IV.

I heard a knock around eight am. I woke up on the couch with Regina's feet kicking me in the side; I looked over at the clock on the wall, the time reading; eight o'clock in the morning. I jerked my head to the door upon hearing a knock again. I got up off the couch and made my way to the door. I looked out the peephole, to see a delivery person. I unlocked the deadbolt, leaving the silver chain on the door.

I pulled the door open, as wide the chain would allow, "Can I help you?"

"I have a delivery for Violet Stokes? I need you to sign for it."

I unlocked the chain, pulling the door the rest of the way open. I reached out to take the paperwork to sign for the roses that he was holding. I exchanged the paperwork for the roses, closing the door and locking it. I went into the kitchen with the roses, sitting the vase on the counter.

"Wow, those are beautiful. Who are they from?" I turned my head to see Regina leaning up over the back of the couch to see into the kitchen. I look at the bouquet, taking the card off the top and reading it.

I cannot wait for our date tonight. I will pick you up at seven on the dot. Be ready for me. All my love, Clark.

It was sweet that he sent me a message about our date with flowers. He really knows how to charm a girl. I smiled, holding the card against my chest. I need to be back by eleven pm.

"It's from Clark." I turned and walked over to her, handing her the card.

"Look how sweet he is. Are you excited about your date?" She asked excitedly.

"Of course I'm excited, But I'm also scared. I've been in a prison for seven years. I don't know how to date. My life went to shit when I was seventeen. Here I am at twenty-five finally trying to move on, I don't know if I'll ever be ready to date."

"Don't you at least want to try it?" Regina pursed her lips at me.

"Of course I do, but it comes with conditions. I don't want children. And I want to take things slowly, start off as simple dates. Yano the 'get to know you stage.' And no sex until I feel I've concluded that 'hey I can really fall in love with this person.'

"It's not that I don't want to date. It's just that I want to feel freedom, and gratitude. I've been away for a long time, it's time I make something of myself, while I have the chance"

"I completely understand. I know it can be tough trying to move on when you have the restrictions that we have here." Regina looked at me compassionately.

"Regardless, I'm still going to go on this date with Clark and have a good time. He makes me laugh and remembers the old days we used to have. We were best friends back then, there were four of us. Clark, Ian, my boyfriend, Leanne, who was my best friend, and then me. We did wild stuff together. Teenage stuff." I paused. "You really don't mind helping me get ready, later?"

"I don't, really,"

I smiled. This is exciting. I haven't been with anyone since Ian, considering I went to prison for 'murdering him.' At just seventeen years old, I was convicted of his murder.

"Come on, let's go get some breakfast."

Three blocks later, Regina and I walked into the cafe down the block from where I work. Regina went to go order while I snagged us a round table with two chairs.

I sat down, looking out the window at the busy street with cars passing by. I was looking at an ad sign when a silhouette appeared in my peripheral. I turned my head to look at the shadow of a man. I couldn't quite make out who it is. I could tell it had to be male. He was tall, around six feet, dressed in black from head to toe. I couldn't make out his face, just by his eyes. He had a look of malice on his face. He was standing out on the street across from the cafe. I turned my head in his direction, challenging him. He looked at me before he took off on foot down the street. Regina pulled me from my thoughts, snapping my head in her direction.

"Black coffee and a bagel, right?"

I shook my head looking at her, "Yes thank you."

"Are you okay? You look like you just saw a ghost." Regina asked, concerned.

"I thought I saw something. It's nothing. What did you get to drink?" Trying to dodge her question.

"I got a cappuccino and a chocolate chip muffin. They're my favorite." Regina smiled.

"Can I ask you about yourself, Vi?" Regina bit her lip.

"What is there to know?"

"What was your childhood like?"

"Not good, but my neighbor who rescued me from my crack whore of a mother adopted me at nine." Regina just listened.

"Her name was Millie. She was a round, short, white woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. She and her husband Alec were great people. They died in a tragic house fire, while I was being arraigned for murder." I paused. "I loved my adoptive parents very much. I loved Millie, like she was my actual mother. I wish she was. I always miss them." I wiped away the tears that were forming in my eyes.

