I'm happy with chapter two, so im just going to post it! Enjoy :)
Chapter Two - Paperwork
They were sat in a large office which overlooked the city. Cal had called the law firm the day after Piper had arrived, and they were offered an appointment the week after. During this time Piper had established a routine within the household. She would get up each morning, shower and head downstairs for breakfast. One thing prison had taught her was self discipline. And although she was quite timely and organised before prison, she did not want to waste a second of her freedom now she was out. She had started to help Cal prepare the surrounding woodland. It was hard manual work, but she had thoroughly enjoy having a positive purpose. They had taken out a large section of weeds, cut down some smaller trees and and dug the earth getting it ready for the next selection of vegetables Cal had decided to grow.
It was doing this work that she learnt Cal had skills as a carpenter. There was a small out building to the right of the cabin which Piper has first assumed was for storage. However, after offering to help him put away tools, she came to realise it was his workshop. He was currently crafting a beautiful oak crib, with intricate and delicate designs down the sides. He had told her it was an excuse to get out the house and smoke weed when Neri was being a hormonal bitch, but Piper had seen the look of love in his eyes and guessed otherwise.
She hadn't had much money in her account, so had only taken one trip to the store with Neri. She had bought some simple, plain outfits, the choice astounding her after such a long time in prison issue wear. She would help Neri with laundry as she had starting to balloon, and was always appreciative of a second pair of hands. The babies due date wasn't far away.
Piper had worn some black slacks and white button down blouse with flats for the meeting. Her hair was tied back in a pony tail with light make up on. She was surprised to see Cal waiting by the front door in a conservative looking brown jacket and slacks, and neatly pressed shirt. There was a knock on the door and a smartly dressed man strode in.
"Miss Chapman, Mr Chapman." He nodded towards them and took his seat across the desk.
He proceeded to open some draws and retrieve a couple of envelopes. Putting his glasses on he pulled out a stack of paperwork, held together by a paperclip. Piper instantly thought of Alex.
"Now, this should be quite quick as this is the last matter to be resolved regarding Celeste's will. Miss Chapman, all I will need from you here is your signature. This will release half of your funds and deposit into your account. For the other half, I'd like to hear how you plan on investing it."
He pushed the forms across the desk towards her. She leant forward and scanned the pages, and neatly printed her name and dated. She smiled and sat back in her chair.
"Well I have taken much thought about this Sir. Im going to use part of the money to fund my book that I'm writing. I want to self publish. So a small amount will be used for that and the PR. I also would like to save an amount, so I'd like to put some into my savings account. But I would like to start my own business. I have been looking at buildings available in the surrounding area, and I have found one that has a lot of potential. I wish to purchase it, renovate, and then open a coffee shop/bar in the lower floor, and convert the second and third floors into apartments. I want to make a change, and I want to provide legal work and accommodation for ex cons. I'd like to be able to offer work, living arrangements, and then if people wish to move on I would provide good references for both work and rental. Looking at the size of the second floor it could house a good size office, and 2 moderate sized apartments. I would convert the third floor to be my home. There is enough room out the back to park 2 cars as well. I feel that this could be a positive investment to help the community, as well as create a living."
The man across from her smiled. "I see Celeste has chosen wisely to pass on the proportion of her wealth to you two. I spoke at length about what the money was to be used for, and what she would not allow. You are planning on doing something that will help change and shape lives. I believe she would of been very, very proud of you."
He pulled out another stack of papers from the other envelope.
"This money is already deposited into an account. When you sign these papers the account will be made active and transferred to you. However, I do stress. Please seek financial advice, we can recommend some great guys that I feel you would really benefit from."
Piper nodded, and again signed the required paperwork. He collected the papers and turned to put them in his filing cabinet.
"Theres one thing sir if you don't mind," Piper started.
"Please, called me John. I knew Celeste for years and worked with her for decades."
"Okay John, I was wondering, is there a way if you can tell me if my prison marriage is legal? A friend got ordained on a website, and I got married last week, so I just want to check if its legal."
She crossed her hands in her lap nervously. She provided the name of the website to John, who looked up the information on his laptop.
"Its looks like its good news Miss Chapman. You're wedding was legal. I'm guessing you don't have paperwork? I'll be able to get these drawn up for you at no extra cost. It will take a couple of days, but are you happy to come and collect them or would you rather I mail it out to you?".
"I'll collect. This is something I don't want to get lost."
He smiled at her. "Also, are you wanting to change your name? We can do it now?"
