As Alex pushed open the guidance office door for Chloe, she was attacked by both of the school’s counselors; worried looks on their normally calm faces.

“Miss Sunder, what happened?”
“You can tell us anything.”
“Please, pretend it’s just us, speak your mind.”
“It’s okay to cry sweetheart, let it out. Tell us what really happened.”

They were almost more interrogative than comforting. Chloe was silent with her eyebrows almost meeting at the center and her eyes large and wet. Alex was positive that this could not help and grabbed her hand again to pull her back out of the guidance office. That was when the counselor’s finally noticed his presence.

“And just who are you?”
“You’ll have to make an appointment. We’re busy.” They had the teamwork thing down.

“Don’t worry,” Alex responded coolly, “I’m the best friend. Chloe will be fine, but she could probably use a rest—”

But at that moment Mr. Cook appeared from the meeting room adjacent to the guidance office.

“In here. We need to talk.”