After few days it became painfully obvious that Jake Stewart is a jerk but not a criminal mastermind or as a matter of fact, he is not a mastermind of any kind. He is dumb as fuck to put it nicely. After realizing that something was off with that Allie stunt, he assumed that she wanted to set him up so he organized a cell toss. Of course, no phone was found what made him relaxed somewhat but he visited Proctor in the slot and tried to get some advice from her what to do. He was trying to convince her to finish off Allie already. Jake assumed it was a good idea to have the Red Right Hand kill Allie while Kaz is in the slot. That was a dumb idea and they started arguing.
Coming back from the slot Jake went straight to the office with the computer containing footage from the security cameras. Little has he known about Will Jackson placing an external hard disc to the system making sure everything was backed up as well and that he placed a camera into the office too. Mister Jackson is not a stupid man, someone like Jake can outsmart him just once. He knew that Jake will probably contact Kaz or that he will try and go after Allie again – in case he won't get too paranoid. Obviously, he had to do something and he couldn't avoid the cameras all the time. Sooner or later something will show up on the tapes and he will have to delete it. It was clear and mister Jackson knew that the best option is setting up a camera and making a backup disc.
His plan worked. The third morning he found out that Jake deleted a part of the footage coming from the slot that night. Checking the backup disc he witnessed as Jake went to Proctor's cell. He told the old blonde about what happened with Allie for what she scolded him. Not even the fact that the H1 unit cell toss didn't result in founding a phone eased the older woman's mind. She told him how stupid he was and they started fighting.
Will Jackson was happy. He had proof he needed and turning it to internal affairs meant that Jake Stewart was fired immediately. As soon as he was sitting in the interrogation room Jake spilled out everything. Well aware of the fact that facing the drug dealers he owed money would end up with his death he told them everything in exchange for witness protection. All his dealings with Tina, Proctor and their drug dealing business came to light. It was over. Somewhat. Finally.
Bea Smith was called into the governor's office and she was told about everything that happened. She knew that she will still have to deal with Kaz when she gets out but without Jake in her corner she was much weaker. Vera told her that she visited Proctor in the slot and she told her that they know about everything. As the governor said, it was enough to scare the old blonde and she would lay low for a while after coming back to general in few weeks. Vera decided to keep her in the slot for a long time teaching her a lesson and making sure that she would fear being tossed there again. All good news. Bea was relieved, they really needed this win.
Rest of the prison haven´t been aware of the war they were in but of course, women are not stupid, they felt something was off. They have noticed the H1 crew being on alert, they knew something was up and that placed everyone under stress. Bea has decided that she will send a bottle of booze into each unit and some other goods for their allies. With that, they will know that the tension is over and additionally there is no better way to keep friends at Wentworth than with booze and some treats.
XXX
Days passed and nothing has changed between Allie and Bea. The young blonde was trying at first, she was nice to the redhead and made sure that she said good morning and wished good night to her extra nicely. Attempting to shower the older woman with nice gestures and hoping that Bea would give in but it never happened. She got a cold response and short answers all the time.
Boomer tossed in front of her another batch of clothes and that yanked her out from her thoughts a little bit.
- Are you alright? – Maxine asked her nudging her softly.
- Yeah, just thinking.
- Care to share about what?
Allie smiled at her weakly. Maxine is the most perceptive from them all. She surely must know how she feels towards Bea even if she never said so but Allie was not ready for this conversation.
- Just stuff. – she replied.
- Does that stuff something to do with a certain moody redhead?
Allie pushed the nicely folded pile of clothes aside and took the new batch. Yeah, of course, Maxine knows and of course, she wants to talk about it now. That is just her luck.
- I just wonder if she will ever talk to me again.
- She will trust me, honey.
Allie shook her head.
- I'm not so sure. Probably she is done with me forever. I keep landing on her bad side.
Maxine chuckled, that was kinda true.
- Have you ever thought about why is that?
- Because I'm a moron?
- No, you are not a moron Allie. Actually, you are very sweet and cute. It just happens that you are the only one who cares enough to do what is right even if it means to go against her. The rest of us, we just do as she says.
Allie smiled. It was nice hearing something like that, it made her instantly feel better. Maxine gets her.
- Please just don't give up on her, alright? I think you know her already better than any of us. You know her so think about what is she doing and why. Alright?
Allie nodded blinking at the taller woman not sure at this moment what she meant. But she meant something with that right? Yeah, Maxine was smiling at her with a strange look on her face and then she winked. What the hell? What should she think about? Not that if it would matter she was not doing anything else last days just thinking.
