Beyond the shadows

Alexandra Baylor

Alexandra'Alex' Torie Baylor
Born on October 11,1990 in Brooklyn,NY

*Chapter 1: Flashback*

*The Night That Changed Everything*

I had been working at "Midnight Dreams" for months, trying to make ends meet for myself and my baby brother, Milo.

Milo is my half brother,he's only 4 months old and I act more of a mom to him than his actual parents.

I prepared for my next performance, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows. Rafael "El Toro" Hernandez, my pimp and a notorious drug dealer.

Rafael:"Alex, mi amor, I have a plan to get you and Milo out of this life. You deserve better than this."

Alexandra: "What are you talking about?I thought we had an understanding."

Rafael: (smirking) "I can get you both out, to a safer place. But you have to trust me."

I hesitated, unsure if I should believe Rafael's words...
But I couldn't keep living like this.

After my shift, I rushed home, my mind racing with Rafael's proposal. As I entered my run-down apartment, the stench of stale cigarettes and booze hit me like a punch.

My stepfather, James, slumped on the couch, belched loudly, while my mother, Sarah, lay motionless on the floor, passed out from another binge.

My heart sank. This was the life Rafael promised to save me  from.

James: (slurring) "Alex, where's your money? We need more booze."

Alexandra: (firmly) "I'm not giving you another dime, James. I'm taking Milo and leaving."

James: (sneering) "You'll never make it on your own, Alexandra. You're nothing without me."

As I grabbed Milos diaper bag and my own backpack ,James gets in front of me.

"Get the fuck out of my way!"

James:"Your not taking my fucking kid anywhere."

He swung his fist, connecting with my jaw.I fell to the floor my head ringing and vision blurring.

All I hear is Milo crying at this point and I couldn't make out what James was saying.

I mustered all the strength I had left,thinking only of Milos safety.I grabbed the first thing I see which happened to be a lamp & I swung it knocking James unconscious.

I stumbled to my feet,Milos cries fueling my determination.I grabbed my bags,Milo,any important documents & made a run for the door,the darkness outside a welcome escape from the nightmare I left behind.

The city streets blurred together as they disappeared into the darkness, leaving behind the toxic world I once knew.

*End of Flashback*

--
Quantico,Virginia 5:00am
I wake up with a start, drenched in sweat, my heart racing.Haunted by the memories of my past.

I take a deep breath, composing myself. My eyes fall on a photo of me and Milo on my nightstand.

ALEXANDRA: (smiling) Today's the day.
                                          --

Cece, my assistant, Milos nanny, and housekeeper, greets me with a warm smile.

CECE: Good morning, Alexandra! First day jitters?

ALEXANDRA: (nervously) A little. But I deserve to be here.

CECE: (encouragingly) You absolutely do, honey. Three years for undergrad, a PhD in psychology & joining the BAU by 24 You're a rockstar!

I giggle,feeling a bit more at ease.

ALEXANDRA: (smiling) Thanks, Cece. You're a lifesaver.

Cece hands Alexandra a plate of breakfast.

CECE: (smiling) I've got everything under control here.I'll get Milo ready for school. I'll make sure he gets there on time.

ALEXANDRA: (gratefully) Thank you, Cece. I don't know what I'd do without you.
                                           --
I brush my teeth, shower,and get ready for my first day at the BAU.

I couldn't decide if I wanted to wear a red suit dress incase it was "too much" or a simpler black one.

I end up going with the red one since it makes more of a statement,along with some black knee high boots & a black gucci belt.

I take down my hair from the hair roller thing I had in for my body wave curls & do a makeup-no makeup look with a red lip to match my suit dress.

I say goodbye to Milo, giving him a kiss on the forehead.

I grab my  purse and I start heading out.

CECE: (smiling) Good luck!

                                            --
I park my car,take a deep breath, and look at the BAU building.

ALEXANDRA:Okay, Alex You've got this. You're smart, capable, and deserving of this opportunity.

I take a final deep breath, grab my bag, and step out of the car, ready to face my first day at the BAU.
                                            --
Let me know if y'all want me to start giving visuals on her outfits.

How was the first chapter?BTW this is my 1st spencer reid fanfic so not too much!