Freedom alas

Selina sat in her cell at the police station, glancing over at the group of bullies in the next cell. The leader approached her, a smirk plastered across her face.

"So, you know the cop, huh? He doesn't want you to die here? Is he your boyfriend or something?"

Selina shot back, "Don't you ever take a day off?"

The leader leaned closer, her voice low and threatening. "Hmm, you aren't completely safe. You should watch your back."

Selina responded coolly, "I hate when people threaten me. And I don't sleep."

The group erupted into mocking laughter.

"You act tough, but are you really tough?" the leader challenged.

"I'm not tough; I'm more than that," Selina retorted.

"Show me."

At that moment, officers entered the area to escort the criminals out for hard labor. One officer pushed Selina out of her cell.

"Watch it," she warned, but the officer brandished his gun, aiming it at her.

Selina grinned defiantly. "Is that all you've got? That gun doesn't guarantee you any safety, officer."

With that, she walked out alongside the other criminals, undeterred by the threat.

Anne sat alone at a coffee shop, waiting for the organizer of their upcoming NGO project. A young man approached her.

"Are you the organizer? I've been waiting for hours," she said.

"Hi, I'm Tony," he replied with a friendly smile.

"Oh, I thought you were someone else. Hi, I'm Anne."

"You've been sitting alone for a while. I just wanted to keep you company until your friend arrives. Is that okay?"

"I guess. I'm bored anyway."

"So, who are you waiting for? Not trying to be nosy," Tony added.

"No, it's fine. I was planning to start an NGO for bullied children."

"Wow, that's amazing. Who would have thought of that?"

"Yeah, my friend got bullied a lot when she was little, and now she's in jail for making a wrong decision."

"Oh, I'm so sorry."

"Yeah, it's really frustrating trying to fit in. No matter what you do, it doesn't work."

"You don't need to fit in to be valued. The only obstacle to doing something great is yourself."

"I wish you had been there to tell us all this back then. Nothing seemed to work. Even the school head and our teacher refused to help."

"That's horrible."

"Do you think? No one would want to be in Selina's shoes. She went through hell because of bullies."

"So why did they arrest her? She isn't at fault."

"Like I said, she made a wrong decision. She didn't spare those who tortured her. They're all gone, including her own father."

"What? Her... wow, I haven't heard of this before."

"Her father didn't want her, but her mother did, so he punished her for being born."

"That's not fair."

"Life isn't fair. I admire who she is now. She's fearless, brave, and very proud of herself. No one should dictate your limits."

"I agree."

Their conversation was interrupted when Anne's phone chimed with a message.

"Is everything okay?" Tony asked.

"He canceled. He's tied up with work."

"Bummer. I'm so sorry."

"It's totally fine. I enjoyed talking to you about valuable things."

"Yeah, me too."

"It was nice meeting you, Tony. See you around."

"Alright."

Anne got up to leave, bidding him goodbye as she exited.

Back at the police station, the criminals were focused on their work when the leader approached Selina again.

"Having trouble catching up?" she taunted.

"Not at all."

"You wanted to show me something interesting, right?"

"Art? I love art."

"Don't play dumb with me, Selina."

"I don't know what you're talking about. I've been avoiding you because I don't want trouble."

"So, I'm trouble?"

"Isn't it glaring?"

The leader clenched her fists and swung at Selina, but Selina's reflexes were quick. She blocked the blow, pinned the leader to the ground, and wrapped her hands around her neck.

Some guards rushed in to break up the fight, but Selina spat on the leader before letting her go.

"I thought you were tough," Selina said, a mischievous smile on her face. "This is my yard now."

The leader gasped for breath and stormed off, furious. Just then, Officer Roberts walked in.

"What happened?" he asked.

"I told you she'd pay for cutting me. I also told you I found her weakness. I'm stronger than she thinks."

"Why get into a fight?"

"She started it."

"I hope you're aware there's punishment for fighting."

"I don't care. I'm used to torture."

"Let's go, Miss Richard."

Roberts escorted Selina out of the prison compound.

A Few Years Later

Back at the police station, the criminals chatted among themselves.

"There I was, thinking about how to escape, and I did it," Selina said with a grin.

"I was once bullied too, but I didn't take it lightly," the leader admitted.

"Did your father pay?" Selina asked.

"He wasn't the one troubling me. Plus, it was a mistake. I didn't commit the crime on purpose."

"I did everything on purpose. They were all a bone in my throat."

"That's horrible. You went through a lot."

"Nah, it's nothing. I didn't want to share my story with anyone but my friends."

The criminals smiled and hugged Selina.

"You were a tough nut to crack," the leader said.

"I'm still a tough nut, but I've changed. I learned my lesson."

"That's the most important thing."

"What about you? Do you have family?" Selina inquired.

"I have two kids and a husband, but I'm sure he's moved on. I won't blame him if he has."

"You said it was a mistake. If he truly loves you, he wouldn't move on. You're a nice person, and you deserve the best."

"Thank you so much."

Roberts entered, looking for Selina.

"Congratulations, Miss Richard. You're free."

"What? I am?" she exclaimed, disbelief washing over her.

Roberts nodded.

The criminals hugged Selina and bid her goodbye.

"I won't forget you guys. Lucy, can I have your address? I want to visit your husband and kids."

"You would do that... for me?" the leader asked, surprised.

"Anything for a friend."

Selina exited the prison with Roberts, her heart light.

Outside the Prison, Anne and Frances waited eagerly for Selina. When she emerged, Frances rushed forward.

"My love!" she cried, wrapping her arms around Selina.

"How have you been, Mother?" Selina asked, returning the embrace.

"I'm so happy to see you free and turning over a new leaf."

"I heard what you did for me, Anne. You're not just a friend; you're a sister."

"It's the least I could do. You helped me a lot too."

"So how's Tony and the kids?" Selina asked.

"They're doing fine. Tony wants to meet you so badly. He admires your bravery."

"I have a fan?"

"You have fans."

Selina smiled, embracing them both. "I love you guys."

"We love you more," Frances said, beaming.

"Exactly," Anne added.

"You want to compete with me?" Selina teased.

They all burst into laughter.

"Come on, let's go," Frances said, leading the way.

"Mom, Anne, I have something to say."

"What is it, dear?" Frances asked, curious.

"I love your idea of starting an NGO for bullied children, Anne. That would go a long way, but I also want to contribute."

"I'm all ears," Anne replied eagerly.

"I remember when I went to the cops for help, but they didn't listen to me. I don't want that to happen to anyone else."

"That's so sweet of you. So what's your plan?" Frances encouraged.

"I've decided to join the police."

"Shoot me." Anne teased.

"Really, I have a gun," Selina joked.

"Are you for real?" Frances asked, pride swelling in her chest.

"Of course, I don't have a gun, though."

"I'm so proud of you, dear. I've always been," Frances said, her eyes shining.

"Nice one, bestie," Anne chimed in.

"It was all your doing, guys. I wouldn't wish for a better mother or best friend."

"Good luck," Anne said with a smile.

Selina crossed her arms, a hint of defiance in her voice. "Plus, Roberts is going to pay for addressing me as Miss Richard

Frances glanced at her, concern etched on her face. "Isn't it time for you to forgive him?"

Selina sighed, her expression softening. "I've changed, Mom, but the pain hasn't healed yet. With time, I promise."

"I understand," Frances replied gently.

"Alright, let's go," Anne interjected, ready to leave.

The three of them walked to the car, and Anne slid into the driver's seat. As they drove off, the weight of the past began to lift, leaving room for hope and new beginnings.