Jessie turned to Josh. "Don't listen to him. He's just trying to rile you. Just ignore it. Oh and I should possibly tell you school know everything about you and me," she said before biting her lip and waving at Josh as she left. Josh turned to the nearest wall and hit his head on it.

"Just what I need," he muttered.

A/N: Oh dear. Daniel has met Jessie and Jessie knows about the threats. Could she be in danger or will Elektra and Mike protect her like she said? also when chapter 26 goes up the whole story will be moved to the category of the dumping ground instead of the story of Tracy beaker. If you want to continue reading it you may want to follow the story. Indigo :)