Actually, after that incident yesterday she spent all evening and night thinking. As silly as it was, the young woman knew that she was hurt. It really hurt her and triggered an avalanche of emotions what led her here - to a point when she had a headache from all that thinking. Allie has realized that the evenings spent with Bea talking were the best moments in her life and the older woman stepped on it. She spat on Allie´s good memories and that is why it hurt so much. Sharing fruit while talking was their thing. Allie loved the evenings when just the two of them shared a bowl of fruit while talking about nothing and everything. Stealing an extra apple at the dinner was easy. Giving it to Bea and hoping she will take it as an olive branch was easy. Watching her giving it to the first woman who passed around was hard and painful.
Allie lost all hope that their relationship could be like it was before. At night when she was laying in her bed she felt sadness settling in her heart. She tried to recall all the good memories and convince herself that everything that happened between them was real. That it was not just her imagination. She remembered hundreds of lingering looks Bea threw her way. The soft touches which came so easily for them. The way Bea used to hold her at night and how Allie was the only one who could calm the top dog just with one look. It was real. Or was it just in her head? Maybe she just saw things differently. Is it possible that Maxine saw it too?
XXX
When the shift ended half of the H1 crew went straight away to the yard namely Sonia, Maxine, and Boomer. Liz, Allie, and Bea were walking back to their unit. Bea was walking few steps in front, followed by Liz and Allie. The older woman was telling her about the book she is currently reading but Allie was listening just with one ear. Her mind was occupied by thousands of things related to the redhead walking in front of them.
Thanks to Maxine, Allie tried to recall once again – not the first time though – every minute they have spent together during last months. It was crazy, to be honest. The easiest way to sum it up was that Bea Smith gave her hot and cold. Cuddling her one night just to fight with her the other. Allie knew that she was not innocent in this either. Often she disobeyed the redhead or provoked her. Their relationship was weird. She had a crush on her, then she was scared of her after that she wanted to be her friend when she realized that she is falling for the top dog. It was confusing and it had to be cleared up. Once and for all, before it drives her crazy.
After turning into H1 Liz went to her cell to retrieve her hoodie and the book. Allie took the opportunity and turned to Bea.
- Bea? Can we talk for a minute?
- Now?
- Yes, it is important. – Allie said opening the door on Bea's cell.
- What is it? I don't have time Maxine and Boomer are waiting for me. We are going to work out.
- No worries, it will take just a minute.
Bea walked into her cell and turned around to face the blonde.
- So? What's up?
Allie bit her lip and then took a long breath. She was hoping that she is not about to do the biggest mistake in her life. She licked her lips and looked Bea in the eyes.
- We have to talk about us. – she breathed out. Allie saw how the redhead stepped back and became stiff as a statue.
- Us? What do you mean? – Bea asked.
- I have enough of this! – she shook her head.
- Of what?
- Of this game - charade? Call it as you want.
Bea was looking at her with confusion. First, she thought that Allie will try talking about their argument and how they are not really talking. But now she was lost. What charade?
- Do you realize how you treat me?
- I don't really get what you mean to be honest. How do I treat you? I think that I treat you exactly the same way as the others.
Allie rolled her eyes and looked up the ceiling for a moment. "Geez, this woman is stubborn as hell or just simply dense in denial!"
- No, you don't treat me as the others! At least you haven't used to! But lately, you treat me even worse than them. You are snapping at me and avoiding me. – She rubbed her temple and lowered her voice. – And you gave the apple to one of Juice's boys.
Bea was taken back.
- Is this about the apple? – she asked and Allie laughed instantly.
- Christ, it is not about the apple! – Allie said loudly but not raising her voice. – It is about how you cuddle me one night and not talking to me the next morning.
Bea visibly paled and crossed her arms over her chest.
- That was just to protect you.
- Letting me sleep on the floor would be for my protection. Holding me close and nuzzling into me is really far from that.
- Allie, I´m really sorry if you misund…
- Stop right there! – Allie interrupted her. - Don´t tell me that you are not gay or something like that. Gay or not I know that you want me. – She made few steps closer to Bea. - I´m here..-she poked into her chest. – You love me, I can feel it with every fiber in my body. You just choose to overwrite your heart with your brain and I have really enough of that. – Stepping back she looked at the clearly shocked redhead.
There was fear in those wide brown eyes and Allie started to question if what she did was right but there was not coming back now. This is her only opportunity to tell Bea what she feels, tomorrow she might be all alone. Allie made another step back and smiled gently.
- Life is too short Bea, it is for everyone, but for us. For us here it is even worse, I don´t want to spend the next ten years of my life in misery. You have to choose. You can be with me or without me but I can't do this anymore. This limbo is killing me. – Allie ran her fingers over the edge of the table trying to put her thoughts together. It was hard. Pouring your heart out not knowing what you will get in return is not easy. - You have to give me clear answer Bea. Simple yes, no or maybe. Where maybe means that you are confused that you are processing and not sure about your feelings. I can deal with that, I can wait as long as you need or we can take it slowly it is up to you. But I need to know where you stand because this is killing me. I need to know if you are pushing me away because you are scared of your feelings or because you hate my face. – Allie breathed out. She was done. Maybe in more ways than one but for now she was extremely relieved.
