Lunch time rolled around pretty quickly and I was still shaken up after meeting Melanie. I was scared of what was going to happen because I didn't know what to expect.

I went into the cafeteria after leaving my money in the last bathroom stall for Melanie and Hayley waved me over to her table.

I went over and she introduced me to Lana and Marina. I knew Marina from my English class and I only knew Lana from seeing her around the school hallway.

They accepted me pretty quickly and it was nice to forget about Melanie for a while. The other two girls turned out to be really nice and I was glad that Hayley invited me to sit with them.

Hayley and I had Music next together so she walked to my locker with me.

"Hey Ashley, are you okay?" she asked "You were really quiet during lunch..."

I stayed quiet, opening my locker "I'm okay, I just-"

"Please don't give me the "I've a lot going on" thing, I know something is wrong" she cut across me

I sighed "Hayley...it's something I've to deal with by myself I don't want to get you involved, you'll get hurt"

I got my stuff and closed my locker. She grabbed my arm gently "Is someone hurting you Ashley?"

I bit my lip, trying to make the decision of whether I should tell her or not.

"Melanie" I whispered her name

"Martinez?" she said softly

I nodded "Please don't say anything, please." Tears started to well up in my eyes.

"Ashley..." she hugged me "I won't say anything I promise."

She pulled me into a warm embrace and didn't let go until the bell rang and then she walked me to class.

"I'll look after you" she said "I promise"