- You need to stop getting into fights, Katie. – Carol said.

- That's easy for you to say.- Katie replied, putting the ice pack in her left eye.

- Every week you get into a fight. You came here, we talk. Next week the same. Is like living in the grounhound day all along with you.

- Maybe I like talking to you, Ms. Mason. – Katie forced a smile.- Or maybe I like you to talk weekly with my dad, he's single you know..

- This isn't funny. – Carol replied.

- I know.

- You could be expelled. You could loose your scholarship.

- I know. – Katie blushed.- Maybe this isn't my place.

- What you mean?

- I take 2 trains to come here. Everyone here is wealthy and I'm just white trash from the slums.

- You start to sound like those guys you fight with.

- I guess they have a point, you know.

- So if they have a point, why do you fight them? Huh? – Carol asked. – I will answer that for you. You fight them 'cause you want to stay here, you want a future. You worked hard to get here. But you need to stay out of trouble if you want to finish your education.

- But I…

- No buts.- Carol said.- You stay out of trouble, and you graduate. But if you are send again to my office, well, I wont be able to help you.

- Ok…

- Fine, tell your daddy to come in. – Carol drank her coffee.- you better go to the library in the meantime.

- Sure…thanks.

Katie left Carol office and met her dad outside, he was looking at the football field, with a cigarette in his mouth.

- Dad?- she asked.

- Katie, you alright? – he asked concerned.

- I'm fine. – she answered.- you should see the other guy.

- This isn't funny, you could have got hurt.

- I know…I'm sorry.- she apologized. – Ms. Mason want to speak with you. I will wait for you in the library, ok?

- Ok, we will talk later.

Daryl entered the building on his way to Carol's office. She was the orientador of the school, and he knew that she was trying to help Katie. But he was starting to think that Katie was helpless. She was a good girl, but too light headed. She knew how to take care of herself, and Daryl was proud of it, but she was always in trouble at school. He wasn't surprised when she got the scholarship, she was clever and hardworking, but lately he was worried. She was almost every week called to the principal office, who sent her to the orientator office. He talked weekly with Carol, trying to find a solution.

- Hi Daryl, have a seat.

- Hi Carol.- he seated.

- Not that I don't enjoy our weekly meetings, but…if Katie doesn't change her behavior, I'm not going to be able to help her anymore.

- 'kay. I get it.

- This is her last chance. – she said offering him a cup of coffee, he smiled as a thank you..- she will be already expelled if it weren't for Carl.

- Who's Carl?

- New kid, they were picking on him. He tried to defend himself, but well, they were more. – she paused.- I guess Katie saw it, and well, decided to take part.

- Fuck. – he swear.- She can't be out of trouble, can she?

- I guess. Carl spoke with principal Greene and with me. Mr. Greene won't take any actions this time, but if Katie get in a fight again, she will be expelled and she will lose the scholarship. She needs to stop being the good Samaritan.

- I'll talk to her. – he said, embarrassed.- I'm sorry…I…

- Not your fault Daryl.- she offered an understanding smile.- Just try to make her understand that she needs to change her attitude.

- Sure, thanks Carol. – he give her a big smile.

- I'm not sure if you know, but were are organizing a camping trip. I'm going to ask both Katie and Carl to help with it. They need to get involve with the school and meet other students. – she handled him a brochure.

- Sure.

- You should come too.

- What?

- To the trip. You should come, meet the other parents.

- No…I…you know, I shouldn't…

- Part of Katie's problem if your fault. – when she saw he tensed, she continued softer.- I mean, she has problems to make friends. I can see that runs in the family. Am I wrong?

- Guess not. – he admitted.

- So? – she pressed.

- I'll think about it, alright?

- Sure.- she gave him a card.- Give me a call when you make up your mind, ok?

- Ok.