Chapter 50
.
After her shift on sunday Eve decided to check the bases' library. She knew how to read quietly in her bed, practically all she could do in her room. Although the Koran gave her inspiration, she wanted something new. There she found Jessie, decided to talk with him for a bit.
.
Eve: Any recommendations?
Jessie: My personal favorite if "the count of Monte Cristo." I read it in juvenile hall several times.
Eve: So you read a lot in prison?
Jessie: Not much else to do in there. I also recommend the "Hunger games" trilogy. The movies aren't bad but a lot will be lost on you if you haven't read the books.
Eve: Can I ask you something?
Jessie: It's about why I was in prison, isn't it?
Eve: Yeah, unless you're uncomfortable.
Jessie: I grew up in the foster system, never knew my real parents. As a teen I had anger issues, got into some fights, spent three months in juvenile hall. When I aged out I had little money, a hard time finding a real job. Me and a friend had the bright idea to ro a store. We got caught, I was sentanced to ten years. I wasn't in prison more than three months before Mason's big announcement. So I figured, help build an Ark, earn some more chances, have some more freedom until then. That's my story. I can't justify some of my actions, but I am trying to do better now.
Eve: Allah is your judge, not me. I wish you the best in your new life.
Jessie: Thank you. I wish you the best in your life, whatever that might be.
.
Eve decided to take Jessie's advice and read "Hunger games." She read what she could on sunday, could barely put it down to go to sleep. On monday Eve completed her shift, then immediately resumed her reading. She read until she finished it, then fell asleep from exhaustion. On tuesday June 28th Eve went to breakfast looking for Jessie. For Jessie this was dinner, he'd just finished the late shift. They talked about the book, although Jessie knew the other two books and had to watch what he said, he didn't want to spoil the rest of the story for Eve. After their bonding session Jessie said he was going to get some sleep, but he'd probably be at the game later. There was a baseball game later between convicts and civilians. These games, including also football, hockey, basketball, were a god way to relieve tensions between the two groups. Civilians didn't like criminalsgetting lottery chances, the convicts didn't like the civilians getting more chances when they did equal work. The hope was that after playing each other like this, they could work together later. Eve said she'd be there, possibly even rooting for Jessie's team. Eve wasn't too naive, she figured she knew what Jessie wanted from her. She planned to remain a virgin until her wedding night. Eve figured that there were enough guards here to discourage Jessie. She could gently let him down. But it seemed like Jessie wanted a fresh start, a second chance. And it was good to have a new friend in this place.