To Anita it is

The cold, sterile halls of Havenbrook Correctional Facility stretched endlessly before Dr. Miranda Wong as she walked with purpose toward the Director’s office. The echo of her heels on the polished floor seemed louder than usual, resonating in time with her restless thoughts.

Ahead of her, two figures caught her attention. Heather Price, the new correctional officer, was trailing slightly behind Latoya Harris, who moved with the confident authority of someone who owned the space. Heather stood out immediately—tall, with long, straight brown hair that shimmered under the harsh fluorescent lights, and a figure that seemed more suited to a fashion magazine than a correctional facility.

Latoya's sharp eyes flicked over Heather with thinly veiled disdain.

"Here we go," Latoya thought. "Another Barbie doll who thinks she can handle this place."

Heather, oblivious to the judgment, beamed with excitement. Her voice was filled with enthusiasm, completely out of place in the oppressive atmosphere of the prison.

“I’m really looking forward to making a difference here,” Heather said earnestly. “I believe in reforming people, not just punishing them. We need to challenge toxic systems, right?”

Latoya snorted, a harsh laugh escaping her lips. “Making a difference? Sweetheart, the only thing you’re going to change is the number of complaints we get about clueless new guards.”

Miranda, approaching from behind, took in Heather’s appearance with a critical eye. The polished look, the bright-eyed idealism—it screamed college indoctrination. Miranda couldn’t help but feel a flicker of irritation at Heather’s naivety.

"Would Garrett go for someone like that?" Miranda wondered, a brief pang of insecurity flaring up. "No. He wants to break women like us. Or would he try to put her back on the right path? Show her that she should lead, not follow?" Her thoughts drifted to Garrett's rough hands and the lingering sting of his slap during their last session. She could still feel it—a mix of pain and power.

Latoya’s voice pulled her from her reverie. “You alright there, Doc? You looked like you were daydreaming.”

Miranda blinked, adjusting her blazer. “I’m fine. Just thinking.”

Latoya chuckled. “Thinking about Bree, maybe? She mentioned she’s got a dinner planned with you.”

Miranda’s lips tightened. “It’s not a date. It’s… just a conversation.”

Heather perked up, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “That’s great! I think it’s so important to celebrate same-gender relationships, especially among women of color. It’s empowering!”

Latoya rolled her eyes. “Girl, you’ve been here five minutes. Maybe take a beat before you start celebrating anything.”

Heather’s smile faltered, but she quickly recovered. “I just believe in supporting each other. It’s what we need in this world.”

Miranda offered Heather a polite nod before continuing toward the Director’s office. Behind her, she could hear Latoya muttering under her breath.

"She’ll toughen up, or she’ll break. Either way, we’ll get a laugh out of it. I Love these White Supporter Bitches"

When Miranda reached the Director’s office, she found Rachel Dawes at her desk. Rachel’s thick brown curls framed her face, and her blouse was slightly too tight, accentuating her curves. Her skirt hugged her hips, and her heels clicked as she shifted in her chair. She looked like she belonged more in a nightclub than in a prison office.

Rachel barely glanced up, her expression one of boredom tinged with disdain. She tapped her nails against the desk as if counting the seconds until her shift ended.

Miranda hesitated for a moment. "She’s stunning. Of course Garrett would notice someone like her." The thought made her uncomfortable.

Rachel finally looked up, her eyes skimming over Miranda dismissively. “You’re early, Doc. The Director isn’t quite ready to see you.”

Miranda cleared her throat. “I’m here for my scheduled meeting. Has Anita mentioned anything?”

Rachel shrugged, twirling a pen between her fingers. “Only that she’s pissed off. But when isn’t she?” Her tone was flat, disinterested.

Miranda frowned. "I need to be careful how I treat her. Garrett wouldn’t like it if I was rude to someone just because they’re white." She softened her tone. “Are you okay, Rachel? You seem a little… off.”

Rachel let out a bitter laugh, not bothering to hide her frustration. “Off? Try working for Anita and see how you feel. She’s got me running around like a maid. I swear, I do more fetching and cleaning than actual work.”

Miranda nodded sympathetically. “She’s tough. But you’ve been here longer than any of her other assistants.”

Rachel rolled her eyes. “Yeah, well, not everyone has the luxury of quitting. Some of us actually need the paycheck.”

Before Miranda could respond, Anita’s voice bellowed from inside the office. “Rachel! Where’s my coffee?”

Rachel stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. “See what I mean?” She disappeared down the hall, muttering under her breath.

Inside the office, Anita Williams stood behind her desk, radiating authority. Her sharp eyes zeroed in on Miranda as she entered.

“Rachel!” Anita barked. “Coffee. Now.”

Rachel hurried in with a tray, setting the cup down carefully before retreating with a muttered “Yes, ma’am.”

Anita watched her leave with a smirk. “I love having her fetch things for me. Keeps her grounded.”

Miranda took a seat across from Anita, folding her hands neatly in her lap. “She’s lasted longer than most.”

Anita chuckled. “You know why that is?” She leaned in conspiratorially. “She needs this job. Desperately. Apparently, she’s up to her neck in debt. That’s why she puts up with all the crap I throw her way.”

Miranda frowned. “Why does that interest you so much?”

Anita tilted her head, a wicked grin spreading across her face. “Why does it interest you? Never thought you had a thing for white bimbo Barbies.”

Miranda kept her expression neutral, but the comment stung. "I don’t. But Garrett… he might."

Autors Note

I accidentally crashed the page for the first poll, so I am reporting the results here: The winner is Heather. But don't worry, Rachel and Sam have both found their place in the form of Rachel.

https://strawpoll.com/eJnvV49jGnv

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