Secrets In The Shadows

Chapter 1

"Drop me off around the corner" I said as he rode past my projects. I couldn't risk anyone seeing me get out the car because the hood talks and the news spreads fast. Although I didn't care if any one found out I rather just keep it a secret. My mama was struggling and as long as I was bringing money in to help her pay the bills she couldn't say anything to me. My father is a dead beat and he's barely home to help my mama and my little brother Rome. Rome is my world all he knows is me.

As I walk through the projects it's the usual late night vibes. Old folks sitting on their porches, the young boys gambling on the sidewalk, and the kids running all over the place. I finally make it to my door step. I always take a deep breath before I walk in but before I could even exhale shots rang off all across the projects. I ducked instantly. When the shots stopped I hurried for the door and locked myself inside.

"Nyla you seen your brother out there?" My mother asked. My heart began to race. I began to panic. I didn't even respond I ran out the door calling for my brother.

"Nyla" I heard my brother screaming. He was somewhere close but I didn't see him. "Nyla" I heard him call a second time as I saw him waving from underneath a car. I ran over to him and picked him up.

"What did I tell you? If I'm not with you then don't go outside" I yelled as his eyes begin to water. "I'm sorry for yelling at you Rome but anything could've happened and I can't afford to lose you. You're all I have."

I carry Rome inside and then go to my bed room. I figured after being out all day I could use another shower. As I begin to undress my phone starts ringing.

"Nyla baby" I knew his voice from anywhere.

"What's up Dre?" I damn near moaned his name

I've always had a soft spot for Dre. He would do anything for me but I just wasn't ready to be committed to one person. Dre was handsome, Brown skinned, soft brown eyes, the whitest teeth you've ever seen and he had a nice body with a whole lot of tattoos.

"Can I see you?" He begged

"Just let me shower first and then we can meet up" I know Dre wouldn't judge but I was so embarrassed of where I came from. My projects were nothing like me. No one would even know where I was from unless I was mad or if I didn't care to tell them. "Okay" he said agreeing to meet up with me.

I proceeded to get undressed again and then headed to the shower. I listened to slow jams in the shower as I cleared my head from everything that happened earlier. I reached for my dove white peach scented body wash and my sponge as I wiped away at my light brown skin leaving it smooth and silky. The scent filled the room and left me smelling good.

About 30 minutes had passed since I've gotten in the shower and now I was making my way out. I wrapped myself in my towel and went to my room. I always liked to look nice even if it was something cheap I was wearing no one would ever know. I slipped on a white tight fitted dress from forever 21 and my gold Tory Burch sandals. I didn't feel like carrying a purse so I grabbed my gold clutch and headed around the corner to meet up with Dre.

I scrolled through my phone looking for Dre's number. I sent him a text telling him to come. We always meet up around the corner from my projects but he has no clue.

Walking through the projects I hear my name being called but I don't turn around because I know it's one of these want to be thugs trying to talk to me.