Wolf walking the Mile

When Paul and Jasmine came in E block today everyone quickly noticed Paul's swollen nose and bruised face.

"Damn Paul you get in a fight last night?" gasped Dean, standing up from the front desk. Jasmine only kept her head low. She had apologized to Janice and Paul almost the whole morning and she still felt extremely bad. Last night was the worst and most violent nightmare she had since she first came to Edgecombe's household, and now she most defiantly will try and find somewhere else to stay.

"Not exactly that" Paul spoke. Brutus was sitting on the edge of the desk; he looked Jasmine up and down. She looked tired, very tired and her eyes looked dull not bright like they usually were. He frowned, he knew today was Bitterbuck's execution but he wouldn't think she would take it that hard. Then he saw bandages hidden underneath her long sleeved button up shirt as she hung her jacket up near the door.

He walked over to her and gently grabbed her wrist. Jasmine grasped in protest but did nothing as he rolled up her sleeve. Brutus heart sunk as he saw the bandage wrap around from her wrist to nearly her elbow. "What happened?" he nearly growled as he narrowed his eyes at Paul.

"I have nightmares" Jasmine quickly said, placing her hand on Brutal's arm. "They're violent. I hurt not only myself, but people around me" she nodded towards Paul.

Brutal looked at Jasmine, he pitied her. He wondered why this young girl was tormented so. Jasmine looked away from everyone and walked down the small hall into the room where they had Old Sparky. Paul nodded for Brutus and Dean to follow him into his office. Paul sat down in chair and held his head in his hands.

"Paul?" Brutus stepped near the quivering man. "Guys I'm scared. I'm scared for Janice. I'm scared for Jasmine. For Christ sake I'm scared for myself" Paul almost wept. "You should have seen her last night. She looked as if she was possessed. She screamed and clawed at the air, god the screams. It was horrible." Brutal only stared down at his best friend for years. He had never since Paul ever shaken up so badly. "Jesus.." muttered Dean not sure what to think or do of the situation. Paul looked up at Brutal and Dean "I'm surprised that her arm was the only thing she got last night."

When Brutal walked out of the office he found Jasmine sitting in front of Bitterbuck's cell. Unknown to Paul, Brutus and Dean, Jasmine had been kneeling by the door hearing every word of their conversation. Brutus stopped and began to watch Jasmine.

Jasmine was hurt, so she sought the comfort of her dear friend Arlen, whom in only hours she would never see again. Bitterbuck kneeled down by her and spoke something in his native tongue. Jasmine out stretch her hand towards Arlen, which he took it gently. She spoke something Cherokee and leaned against the steel bars. Bitterbuck smiled lightly stroked her head. Jasmine looked at him and nodded, and began to turn away.

"Jasmine." She looked over her shoulder at the old worn Indian. "I am very proud of you. And what you've became, no matter your faults" he spoke lightly taking her hand to touch his face. Jasmine tried her best to smile, but it faltered some as stray tears slipped from her eyes. "Wado Ditilihi." *

*thank you, warrior (in Cherokee)