Another Way E-Book

Holli Kenley

• Herausgeber: Loving Healing Press
• Kategorie: Für Kinder und Jugendliche
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 335

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2015

Beschreibung

High school. Dating. Sex. 14 year old Chloe Wheeler wonders - is she ready?
Finding it uncomfortable talking with her parents, Chloe turns to her best friend--Amanda Hill. Searching for guidance, they attend a nondenominational youth group where Pastor Rick Summers is facilitating a series of talks on sex entitled Another Way. At the first group meeting, Chloe meets football star Tyrell Fields. As they begin dating and Chloe's feelings intensify, she grabs hold of the lessons of Another Way and discovers... Her worth. Her voice. Her levels of readiness. Her power to make healthy decisions.
"Holli Kenley beautifully shares in Another Way how young people can embrace confidence and self-empowerment as they find their way through the challenges of the teen years."
Cathy Taughinbaugh--Parent Coach, Helping Parents Find Peace
"Another Way is an indispensable book for teens and those who care about them...Holli Kenley has done it again with this practical, entertaining, and bold book."
Jill Osborne, Eds, LPC, RPT - Helping Families Reconnect
"Another Way introduces our young readers to a new way of thinking. Through self-discovery and self-empowerment, Chloe learns there truly is Another Way--a way to stand strong with honesty and personal integrity."
Judy Herzanek - Changing Lives Foundation
"Another Way is one of those great reads that is sure to find an audience with readers of all ages."
Cyrus Webb - Host of Conversations LIVE, Editor-in-Chief Conversations Magazine

Leseprobe

Another Way: A Novel

Copyright © 2015 by Holli Kenley. All Rights Reserved.

Learn more at www.HolliKenley.com

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Kenley, Holli, 1951-

Another Way : a novel / by Holli Kenley.

1 online resource.

Summary: Chloe Wheeler and Amanda Hill, friends for three years, start their freshman year at Lincoln High School intending to remain virgins but unexpected romances lead to intimacy and threaten their friendship, despite Pastor Summers’ lessons about Another Way. Includes extensive study guide for book clubs, an exercise for developing a personal code of conduct, and advice for parents.

Description based on print version record and CIP data provided by publisher; resource not viewed.

ISBN 978-1-61599-261-4 (ePub, PDF) -- ISBN 978-1-61599-259-1 (pbk. : alk. paper)

[1. Friendship--Fiction. 2. Dating (Social customs)--Fiction. 3. Conduct of life--Fiction. 4. Sex--Fiction. 5. High schools--Fiction. 6. Schools--Fiction.] I. Title.

PZ7.1.K48

[Fic]--dc23

2014049791

Distributed by Ingram Book Group (USA/CAN), Bertram’s Books (UK/EU)

Published by

Loving Healing Press 5145 Pontiac Trail Ann Arbor, MI 48105

[email protected]

Tollfree: 888-761-6268 (USA/CAN)

FAX: [phone]

Acclaim for Another Way

Another Way speaks to the reader on many different levels. This is the account of a young girl (Chloe) and her struggles to truly love herself. We’re drawn into her world of casual sex, peer pressure, and living with lies. We feel her pain and rejoice with her as she searches to find Her Way.

This story draws you in, to experience life as a teen today. Another Way introduces our young readers to a new way of thinking. Through self-discovery and self-empowerment, Chloe learns there truly is Another Way—a way to stand strong with honesty and personal integrity—an inspiration for young, as well as older readers.

Judy Herzanek—Changing Lives Foundation

Holli Kenley beautifully shares in Another Way how young people can embrace confidence and self-empowerment as they find their way through the challenges of the teen years. Amanda and Chloe’s tough choices demonstrate a sensitive look at the benefits of knowing and respecting yourself first. The book shares practical and effective tools which help create a road map to making the best decisions possible. This is a remarkable book and one that would benefit any child who is starting out in middle or high school.

Cathy Taughinbaugh—Parent Coach

I found Another Way to be a great tool for opening a dialogue with my teenage daughter about a subject which can be hard to talk about. The story gave life to some of the most difficult hurdles teenagers have to deal with. I feel after having read it, my daughter will be more aware of and prepared to deal with some of the difficult decisions ahead of her.

Shawn Vaca—Parent

I feel this book is fantastic for teaching teens and pre-teens it’s okay to say no. It was a great learning experience for me; it taught me without it really feeling like learning.

