Chapter Text
I wasn't a criminal. I wasn't.
I was a normal boy who only wanted what was best for my family and I.
I was never one to lie, cheat or steal anything since I always had everything.
Life changed however, when my sister Gemma's cancer got worse and doctors couldn't handle it as well as they could have.
And of course, it's one of the reason's I'm in here. The other reason was because one of our most trusted advisers stole our company from us, it led the media into a frenzy since our label was known to be one of the best recording labels in the world. Our case was a lost cause however, which was the reason I couldn't afford bail or for Gemma's continuous treatment.
"Stand there please," the police officer said as I raised the small board that bore my name. My expression distant, almost expressionless but deep inside, I was scared, terribly scared. The flash of the camera made me cringe but I kept my demeanor, not wanting the police to get a laugh out of it.
I would often hear stories about prison and how I would be treated in there if I didn't follow inmate rules. People said the guards didn't care what they did as long as no one tried to escape. Did I mention how horrible the food is in there? A friend's dad was a warden in one from a distant state and she told me that sometimes, they feed the inmates whatever they could find no matter how and where it was found. She said the guards didn't care much for their health and would leave them to die more often than not.
"Pretty rich boy turned naughty huh?" Another police officer said as he scanned the board, flipping through files which I assumed were mine. I scoffed as they threw me one of those hideously orange inmate uniforms, my arms catching them while my wrists were bound by cuffs.
The officer placed a hand on my back as he led me to the open field which had metal fences with barbed edges which would electrocute anyone who tried to touch it. It was what separated the small police station to the prison that had tall thick walls, small windows with bars could be seen which I assumed were windows to every cellar in the building.
As I continued to stare, the police officer opened the door revealing a long row of cellars, its reach quite extensive. I heard murmurs as inmates from top and bottom floors peeked through their cellars with every step I took. My heart was racing as I saw the scowls and evil smirks they had as they eyed me, it was like every inmate created holes on my back as they continued to stare on even after I've passed.
The officer led me to the second floor and I was met with the same greeting, cold and terrifying stares. I didn't know what came in mind as they kept staring but I knew it wasn't going to be about them rolling out the welcome wagon and giving me treatment like a prince. Judging from how one of them licked their lips as I made eye contact, I was certain they had nothing good in store for me.
"Alright Mr. Styles, welcome to your new home," the police officer said as the cellar door opened with a small squeak. I walked in frowning at the small space, I turned to make a complaint but then bit my tongue knowing that I wasn't on vacation but was locked up in here to pay for what I have done.
The police officer locked the cellar door as he looked at me with a mocking smirk as I assumed was by reason of my obvious frown, "Oy, were you expecting a cellar suite? This is as good as it gets, Styles. You should probably get used to your new orange jumper and these steel bars since you'll be here for a while."
I only stared at him, biting my tongue knowing that whatever retort I had bore no meaning here. The police officer then left, whistling to a nursery song, the steps he took echoed the halls until he reached the end, I heard the front door closed loudly with a bang as I slowly sat on the small bed.
Nothing could be heard except the eerie silence of the long bland-colored hallways and maybe the fast beats my heart made as time ticked on.
I didn't know what I was to expect while I was here but I was pretty sure that this wasn't going to be one of my dream getaway vacations.