It's My Life - Melody Carlson [45]
By then the second bell had rung and we had to dash to class, but I paused for a split second to look her in the eye. “Jenny, I intend on sticking by you through this. Is that okay?”
She kind of shrugged again. “Sure, whatever.”
I didn't see her again today. But right after work, I came home and called Beanie and told her all about everything I'd said, and I asked if she had any suggestions. And without missing a beat she told me I should call Jenny's mom and tell her all about this.
“But that feels like I'm ratting on Jenny.”
“If you saw a friend holding a gun to her head, would you call someone for help?”
“Well, that's different.”
“Just quicker is all. But listen, Caitlin, just do Jenny and her parents a great, big favor and tell them what's up.”
“But what if Jenny gets mad at me?”
“She probably will.”
“But I think she needs me right now, Beanie. I don't want to blow her trust. I'm probably her closest friend at the moment, you know how she doesn't hang with any of her old friends anymore. And, speaking of friends, I sure wish you'd been around at lunchtime. I really could've used some backup.”
“Sorry, I had to do some research on the Net in the library. But I'll be around tomorrow. In the meantime, just tell her parents what's up.”
“I'll pray about it.”
“Well, I suppose that's a start.”
After I hung up, I did pray. As I did, an idea occurred to me. I decided I could write an anonymous letter. And if Jenny eventually guessed it was me, then I'd have to just live with it. But certainly that's better than doing nothing. I sat at my computer and typed out what I hoped sounded like a mature letter written by a concerned adult (like a teacher or something). I even went online and printed off a couple of good articles about anorexia nervosa that I included in the letter. And thanks to my job, I know how to print addresses on envelopes by computer, so the whole thing looks pretty slick, if I do say so myself, and it's all sealed and stamped and ready to go first thing in the morning.
But before I go to bed, I will say another prayer for Jenny (I've been praying for her health on and off throughout the day), but now I plan to pray for her spiritual condition–her heart. Ultimately that's the most important part anyway.
Thursday, October 4 (news from a far)
Jenny avoided me today, and I didn't see her anywhere at lunchtime. Part of me was slightly relieved, afraid that I'd say something to give away what I'd done last night. I really hope she never discovers that I'm the one who wrote that letter. But on the other hand, I did miss seeing her and I'm desperately worried about her condition (especially after reading that stuff from the anorexia web site last night).
On a happier note, I got a nice letter from Josh today, almost three pages long (double-spaced, of course). I think he's feeling a little overwhelmed by college. Not quite as easy as high school, I suspect. But it was great to hear he's still thinking about God and taking his faith seriously. He's even gotten involved in an early morning Bible study group, and he sent me a twenty-dollar bill to add to the Mexico garbage dump kids' fund. (I've got to come up with a proper name for this thing!) Maybe an acronym like FOOD (Feeding Orphans on the Dumpsite). Well, I guess I better give that one some more careful thought. Besides, the kids aren't really orphans, they just have some pretty hopeless parents.
Anyway, I decided to write back to Josh tonight, so I guess I'll have to cut my diary entry a little shorter than usual.
Friday, October 5 (concerns)
Jenny wasn't at school today, and I guess I'm feeling pretty worried that she might be sick as a result of her not eating. And yes, I suppose I feel a little guilty too because I'm sure her mom got my letter by now, and I wonder what will happen next. I mean, it's not like I'm going to get her into trouble or anything like that (actually I'd only wanted to spare her from some really serious troubles). But to be honest, this whole thing is getting to me. I mean,