Street Secret

Sheryl Williams…all I ever wanted was to feel as if I belonged.

          I used to matter until something happened to me during school. It almost destroyed me. Everything and everyone I believed in, failed me when I need them most.

I had no choice but to leave, so I moved to New York without giving anyone an explanation. It was better not to say anything. I didn't want them to be ashamed of me.

I missed the closeness we once had, but that was when John was alive. So when I learned that everything I was told was a big mistake, I had to return for my big brother's sake.

Some things never change. Maybe I'd do something to make everyone happier and disappear forever. But then Marcus happened.

Marcus Townsend…John's back from the dead, and I couldn't be happier.

I looked up to John. I adored his mother, and his parents always treated me like I was part of the family. I spent lots of time at their home. Other than his brother Michael, I got along great with them all.

But things changed when his youngest sister, Sheryl, started high school. Her fiancé, Dalton Freeman, was a jackass. I didn't appreciate the way he treated her.

I was relieved when she broke up with the jerk. But after a huge fight with her father, she unexpectedly left for New York. I knew something was troubling her then.

I was surprised to see her again after John contacted her. I was also stunned at my reaction toward her. Was it too late to offer her my help, and even more important, how did she feel about me?