Living with Shame

At thirteen, I snuck a kiss. At sixteen, I fell in love. At eighteen, I despised loving him. He lied, cheated and killed. He also protected, provided and gave me solace. I ran the streets, doing whatever I pleased, until Shame showed up to claim me. For five years, the most notorious street gang in Boston became my family. The day I turned eighteen, I didn't want to leave. My heart belonged to Shame. I simply needed to convince him I was more than the little girl he rescued. I promised to love him, but could he ever love me back? Not all love was easy. Not all love was meant to be. And not all love could survive.