Part 2, Chapter 18 Summary

The news spreads fast through the prison that Elaine is finally going home. She has one month until her release on January 26, 2000 - ironically, the same day she was sentenced sixteen years ago. She has Lora send her a purple pantsuit and a black coat. A new bra and panties bought from Victoria's Secret and black boots are sent by Jamel's girlfriend.

Elaine's sister, Michelle, is resentful of having to raise nine children. She tells Elaine that upon her release she will have to take over so she can go on vacation. There is no food in the house, so Danae is losing weight and Satara is having problems with her sickle-cell disease and has to go to the hospital. Elaine does not let these challenges intimidate her. She struts out of the prison in her new outfit, turns toward the...