"I'm sorry Vi, I know it's tough. I want to be the friend you lean on." Regina grabbed my hand across the table, grasping my hand in hers. "You seem like you're a sweet person. I wish I knew how you got to this point in your life."

"Me too Regina,"

Regina and I finished our coffee before heading back to the apartment. Since I still had a long while to go before I have to get ready, Regina suggested a movie day. It's been so long since I've seen a movie. I didn't really watch a lot of those in prison. I'm lucky I even got to use the library.

"Do you have a favorite movie?" Regina asked, bending down into her movie cabinet.

"I don't watch movies, so you pick your favorite,"

Regina reached in and grabbed Harry Potter. She popped the movie into the DVD player, going into the kitchen to make popcorn while she waited. We got through one movie and a half before it was time for me to get ready for my date with Clark.

"How do I look?" I asked Regina, standing in front of the mirror. I'm wearing Regina's stunning red, tight, strapless cocktail dress, paired with black wedges. It really complements my pale skin and full red lips. I look good. Fantastic. I haven't felt this good about myself in a long time. Being in prison takes a toll on your self-esteem. Especially when you can't afford anything.

"Do a slow turn." I did as she instructed.

"You look smoking hot. I'd bone you," I giggled and swatted at Regina.

I received a text from Clark at seven sharp, letting me know he was here for our date. I took the elevator down to meet him. He was leaning against the opposite wall with his arms across his chest. When he spotted me, he sent a panty dropping smile.

"You look absolutely stunning" I blushed, looking away.

"Thank you. You look rather dashing yourself." Clark smiled in return.

"Do you like dancing?"

"I've never danced before. Would you show me?"

"Well, I'm going to teach you then."

"Only if you have me home by eleven." I smiled at him.

"Deal" We walked over to his car, him opening the passenger door for me. I smiled, getting into the seat. He closed the door, walking around to the driver's side. He started the car, pulling away.

"Are we going to dinner?" I inquired.

Clark looked over at me smiling, "Of course, where would thy lady like to go?"

I giggled, "Anywhere you'd love to take me."

"I'd love to take you to a lot of places."

"You sure know how to charm a lady." I smiled.

"Wait, is that not how you're supposed to do it?" I giggled, swatting at Clark.

We pulled into an Olive Garden. Walking inside and being seated.

"Do you like Italian?" Clark inquired.

I smiled, "Yes I do. I'm assuming you do?"

Clark smiles, "Yes. You know we used to eat that crappy Italian restaurant on the bad part of town."

"Those were good times,"

The server walked up to the table. "What can I get you, lovely couple?"

"Oh, we're uh," I paused.

"We'll both take two Alfredo Linguine, a bottle of wine with glasses of course and a glass of water." Clark waved his hand to dismiss the server, scoffing. Okay, I know I've been away from civilization for a while but I'm pretty sure women order for themselves these days. I guess I'm not capable of doing that.

I looked at Clark, stunned. "You know I can order for myself, right?"

"I know. I just want some uninterrupted time alone with you."

"I appreciate that. Next time I'd like to order for myself. I haven't had that luxury in a while."

"I apologize if I overstepped."

"That's alright. Now you know. Let's move on now. How have you been since I've been away?"

"I've been good. I went to college and became a doctor." Wow, impressive.

"I'd like to go to college someday. Study law." But who's going to let a criminal be a lawyer?

The server came back to the table with the bottle of wine and some glasses, along with my water. I'm not even supposed to drink because of my probation.

"I don't drink Clark"

Clark gave a sigh, clenched his teeth. "Come on, Vi, live a little. We would drink all the time."

I sighed, putting my hand on my forehead. "Prison changes a person Clark. We were sixteen-year-old alcoholics. This is ironic of me to say, but prison was the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm a changed person now, Clark. I'm just now trying to move on with my life. I need to forget that part about myself because that's not me anymore.

"You don't know what it's like, Clark. Having no freedom, no dignity. What's worse, I was in there for a crime I did not commit. If I take a sip of alcohol, I can kiss my life goodbye." I reached over, grabbing my delicious spring water and taking a sip to relieve my panic-stricken throat.

Clark's face softened. "I'm sorry Violet, I can't imagine what prison is like. And you're right, we were wild back then. I've definitely grown out of it myself. I understand your qualm about it. I won't pressure you." Clark reached over and grabbed my hand. A few short minutes later, the server delivered our main course.

