My
constant companion re-assures me that everything is going to be just
fine. After all they can't prove anything - it is all just
circumstantial evidence. I sigh heavily, this time I am not so sure
despite his soothing words. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly
things progress, one minute it's just a harmless prank and now it may
be hard time.
"All
rise, the honorable Judge Michaels presiding." I stand slowly -
my companion does not - he lounges arrogantly, sure that all will be
forgiven once again! One after another my accusers stand
before the judge reciting, "The Truth, The whole Truth and
nothing but The Truth, so help me God." My companion winces - he
doesn't like truth.
"So
help me God. C'mon, I promise I will go straight this time......"
Humph! Been there, done that, don't suppose God listens to that one
any more.
"Do
you have a verdict?"
"We
do your Honor," the jury foreman answers.
"What!"
my head jerks up, "Seven Years!" my companion is stunned,
but no more so than I.
"Young
man, how many chances do you expect the court to give you? You have
chosen seven years in prison by virtue of the choices you
have made."
"Any
amount of time that you stay in sin - is too long!" My
Grandfather’s voice rings in my ears; followed by his favorite
quote:
“Sin
will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you
want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay!”
My
companion smiles - my grandfather is right about him!
~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I
didn't listen to my Grandfather. I didn't listen to the judge. And
now I am listening to the Prison Warden very attentively
because, frankly, I am scared out of my wits - this isn't juvie. This
is the big house!
I
walk slowly to my cell escorted by two huge correctional officers.
The cat calls, whistles and suggestions are unnerving. My companion
loves this place! It's like heaven..... Oh wait, it's like Las Vegas
to him.
My
cell mate is enormous with more tattoos than skin - my companion is
startled by him. Hmm, I thought this guy would be right up his
alley. He hides behind me begging me for re-assurance. I’m too
busy trying to re-assure myself to be bothered with him.
"Hi,"
my cell mate says cheerfully, "I'm Snake." I don't know how
to respond.
"Hi,"
I say shakily placing my stuff slowly on the top bunk. My companion
is cowering all around me; I don't understand his reaction to Snake.
My
cell mate returns to his reading. I stare at every component in the
cell: a stainless steel trio - toilet, sink, mirror - the double
bunks, Snake, Bible. A Bible? My companion does not like me
looking at the Bible, but I am strangely drawn to it.
Snake
looks up and smiles. "Did you know...?" he starts in his
gravelly voice, I am petrified out of my wits.
"What?"
I whisper, my throat so dry I can barely speak. Snake laughs.
"Did
you know your sins can be forgiven?"
My
companion is gagging and gasping for air begging, "Don't listen
to him," – repeatedly.
But
this time I WILL listen "Tell me how, Snake."