Ivie—High School Student

Without hesitation, I provide my endorsement for this novel. It is beautifully crafted and provides a beneficial resource for young girls, as well as their parents. I wish I had been provided with a resource like this when I was in middle school, as it is such an awkward time of development. As my children grow, I want to be able to provide them with resources I am both comfortable with and confident in with regard to their content on the topic of sex and sexual relations. The novel is both!

Jill S. Martin—Parent & Educator

Well written, beautifully paced, and consistently engaging. This heartwarming story takes us on an emotional journey with two teenage girls, growing up in a modern society surrounded by social pressure to embark on a sexual relationship, before they are ready. The novel sensitively explores teenage friendship, sexual relationships, and self-esteem.

In a world rife with underage sex and teenage pregnancies, this book gives young people a chance to see there is Another Way to express love: through mutual respect and trust. This is an invaluable addition to any young person’s bookshelf.

Martine Johnson—Child & Adolescent Wellbeing Mentor

My adolescent clients are often bombarded with multiple mixed messages about sexuality, self-worth, and decisions about relationships. Another Way is an indispensable book for teens and those who care about them to communicate and make crucial life decisions about sex and relationships. Holli Kenley has done it again with this practical, entertaining, and bold book.

Jill Osborne—EdS, LPC, RPT

If guilt or shame have ever held you captive, Another Way is a must read! Author Holli Kenley drives home the fact we do not have to let guilt and shame define our lives. There is Another Way—find it here and be set free.

L. Gosik—Mother of Five

Holli Kenley is a phenomenal writer. As I read through Another Way, my thoughts were we needed this kind of material when I was a preteen/teenager, which was age appropriate and would hold both parents/guardians as well as teens responsible/accountable for their actions. With everything being sexualized and with the growing social behavior of sexting, I believe Another Way will open the eyes of many. In fact, I think this novel could be a refresher for adults to read as well! Although I have previously suggested her books to different groups and individuals, I would recommend Another Way to anyone!

Marie Waldrep—Author, A Voice That Has Spoken From Within: A Survivor’s Feelings Expressed Through Poetry

In Another Way by Holli Kenley, we are able to see not just the decision young Chloe has to make about herself and her life, but how the decisions we all make today affect the lives we live moving forward.

This is one of those great reads that is sure to find an audience with readers of all ages, becoming a source of encouragement for those who feel as though past decisions will keep them from enjoying future successes and happiness. If you ever had any doubt as to what is possible just by choosing to forgive yourself and finding the will to move forward, then this book should definitely be on your reading list.

Cyrus Webb—Host of Conversations LIVE and Editor-In-Chief of Conversations Magazine

Another Way provides a safe and easy way for young readers to understand the complexities of navigating through the typical social interactions and difficult decisions they will likely face sooner than later. Holli does a wonderful job of weaving a story together with powerful lessons, all the while guiding readers to a place where they can make those critical determinations in a responsible and confident manner.

Victor Shueller—Coach, Speaker & Author

Another Way depicts the challenges our youth face regarding promiscuous sexual behaviors. And in this book, author Holli Kenley finds a way to offer a structured layout full of applicable life lessons and useful tools. For all practical purposes, I definitely recommend Another Way for parents and all youth group leaders. This book provides insightful information for such an extremely important and essential part connected to today’s youth by giving options in how to make better decisions.

Jeff Hodges—Youth Empowerment Speaker

Holli Kenley has written yet another award-winning book—Another Way... a powerful book that must be read by pre-teens and teenagers. As her story resonates strongly with my experiences during those formative years of discovery, I appreciate Holli’s emphasis on values and implementing those values through connections with like-minded friends, through youth groups which provide support. I highly recommend Another Way and also encourage parents to read this book to provide a deeper connection and compassion for what our children experience in their lives.

Nancy Ferrari—CEO, Nancy Ferrari Media

Another Way provides guidance and education for youth who are learning who they are while facing the decisions of real life. Kenley provides an outlet for those faced with peer pressure and offers strength and empowerment in being true to oneself. As young people weave their path through life, they need to know there is Another Way.

Robin Marvel—Motivational Speaker & Author/Editor U R Enough

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Are You Ready?

