AND THEN THERE WAS ONE.

two.

Together, the two ran a rather lucrative business. Until, it wasn't.

After an accidental overdose, the police set their sights on Jonas. Indie had long dropped out before any fingers could be turned towards her. Furthermore, those that knew kept it to themselves, including him. He could've easily snitched, cutting his time in half, but he couldn't fathom putting the woman he loved behind bars.

As a result, Indie felt as though she owed him. For her freedom and so much more. Aside from Ivie, no one had ever dared to show up for her in the way Jonas did.

Fast forward to now, Jonas was still sitting in county—awaiting trial and proper sentencing.

If you asked Indie if she had any regrets when it came to this man, she would be honest and say yes. However, if you followed up and asked her if she would do everything differently, given the opportunity, she would say no.

And Jonas? While Jonas would take the charge again and again if it meant Indie safe.

It all boils down to the stupid things love will make you do.

"I got a court date coming up."

"After Thanksgiving, I know. I'll be there."

"I appreciate you In, you know that, right?"

Indie nodded softly.

"Ain't no one like you."

Her Apple Watch jolted, indicating a new message. The CO's were so careless. They confiscated her phone but allowed her to enter with another piece of technology. This was nothing out of the ordinary. It really all depended on the day and shift. If she frequented around noon during the weekdays, she'd be lucky enough to keep everything on her, sometimes even entering with contraband for Jonas.

Ivie.
- He's outside and won't stop knocking. Are you almost done with Jo?

"Never forget it," She smirked, "I gotta go."

"We got like ten minutes left," He frowned.

"Ivie needs me."

Jonas nodded, immediately understanding. Their bond was tight knit but nothing compared to the one she maintained with her true other half.

"Alright then. Don't come back until after my next court date. I'll call and write. Go spend the holiday with your family, okay?"

"We'll see," she teased, rising to her full height.

New York was once everything to her, but by the time Indie turned sixteen, she couldn't wait to leave the state behind. Visiting was always hard for her, so much so that the occurrence became rare. Holidays were always up in the air. It had been well over a year since her last visit, and she had every intention of maintaining that distance.

"I love you."

"I love you too, Jo."

☯︎

Indie's car door slammed behind her. She held tightly onto the plastic bag full of snacks acquired during her store run.

Ivie and her lived in a garden-style apartment complex. Initially, this was a concern voiced by their parents. Yet, it was the nicest complex Camden's waterfront had to offer, so they settled. For the most part, it was working out. Three years in, and safety hadn't been an issue yet.