One Step At A Time | Shawn Hunter |

Prologue

It was a normal morning in Philly for me, waking up at five in the morning to hear the lovely sounds of my parents arguing over something...as per usual. Probably the bills, seeing as dad had been taking an 'unpaid vacation' as he and mom would like to call it.

So instead of listening to the details this early I hopped out of bed and got dressed as soon as I could, barely brushing my frizzy hair enough to put it into a ponytail before rushing down the stairs and kissing my parents on the cheek, leaving them with slightly happier faces as I practically ran out of the door.

I picked up my bike from the side of the garage to start making my way over to the Matthews' house, a normal tradition after all of these years. Cory was one of my lifelong best friends, having known him almost as long as I'd been born.

So as soon as I reached the front door I rang the bell, even though Mr. and Mrs. Matthews had always liked me, I didn't want to disrespect by rushing in unannounced. And as per the usual routine, Mrs. Matthews opened the door with a kind smile she always seemed to wear and spoke the same phrase she gave me of a morning. "Now Winifrey, I've told you a million times that you don't have to wait out here. You're practically family, now come on in sweetheart, I made your favorite." She told me with a little motion to come inside.

I practically raced through the door and into her arms at the news of my favorite food ever. "Pancakes!!!" I shouted before dropping my bag of the floor and running into the kitchen where Eric was already fixing two plates of Mrs. Matthews perfectly made pancakes. "One of those better be for me!" I exclaimed, jumping onto Eric's back. "Of course it is hon, I know not to get between you and Mom's special chocolate chip pancakes" He said before giving me a plate and ruffling my hair.

I gladly took the plate and sat down next to Morgan, who was just the cutest little thing ever. "Hey Morgan, what are your plans today?" I asked her, booping her little nose. "I dunno, how are you so nice Winnie. It's Monday!" She said while brandishing her hands around like a normal little girl would when expressing her opinion.

Before I could reply I heard the footsteps of one Cory Matthews who was coming down the stairs. "Well its obvious Morgan, its pancake day. Have you ever seen Winnie upset on a pancake day, duh." The younger of the Matthews' boys answered for me.

I just nodded my head along, too busy eating my pancakes to really care about what he was saying. "Also she gets to see her boyyyfriend after the long treacherous weekend." Cory exclaimed, making kissy faces at me. "I have no idea who you're talking about Cor." I told him. "Well I really don't know who it'll be today miss cooties, you seem to have the whole sixth grade in your pocket." He told me smirking. "Well I couldn't really care less anyway, my only one true love are these pancakes" I said while laughing, before cleaning up after myself.

It was now the hardest part of my morning, telling my second family goodbye. "Bye Mrs. Matthews, Eric, Morgan" I told each of them as I kissed their cheeks before grabbing Cory's arm and about to leave the door. "You almost forgot something kiddo" Mr. Matthews said, sneaking up on us and handing up our bags. "Thank you Mr. Matthews, bye!" I told him, kissing his cheek in goodbye as well before grabbing Cory again to get our bikes and head off to school...oh wait I forgot all about school.

a/n - hey guys, its been a while. this is very very hard for me to ever find time to do anymore. i love writing, and i had a few days out of school and i decided to try and block out my writers block. i don't really know about it yet, but i hope you like it. sorry for the short content, have a great day/night.