One ~ She Knew One Thing

Two ~ A Secret Agreement

Three ~ It Feels So Good, It Must Be Right

Four ~ He Really Loves Me

Five ~ I Don’t Belong Here

Six ~ I Lied to Myself... I Let Myself Down

Seven ~ Finding Another Way... Back

Eight ~ Each One of You Matters

Nine ~ Circles and a Code

Ten ~ Her Way

Appendix A ~ Book Club Questions or Individual Study

Appendix B ~ Chloe’s Circles

Appendix C ~ Tyrell’s Code of Conduct

Appendix D ~ David’s 5 Point Personal Code of Conduct

Appendix E ~ Offering Another Way To Parents

Bibliography

About the Author

Another Way

Another Way is a novel about young people engaging in at-risk social behaviors and entering into sexual relationships before they are ready. Without judgment or condemnation but with compassion, Another Way challenges young people’s current thinking around what is normal and wanting to fit in, and offers them a healthy path of self-discovery and empowerment.

Acknowledgments

When I finished the second final rough draft of Another Way, I turned to four individuals whom I hold in the highest respect and regard—both personally and professionally—and I asked them for their honest feedback. Because these remarkable people strive to improve the human condition within their respective roles and relationships, I knew I could count on their constructive input. After receiving their feedback, two more drafts were completed before Another Way found its final version. Moving from draft to publication is rarely a solo effort, and thus, acknowledging others who care deeply about its intent and influence brings a satisfying completeness to the process.

Thank you...

Marie Waldrep Cyrus Webb James Wilcox Dan Kenley

Introduction: Are You Ready?

When I was twenty-five, I started my first year of teaching at an elementary school. I was eager and excited, and I wanted to make a difference in the lives of young children. My first assignment was a fifth-sixth grade combination class. After about the first three weeks, I felt extremely comfortable with the students, and they did with me. One day after class, a sweet sixth grader named Darla asked to speak with me privately. Of course, I said yes. I pulled up a chair next to my desk and asked how I could help her. With a frightened look in her eyes, Darla said, “I think I might be pregnant.”

Although I was not naïve, I have to say I was surprised. Calmly I asked, “Darla, why might you think that?”

Darla replied, “Well, my period did not come...and... Sam and I went to home base together.”

My mind immediately went to Sam, a little guy in our class, who was a fifth grader. Looking into Darla’s eyes, I saw fear as she wiped the tears streaming down her face. I quietly asked, “Darla, can you explain to me what first base is... and second base, and so on?” I wanted to make sure there was indeed a need for concern.

After Darla explained the bases to me, my concerns were validated. As I held this little girl in my arms, I felt helpless. Once Darla stopped crying, I walked her down to the nurse’s office who then took over.

Although this incident happened many years ago, I have never forgotten it. And, during my years as a teacher and as a therapist, I have heard stories like Darla’s and others over and over again. One of the questions I asked myself then, and I ask myself now, as young people engage in sex, is “Are they ready?”

As you begin reading Another Way, ask yourself, Am I ready? Really ready? And, how will I know whether I am or not?

I invite you to take this journey with Chloe. It’s time to find out.

Are You Ready For Sex?

14-year-old Chloe Wheeler is not sure.

Searching for guidance, she finds...

Another Way

Although this book is fictional, the characters—their conversations and their relationships— are based on real life experience.

~ One ~

She Knew One Thing

The bright yellow ball hung from the sky and cast its sword-like rays on the silver-crested waves of the ocean. Thunderous crashes of shiny water pounded against the kelp-ridden beach. Tiny sand crabs scampered from one newly-formed hole to another, only to disappear quickly under the slippery blanket of sand and water. Straight ahead, all one could see was miles of sparkling ice-blue water, dotted here and there with stark masts and colorful sails. Off to the north end was a manicured line of beachfront condominiums and houses—each one strategically arranged among the rolling sandy dunes, the wild tall green tulles, and the wooden-planked paths. Families were scattered here and there with children busily creating sandcastles while their parents attempted to sunbathe in between their bouts of sporadic supervision. Cool breezes filled the air with the familiar smells of seaweed and ocean spray. Perhaps, the most impressive sight and sound of this beach was the constant company of the friendly pelicans. Although they visited every part and almost every person in this mostly secluded and privately owned beach, they made their home territory toward the south end.

