Just Try It

Chapter 27- Visits With the Counselor

Tuesday, February 14th 12:30pm

Lincoln High School

It took longer than Sondra had expected to make sure the marks were covered. After all, the lunchroom had some good lighting, so extra layers of makeup were a must. When the bell rang as she re-entered, Sondra decided it didn't matter that she hadn't eaten very much. Her stomach was rolling as she struggled to control her anger and anxiety while following her plan. After dumping her tray and gathering her things, she managed to ease out of the lunchroom almost before anyone realized she was back. If she headed to class, she might be able to avoid questions from her friends until after school. So focused on her escape, she didn't notice Susie, Malcolm, and Nancy watching her. What did get her attention was hearing her name being called over the intercom back to the office.

No point putting this off, Sondra admitted to herself. She had been counting on the cameras, she just hadn't expected someone to be watching that closely.  Even reminding herself that talking to school staff about this was part of the plan, did nothing to stop the tightness in her stomach as she hurried down the hall.

When she arrived, Ms. Johnson was looking at her with sympathy and the counselor was waiting. As Sondra followed the counselor into an empty office, Sondra quickly reviewed her plan. Having the school document the problem with her mom would be even better than reporting her mother herself, but the extra call to the office would still draw her friends attention. Lying wasn't her strong suit. If they got her alone they would have the whole story out of her in seconds. Even if it was good to know she had people on her side, Moe was sure to blow up and she didn't want to think about what it would do to her plan to be seen as able to take care of herself.

Ms. Miller watched the expressions on Sondra's face for a long moment before leaning forward. She didn't dance around the topic, or mince any word that would draw this out any longer than necessary. All she said was, "We have your mom hitting you on video. Because we are mandatory reporters we have to contact social services. They will be getting a hold of you today or tomorrow if you would give me your schedule."

Somehow, Ms. Miller's blunt words and sympathetic face helped stop the rolling in her stomach. After a quick intake of breath, Sondra gave a quick nod and silently wrote out her schedule.

Ms. Miller continued in a non-threatening tone, "You did a good job with your make-up, but the bruise is getting darker, and it is starting to show through."

Sondra nodded again to show her understanding but she just asked, "Can you let me tell my grandma? She worries, and I need to let her know that everything will be fine.

Ms. Miller narrowed her eyes, and nodded slowly, but didn't let her leave immediately. Instead, she had Sondra remove her makeup. Only after she had taken her own pictures of the bruising did she let Sondra put her makeup back on. To Sondra's surprise, Ms. Miller provided a mirror, helped with the makeup, gave her some crackers, and wrote out a pass so Sondra could visit her grandmother before returning to class. Even though it hadn't been pleasant, Sondra left feeling much better than when she entered.

As Sondra left the office, Malcolm and Susie were being sent in.

Sondra kept her face half turned away, and practiced her a confident smile as she went out the door. Trying to reassure her grandma was next, and she wasn't sure she could pull it off. Luckily, it was her grandma's free period. A quick knock on her office door, and somehow she was alone. Taking it as a sign, Sondra quickly entered and filled her in. While her grandma paced the room with fire in her eyes, Sondra tried to downplay what had happened. Somehow, that made her grandma even more adamant and protective. Seeing her grandma finally being willing to defy her mother wiped away the last of Sondra's nerves. It gave her the confidence to share that they might not have to worry about Pamela in the future. Of course, her grandma wasn't convinced, but eventually she managed to convince her grandma to let her go on with the rest of the day.