Although Amanda clearly understood the significance between Sharifa’s horrific attack and her own situation, Amanda felt a strong connection with Sharifa. Both of them were engulfed by the heavy weight of self-blame for their choices and both girls shared the deeply personal impact it left on them. Amanda looked around the circle noticing how several other girls also understood these same feelings of responsibility and of shame. She faced Sharifa. “Sharifa, I too made really bad choices.”
“Do you mind saying?” Sharifa asked.
“Well, for one thing, I had a rule for myself—I would not go to a guy’s house if there were no adults at home. Not long after Blair and I started dating, I broke my rule. I was so stupid! We went to his parents’ house whenever they were not home! And even though I to
