Later that evening, the cell doors were opened and the women were allowed time to mingle and use the phones and showers. Beth refused to shower and would have refused to use the toilet if it was possible…...because it was out in the open for all to see.
An inmate saw Beth turn up her nose as the guard announced the amount of time they had for a break and when the evening meal would be served. Another inmate walked over trying to make conversation with Beth as she waited to use the phone.
Inmate #1: Hey, what's your name?
Beth looked at the woman and then turned her head the other way.
Inmate #1: I know you hear me talking to you! Bitch, what's your problem?! I was just trying to make conversation with you! You act like I'm contagious or like it's going to kill you to speak! We are all in here for the trouble we got ourselves into―don't act like you're better than the rest of us!
Inmate #2: Yeah! That's the bitch who was on the news for vandalizing and stealing from that convenience store because she thought somebody jumped the line or something! You shoulda left town until it died down. They would have found you but not right away. Hahahahaa!
The other women laughed along, but Beth still didn't say anything as the first inmate walked over to her and demanded her attention.
Inmate #1: Are you deaf, bitch?! That shit is rude! I oughta kick your ass…... but I ain't trying to get any more time added on! White hoe!
Inmate #3: They called her a "Karen" on the news because of her attitude and the way she acted!
Inmate #1: I don't care what they called her! Bitch come in here trying to bougie; like she better than us! Damn her!
Beth: I don't have to speak to you, and if you put your hands on me, I will report you!
Beth gave the inmate a hateful look as she started to tremble―she was afraid the woman was going to punch her in the face. She hastily made her way over to the intercom, alerting the guard of the inmate's threats.
Beth's heart was pounding in her chest as she waited for the guard to come inside the common area. It felt like a weight had been lifted when the guard sent the inmate back to the cell for a timeout. The guard also turned to scold Beth for provoking the situation.
Guard #2: You should've reported her right away instead of arguing and escalating the situation. I know you're known as a "Karen" but you won't get any special privileges here, but you will get added time and punishment if you don't follow the rules. Do I make myself clear?
Beth: Yes, ma'am.
Beth felt a mix of frustration and shame come over her. The other inmates gave her vicious stares and were feeling outraged about what had happened.
Once the tension settled and one of the phones became available, Beth took a deep breath and approached the guard for help making a call.
Beth: Will you help me to make a call?
Guard #2: Give me a minute because you're going to need your inmate number. I will get it for you and come back in a few minutes.
The guard came back and walked Beth through the process, offering a few tips before heading back to the observation booth. Beth realized it was easy to feel overwhelmed, but she had to maintain her composure and avoid any trouble.