Carter and Susan were sitting outside at lunchtime, Susan studying for her science test, and Carter playing on his cell phone.
"Hey where's Abby?" Susan suddenly asked.
"I don't know."
"Didn't you just have math with her?"
"Oh yeah." Carter thought for a second, trying to work out why he hadn't walked out with Abby.
"She got moved during the lesson, and Miss Walker told her to stay back after class. I think she was behind in her homework or something."
"Well that does sound like Abby!" Susan said smiling. She felt a little better about the whole situation today. She knew Abby wasn't fixed or anything like that, but at least she had done everything she could possibly do to show her friend that she cared about her. It was also good to know that Carter was aware of it as well. It was nice to think that someone was in the same state of mind as her. She looked at Carter, who was lost in his own thoughts again. She knew from the moment he sat down on his first day, that he had a thing for Abby. The way he looked at her, the way he flirted with her…and she flirted back. It was kind of cute actually. She just hoped that Abby really did know that she had two great friends that would always be there for her.
-
Abby came out of her house the following morning, to see Susan waiting outside her house.
"Do you know what time it is?" Abby asked, a little taken aback that Susan had waited for her.
"Yes, I am well aware that we are going to be late."
Abby smiled a little, walking over to where Susan was waiting, and tapping her foot impatiently.
"You didn't have to wait you know."
"I know." Susan replied grinning. "But I wanted to."
Abby nodded, giving Susan a hug.
"Thanks Susan. And I'm really sorry about what happened the other day. I should never have put you through all this shit. I didn't want you to find out because I didn't want you to worry. But I am sorry; especially about the other day in the bathroom." Abby stopped and took a breath, biting her lip nervously.
"I know your sorry Abby. I just wish you would have told me you know. I mean, I don't think hurting yourself is the answer. Surely calling me or Carter is a better option?"
"Yeah."
"Well my phone is on 24-7. I don't care what time it is, whenever you fell like cutting yourself, please call me instead."
"Ok"
"I don't want you to just say Ok if you don't really mean it. I want you to promise me that you wont do it again" Susan said, her eyes wide and pleading.
Abby sighed, not knowing how to answer. She wanted to say she meant it, but she didn't know if she really did mean it. And she didn't want to disappoint Susan.
"Well…?"
"I promise. I'll call you instead."
The bell rang in the distance, and the two girls quickly headed off to school.
-
Abby rushed through the corridors, struggling with her books and note paper after getting them from her locker. She had no idea how Susan got organized so bloody fast!
"You're late again Abby" Miss Walker said as she came through the door in a fluster.
"I'm really sorry Miss."
Abby walked in, heading to the empty seat beside Carter.
"Where do you think your going Abby? Your spots at the front now remember."
"Oh yeah. Sorry Miss Walker."
"That's ok. Take a seat. Were on page 224." Miss Walker watched to make sure Abby had opened her books, before going on teaching.
-
After yet another boring lesson of math, Abby once again couldn't wait for the bell to ring. Just as she it finally rang, Miss Walker kneeled down beside her desk.
"Did you get that work done from yesterday?" she asked.
"Um, the stuff from yesterday yes." She replied, shouting over the noise of students leaving.
"What about the other gaps you had?"
"Not yet. Can I just have a bit more time?" Abby tried pushing her teacher that little bit further. She really needed an extension on the work.
"If you need help with it, you can come and see me."
"It's ok. I'll get on it." Abby said quickly.
"Good. This is your 2nd warning. One more and I'm sending a letter home."
Abby smiled her thanks, and began to pack up her books.
"Oh. I've got this for you too." Miss Walker said, going to her desk and pulling out an envelope with Abby's name on it.
Abby looked at her strangely, cautiously taking the letter form her. She opened it to see what she had already guessed it would be. A counseling appointment.
"You said this was my choice" Abby hissed angrily.
"I know I did, and I shouldn't have told you that but the counselor really wants to talk to you. It's a compulsory meeting."
Abby said nothing, silently fuming, and almost glaring at her teacher.
"I think you should give it a go Abby. She's a really nice person…"
"Yeah well I thought you were too" Abby muttered under her breath, cutting her teacher short, and leaving the room.
Miss Walker watched her leave, unable to stop her. She ran a hand through her hair, closing her eyes in frustration; angry at the way she'd handled things.
