All Chapters of No More Regrets BOOK 1 of the Redemption Series: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

2002, First Day of SchoolGrant Elementary, 8:05 a.m.Sadé’s Point of View“Mom, I don’t want to go to school today. Can I please just go back home?”I tugged at my mom’s sleeve, my small fingers trembling, the nervous knot in my chest growing tighter. The building loomed ahead, much bigger than I imagined, and it felt like the doors might swallow me whole. My mom, Melody, knelt down in front of me, her warm hands on my shoulders, her voice the only thing keeping me from completely breaking down.“Sweetheart, you’re going to be just fine,” she said softly. “School is where you’ll make new friends and learn so many things. You’ll love it.”But I didn’t feel like I was going to love it. The whole school was too big, the kids were too many, and the thought of leaving my parents behind made my stomach turn. What if they didn’t like me? What if I didn’t belong?My older sister, Madison, stood next to Mom, looking all grown up with her neat braids and sparkly backpack. Her bright pink Power

Grant Elementary, Five Years Later7:50 a.m.Isla's Point of ViewThe morning sun was already warming the streets of Chicago as Isla and her little brother, Marcus, walked down the sidewalk toward Grant Elementary. Isla, now 10, was still in the same class as her best friend, Sade, though a lot had changed since kindergarten. For one, they weren’t the only ones walking to school anymore. Madison, now 12, had joined them, though she always seemed to be in a hurry to get to school before Isla and Sade, usually striding ahead with her pre-teen confidence.Marcus, at only six, walked alongside Isla, his tiny Iron Man backpack bouncing up and down with each step. He was just starting at Grant this year, and though he was excited, Isla could tell he was also nervous. He clung close to her side, occasionally looking up and asking, “Do you think my teacher’s nice? What if I forget where the bathroom is?”“Don’t worry, Marcus,” Isla said, her voice soft and reassuring. “Your teacher will be gr

Grant Middle School – The Winter DanceSade’s Point of ViewDecember 2010 brought snow-dusted streets, holiday lights on every corner, and the highly anticipated winter dance at Grant Middle School. Sade and Isla stood in Isla’s bedroom, putting the final touches on their looks for the evening.“Your ponytail came out so good!” Isla said, fluffing the curls in Sade’s high ponytail.“Thanks. I’m glad my mom let me wear it like this,” Sade replied, brushing a hand over her white sweater.Isla gave her a look. “She made you wear the sweater over your dress? It’s a dance, not Sunday school.”Sade rolled her eyes. “You know my mom. She thinks I’ll ‘look too grown’ without it.”“Well, at least she let you wear light makeup.” Isla dabbed a little gloss on her lips and smiled at her reflection in the mirror. Her dress, a shimmery blue with silver accents, sparkled every time she moved.Sade’s outfit, a deep red holiday dress with white tights and matching flats, was festive yet modest—especia

Walking Home Last Day Before Winter Break December 2010 The final bell rang, and students poured out of Grant Middle School, their voices loud and carefree as they scattered into the snow-covered streets. Sade adjusted her scarf, pulling it tighter around her neck as the chilly wind bit at her cheeks. Beside her, Isla walked with Marcus, her younger brother, who was busy kicking snow piles as they went. Trailing slightly behind were Tamara and Star, each flanked by their siblings. Tamara’s younger sister, Jasmine, was bundled in a bright pink coat, while Star’s little brother, Theo, carried his bookbag with a noticeable limp, trying to keep up with the group. “Slow down, Tamara,” Jasmine whined. “Girl, if you don’t hurry your ass up, I’m leaving you in this snow,” Tamara shot back, her voice as sharp as the wind. “Tamara!” Sade called over her shoulder, rolling her eyes. “She’s like eight. Chill out.” “Whatever,” Tamara said with a shrug, popping a piece of gum into h

Date ContinuedThe laughter and chatter from the family room gradually died down as the group settled in. Sade’s older brother was still lost in his game, barely glancing up from his controller, and Isla was busy flipping through a magazine she’d found on the coffee table. Paul, leaning back in his chair, seemed content with the quiet atmosphere, but Dre looked over at Sade with a playful grin."Hey, Sade," he said, his voice low enough to keep it between the two of them, "can you show me your room?"Sade raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She was pretty comfortable around him, but she hadn’t expected this. She didn’t mind, though—it felt natural.“Sure, come on,” she replied, standing up and leading the way. She glanced over her shoulder as she walked, catching Dre’s gaze. Her heart fluttered a little, but she shook it off. It was just Dre. He was her boyfriend, after all.As they walked through the house, Sade showed him around, pointing out th