** Candice **
I'm about to walk into my third period class when I feel a tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I see my counselor, Mrs. Stephens, staring at me with a concern in her eyes.
"Hi, Candice. Are you finding all your classes?"
"Oh, yes, thanks."
"Great!" she says with a troubled look on her face. I'm not sure that's what she really wanted to ask.
What's going on with her?
"That's good. I just..." She stops, dropping her eyes to my cheek, then back to me.
Shit.
She takes me by the arm, leading me toward the ladies' room like we're about to have a secret meeting, stopping once we're inside. "Is everything all right, honey?" she whispers with a new look of concern.
My hand goes directly to my bruised cheek as if covering it up will make her forget what she saw. "Uh huh...e
