“Hey!” She shouted, beating her fist against the door of the cooler. “Nichols!” She yelled. 

Her breathing began to fasten. The cots looked like they were beginning to move. Were they moving? Wait, the body bag is crinkling. Oh god. 

“Lorna! Poussey!” She yelled louder. The panic in her chest was worsening. “Fuck, please no.” She closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands, kicking her foot against the door. The heels she was wearing gave her toes no protection from the cold steel but she didn’t care. 

“Please! Let me out!” She was on the verge of tears. Her body lurched forward as the door was opened. She fell into someone before she stumbled backwards, catching herself on the doorway of the cooler. 

“Woah, you alright?” 

     Piper steadied herself, looking up at the tall woman. A mane of black hair fell naturally down her shoulders, her glasses framing captivating green eyes. She had her hands held out in front of her, palms facing Piper. Her toned arms showing under her button up white blouse. The sleeves were rolled much farther than they were made to be, flashing her rose tattoo on her upper right bicep. 

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine.” Piper breathed, pushing a tuft of blonde hair off of her forehead. 

“Was it the doorknob? God damn it, Nicky! I told you that thing needs greased.” The woman turned to face Nichols and Lorna across the room who were lost in their own conversation. 

“Wha-Oh shit, Piper. I’m sorry. Lorna was trying to show me something. I completely forgot that door gets stuck sometimes. That’s my bad, friend.” Nichols said, looking genuinely sorrowful. 

Piper took a deep breath and smoothed out her pants, trying to ignore the cold, damp touch of whatever it was that was now soaked into the back of her shirt. 

“I’m sorry. That’s such a shitty way to introduce you to my funeral home.” The woman smirked and shook her head. She extended a hand to Piper. “Alex Vause.”

“Piper.” She smiled and took her hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you Miss Vause.” 

“Miss Vause is my mother. Call me Alex.” She smiled. 

“Okay.” Piper hadn’t let go of her hand. “Alex.” 

Their eyes stayed locked onto each other for a split second longer than what Piper would have called casual. Alex let go of her hand to look to Nichols who was now headed their way.