It was in this direction of the pelicans’ home Chloe Wheeler was walking. As she dipped her toes into the freshly washed sand, she chuckled as she looked behind her to view the funny-shaped footprint she had left. In a moment, the next wave would wash it away, and prepare another canvas for her next foot painting. With her hands clasped behind her waist and her head tilted back slightly to let the rush of cool air brush across her face, Chloe continued on about half mile down the beach and then turned sharply away from the ocean. The excitement began to build inside as she anticipated the place she had longed to visit for almost a year. As Chloe made her way over several sand dunes and through over-grown tulles, she then carefully crawled down some large round stones until she found her place on a smooth broad flat rock. Except for a few pelicans, no one else had discovered this private place, at least as far as Chloe knew. And that’s what was important.

Making herself comfortable on her slab of gray rock, Chloe viewed the wondrous beauty of this relatively small lagoon surrounding her. The water was crystal clear, not like most lagoons, which were dark and murky. She could see the glossed rocks nestled below and the myriad of orange, blue-green creatures flittering about. The tulles encircling the little lagoon provided a wall of privacy, and the pelicans perched on rocks or posts stood guard in protection of it. Chloe took in a deep breath, letting the excitement wind down, and she began to relish the peace and quiet she was about to enjoy.

Chloe didn’t realize how much she missed this place until now. Coming here just once a year didn’t seem enough, but then she knew her family sacrificed to make the trip this year. James, Chloe’s dad, owned his construction company and business had not done well over the past several years. Chloe’s mom, Melissa, stayed at home to take care of Chloe’s younger sister, Alisha, who recently turned eight. Missy, as she was called, enjoyed working her freelance interior decorating business from home. However, her income was also impacted by the recession. Chloe decided she had been feeling very selfish. She was truly grateful her family was able to enjoy one fun-filled week at their beach!

Chloe closed her eyes for a moment. Thoughts whirled and raced around in her head and then began to settle down. So many things were about to change in her life. In two weeks, she would be starting high school, and in a few months, she would be turning fifteen. Although many of Chloe’s friends were allowed to date in middle school, her parents set her official dating age at fifteen. Oh, yes, she was permitted to go to the Winter and Spring dances, as well as the eighth-grade prom, but those weren’t exactly the same as dating. Her stomach did a little flip as she thought about all the new experiences she was going to encounter. Secretly, she wondered if she was ready.

Chloe opened her eyes and looked down into the lagoon. The sun was shining at an angle, just so it cast a mirror-like film across the surface. When Chloe looked down, she could see herself perfectly. She never thought of herself as being pretty, just average. Her extremely curly and unruly black hair reached her shoulder blades and parted naturally toward the middle of her scalp. Her round deep brown eyes accented with a rare yellow hue were set between a straight nose, much like her dad’s. Friends often commented on her unusually long eyelashes and her perfectly formed eyebrows. Moving closer to her reflection, Chloe saw a smooth complexion. Luckily, she was not tormented by acne or unwanted blemishes many of her friends complained about. And for this, she was grateful. As she smiled, Chloe viewed her white well-straightened teeth which had succumbed to two years in braces. Her frame was long and slender. She actually didn’t seem to mind her figure until now, when all her friends were filling out in the right places at a much faster rate than did she. Perhaps this year that would change too.

As Chloe pulled her knees up against her and rested her chin on them, she stared deeply into her reflection. She saw a young lady who did well in school, who had a loving family to care for her, who shared some very special friendships (especially with her best friend Amanda), and who felt good about who she was. She wondered to herself, “Would this all change too?” Over the past year, Chloe had seen many of her friends change already. They became less interested in school, hung out with older crowds, and freely experimented with drugs and alcohol. Chloe mumbled to herself, “It’s just the way life is...” However, it was Chloe and just a few of her close friends who were different from so many kids she knew. She reached down to stroke the water in the lagoon. It began a ripple effect causing her reflection to waiver. Chloe’s dark serious eyes followed the moving image. She pulled her hand from the cool water and allowed the reflection to take on its steady form. She didn’t want to change the image she saw, at least for now. She felt secure about who she was and where she was going. She felt very comfortable with the fact no one had pressured her into doing anything against her will—not drinking, not drugs, and not sex. Although Chloe had been quite vocal about her opposition to drugs and alcohol, she kept her thoughts about virginity to herself. She secretly wondered, “Is it I don’t really know how I feel about it? Is it, in a way, I am a bit embarrassed by it? Or is it my lack of experience in dating which keeps me from speaking about it?” Chloe didn’t know the answers to these questions, and for now, it wasn’t important she have all the right responses. She knew one thing—she was a virgin and at this time in her life, that’s the way she wanted to be.

