Joss got to school early. She immediately went to Mrs. McArdle’s classroom.
“Joss, good morning! What’s up?” the English teacher asked as she wrote on the whiteboard.
“Mrs. McArdle, if I ask you something, do you have to pass on the information?” Joss asked.
“Depends on the information,” Mrs. McArdle said. “I have to pass on anything that indicates that a student is in danger from themselves or from another person. I’d love to hear what’s on your mind, but you need to know what the law requires me to do.”
Joss made a face. “I’m not sure what to do here,” she said.
“Is this a problem you’re having? Or someone else?” Mrs. McArdle asked.
“Someone else,” Joss said. “Does that change things?”
“Sort of,” Mrs. McArdle said. “Why don’t you try telling me what’s on your mind but without using a name. I can’t report it if I don’t know who it is.”
“Sounds fair,” Joss said. “Okay, what if you had a friend who all of a sudden changed—drastically. Her appearance is lousy, she’s not acting like herself, her grades are slipping. Would you think something bad was going on?”
“Yes, actually I would,” Mrs. McArdle said. “Have you asked her?”
“Yes, but she has all sorts of excuses for what’s happening. I just don’t believe them,” Joss said. “I think … I’m not really sure what I think. I just know it’s not right.”
“You can tell the school counselor, and she can talk to her,” Mrs. McArdle offered. “But chances are, if she’s not talking to you, she’s not going to talk to Mrs. Blackwell either.”
“I know,” Joss said. “But I’m really worried.”
“Can you talk to her parents?”
“Not really,” Joss said. “There’s just a mom. I don’t know her at all, and of course she’d end up telling Rai—I mean, my friend.”
Mrs. McArdle nodded knowingly.
Joss was certain her teacher knew she’d almost said Rainie’s name.
“I guess all you can do is let her know you’re there for her,” Mrs. McArdle said. “I know that’s not a great answer. But unless she’s willing to tell someone what’s going on, it’s about all you can do. Just be her friend. Don’t judge. And keep the lines of communication open in case she does feel like talking.”
Joss nodded. “Thanks,” she said.