Page 1 of Babalon

Prologue

Kace

7 years ago - 32 years old

“Welcome to Darkwater Correctional Institute. You have been delivered here because you were deemed unworthy to remain free within society. You have been convicted and have thus given up your rights of freedom within the United States. While you are here, you are a ward of the state of Michigan and Warden Durden. You will be given two pairs of jumper uniforms, two pairs of undergarments,three undershirts, three pairs of socks, a pair of shower slides, and one pair of work boots.”

“As a Michigan state ward, you may not be facing the death penalty for your conviction, but you will spend your sentencing working as the Warden sees fit. You will have weekly visitation as long as you abide by the rules of the institute. If you disobey, you will be faced with a plethora of consequences varying from additional work to solitary confinement. You will remain under constant supervision ranging from direct Correctional Officer observation to video and audio surveillance.”

“Please place your belongings in the brown sack, take the uniform provided, and change in the bathroom to your left.”

“May the odds be ever in my favor,” I stated sarcastically while snatching my jumper off the counter top.

Jesus, I knew coming into this that there were protocols, but I’m sure this officer gets tired of repeating this same mantra every day, multiple times; how boring. When I look at him, with his semi-pressed uniform, frumpy stature, and persistent scowl; I can see he is just as annoyed by spitting the same dribble as I am and he has only said it to me once. Likely the only time, too, unless I am ever transferred out and returned.

“You're a funny man, yeah? Listen, inmate, you may think three hots and a cot is all you need to survive this place, but you would be wrong. I suggest you make some friends and keep your humor to yourself. Now, make the most of your time here; and again, welcome to Darkwater Correctional Institute.”

“Uh, yeah. I hear you loud and clear, officer…” I drew out, squinting at his name plate.

“Officer Kepner.”

“Off you go,” he replied, still as bitter looking as he was when I walked in here.

Now

I remember my prisoner induction like it was yesterday. Cliché as fuck to say but it's true. Really, the only reason I recall it so vividly is because that was the day my life came to a screeching halt. I mean, that’s the best way to describe imprisonment, right?

Many people push forward in their lives, trying to further their education, find loopholes in the law that help them overturn their sentencing, hell some even become teachers, preachers, and everything in between.

Not me though, I accepted my fate the moment I looked into that girl’s eyes and saw nothing. Absolutely fucking nothing but blown out pupils and amber colored orbs; which likely held so much life. Then, once the realization hit, I knew I was fucked.

Long gone was the life I had. No more nights out with the few friends I had. Working day in and day out to earn money I didn’t actually need thanks to mommy dearest.

Now?

I have been here for 2,543 days and counting. I've never been one of those people who were ready to die but I know the sooner that day comes, the sooner I can stop counting. Have you ever watched a movie where the captive makes tally marks on the wall to keep up with the number of days they have been in some hole in the floor? I would say that is what prison is like but it’s not. There’s no explaining just how fucking shitty prison is.

What makes it worse is going so long without my family. I didn’t truly realize how much I loved, or needed, them until I was sitting behind a grate of metal bars. I wish I would have built more of a relationship with my little sister but being a bachelor with money sort of drags you away from the important things in life.

My sister and mom used to come see me regularly but their visits have since grown few and far between, especially since the day I sat down at the no-contact booth looking like I got the shitbeat out of me. I played it off to the best of my abilities, trying to console them, but the truth is... I did get my shit rocked.

It was my second week at Darkwater and someone was trying to take my slice of cake during lunch. I’d laugh at the absurdity of it, but it’s true. I never thought I would land here, let alone experience this asinine bullshit. Like a bunch of petulant and violent juveniles. Establishing ranks, cliques, and racial groups; the Correctional Officers call them gangs, but whatever.

Wait, back to what I was saying, I think that day spooked my mom and sister. They can't stomach the idea that their blue-eyed, blond-haired, ‘man of the house’ wasn't doing that hot in prison. I mean, a bloody and bruised face was much better than injuries I saw other inmates walk around with, but that’s just me. Sexual assault is used as a form of punishment when you’re incarcerated, which I’m sure there are several people in this damn place that get their kicks that way, but that was way beyond my comfort level.

Thankfully, things have changed since that time, and although I have been forgotten in this fucking Institute... I'm surviving. Somewhat. I'm never getting the hell out of here so… I make the best of it, but God laughed in my fucking face two years ago when he let Officer Nadia Pierce walk into my cell block.

She is damaged in a way that I will never understand. It hurts seeing such a pretty girl live her life with so much hatred, and unfortunately, her hatred is aimed at me.

Chapter one

Nadia

10 Years ago - 18 years old

“Dad?” I called out while bursting through the door. My grad cap and gown hung over my arm, solid black Converse squeaking across the floor I spent last night scrubbing. Dad had a tantrum and tossed the pot of spaghetti I made for dinner on the ground.

Today is my graduation.

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