As Chloe slowly stood up stretching her long legs, she watched her reflection grow upon the water’s surface. The faithful pelicans fluttered about watching her every move, and the green tulles swayed in the breeze. Chloe took one last glance, not to admire her physical appearance, but to imprint indelibly upon her mind the portrait of who she was.

~ Two ~

A Secret Agreement

Chloe quickly turned the dial to the right—24, then twice around to the left—14, and finally back to the right—38. “Come on”, she thought, “I’m running out of time.” She glanced down at her watch and saw there were only two minutes remaining until the tardy bell rang. Frustrated, Chloe grumbled to herself, “Why do I have a locker which is so hard to open?” She pressed the handle up and pulled hard this time. “There! Finally!”

Chloe grabbed her Spanish book and English literature text, slammed the locker shut, and began making her way through the overly crowded hallways of Lincoln High School. As she sidestepped between the clusters of students, ducked here and there, and elbowed a stranger once or twice, Chloe managed to slide into her desk just ten seconds before the bell rang. Her Spanish teacher, Señor Escobar, stood at the front of the room, tapping his pencil, waiting to catch any tardy victims. Chloe quickly readied herself for the intense lesson, which was about to take place, but she scanned the other side of the classroom for her best friend, Amanda. Although it was quite irritating that Señor Escobar made the students sit alphabetically, thus separating the two best friends, Chloe knew if she sat next to Amanda, they would be tempted to talk incessantly.

As the irritating high-pitched bell rang for seemingly endless seconds, Chloe’s eyes caught Amanda’s and they smiled. Although Chloe secretly wished they had more classes together, it was good to have at least two which were the same—Spanish and yearbook. As Señor Escobar began scribbling the lesson on the whiteboard, Chloe thought about how incredibly fast the first few weeks of school had gone by. It had seemed as though it was only yesterday when she was sitting by her lagoon and anticipating high school. Returning home from the beach, registering for classes, trying out for the tennis team, shopping for bargains on school clothes, and mentally gearing up for the big transition into high school had quickly eaten up the rest of her summer vacation. And once school started, time seemed to fly by even more quickly. Chloe was excited about all her classes—Spanish, English, yearbook, algebra, ceramics, and tennis team. She was grateful she had taken geography and health in summer school to lessen the homework load this first year in high school.

“Señorita Wheeler, would you please read off the first three answers of your homework assignment?”

Chloe was startled by the request, but immediately began to recite her responses she had diligently worked on the night before.

“Muy bien. Muchas gracias, Señorita.”

Chloe took a deep sigh of relief and sank down a little in her chair. She glanced over at her best friend through the side of her eye and saw Amanda was giggling. To avoid joining in, Chloe cupped her hand around her temple and blocked her vision in Amanda’s direction. Once one of them started to laugh, it was all over. Chloe knew she could not look over there again!

Making his way around the classroom and calling on students, Señor Escobar finally singled out Amanda. He knew she was really good in Spanish; in fact, she probably should have been placed in Spanish II. Señor Escobar loved her accent and often called on Amanda to construct long answers or read passages for the rest of the class to hear and emulate. Chloe thought about how Amanda had spent several summers in Mexico with her church youth group helping to build simple houses, tiny churches, and crude but clean outdoor toilet facilities for some of the poorest villages. Chloe often envied Amanda’s ability to give so selflessly of her time and energy. Amanda told Chloe many times, “I do this for God. It is what He would want me to do. I love serving Him in this way.” Chloe didn’t quite understand it all. Amanda was raised going to church every Sunday and became a Christian at the age of ten. On the other hand, Chloe’s family did not go to church or profess any belief in a specific religion or God. Her father said he really wasn’t sure about the whole God thing, and her mom never spoke about her true feelings. Therefore, Chloe wasn’t sure what her mom believed or didn’t believe. Amanda was bugging Chloe for a long time to go to a youth group with her, but Chloe just didn’t have the desire to and she thought she might upset her parents by attending it.

