Disclaimer: Some characters are used in this story which are the sole property of Shed Productions. No profit is meant from this story; only pure seasonal pleasure is intended. Happy Holidays to all you Bad Girls out there!
I am happy to accept comment, but am not looking for any criticism (negative or positive) either publically or privately-- Just a short story.....Please enjoy; it's Christmas! :xmas1
SILENT NIGHT
There was a full moon tonight; plenty of light cast off the stone walls. A light snow was falling. The air had a chilly nip to it; crisp enough to take one's breathe. The wind kept up a steady breeze along the grey fortress. Each burst of cool air crept into the cracks and broken panes around the windows; pushing the whirls of snowflakes off the seals. Tonight could of been like any other December night at Larkhall...but it was Christmas.
Inside the prison walls, the strands of "Silent Night" could be heard from an out-of-tune guitar. Quite often, if one was listening closely, a muffled cry could be heard from someone who couldn't keep it in...but, no one was listening. Everyone was lost in thoughts, thinking of their own losses; grieving for what might of been. The older inmates knew the score around the Holidays. They mainly kept quiet or had their own little rituals they contrived each year. This time of year was the hardest on the mothers and new inmates. Many wondered how their children and family were celebrating the holiday and praying they would come the next visitors day. Those inmates who had never spent a Christmas behind bars were trying to put on a brave front. They were usually the ones muffling the cries.
The two Julies exchanged some gifts in their cell. It could be a hair pin or some piece one had made in art class; didn't matter...it was the thought that counted. As usual, they lit candles in remembrance of their children. They would set the candles in little holders; four in a roll; one for each child. They were not religious women, but tonight they leaned on a higher power to help them get through. They'd knell down silently and each mother prayed for the well being of her child or children. Julie S. preyed for her son's continued understanding and strength; David was a young man now and realized his mother's true situation. Julie J's thoughts were on her three kids in America with that sorry ex-husband of hers. Surely he would give them a merry Christmas and take care of their needs. One day she would get them back...yes, one day. And on cue, the women would finish their prayers the same time and share an "Amen". They'd look at each other and smile before hugging; both thinking how lucky they were to be blessed with such a good friend.
Across the hall from the Julies, Denny Blood sat cross-legged in her cot, smoking a cigarette. She looked out the small window at the full moon above. Her thoughts were on family. Just a few months earlier she had been reunited with her real mum. She hadn't seen her for years; not since they'd taken her away to the foster home. Denny silently said a prayer for her and hoped she could beat her battle with alcohol. Shell Dockley, on the other hand, was silently blasting Jim Fenner. The sodded bastard! Too cheap to even bring her that perfume she asked for... or any other gift for that matter. He was just using her for his own pleasure. The bloody screw! Well, she'd fix him someday...and it might be soon. No one played her for the fool and got away with it; no one... especially a man. Sod awful Christmas!
In the next cell, Nikki Wade lay on her cot; not thinking of a man, but a woman. She had managed to keep this place at bay for two years; nothing touching her, no one...until the arrival of the Scottish Governor just under a year ago. It had been hard to dismiss the attractive brunette with those beautiful hazel eyes. Helen Stewart had gradually take over her thoughts. Since Trish's revelation and a few acts of kindness and real conversation, the woman had opened her eyes and feelings again. Yesterday, Helen had stopped to talk to her as she sorted the potting shed. They shared a few words about the floral decorations. Then, she had looked hard at Nikki; giving her the funniest feeling...like there was something other than the "Merry Christmas, Nikki" that she wanted to say...but, then she turned and left. That was okay; just seeing her, being close to her would get her through the holidays. Merry Christmas, Helen.....
And the night wore on.
In the silence, a small voice began to hum to the guitar's tune. Suddenly...more were listening. A voice here and there slowly joined in...
"Si....lent night, Ho....ly night. All....is calm. All....is bright"
More and more women joined the chorus of voices singing between the cell walls. Each making their own contribution. Some of the few guards working the night shift lifted up their voices and joined the choir. The voices held strength on the last high notes and softly ended the carol in a hush.
"Sleep....in hea...venly peace."
After a few seconds of silence, a loud cheer burst out from the women; jubilant from their action. They shouted their good cheer throughout the prison walls.
"Whatcha think of that, Den!"
"Too right, Shell. Love it!"
"Merry Christmas, Nikki"
"Same to you, Julies!"
Another Larkhall Christmas passed and all was right for a while.....
Brilliant start.
Merry Christmas bc gal
Liza :xmas3
Hey bc ...Thanks for warming up that cold cold night...Peace..
beautifully done BCG Happy Holidays everyone
Jean
Merry Christmas bc!!! That was great. :xmas2
Merry christmas bc ,that was great. :xmas3 :xmas3