If Alex knew how many in heaven were concerned for his welfare, he would never doubt his worth again. I thank you on his behalf, and am writing today to assure you of how well he is doing.
Alex is currently in prison, awaiting the trial of Mr. Hill. He himself has waived his right to a trial by pleading guilty to the crimes charged against him and accepting a deal from the district attorney. Where he could get ten to fifteen years for what he has done in Hill’s service, he will actually only serve two. This is still too much for Miranda and myself, as we agree that Alex does not deserve to be locked away when he was only doing what he had to in order to survive, but Alex is holding firm.
“Whatever my reasons, I did the things that I did,” he told her when she and Evan visited him the other day. “And I’m getting off easy. Look, two years is not even all that long. I’d’ve spent longer than that at college, and for real I might actually be able to go to college while I’m in here. My lawyer was already telling me about the Pell grant—she’s going to help me apply.” He laughed. “I’m literally going to the school of hard knocks.”
Evan laughed at that, but Miranda was still frowning. “And will you be safe here?” she asked.
“Oh, yeah,” he said. “It’s minimum security, and they’ve promised me that none of Hill’s people will show up in here. I’ll be fine, I’m already making friends.”
He was putting a positive spin on that, certainly. While Alex has met several of the inmates in the past few days, I certainly would not call any of them friends. Not that there is not potential for that—I was surprised at the level of goodness in some of those men.
Evan tugged the phone out of Miranda’s hand, leaning closer to the window between them and Alex. “Alex, we’re gonna get to keep the money,” he said. “They put all the money back into my trust fund, and that detective says that it’s legally mine. So as soon as I’m eighteen I can pay you back.”
“Whoa, hey, no way, kid, that’s eight whole years from now.”
“I’m eleven,” Evan said, scowling through the glass. “Dumbass.”
“Excuse me,” Miranda said sternly.
“Sorry, Mom.”
She caught her breath, and Alex smiled at her in understanding. Evan, not even realizing what he had said, snapped his fingers at Alex to get his attention. “I’m telling you, I’m gonna pay you back when I turn eighteen—”
“And I’m telling you, I don’t trust words. We have a signed, written agreement and that’s what I’m counting on. You gotta keep up your grades and help M-Miranda, we clear?”
Evan looked at Miranda, who was beaming at Alex with teary eyes, and rolled his eyes to hide his own emotions. “Fine. But don’t whine to me if I pay it all off in five years and then you don’t get any of my money.”
“Five years—bull! You’ll never pull that off.”
“Will so!”
“Wanna bet?”
“Yeah, I’ll bet—put your money where your mouth is, jailbird!”
“Evan!” Miranda cried, horrified, but Alex laughed, waving off her protests. After some haggling, Alex and Evan came to an agreement—if Evan can pay the “debt” off in five years, Alex will pay for his first year at college. If he can’t, Evan will pay for Alex to take a trip around the world.
I’m not certain about the math, but five years is a long time. Whoever wins, though, I think this little family will be better off for it.
Having settled that and needing some fresh air, Evan handed the phone back to Miranda and went out to wait in the hall. She smiled at Alex. “You know, you can call me ‘Mom’ too, if you want.”
He had to blink hard against tears, but he shook his head. “Nah. I want to, don’t get me wrong, and that’s how I think of you, but—I don’t want to take that away from Evan. This is for the best, anyway. He gets to have you to himself for a while, and I’m good, really.” He hesitated, then reached up and put his hand on the glass. “You know, I really do feel like I’m not alone anymore. And a lot of it’s you and Evan, but there’s something else, too. Like ever since I decided to turn my life around, there’s someone or something out there that has my back.”
And I, standing just behind him, smiled and draped my wings over his shoulders.
“So I’m good,” he said, holding her gaze.
She wiped her eyes and also put her hand on the glass, just opposite his. “I’m glad you have that feeling, Alex,” she said. “But you should know that you are one of my boys, and I will be here every single week until you get to walk out of here with us. You hear me?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Don’t you call me ma’am.”
“Yes, Mom.”
It may be the only time he says it aloud, but he meant it, and she will remember it.
They said their goodbyes, and Miranda collected Evan and drove him home while Alex was escorted back to his cell. He laid down on his uncomfortable bed and stared up at the ceiling, and though there were bars on his window and the noises of other inmates all around him, all he felt was peace.
Of course I will continue to look after him through his time here, but I really feel that he will be all right. When he has earned his freedom again, he will do great things for the world, and I can’t wait to see it.