Baby

Chapter One

Chapter One: The Becoming Of Baby Sinclair

unedited

There's only one shot in life-you either succeed, or you don't. It's that simple. From the moment I was born, the odds were stacked against me. Being placed in an orphanage as a newborn didn't just leave me without a family; it put me ten steps behind everyone else. But did I let that stop me? Hell no. Despite the odds, I worked my ass off in school. Public school was my only ticket out, and I wasn't about to waste it. Alongside my so-called 'brothers and sisters,' I gave it everything I had, because I knew that education was my lifeline. I had to escape this life, to find something better. To finally live the life I deserved. So that I, Baby Sinclair, could finally have a normal life.

But honestly, who am I kidding? A 'normal' life? That's a fantasy. I'm an orphan-forever marked by a past I had no control over.

And my name is Baby.

Being on this plane right now, where the destination was the place I soon will call my home, made me believe that there was a chance for me after all. Or at least some sort of good start in my journey of doing the best that I can with what I was born with. Which was, let's just say, little to nothing.

The flight attendant stood in front of the passengers and she reminded us that we would be landing very shortly. I turned my head to the right to take in beautiful state of Washington. I had done my research on Seattle, and apparently, it's considered one of the best places to live in America."

I watch out the window as our plane descends, moving closer and closer to the ground.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have finally arrived at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport," The pilot says via the intercom. Without warning, everyone just started clapping, catching me off guard for a moment, but I quickly joined in.

"We now ask you to please remain seated till we are fully stopped and have attached the plane to the boarding bridge. Thank you for riding with Jet Blue and if this is your first time in Seattle enjoy your stay, if not welcome home!" The pilot says again before cutting the mic.

I wait and sit patiently as the plane slowly moves it's way towards the boarding bridge and attaches itself on. Minutes fly by when the flight attendant informed everyone that now we can gather their belongings and head to the exit of the plane.

The couple that have been sitting next to me got up from their chairs and grabbed their luggage and bags from the top compartment. Before departing, they both turned to me, smiled warmly, and waved. That's when I stood up and reached for the overhead compartment, grabbing the only suitcase I've had since I was a child. After closing it, I maneuvered myself toward the exit.

With only a few more feet to go, my palms were getting slightly moist.

Although I was excited for the change, a part of me was extremely nervous. But alongside that nervousness, I felt overwhelming joy. I finally get to belong somewhere, starting my own journey. Ever since I was born, I felt like I've been on auto-pilot, just doing whatever to survive.

My new school would be my first real home. Though if anyone heard me say that, they'd probably laugh. Oak Hill, my first home.

Something in my gut told me it was the right choice. Their mascot was a wolf, and they had an impressive athletic record-not that it mattered much to me, as I'm far from athletic. Built in 1979, it's relatively new, with many updated buildings. And, let's face it, it's kind of my only option.