After dinner, Clark took us to a nightclub.

"Do you dance?" He asked as soon as we sat in a booth.

"I've never danced before. Would you show me?"

Clark gave a smoldering smirk, "absolutely." I giggled as Clark took me to the dance floor, where we danced all night. It was around ten thirty when Clark walked me back to the apartment.

''Thank you for the amazing time tonight, Clark, and thank you for the roses.''

Clark bent forward. I turned my head to the side in time for his lips to touch my cheek. "I enjoyed your company, Violet. I'm glad you liked the roses. I want to do this again." Okay, it's not like I don't want to kiss him. I just want to take things slow. He was also a little of a dick. I couldn't even order for myself. It wouldn't have bothered me so badly if he didn't act offended when I spoke up about my concerns. I need to feel freedom, and I feel like he robbed me of that. For ten years, I've had to eat what someone else has wanted me to eat. I wanted to order for myself for once.

I looked into Clark's eyes, hinting a bit of annoyance from my stunt. "Text me the details. Bye Clark, I'll see you soon" I walked inside, heading for the elevator.

"How was your date?" Regina asked, looking up from her book that she was reading on the couch.

"He was wonderful. He is the same charismatic Clark that he was back then. He tried to kiss me downstairs, but I turned my head away." Regina looked at me blankly. "I never had those feelings for Clark like he did me. I want to see where things could go and if I feel it won't go beyond friends, then I'll tell him."

"That seems sensible."

"I will not lead him on. I care about him too much. He was one of my closest friends. Anyway, good night. I'm going to bed." I turned away, waving my hand at her. I didn't want to tell her he's also changed. He appeared stand-offish. I don't like that in a man. Someone who can just order you around because they well damn please too. It's not who I am.

I went into my bedroom, changing and turning in for the night. Falling asleep at the drop of a hat.

I was just stepping out of my apartment building and out onto the street when I collided with someone.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," I muttered, softly.

"It's no—looks up at me—Violet?" I looked at the stranger who called me by name.

"Leanne?"

She gasped, "it's been a long time." She teared up a little. I reached out and grabbed her, hugging her for the life of me.

"How are you? I've missed you." I asked her. I began walking down the street, Leanne in step with me.

"I've been good. I have a son now. He's five. His name is Henry. Did you just get out?" I loomed in response.

"I'm so happy for you. Yeah, I got out about three weeks ago." I shrugged my shoulders. "I got a job at this cafe." We stopped in front of the cafe.

"You work with Sage?"

"Yes I do, do you know her?"

Leanne smiled. "She's a good friend of mine. Reminded me of you when she and I first met. She'll take good care of you. You'll get along great. I'll stop by sometime and check in with you. Bye Violet" Leanna walked off down the street. I've missed Leanne, I've also missed out on so much being in the can. I walked into the cafe, walking around back into the kitchen. Officer Calderon was waiting in the back for me.

"Violet, it's time for your random drug test. Here's a cup, go give me a sample." I'm still trying to figure out how to perceive Cliff. He seems like he genuinely wants to help us parolees, but he's also a smug bastard.

"Here you go, one pee in a cup," I gave a snicker in my head. I gave him the sample and went on to my shift. I know it's going to be negative so no need in worrying over it. I've been out for four weeks and all I've done is work and hang out with Regina. She and I have actually gotten pretty close. She's a good friend that I'd like to keep around for a while. I need a friend and she seems like she needs one too. We get along great.

My shift ended at eight pm. I walked the two blocks like I usually do. I was in my own headspace, not paying attention, when I heard footsteps behind me. I could see someone walking behind me, out of my peripheral. I walked a little more, the person behind me sped up too. Okay, this is getting freaky. I could see the apartment building, I took off sprinting for the building. Making it inside and in the elevator. I leaned my back against the wall of the elevator. I put my hand over my chest to calm my nerves. My heart is running a marathon right now. I took the elevator to the second story, checking behind me every few seconds, hoping to not spot whoever was following me. Regina was not home when I got in. I went straight to my room, trying to calm my mind.

'What the actual fuck is going on' those were my last thoughts before I drifted off to sleep.