** ARTICLE 12 and REACTION 18 on 30RTD ARE BOTH ON ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS. IF YOU ARE IN ONE PLEASE CALL 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224 AND KNOW THAT IT IS OK TO GET OUT OF THE RELATIONSHIP. LOVE YOU ALL PLEASE STAY STRONG!

ADVICE COLUMN

MACY TRISTE

ARTICLE 12

10/20/15

Dear Macy,

I haven't told anyone yet. I'm so nervous. I don't think I'll be able to press send but, if somehow you receive this, thank god. I've been in a long term relationship for 10 months but recently my boyfriend hasn't been the same. He keeps getting angrier and angrier at me. We get in more fights over the littlest things. It's terrifying. Sometimes I'll wake up and have bruises covering my arm and stomach. I don't know where it's coming from. I've told him about them but he just says I probably fell of the bed. I honestly don't believe him but I don't want to believe the truth either. Macy, I'm so scared. Shoot, he's coming in, please help me!

From,

Sheena Wavers, Room 105 North Tower (spot the Tale of Two Cities reference)

_________________________

Dear Sheena,

I've already contacted the school board and help is on the way. I know you don't want to believe it, but please comprehend this. 

Your boyfriend is abusing you. Don't deny it and please don't let him make you not know the truth. You are equally important and if you get bruises and scars from him, you need to leave.

I understand how hard it may be to leave a 10 month relationship but this is for your safety. I'm so glad that you sent this. You need help, whether it's from me, from the school or anywhere else.

If it comes to the point where you don't feel safe at the school, then leave. I'm not supposed to discredit the school but it doesn't matter anymore. You come to this school to get an education, get help and feel safe. If you don't feel safe and you aren't recovering, then maybe this school isn't the best fit for you. 

Please tell the school board the truth even if it is something you don't believe can be true, you need the help and I will always be here. (Thank you for not being anonymous.)

Love,

Macy, who wants your safety

~~~~

I'm too late. That's all I can think about. I arrived at Amanda's too late. The ambulance was there and blaring its red lights to the whole neighborhood. Jeanna was crying, tears dripping down her face, but they weren't one at a time they were just flowing and I didn't know if they would ever end.

Her parents hugged each other because the loss of a daughter is just too much for just words, sometimes actions mean more. I just stared at the scene unveiling in front of me, a best friend crying endlessly, parents who were speechless, and a girl standing in the middle of the whole situation. My hand felt something wet on it and I looked up and thought it was raining.

It wasn't. I was crying. I knew this girl for a solid 10 minutes and her impact on me had so much. I just looked up again and thought to myself, please try to save everyone who asks for advice.

But that's silly because I'm only an advice columnist who used her words instead of her actions and now somebody is gone.