Jalia's Journey

Chapter 1: The Lifestyle

             "Chase, please stop running. You're gonna fall and hurt yourself!" Chase kept on running, ignoring the command he was given. "Madison, you're supposed to share the toys." Day after day, Jalia was trying her best to keep the kids in line. Most days were better than others, but some days, she just needed a break. "Bailey, you and Isaac need to..." It was no use. The kids were out of control. Jalia went to her room, and came back with her guitar. She played a chord and began to sing. "Baa, baa black sheep, have you any wool? Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full." The kids stopped what they were doing and sat in front of Jalia as she sang. They joined her. "One for the master, one for the dame. One for the little boy who lived down the lane. Baa, baa black sheep, have you any wool? Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full." Everyone cheered and asked her to sing another song. Jalia sang one song after the other.  "Down by the bay, where the watermelons-" "Stop pushing me!" Madison screamed. "I didn't push you!" Chase cried. "Yes you did! I felt you do it!" she said. "No I didn't!" he screamed even louder. "You guys, stop fighting right now!" Jalia tried to calm them down, but they weren't listening to her. "You guys, I need you to stop fighting right this min-"

             "Alright guys, who's ready to eat?" Wesley appeared out of the kitchen with a bunch of plates and silverware. All the kids exclaimed with great joy, as they had been waiting for their dinner. "If you want to eat, you have to help me set the table." The kids rushed to their tables, waiting patiently to receive their plates and forks. "Nice save," Jalia told Wesley. They exchanged smiles. 

           "Come on, when are we gonna eat?" one of the kids shout. "Okay, okay I'm coming." Wesley heads over to the children and gives each one of them a plate and a fork. "What are we eating tonight?" asks Bailey. "Smells like Mac and Cheese!" Isaac screams. "That's because it IS Mac and Cheese" Wesley replies. The kids chant with excitement. "Alright!" "My favorite." "Oh boy! I can't wait!" Wesley smiles and put Mac and Cheese on everyone's plate, then takes a seat at a table. "I'll grab the drinks," Jalia said as she headed into the kitchen. Jalia returned with a big pitcher of lemonade. She filled up everyone's cups and sat down right next to Wesley. 

           "So how was everyone's day?" Wesley asked. The conversations happened until everyone had finished their dinner. "Boy, I'm stuffed," Chase said. "Alright you guys, time to wash up and get ready for the bed," Jalia said. The kids groaned and sighed. "Aw come on, do we have to?" Chase complained. "Yes, it's time. Go wash up and get ready for bed." The kids removed themselves from the table, and went to do as they were told. Jalia and Wesley started to clean up the table. They took dirty plates and empty cups into the kitchen so they could be washed. Wesley was staring at Jalia. He could tell that something was wrong.

         "What's wrong?" Wesley asked. "What do you mean?" Jalia responded. "Oh come on. I can tell when something's wrong with you," he said. "I'm just really tired." She paused. Wesley stared at her, waiting for her to finish, knowing she wasn't telling him everything. "I've been writing this song," she continued. "I've been stuck on the same line for the past 2 hours. I just can't figure out what to put." Wesley stopped to think. "Why don't you let me take a look at it?" he asked. Jalia looked at him skeptically. "What? You don't trust me?" Wesley smirked. Jalia smiled and went to get her song. Wesley looked it over and gave her some suggestions. She mostly laughed the whole time, as he gave silly lines. He knew he didn't know how to write songs. He just wanted to see her smile. "Wesley, when do you think we're getting out of here?" Wesley paused and stared at her. "I don't know Jalia. I honestly don't know." "Thanks for your help. I'm gonna go check on the kids," she said with a sly smile. "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow." Wesley said. "Goodnight, Wesley." "Goodnight, Jalia."

          Jalia headed upstairs to check on the kids. They were all in their pajamas and getting into their beds. Jalia went to each bed and tucked everyone in. "Jalia, can you play us a song before we go to sleep?" Bailey asked. Jalia grinned and sat on her bed. "Which song would you like to hear?" she asked. "Anything," Bailey replied. Jalia smiled and started to sing. "When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires will come to you." The children smiled. Some of them were fully listening while others eyes started to become heavy. "When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true." As Jalia finished the song, she scanned the room and saw that everyone had either fallen asleep or were on their way there. She whispered 'goodnight' and left the room.

         As she entered her room, she looked around and noticed how lonely she was. She brushed her teeth, put on her pajamas and went to lay in her bed. Looking up the ceiling, she thought about her life. She thought about the way she was living. Trying to become a songwriter. Wondering when someone would come adopt her. Helping take care of 4 kids. Being a parent while she doesn't even have parents of her own.  She thought... and thought... and thought... until she fell asleep.