Page 148 of Fragments

When he gets back, he’s exhausted and dirty and it looks like lost ten pounds. He also came back with a little stubble-beard that lookedcrazysexy on him, but of course, Joy shaved it off before I could even try kissing him to see how it felt.

Either way, I’m just so damn happy to see him. I can’t wait to talk to him, sit with him at lunch, watch him watch me showering; our only allotted moments of intimacy.

Unfortunately, I don’t think prison dating is on the menu right now.

A week passes with Ren back in gen-pop, and the only time I get to see him is when we pass each other in the hall on occasion. For whatever reason, it seems like they’ve split us up out of nowhere, taking us for showers and meals in different groups.

I just don’t get it. Ren and I have always been in the same group, because we’re in the same row. It doesn’t make any sense to bring him at different times.

What’s worse, Parker is going with Ren now, because they’re cellmates, meaning I’m all alone. No friends, no one to talk to. It feels like when I first got here all over again, and it’s the fucking worst.

Ten days, and I can’t take it anymore. I decide to approach Joy after showers.

“Hey… Why are Ren and Parker in a different group now?” I ask her, attempting to stow my intense vulnerability. “We’ve always been together, and now they’re just… gone.”

Joy gives me a look. “It’s not my call, Luth. Schedules are random.”

She’s probably one of the hardest people on this island to read. But I’ve known her for years, and I can tell there’s something she’s not saying. Or something shecan’tsay.

“That’s bullshit,” I grumble. “The schedules, sure, but the groups usually stay together.”

Her jaw ticks. “What can I say, inmate? Warden’s deciding to switch things up.”

I blink at her, listening to the words between her words.

The Warden… Is he responsible for this?

Is he trying to separate me and Ren? Why would he do that? Who cares if we eat and shower together? Who is it affecting??

“Wait, but—”

“No more questions, 35,” she barks. “Get your shit together and let’s go.”

I’m all twisted up while we walk back. My stomach is rolling with unease, the rampant obsessing giving me a migraine.

Things with Ren just started… They werejustgetting good and now we’re being separated like kids in a timeout?It’s pure horseshit.

How are we going to make a relationship work when we can’t even see or speak to one another??

When we reach the row, my eyes slide frantically into Ren’s cell, and he’s there. Doing push-ups.

Glancing at Joy, I make a quick, probably very stupid decision, to scurry over to his cell. He notices me right away and stands, stepping up to the bars.

“Hey,” I breathe, gripping the steel in my fists.

“God, I fucking miss you so bad,” he whispers.

My forehead drops, and his does the same, our heads resting together between the bars.

“Goddamnit, 35,” Joy grunts.

I flick my face in her direction, giving her my most desperate look. “Joy,please.”

She peeks up at the camera in the corner, then back at me, sighing. “Fine. Make it quick.”

“This is so fucked up,” I mutter to Ren, taking in the vibrant skies in his irises. “I can’t believe they’re keeping us apart. It’s so stupid…”

“Yea…” he sighs, nervously biting on his bottom lip.