Chapter 9 – Visits

I had been awake all night, I had no idea what time it was as the police had took my phone and there was no clock in here, but as it was bright outside I knew it must be about eight. I got out my bed looking at my arms, they were covered in bites from where I had broken down yesterday, and I just hoped no one noticed. I was just deciding what to do when all of a sudden my cell was opened and an officer walked in.

"Leo you have visitors" he said as he took me outside and gave me one of the yellow belt things prisoners have to wear. I was then led to a room with a lot of tables and chairs as it was the visitors' room. I saw my parents and Justin straight away and as I came out they stopped talking and looked at me. I walked towards them slowly and put my hands on the table when I got there.

"H...hey" I said not knowing what to say as I sat down opposite them. They were all quiet like me not knowing what to say.

"Hi Leo" my mum started and then walked over and hugged me but it wasn't like a comforting hug it was awkward. I smiled slightly as she pulled away and we both sat down again.

"So...how was last night?" my dad asked me trying to start conversation

"I am in a prison cell ...it obviously wasn't good"

"Yes I know that but I meant are you coping?" my dad asked. He obviously knew nothing about me.

"Yes, its fine" I said shrugging

"Did you do it?" Justin said speaking for the first time and looking at me

"Oh yeah because I am really capable of that aren't I?"

"No but...you REALLY liked Bonnie you were so mad at her" he said

"Why would I want to sleep with Bonnie that much anyway I am fifteen I am not thinking about sex yet"

"I know that but..."

"No go on Justin, we all know that you and dad think I am guilty anyway, the look dad gave me yesterday when I was being arrested told me that"

"I don't think you are guilty Leo..." he said looking at me "I just...I don't know you anymore I never thought you would be capable of bullying but...well you did bully someone"

"Yeah well it doesn't matter they have evidence against me so I am 99.9% sure that I will get done for it"

"We will get you the best Lawyer we can" my mum said smiling at me

"A lawyer can't help me in my case; the only thing that will help me is if you can get Bonnie to drop the charges"

"We can't force her to do that Leo...that's not how it works" my dad said

"Why not! Oh yeah I forgot you don't want me out of here...you have your perfect son now I mean let's be fair I was never even wanted was I?"

"Leo of course we wanted you" my mum said but not making eye contact, my dad saw the tension and looked at his watch clearly not wanting to stay any longer.

"Sorry son...we best go now or we will be late for school" he said patting me on the back and walking out with Justin as mum hugged me again.

"Bye then" I say as I walk away back into the prison. That's when I knew who I needed; I knew who would believe me.

"Hey...do prisoners still get one phone call?" I asked the officer who was with me

"Yes they do, do you want to have yours now?"

"Please" I said as he showed me where the phone is

"Take your time to think about whom to call...you only get one chance"

"I know exactly who to call" I said as I picked up the phone and rang the number for the clinic, it's just lucky I knew that number.

"Good morning, this is Mexi Clinic, Ian is speaking, how may I help you?"

"Hello I am Leo Fitzgerald I would like to speak to Mandy Ruskin please?"

I didn't know Ian as he worked in the office answering the phone so I knew he wouldn't know who I am, which is why I gave my name.

"That's fine I will just get her" he said as he put the phone down and I waited on the line for someone to pick up

"Hello? Leo?" the familiar voice of Mandy said a few minutes later as she picked up "Why you ringing the clinic you never ring the clinic only my mobile"

"Look Mandy I don't have time to explain here but something has happened...I am in jail"

"Wait what?"

"I can't explain over the phone I don't have time but can you come and visit?"

"I will be there straight away" she said as she hanged up and I knew she was making her way here.

I was taken back to my cell and given some gross food that tasted rank so I didn't eat it. I just hoped Mandy wouldn't be too long I really needed to see her. Before long my cell was opened again.

"Someone is popular, there is another visitor"

I jumped up as fast as I could and walked out quickly putting the belt on before walking out. I saw Mandy straight away she stood up as I walked over to the table, as soon as I was close enough she walked towards me and hugged me, but unlike with mum it wasn't awkward it was comforting she was trying to tell me she was worried and it was making me feel safe. After a few minutes we pulled away and sat down.

"So what happened?" she asked confused

"You know the girl I bullied Bonnie? She is saying I tried to rape her"

"She is what!?" you wouldn't ...you couldn't"

"Glad someone believes me my parents and my brother think I did"

"Yes but they don't know you like I do, you would never even consider it"

"Thank you...but she has evidence I don't know how she knew but she knows about my fight with Justin...my busted lip"

"Well you came to the clinic with your lip bleeding and I cleaned you up so she can't use that against you"

I explain to Mandy everything Bonnie has said she is in shock.

"That scumbag...you wouldn't touch her or any girl, if she knew you she would know you are shy you wouldn't start kissing someone out of nowhere"

"Exactly...that's my problem I am why too shy to even talk to a girl I like let alone go and kiss them"

She looked at my arms as I talked as they were still uncovered she took one and looked at the bites. Even though I hadn't wanted anyone to see I am glad she cares enough to notice.

"You have been biting your arms haven't you?"

"I didn't mean it when they put me in the cell they took my tablets they thought they were drugs I couldn't cope and it took my mind of it"

She looked at them more; she had seen all kinds of marks and scars that people had caused themselves in the clinic.

"Don't worry they will heal they have barely pierced the skin" she said as I took my arm back and crossed them.

"Mandy...you have to get Bonnie to drop the charges"

"Oh don't worry once I am done with her she will be saying anything I tell her to"

"No don't hurt her...I don't want you in here too that won't help me, please just try get her to drop them I could get years in here..."

"I promise I will get you out of here and I won't touch her"

I smiled; I knew it was the truth Mandy doesn't ever break promises. I knew she wouldn't let me down.

The bell rang meaning visiting time was over, we both stood up and Mandy walked up to me and kissed my cheek which she sometimes did. We were like a close brother and sister.

"Next time I see you, you will be out of here" she smiled as she left, I watched her going knowing everything will be ok.