Chapter 48. My Extended Family

Annabelle’s POV

The next morning at 10 o’clock, Mr. Campbell and I left Chicago’s central business district, or “The Loop” where I was staying. We drove to West Englewood where my step-family lived.

As we approached the small shabby house where they lived, the poverty-stricken neighborhood struck me. I had heard of the crimes in this area. Mr. Campbell told me it was one of the most dangerous places to stay in all of Chicago. It shocked me. How did my stepmother and her children live here?

We knocked at the rickety main door and a boy around 10 years of age opened it wide. He had beautiful green eyes and brown hair, just like mine. His clothes were shabby and dirty, and he looked too thin for his age. I looked at him and felt a tug in my heartstrings. He looked as if he was my brother.

“Hello son, I’m Henry Campbell, please can you call your mother?” said Mr. Campbell to the boy, and he nodded and went inside.

A small petite woman about 7-8 years older