Come what may her feelings were out. The ball was on Bea´s court now. Not moving or talking the redhead was rendered speechless. Just standing motionless and gawking at the young blonde. Allie smiled at her sadly and turned on her heels. She had to get out, she needed fresh air and Bea needs time to process. Pushing the handle down she walked out.
XXX
When Allie left Bea´s cell leaving the stunned and shocked woman behind she ran outside to the yard. Passing the H1 table she opted to sit alone so she plopped down on the bench and finally let out the breath she was holding since she left the cell 15. The heart in her chest was hammering so fast that she thought she was about to get a heart attack. As soon as she got enough oxygen to stop the dizziness her head was spinning in she has realized how big mistake she has done. "Fuck!" – she cursed quietly. Why did she think that this was a good idea? Well, probably because Bea Smith is that type who likes to be cornered and given ultimatums. "Oh, for fuck sake!" – Allie covered her face with her hands trying to keep the tears burning in her eyes at bay. She screwed up! Bea won´t talk to her again and she will probably get her out of H1. She just lost everything.
Bea walked out from the block and went straight to the weight lifting area where Maxine and Boomer were in the middle of their warm up already. Allie first looked away afraid to even look at her but then she couldn´t help it and watched as the older woman walked through the yard looking in front of herself not even looking around to see if Allie was there. The young blonde leaned back to the wall and turned her sad blue eyes towards the sky. "Shit!" The worse thing of all was that she even had no idea what she said to Bea. It was not planned or rehearsed. She has been pumped up from all those thoughts running through her head during last weeks which all peaked earlier while on work duty into a huge mess.
Never mention that her talk with Maxine didn´t help either. For some reason what the tall brunette said made her believe that what she feels is true and the top dog cares for her. Obviously, they both can be wrong like hell and she placed all her bets on that. How stupid was that? Allie quickly glanced towards the trio of women working out. Bea just started doing squats and she was laughing at something Maxine said. She looked like nothing happened. As their talk didn´t touch her at all. "Fuck!" – Allie bit her lip hard and let out a small snort. Great, she just showed the top dog that she is nuts. Bea must think that she totally lost it. The redhead probably really just wanted to help her to save her life partly because she does that as the top dog and partly because she felt guilty she hasn't listened to her for the first time and Allie got beaten up.
She fucked up in a big way, she did realize it now. The young blonde was beating herself up for the dinner time while watching Bea finishing her workout and joining Liz at the H1 table. Bea never looked into her direction, sitting down with her back to Allie she was talking with Liz and Boomer explaining to them something animatedly clearly not affected by their talk.
Dinner was less awkward than Allie thought. The usual banter was up as always and nobody noticed that the top dog never looked to her left. Allie was not hungry, she just tossed her food around the tray taking just a few bites then and there. Juice laughed out loud and the young blonde looked at her. "Fuck sake!" – hopefully, Bea won't send her to Juice´s unit. Is there even any other available place? Probably not, great, she will have to deal with that disgusting woman because she has no common sense. She almost turned towards Bea telling her that, "Please don´t send me to Juice!" but thankfully she stopped herself before doing something stupid again.
Coming back to H1 the girls scattered around the sofa and chairs except for Allie who said that she had a headache and that she is going to lay down and nap. Maxine promised her that she will wake her for the count and with that, she closed the door behind herself. She tried hard not to cry. What she needs the last is Maxine and Liz hovering over her and asking what is wrong. She must hold on until the count and then she can retire and cry herself to sleep.
Lying on her bed she tried slowing down her racing mind. Focusing on her breathing she calmed a little bit down. Listening to the laughs from outside she was waiting for the count. Sleeping is the only thing what could help her now. Things will be fucked up in the morning as well that is given but a good night sleep makes wonders. Maybe begging will help and Bea will let her stay in H1 if she will promise to stay away from her. As the last days showed that was the only thing what Bea wanted.
Allie heard footsteps and then a "hello ladies" from mister Jackson so she crawled down from the bed. Reaching the door she heard a soft knock. She opened the cell door and standing in front of it she said thank you to Maxine. The count was done in few seconds and after the gate closed the girls regrouped on the sofa.
- Are you feeling better? – Maxine asked her and Allie nodded.
- Yes, it is better but I will go and sleep some more.
- Do you have some pills for it? – Liz asked and Allie nodded again smiling at the old blonde.
- Good night you all. – Allie grabbed the cell door and pulled on it closing it as she stepped towards the cell.
