Chapter 1: Arrival at Litchfield

The scorching summer sun beat down on my skin as I stepped off the bus and onto the cracked asphalt of Litchfield Federal Penitentiary's parking lot. I took a deep breath, the smell of fresh cut grass and diesel fuel filling my lungs. My heart sank as I gazed up at the imposing structure before me. I had heard the rumors, the whispers of Litchfield's notorious reputation, but nothing could have prepared me for the reality. My name is Camilla Reyes, but my friends and family called me Cami. I was about to become inmate 35421. As I made my way towards the entrance, a mix of emotions swirled inside me. Fear, anxiety, and a hint of determination battled for dominance. I thought back to the events that had led me here - the mistakes, the poor choices, and the desperate attempts to make ends meet. My eyes wandered to the worn-out sneakers on my feet, a reminder of the struggles I had faced. I was 25 years old, and my life had taken a drastic turn. The automatic doors slid open, and I stepped into the air-conditioned lobby. A stern-faced CO, her name tag reading "Officer Adams," greeted me with a curt nod. "Welcome to Litchfield, Reyes. Please, follow me." I trailed behind Officer Adams, my eyes scanning the bustling atmosphere. The sound of chatter, laughter, and clanging pots filled the air. We walked through a maze of corridors, passing by rows of cells and communal areas. I caught glimpses of women from all walks of life, each with their own story etched on their faces. As we approached the intake area, I spotted a group of new inmates being processed. A flustered-looking officer was shouting instructions, while a few seasoned inmates offered words of encouragement. Officer Adams deposited me into the midst of this chaos. A kind-faced woman with a warm smile and a purple afro approached me. "Hey, sweetie, I'm Blanca. I'll help you get settled in. What's your story?" She handed me a stack of papers and a thin blanket. I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Uh, I'm Camilla Reyes. I just got sentenced to...a while." I glanced around, feeling a pang of embarrassment. Blanca's expression softened. "Don't worry, honey, we're all in this together. Let's get you processed, and then I'll show you the ropes." She led me through the intake procedure, explaining the rules and regulations, and introducing me to some of the other inmates. As we walked, I noticed a striking woman with a shaved head and a confident stride. She was chatting with a group of inmates, her voice carrying across the room. There was something about her that commanded attention - a sense of authority, a spark of defiance. "Who's that?" I asked Blanca, nodding towards the woman. Blanca followed my gaze. "That's Taystee. She's one of the most popular girls in here. Be careful around her, though. She's got a heart of gold, but she's also got a reputation for being fiercely protective of her friends." I watched Taystee with interest, wondering what her story was, and what lay beneath her tough exterior. As I continued to observe her, I felt a spark of curiosity ignite within me. Who was this Taystee, and what role would she play in my journey through Litchfield? The sound of Officer Adams's voice cut through the din, signaling the start of orientation. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenges ahead. Little did I know, my life at Litchfield was about to become a whole lot more complicated. The orientation began, and I listened intently, trying to absorb as much information as possible. As I looked around the room, I felt a sense of uncertainty wash over me. What lay ahead for me at Litchfield? Only time would tell.