As Amanda finished up her eloquent dialogue, the class responded with a few cheers and a round of applause. Even Señor Escobar burst forth with his favorite words, “Excelente, muy bien!” In embarrassment, Amanda buried her face in her folded arms on her desk. Her shoulder-length, sandy blonde hair shielded the redness in her face, but when she emerged from behind her veil of locks, her light blue eyes seemed even brighter against the still pink coloring in her cheeks. Chloe thought to herself how pretty Amanda was. Even though Amanda was much shorter and bigger-boned than Chloe, she carried herself with a gracefulness and an attractiveness evident to all. Perhaps it was her smile and her easy-going personality which seemed to brighten up and lighten up a whole room of people. Chloe thought to herself how grateful she was to have such a close friend. They had known each other for three years, and in spite of some of their differences, they always talked through their misunderstandings and remained loyal to their friendship.

Chloe glanced around the room and she could see Amanda pointing to her watch—about ten minutes left to go. By the time Señor Escobar finished explaining the night’s homework, there were just a few minutes left in the period. He finally concluded and the students began shuffling their papers and loading up their backpacks. The noise level began to rise as students’ anticipation grew to escape the classroom and join their friends for a few brief moments of much-needed texting or conversation.

“Adiós, Señores e Señoritas. Hasta mañana!” With the simultaneous shrill of the bell, students flew from their seats and whisked their way into the buzzing hallways. Amanda and Chloe were forced out the doorway with the movement of the crowd and found themselves caught up in the stream of flowing students. Both girls immediately grabbed for their phones, which were buried in their backpacks, and turned them on. At Lincoln High, phones were required to be off during class time. Chloe checked her messages while Amanda kept searching through her heavy bag.

Amanda laughingly asked, “Can you believe how stupid I sounded reading off the entire passage today?”

“Oh, come on, Amanda. You sounded great and you know it! The rest of us just wish you weren’t quite as good as you are! You make us look pretty pathetic!” Chloe laughed too and they both walked on, scanning their texts and emails.

“Chlo, I’ll see you at lunch! Wait for me outside the quad area by the lunch tables. You know, our usual place!”

“Okay, but I wanted to ask you if you’re going to be busy after school today. I think I’m gonna need help on some of our Spanish homework. Do you have time?”

“Sure, what do you think I’m doing—going out on a Wednesday?” Amanda said jokingly.

“Well, ya never know, Amanda. It seems like Blair Stevens wants to spend more and more time with you...”

“Oh, be quiet, Chlo. We’re just friends,” Amanda insisted but grinned with her familiar Cheshire smile.

“Yeah, right! Have you told him that?” Chloe kept the teasing going.

“Well, no...there hasn’t been a need to,” Amanda responded with a more serious tone. “Not yet, anyway.”

Chloe and Amanda both smiled and then sighed quietly to themselves. They both knew Blair liked Amanda, more than just for a friend. But they would let it drop for now. They both had classes to get to.

“Okay, see ya at lunch!” yelled Chloe as she headed down the opposite hallway.

“And don’t worry about Spanish,” shouted Amanda. “We’ll get it done after school! See ya in a while. Adios Señorita Wheeler!”

Chloe turned and mouthed the words, “Adios, Señora Stevens!”

Amanda made an obnoxious face at her best friend as she began to sprint to her next class.

* * *

Under the scantily shady palm tree, Chloe waited for her friend to emerge from the swarm of students. It was still uncomfortably hot for a September afternoon. As Chloe continued to scan the mass of sweaty students, she wondered to herself—as she had so many times over the years -why on earth people came to live in the desert of Southern California. “It’s got to be at least 115 degrees,” she mumbled to herself. “Come on, Amanda, hurry up!” As the beads of perspiration rolled down her back, Chloe finally caught sight of Amanda who was forging her way through the thick bus lines.

“Where have you been? I’ve been waiting almost fifteen minutes! I texted you several times, but you didn’t answer!” Chloe’s voice revealed a strong hint of exasperation. “I thought you’d left without me.”

“I’m sorry, Chlo. Blair stopped me after my last class and wanted to talk. I lost track of time.” Amanda looked apologetically at Chloe. “Come on. My mom’s waiting over there to give us a ride.”

Chloe and Amanda dodged their way through the maze of cars and squeezed into the doors of the familiar silver Cadillac SUV. Amanda hopped into the front seat while Chloe climbed into the back. The cool air from the car brought instant relief from the scorching heat outside.

“Hi, Mrs. Hill. Wow, does it feel good in here!”

“Hello, Chloe.” Turning to smile to her daughter, Mrs. Hill added, “Hi, honey. And, yes, it is way too hot for September! And, it’s too hot for school, right girls?”