Piper felt the air leave her lungs. She felt happy, excited, and complete. Yet also sad. She wished Alex was here to do this with her. She was missing her so much.
"Yes." She replied firmly. She wanted this, and she would be strong.
30 minutes later, Piper and Cal were back in his car driving in the direction of the property Piper had mentioned. She had arranged for a viewing with Cal not long after the appointment.
"Mrs Piper Elizabeth Vause. You know, I hate to say it but its got a nicer ring to it then Chapman. Although it does make you sound old"
She smacked his arm and rolled her eyes at him. Alex had joked a couple of times about the Vause - Chapmans. But Piper didn't want that. When she thought of her family she though of Alex. Alex knew her, and she understood her. She could truly be herself around her, and at a time, she could also be like that with Diane. She missed her. She was like the mother she never had. So when it came down to it, she wanted to disassociate herself from her past, and be legally a part of the family she always felt she belonged to. The Vauses.
Cal pulled up outside a large building. It was currently vacant, although appeared in good shape. Once inside they met a realtor named Karen. She was a polite, well spoken and well dressed woman in her fifties. The place was an empty shell. It had been all ripped out during a refurb, and the previous owner had ran out of money. But this left a blank canvas for her to work with. The same went for the second and third floors, joined by industrial metal staircases.
"Theres a lot of work thats needs doing here Pipes. A lot of structural, electrical, and well a lot of everything."
"Its perfect." She smiled. She turned to the woman, "I'll take it".
Later that evening, Piper was sat in her room planning her next steps. Cal burst into the door, slightly out of breath. He walked over to the bed and held out his mobile.
"Its your prison wife." He smiled, before leaving.
"Al?"
"It's me Pipes. Who were you expecting, crazy eyes?" Her husky voice filled her senses. She hadn't spoken to her since she got out. She knew it would be a while before she could get on her call list, so kept telling herself to be patient.
"Fuck, Al I miss you so much." She let out a small sob.
"Hey, we promise each other none of this. Now come on, I want to hear what my wife has been up to."
Piper wiped her eyes on her sleeve and sat up.
"I'm living with Cal and Neri up in the woods, Its not too far from the prison. I came straight here. I'm helping Neri out a lot, she is getting huge. The baby is due anytime now, so I have been helping them prepare. I helped Cal carry this huge crib upstair he had carved, and yesterday help Neri put up from paintings she had done. Im having a nephew Al, isn't it exciting?'
"Well I'm glad you are keeping busy, I've been worried you would be stressed. After kickball, where we won by the way, we all went back inside. It turns out the the crazy sister duo had done each other over for the last time. They killed each other Pipes. Its okay though, they have shuffled up D block, and Nicky is now in your cell. Her and Red have kissed and made up, and I'm spending a lot of time with them and Gloria."
"Holy fuck, they killed each other? You weren't hurt were you Alex? Is it fucked up I wish I hadn't left when I did. The idea of you being in the without me and crazy shit like that happening fills me with dread Al. Are you safe?"
"I'm safe babe. Honestly, they family has regrouped. I'm okay, really"
Piper relaxed and took a long breath out.
"I bought a property today."
"Wait, you've bought a house? With what, and where? Has is got hard wood flooring?" Alex laughed.
Piper smiled. "Its a commercial building. Celeste left me a large sum of money in her will Al. She wanted me to be able to create a life when I got out. Half to invest in business and the other half to have. We will be more than okay. I'm going to open a coffee shop/bar."
She proceeded to tell Alex her plans on converting the property, including creating an apartment for them.
"Sounds like you have it all mapped out Pipes. I proud of you wifey" she joked.
"Actually, about that. I spoke to Celeste's lawyers. That website Nicky used it legit. He is draughting up our marriage certificate and I get to collect it next week."
Alex was quiet. Piper knew she was still there as she could hear her breathing.
"Al, are you still there..?"
"Yes," She heard her force out.
"Sorry, its just I knew I wanted it, we just didn't know if it was legit. Piper you're my wife. We are actually married. We got married in prison. Fuck!"
"Al, I don't want you getting hung up about this. I told you I don't care. I just wanted to be your wife. And now I am. We can have a second wedding when you are out, with all our friends and family. Until then it doesn't change anything. I'm still Mrs Vause."
"Vause? Pipes did you change your name?" She could practically feel her smiling through the phone.
"I sure did Al. Piper Elizabeth Vause here. You're my family babe."
"Hmm that does sound good. Fuck, I miss you so much. I put you on my visitation list. Do you think you might be able to get up to see me soon? I mean no rush if you are busy."