- Allie, can I talk to you? – she heard Bea calling after her and she froze. Alright, at least she will be over it, she thought as the redhead walked past her and walked into her cell. Allie pulled the door and closed it behind herself. Instantly leaning back she found at least little support as the cold metal hit her back. The young blonde was sure that she will need it as her legs were shaking already.
Bea was standing in the middle of the cell turning around slowly to face Allie. Her chest was heaving under rapid shallow breaths she was taking. Bea felt so nervous and overwhelmed that she thought that she might pass out. Looking at the woman leaning against the door she knew that she wasn´t alone. All of a sudden Bea felt like she is seeing Allie for the first time. The white t-shirt was bringing up the blue in her eyes. Leaning against the door with her hands protectively wrapped around her waist waiting with resignation what is about to come she was beautiful.
Taking few slow steps never turning away from the sad blue eyes Bea stopped in front of the young woman. Their eyes were piercing into each other both of them looking for some clue. Bea felt the warmth radiating from the blonde and along with her scent, it was greedily absorbed with every pore on the redhead´s body. She placed her hands next to the younger woman shoulders trapping her effectively while finding some support in the same time. Bea shifted her legs slowly forward their knees softly bumping into each other. Allie´s eyes were wide and shining probably with tears but slowly confusion and surprise were mirroring in them as well. Bea leaned closer bringing her body flush against the blonde´s their foreheads almost touching. Allie slowly dropped her hands letting them just rest by her side. Bea didn´t hesitate and instantly pressed herself forward making their chests brush and press against each other.
The touch was electrifying. It sent shivers down their spine and right then the stress was gone. Bea tilted her head and nuzzled it between Allie´s neck and shoulder. Inhaling deeply few times she let go and pressed herself more into the young woman not really caring about anything anymore. Allie wrapped her hands around the redhead´s waist and pulled her close tightly while mirroring her and nuzzling into her neck.
They were standing like that not moving for a long time. Simply enjoying the closeness. They had no intention breaking this intimate and so significant moment. Bea felt like half of her worries concerning the young woman currently nestled against her were gone like they never even existed. She was sure that the rest of them can wait and that they will be dealt with. Suddenly nothing felt more important than Allie Novak holding her in a tight embrace.
Allie was surprised by what was happening but thoroughly enjoying it. Seems like her plan worked at the end. Feeling Bea´s warm body underneath her hands and soft skin so close to her lips made her head spin. She was clutching at the older woman like her life was depending on it. Bea pulled her head back and smiled at her and Allie softly smiled back. Leaning closer the top dog closed her eye as their lips brushed against each other. The touch was soft, tender and loving. Their lips were ghosting over each other gently, barely touching, until Bea took Allie´s lower lip between hers and nibbled on it as she moved her hands to the blonde´s face. Softly holding her Bea deepened the kiss making Allie grasping at her tightly.
Bea swiped her tongue inside the younger woman´s mouth and barely could stay standing on her feet. Comparing this kiss to a firework would be an understatement. Emotions and sensations erupted in her soul and body. Flooding her instantly with waves of pleasure and happiness. Allie moved her hands up along her sides making her shudder in the process and then she wrapped them around her neck. Sucking at the wet tongue in her mouth Allie surprised the redhead who let out a low moan. Their kiss became very heated and passionate in a second. Grasping at each other, squeezing and pulling they kissed feverishly. Bea never felt like this before, she has never been kissed like this before. It was like a rebirth. Like everything bad and old in her disappeared and it was replaced by an unknown new but most definitely brighter and better feeling.
As the kiss slowed the redhead pulled back a little.
- I don´t want to be without you. – she whispered.
- You will never have to be. – Allie replied smiling as she hugged the older woman to herself strongly. Bea backed them both to the bed and slowly laid down pulling Allie with herself. They kicked off their shoes and nestled in comfortably on the top of the cover. Allie laughed as she placed her head on the redhead's chest.
- You took your sweet time telling me though. I was scared to death.
Bea kissed the top of the blonde´s head. Her hand slid down on Allie´s arm and then she grasped her hand. After Allie cornered her, Bea was scared to death too. She needed time not to think much more for accepting what was happening.
- I had to wait until the count. I wanted to have time and privacy. – she said playing with the younger woman's fingers. Allie lifted her head smiling.
- You should have at least give me a hint. I thought that you will send me to Juice.
Now it was Bea who laughed.
- That is why you were looking at her during dinner?
- How do you know that I was looking at her?
- I saw you.
- Did you? How come? You never even looked at me.
Bea ran her fingers over the younger woman´s cheek.
- I´m always watching you.
Allie moved closer and pressed her lips to Bea´s. Taking her time she slowly played with those soft lips she wanted to taste for so long. The feeling was amazing much better than she thought.
They were talking and kissing until late night. Falling asleep in each other's arms. Allie cuddled up and wrapped around the redhead they finally found peace.