“You got it, Mom,” sighed Amanda. “Chloe is coming over for a while to work on some Spanish homework together. Hope that’s alright?”

“Of course it is.” Glancing in the rear view mirror, Mrs. Hill caught Chloe’s eyes. “You can stay for dinner if you’d like? There’s plenty of food and it would give you some extra time.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Hill. I need to check with my mom first, but I’m sure she won’t mind.” Chloe sat back comfortably in the large cushioned seat. She looked over at Mrs. Hill and thought about what a busy and unselfish person she was. Amanda’s mom and dad divorced when Amanda was only four. Her mom re-married to Steven Hill two years after the divorce and had three more children—twin boys who were age six and a three year old little girl. Mrs. Hill was always shuffling kids around, baking goodies for special occasions, making time for fun activities, and even volunteering part time at the twins’ school. Chloe often wondered if Amanda ever resented all the attention and time the younger kids got, but then Amanda never complained. In fact, she always spoke so highly of her mom and her step-dad.

After swinging by to pick up the twins—Jacob and Jesse—from their soccer practice and little Nicole from pre-school, they arrived at the Hill’s sprawling Southwest home. Amanda and Chloe quickly excused themselves from the rest of the family and disappeared into Amanda’s bedroom. Amanda dropped her books on her desk and flopped on her large white canopied bed while Chloe sprawled across the thick light green area rug covering the large terracotta tiles. As she ran her fingers through the tightly woven threads, her eyes scanned the over-sized, delicately decorated bedroom. Amanda’s step-dad was a doctor and her parents could afford the finest of things. Her room resembled a picture out of House Beautiful with the white quilted spread matching the curtains, and the mint green trim on the heavy pine dressers and nightstands blending perfectly into the lush rug below. Amanda had a collection of dolls from all over the world, mounted in etched glass and pine cases hanging neatly from the pastel green adobe walls. Even her piano certificates and swimming awards were professionally framed and displayed strategically throughout the room. Chloe’s eyes continued their thorough scan until suddenly Amanda flung her upper torso over the edge of the bed and scared Chloe half to death!

“What are you doing, nut head?” laughed Amanda. “I’ve been calling your name! Are you out of it or what?”

“Nah... just day-dreaming... just wondering about stuff,” sighed Chloe.

“Like what?” Amanda secured herself on the edge of the bed, facing down toward her best friend. She cradled her phone and eyed it constantly, hoping she’d get a text from Blair.

Chloe hesitated for a moment and looked seriously at Amanda. “Do you ever think about sex?”

Amanda laughed for a second, but then noticed how Chloe seemed embarrassed. “Well, of course I do. What do you think? I’m some kind of freak?”

“No, that’s not what I mean, exactly.” Chloe refocused her thoughts and said, “You and I both know most of the girls our age are already messin’ around with guys, and you and I haven’t. Sometimes I feel like something is wrong with me. I’m not even sure why I feel this way.” Chloe found it awkward to find the right words but she continued, “I mean... it’s not like I want to start fooling around with guys or go do it just to say I’ve done it, but sometimes I am really curious... I just think about it a lot. And I sorta feel there is a pressure or kind of like an expectation—especially now we are in high school.”

—“I know what you mean, Chlo. But I figure that’s just because everyone else is hooking up or doing a lot of other stuff they say isn’t really sex—when really it is—but Chloe, it doesn’t mean it’s right for you or for me.” Amanda’s voice turned really serious. “I’ve talked with some girls we know who are sexually active or who say they are experimenting, or whatever they want to call it, and I kinda feel bad for them.”

“Why?” asked Chloe, as she propped herself up on her elbows and continued to stroke the soft threads in the rug.

“Well, do you know Jennifer Kimball?” Chloe nodded. “She’s really pretty and has a great body, but she thinks the only way a guy will ask her out or be interested in her is if she gives it up. So, she goes out, hooks up with a guy or gives him what he wants; then she gets dumped.” Amanda shook her head in frustration. “What does she expect? She gets hurt over and over again. But she continues to do it, and every time she does, she feels worse and worse about herself.”

“Yea... I know. Jennifer tells everyone she doesn’t care if guys break up with her, but you can tell it really bothers her.”

“Oh, and you know that girl, umm... Keisha... I think her last name is Robertson?

Chloe wasn’t sure, but added, “I think so. Go on.”

