After what seemed like an eternity, Cinnamon's life changed again, in the blink of an eye. The day started out like any other day at Piney Cross. She was awakened by the cries of Sophie, wanting her breakfast. As she rubbed her eyes, she looked down into the tiny crib at her fussy infant. Sophie had been growing strong every day. Now, at three months, she was eating more than ever. Picking up her baby, she untied her gown, freeing her breast for the hungry baby to eat. Sophie pawed at Cinnamon's breast as she ate her breakfast. She was suckling hungrily as her mother held her close.
Their tender moment was interrupted by the sudden opening of her cell door. Jay. Cinnamon was puzzled. Jay had always gone home by the time Sophie was ready for breakfast. She looked up at him, surprised, and smiled softly.
He walked to Cinnamon's bed, sitting down beside of her. Kissing her lips, then his baby's head.
"I've got some news, Cinnamon." He said softly, solemnly.
"Oh?" She replied, expecting the worst.
"You're due in court this morning."
"Court? Why?" She asked, confused.
"Your lawyer called this morning. Your file has been found, along with a time and dated security tape, showing you were on the labor and delivery floor, assisting with a delivery at the time of Mr. Langey's death. There's no way you could've neglected him or caused his death. The tape also shows Angela, leaving his room, and not returning for over four hours to check on him."
Tears began to stream down Cinnamon's cheeks as she held her baby. For the first time, she knew she was going to be free. She knew that now, she would be able to start her life with Jay and Sophie, outside of the confines of prison. As Sophie finished eating, she handed her to Jay. For the first time, in a long time, she was overwhelmed. Jay sat silently as he held his baby. He was at a loss for words.
"I'm going to be free," Cinnamon finally replied.
"Yes, you are." Jay said, solemnly.
"Aren't... aren't you happy?" She asked, sensing his apprehension.
"Yes, and no. I'm happy that you're going to be free, because you didn't deserve to be here in the first place, but now- you're free. Free to do as you wish. Free to walk out of here and never look back- at anything, including me."
For the first time, Jay had shown he was human. He had shown fear, apprehension, and vulnerability. He was scared. Scared of losing the only woman he had ever loved, and his precious baby. As long as Cinnamon was incarcerated, he could control her as he saw fit. He could dictate what she did, and had the power to make her submit whenever he chose. Now, she has the power to leave, and it's terrified him. For the first time in his life, Jay Walsh was truly terrified.
"Jay. I... I thought we... We were going to get married, and raise Sophie together. We, we're going to have a life together, aren't we?" Cinnamon asked, trembling. Afraid that now, Jay is having second thoughts about their life together.
As Sophie began to doze off on his chest, he turned to Cinnamon, smiling.
"Yes we are. Now, get ready. We have to leave in an hour and a half. My mother is coming to pick up Sophie. She'll have her, waiting outside of the courtroom." He said, kissing Cinnamon deeply.
She began to gather a few diapers and things to send with him.
"I love you, Cinnamon." Jay said, softly, sincerely.
"I love you, too- always," She replied, kissing Jay and her baby once more.
Cinnamon's hands were trembling as she walked into the courtroom. The last time she was here, she was convicted of a crime she didn't commit. Now, she had the opportunity to be a free woman. As the judge entered, she thought she might pass out. Her lawyer delivered an absolutely perfect statement. Presenting the new evidence, and information that had been recovered.
After what seemed like hours, the words she had been waiting for, for nearly two years.
"Cinnamon Espere' Stevenson, you are hereby acquitted of all charges against you, and free to go with the apology of the court."
Free. She was free. Free to be a nurse. Free to be Jay's wife. Free to be Sophie's mother. Tears streamed down her face as she turned, seeing her mother, sister, and Jay. She ran to them all, hugging them tightly. She knew she was going home.
As they walked out of the courtroom, Jay's mother was standing there with their baby, tears rolling down her cheeks. Cinnamon took her baby, holding her close. Cradling the infant as if nothing else in the world mattered right then, and it didn't. Jay stood there with a big smile on his face. He had put in for vacation time and has a big surprise for Cinnamon.
"Cinnamon, let's go home," Jay said, grinning.
"Home? Us?" She asked, unsure.
"Home. I bought a log cabin in the woods, just like you've always wanted. I've been working on Sophie's nursery. I hope it's what you wanted." He replied, humbly.
Cinnamon, overwhelmed with emotion, wrapped her arms around Jay. Being able to have him hold her, freely, without fear of someone seeing them, felt so good. Walking out of the courthouse, Cinnamon felt liberated. She was surrounded by the people she loved the most in the world, and on her way to her new home.