1 Chapter One: Present: Cuffed

I sat in the waiting area with my hands cuffed as I took in my surroundings. It's hard to accept that not so long ago I was a woman on the rise, with a man by my side, as we were close to reaching our dreams… how unlucky I was, to not realize that I loved and slept with a serpent. Now the cuffs around my wrists were just a reminder that blood was spilled and how I was justified to be chained like an animal.

I never believed in fate, never believed in mistakes just consequences. Is this my consequence? Sitting at the back with a woman on the other side, constantly looking at me with fear and irritation, as I drummed my fingers on the table beside me with no sensible beat. Listening to prison break conspiracies, watching stupid fights break out, and trying to ignore the biblical witnesses selling us dreams that "we will be free".

So, when the offer came to lessen my sentence, I took it. The deal was I attend the therapy sessions and if I'm declared sane I'm out. After trying to keep in terms with these therapists, I didn't care anymore, I was beyond exhausted. The therapists just smiled and asked useless questions like, "Why did you do it?", "What came to mind before you did it?", "How did you feel after you did it?" like really people, really? Yet I responded sarcastically. With responses like; "Why do we find betrayal in love?", "Why are we expected to pray and forgive every time?" they finally let up and cut our session short. I've had six different therapists; all have just annoyed me with their performances.

Now I'm back here. I don't even know why they bother, why I bother. The receptionist just gave me a tight smile but even I could see she was about to snap from my drumming. Too bad, I wasn't planning on stopping, she could call the cops. Ten minutes later the woman stood with a glare and left. The receptionist looked like she was about to say something but when I raised an eyebrow, she just bit her lip and continued with her work.

I was about to stand up and get back to the police van when the door to the therapist room opened and a teenage girl walked out. She waved at the lady and left, avoiding all eye contact with me. It's not my fault the police decided to bring me here with cuffs and not even a decent change of clothing. The therapist looked at me. Her black hair tied into a tight bun, her red lipstick too much of a seductive than a professional look.

I'm so not in the mood for this. She gestured for me to enter with her head and I walked into her office. The office or must I say room wasn't as 'professional' as her look. There was a black comfy couch with a mini-fridge, a television, a few paintings, records and so much more. I could live in here.

"Mrs. Unico please have a seat and make yourself comfortable." She said as she walked to the desk, pulling out a recorder.

"It's Miss and I would make myself comfortable but as you can see." I gestured to her the cuffs and dropped myself on the couch.

"I'll have your guard remove them," she said and called Alex in.

I burst out laughing. None of my therapists have requested for me to be uncuffed. Isn't she scared?

"Lady you better not be trying to get in my good graces. I'm not going to just open up to you."

"Listen to her," Alex said as he sat on the same couch as me, his weapon tempting me but he knew I wouldn't hurt him or anyone. He was there when I was arrested; he witnessed me from a newbie to a wasp in prison. The officer in command allowed him close because Alex influenced me. His brown-black hair and engagement ring warned me off his physique though.

"Please release her." The lady asked.

Alex looked at me with his light grey eyes and murmured "It's your funeral."

I giggled and he offered me a smile as he removed the cuffs and went to stand in the corner. I rubbed my wrists and watched the lady with a grin. She sat on the floor and leaned on the couch opposite me.

"Miss Unico. Do you mind telling me what lead to your downfall?"

"Do you mind telling me why Satan decided to become evil when he had everything?"

"I'm not sure."

"Than what makes you sure that you can assist me."

"How is that relevant to my question?"

"What or Who do you believe in?"

"God"

"Then it is relevant."

Alex snickered in the corner, shaking his head. He was used to this. The lady shook her head and smiled, usually most of them get annoyed or are offended, that easily. Then I end up with a different therapist or they're "Absent" that day.

"Tell me your story then"

"It's going to be a long one and trust me when I say this, we both won't have time."

"Then I'll make time."

"I dare you."

She stood and left the room. I looked at Alex with a confused expression; he seemed as intrigued by the lady's actions.

"Why do you never give them a chance?"

"They annoy me with their questions and quotes. None of them are different."

"So, you prefer to suffer in prison? Thora I know this is a lot but you still have a shot out there. You can rise again." Alex said.

"That's like asking the sun to stop being bipolar in summer."

"I don't know why you doing this to yourself. I don't blame you for what you did. It's been three years, that story is long gone. You could call a family member and get bail. "

"Don't you think I've done that Alex? None of them want to help after everything I've done for them. The blood 'taints' their image. My own close friends are like memories from high school. Prison is better! Cause at least everyone faces the truth and consequences with the knowledge of it."

"One day Thora"

"What- "

I was interrupted by the door opening.

"I have permission from the head officer, my receptionist is gone home but Mr. Clint you have the choice to leave or stay the night with her. If you leave another officer will take your place."

"No, I'll be staying. Let me just make a call please." He requested.

She nodded and he went out.

"Are you ready Miss Unico?"

"Are you sure lady?"

"My name is Olivia and I'm sure."

She pulled her hairband out and watched me as it fell around her shoulders as if searching for something. They all begged for the truth, well maybe it's time I told it.

Alex came in 7 minutes later with an annoyed expression. His fiancée must have been harsh on him, after all, it is date night, and he's here with me.

He sat on the floor and pulled the equipment off him, laying them beside him on the floor.

"I met Owen on the 4th of July at a party by Low Street. I was 27 and on the rise in a company. I had gotten a raise plus a promotion for landing the biggest beneficial for the company." I began as the memories began to replay.