“Well, she was telling a bunch of us during P.E. one day about this thing with her real dad. She says he doesn’t care about her because he never stays in touch with her. I guess she’s probably right. He lives far away and never calls her. And Keisha’s mom dates a lot of men and doesn’t spend any time with her either. Anyway, Keisha says for her, sex feels good... and she really enjoys it!” Both girls smiled at each other. Amanda continued. “She’s probably right. But, Keisha also says she likes the male attention... and some attention is better than none.”

Chloe sat up and crossed her legs while Amada continued to hang over the side of the bed. “You know the new girl who is in our Spanish class? I think her name is Tracy... Tracy Gonzales—she is quite tall and has dark short hair...”

“Yea, I think I know who you mean. What about her?”

“Well, she’s also in my English class. When we sat in groups the other day, she bragged about all the places she did it with guys and was showing pictures of her and some guy on her phone! Bobby Holloway was sitting next to me and said all the guys think she’s a slut and just laughed at her behind her back.” Chloe continued even though she was upset. “Then, two guys in our group asked for her cell number and pretended to care about her. At the end of class, they wadded up the paper with her number on it and threw it in the trash. On their way out the door, one of the guys yelled to his friends that Tracy belonged in the trash with it. It was sickening...”

Amanda’s disgusted expression turned to one of concern. “I found out a few days ago Cecelia Delgado and her boyfriend, Ryan Wilson, are sexually active, although she said it was the safe kind.”

“How did you know that?” asked Chloe.

“We were out at swim practice and she told me she missed her period. She’s really scared, and she hasn’t said anything to Ryan or anyone else.” Amanda’s face turned even more serious but with a look of confusion. “I really wasn’t very surprised, Chlo. What some kids think is safe is just a joke. They’re being stupid and just kidding themselves.”

Chloe looked surprised. “But isn’t Cecelia in your youth group at church?”

“Yes... but...”

“Well, didn’t Cecelia tell you she was not going to be pressured into sex with anyone, including Ryan? Didn’t she say something like she wanted to wait until she was married... or at least engaged?”

With a hint of frustration in her voice, Amanda responded. “I guess it’s not as easy as it sounds, Chloe. I don’t know. You and I have not had a serious boyfriend, yet. Maybe we will feel differently when we do.” Amanda continued, “I’ve been told over and over again by my parents... sex before marriage is wrong, but they never explain why. How about you? Do you ever discuss it with you mom or dad?”

“Are you kidding? No way!” Chloe almost choked on her words. “I mean, my mom and I have a close relationship. But, we never discuss anything about sex. And my dad, forget it! He has a hard time expressing his feelings at all. I can’t imagine talking with him about it,” laughed Chloe.

Amanda laughed along with her and understood. “Most parents don’t discuss sex with their kids. They are left to find out for themselves, in their own way and time. Or as my parents have done, they just say ‘don’t do it’—end of conversation!” Amanda paused for a moment. “Ya know what? I think I might have an answer....”

“What?” asked Chloe.

“Well, you’ve heard me speak of my youth pastor, Rick Summers and his wife Monica, haven’t you?”

“Yea....”

“At last Wednesday’s youth group, he said we were going to start a series of talks about sex. He said something about a program called Another Way. I’m not sure what it is, exactly, but I want to find out!” Amanda looked to Chloe with anticipation. “I wish you’d come with me, Chlo. I know I keep bugging you to come along, but it’s only because I think you’d really enjoy the crazy games we play. And, Rick is going to open up the classes to other high school youth groups and to any high school students who want to come in order to get as many kids involved as possible.” With added excitement, Amanda jumped off the bed. “In fact, why don’t you come tonight? You’re staying for dinner anyway. We could go right after we eat?”

“Oh, I don’t know, Amanda. I need to see what my parents will say. You know how my dad is. Let me work on them... prepare them a little.” Chloe hesitated, “I would like to hear what Rick and his wife have to say about sex...”

“Yea... I thought you would!” laughed Amanda as she grabbed her Spanish book and made her way over to her desk. “Come on, we better get going on this before we run out of time!”

“Amanda, can I ask you one more thing before we get started?”

“Sure,” responded Amanda while she grabbed her things off her desk and sat down on the soft rug with her materials scattered around her.

Chloe paused for a moment and then got up her nerve. “You and Blair have been friends for at least a year, but it seems as though he would like to be something more... What’s going on between you guys?”