Charity saw Luke at his locker between classes. She walked over to him. "I'm sorry," she said.
"For what?" he asked.
"For acting the way I did this morning. It's obvious that you are concerned about me," she replied.
He looked at her. "Were you going to tell me?" he asked.
Charity nodded. "Eventually," she said. "I was afraid that you might think I'm some sort of suicidal maniac," she said.
He shook his head. "I wouldn't think that," he replied.
Charity smiled. "I know that now," she said.
Luke stared at her. "So are we…friends, now?" he asked.
She held her hand out. "Friends," she said.
He reached out and grabbed her hand. "Friends," he said. They shook on it and Joan came walking up.
"Hi, Joan," Charity said, smiling.
"Hey," Joan replied. She looked at Luke. "Do you mind if I steal Charity from you for a minute?"
Luke looked at Charity who nodded. He closed his locker, smiled at Charity and then turned and walked to class.
"What did you want to talk to me about?" Charity asked.
"Adam told me that your mom hits you," Joan replied.
Charity's smile faded. "Yeah, she does," she replied. "So?"
"So. You need help."
"No, Joan, I don't need help. It's my mother who needs help," she was practically snapping Joan's head off her shoulders. Joan stepped back. "I'm just her punching bag for her to let out her frustration."
Charity blinked and tears started forming in her eyes. The bell rang and everyone scattered to their class but Joan and Charity.
"Just say it," Joan replied.
Charity slumped up against the lockers and slid down onto the floor. Joan sat down next to her. "Come on," Joan said.
Charity looked at her and tears rolling down her face she choked, "Help me, please, Joan?"
Joan nodded. "I will," she replied.
Charity smiled and reached up and wiped her eyes. Joan helped Charity up and they walked to the office to get tardy slips.