Another Way

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 s*x, 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 s*x? 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.