"I'll speak to Cal and see if I can borrow his car, or see if he will take me to buy one. I want to see you every week. I'll get a phone soon and you can add it to your call list. I can visit you on Saturday?"
"Okay deal. Until then I will reread some of the shit they call literature until I see you."
"I'll send out some of your favourite tomorrow, and I've put some money in your commissary."
"Well you sure know how to treat a gal."
"Well I gotta keep that mouth smiling."
She heard Alex laugh. It warmed her.
"Pipes I've got to go, I'll try and call again, but if not write to me? Promise me you'll try and see me soon. Fuck I sound desperate, its just weird without you here".
"I promise you I will come to visitation. And of course I'll write. It will give me something else to look forward too. I love you Alex, remember that. I'm out here living and keeping strong for you.
"I love you too Piper. I'll see you soon. Please don't worry about me, I'm doing fine with the family."
The phone line cut out. She placed the mobile on the bedside table. She felt happy.
It was Saturday. A lot had happened in the 5 days since their phone call.
Neri had given birth. A 7lb 6oz bundle of joy. With a tuft of blonde hair and big blue eyes. Piper was absolutely smitten. She adored her baby nephew, Arlo William Chapman. She picked up the household slack to allow the new parents and baby time to bond.
She had borrowed Cals car to drive up to the prison. She had woke early to get herself ready for the drive. She felt nervous about seeing Alex. But they same nerves she would get as if she was going on a date with her. She had done a small hike the morning, and had showered.
She had straightened her hair, and wore a dark green cable knit sweater, with some pale blue skinny jeans. She had on her grey bobble hat and gloves, and had wrapped an oversized scarf around her. She had made an effort to put on make up, but only nude colours. She wanted to look good for Alex, but not to make her feel bad.
The drive took just over an hour. Parking the car she walked into the entrance. It felt weird walking through security, and almost to familiar being searched. Whilst the CO's didn't treat her like an inmate, they didn't give her any respect either. More so pretending that they didn't know or recognise her at all. She signed in the visitors book with 'Piper Vause".
20 minutes later her heart lit up. She stood and touched the glass desperate to get close to her.
Alex walked over and placed her hand over hers, and smiled when she noticed Piper was still wearing Luscheks keychain, she herself kept wearing the paperclip ring, although had to frequently take it off and wash her finger as it kept going green. She picked up the phone and waited for Piper to follow suit.
"Hey" she breathed out.
"Hey"
The pair stared at each other and smiled. They were going to be okay.
Over the next half an hour they caught up on the prison gossip, and Piper had shown Alex pictures of baby Arlo through the glass.
"Pipes will you send me some new pictures? I want to be able to wake up next to my wife, and if I cant so that, waking up next to your picture will be good enough for a while."
Piper smiled. "Sure. I sent you a package the other day, did it arrive?"
"Yes I got it yesterday. You still remember all my favourites."/
"Of course. I have to say I haven't done much reading. I have been planning with the architect the new property. The business is designed. The apartments are designed. But im stuck planning our apartment. It feels so wrong designing out home without you."
"Pipes for the last 2 years we have lived in prison together. Any improvement on that is a fucking bonus. You know me, you know what I like. I'm sure I will love it. And if your that concerned, I have a storage lockup with a few bits in, take a look and see if there is anything you like. That way if may feel like more of me is home than what really can be."
"Thats a great idea Al. I'll sort out a car next week and I'll go over. Write to me and put the address? Is there anything you want out of there?"
"The only thing I care about in there are the pictures of my mom." She added quietly.
"Then I will make sure they are pride of place babe".
"Visiting hours are over guy. Time to say your goodbyes." Booms a loud voice of a female CO Piper didn't recognise.
She turned back to look at Alex.
"I'll post the pictures and I'll write to you. Do you get the money through in for commissary?"
"Yes, its all there babe. Its been so great seeing you. You look amazing." She noticed Alex eyeing her up appreciatively. "When I get out I'm definitely getting you a massive ring cause your beautiful Piper."
"I'm yours Al. I'm not gong anyway. Write to me and try and call. I love you and stay safe."
"I will Pipes, I love you too. Say hi to Cal and Neri for me, And give little Arlo a kiss from me".
Alex put the phone down and blew a kiss at her. She gave her one more look over and winked, before walking away.
Piper left the prison feeling warm inside and and her heart felt loved. She felt a tug inside as she left in the car, and guess he would never get used to leaving one half of her heart behind. She would keep going though. As Alex has said before The Vause's go towards the problem. And Piper would do everything in her power to create a good life for the both.