A/N: Well whether will the reality be the dream, or will the dream be the reality will be answered in this chapter. So I hope you likey.
"Nikita. Nikita. Nikita!"
Nikita looked up from her word processor and shook her head slightly, as if to clear away the fog. Focusing, she saw Susan McNeily, the friendly day shift guard in the maximum security wing of the prison that Nikita was serving a life term in.
"Hullo Susan," Nikita replied with a hesitant smile.
"Welcome back to earth," she teases with a chuckle, "How's the book coming?"
"It's not really a book, just some creative writing to keep my mind occupied"
"So when do I get to read it?"
"You wouldn't be interested. Just silly cloak-and-dagger camp", Nikita demurred.
"Well, your attorney is waiting for you in the visitor's room."
Nikita's face lit up at the news. Reaching up she finger combed her hair, stood and straightened her prison issue jumpsuit.
Smiling, Susan teased, "He's very attractive, do you think you could pass along my number?"
Flashing her a look Nikita bared her teeth in a pseudo snarl, "Back off Suz, he's all mine. And once I'm out of this horrible place I'll be staking my claim good and proper."
Laughing Susan lead her out of the cellblock to the waiting room.
Michael looked up as she entered. "Basil Jhatt's confession was allowed into the record. Your verdict was overturned by the higher court and as soon as the paper work is completed, you will be a free woman."
Nikita caught her breath, stunned. "Five years. Five years of being believed a cop killer, five years of this hellhole, five years of my life. And just like that, it's over. I..I'm free?"
"Yes, Nikita, you are free."
"Thanks to you Michael. You saved my life. No other lawyer would take my case, but you believed me. Thank you," she whispered brokenly. Stepping into his embrace Nikita broke down and cried. She cried all the tears she had denied herself for five long years.
"Nikita. Nikita. Nikita, it's over now." Tilting up her chin Michael placed a soft kiss on her lips. "You have a future now."
Smiling into his eyes, Nikita agreed, "Yes we do."