Tough Love (Hidden Secrets) by P. J. Belden

She’s happy with Tobey. I want my sister happy,” I say softly.
    “What aboutsh me? Why can’tsh I besh happy toosh?” He asks sadly.
    “Because brother, you want something that you can’t have.”
    His head drops and I see tears falling on his arm. He’s breaking down. If it were me, I wouldn’t want someone witnessing me at a point I wouldn’t like to enter. So I stood up and grabbed his arm over my shoulder. Jake grabs the other in the same fashion.
    “Come on, big boy. Time to sleep it off buddy.” Jake says as we walk him to the other spare room.
    “I lovesh hersh so mush.” He sobbed.
    “I know buddy. I know.” I whispered.
    After getting him settled, Jake and I walked out in a solemn mood. Nate really did love my sister, but sadly she just doesn’t feel the same. Mary has said time and time again that she loves Nate like a brother, but nothing more.
    When he first found out that we had all gotten together to help Tobey win her back, he didn’t talk to us for weeks. We were worried because he even quit talking to Jason. Then he just showed back up on my doorstep, much like he did today. I don’t turn him away either. He really is hurting. I’ll be here to help him every step of the way. He’s my brother, no matter what else happens. All of us feel that way.
    “He’s getting worse, Jack. We need to do something.”
    Sighing, I ran my hand through my hair. “I know. I’m doing what I can right now. I’m just here for him when he needs it. You can’t help someone that isn’t ready to be helped. When he is, I’ll be there for him every step of the way.”
    “Yeah, I agree. I’ll be there too. I think we all will.” Jake said, staring at the door to the room Nate was in.
    “No doubt. I’m going to go get that shower now and probably hit the sack. See ya in the morning. Good to have you back home.” I hugged my brother and headed into my room.
    My heart was heavy, not just for myself, but for Nate, Shannon and the boys. No one should have to hurt the way they hurt on a daily basis. They deserve happiness and smiles, especially the boys.
    As I climb into bed after my shower, my thoughts were only of what could have been but weren’t and of what could be but can’t. Jake wasn’t far off with his assessment. I think I do like Shannon, but I will never act on it. She will never be more to me than just a friend. I’ve learned my lesson. Never again.

Chapter Six
    Shannon
     
     
     
     
    Flopping down on the couch, I was completely exhausted. It was nearly midnight. The boys had a busy and exciting day. They seemed so excited, which was new for them. Frowning, most days they hated everything. Normally I’d fight them tooth and nail just to get them to clean their room, but not today. Jack changed that for us, for me. Tonight they went right to bed. I was able to get all the housework done and sit here by midnight. Normally it was well after three in the morning before any of that was done. Enjoying some peace and quiet was new for me.
    Sighing, I’m going to get some sleep tonight. Just as I got up my phone rang. Tears sprung to my eyes as I saw the number show up on my screen. Why tonight! I wanted to throw my cell phone across the room and let it shatter into a million pieces.
    “How you doing Sam?”
    “Who is this?” I ask terrified.
    “It’s your mother, baby. You don’t recognize your own mother’s voice.”
    “No, it’s not. Leave me alone!”
    I hung up the phone and ran to the bathroom. It was the same thing every night. Same call. Same voice. Same conversation. Why can’t they leave me alone! I just want to be left alone. It’s hard enough facing my brothers day in and day out knowing it was my fault my mom and dad were not there to raise them, but to have this sick person playing a prank on me. It ended with me puking my guts out in the toilet.
    “Sam, look at them. Look at these beautiful little boys. Aren’t they just so precious?”
    “Yes, ma'am. They are so