Tough Love
The Right Thing To Do Isn't Always The Easiest

Whitney was a very cheerful girl. It was in her nature. You almost never saw her without a smile, and she had good things to say about everyone. She wasn't what you might call pretty, but according to her friends, she was cute.

Now, Jaime was starting to worry about her. Her constant smile had all but disappeared. And she was loosing weight. Not in a healthy way either. She was getting much too skinny.

I don't think she's eating, Jaime said to a group of friends one day. I think she's starving herself to loose weight.

One friend just rolled her eyes. Oh come on Jaime, this is Whitney we're talking about. She'd never do anything like that! She doesn't care about things like that.

But Jaime wasn't so sure. As time went on, Whitney kept getting worse. She continued to loose weigh, and became extremely moody.

Finally, Jaime confronted Whitney about the problem. Whitney, have you been trying to loose weight? She asked her friend cautiously.

Yeah, so? Whitney shrugged.

Well... how have you been doing it?

That's none of your business. Whitney told her.

It is, because you're my friend, and I'm worried about you. You aren't eating, are you? I know you aren't.

So what? Whitney snapped, So I'm not eating? Who cares? I'm only trying to loose a few pounds.

You've lost more than a few pounds! Jaime snapped back, Look at you! This isn't healthy!

Just leave me alone! Whitney shouted at her. Mind your own business! And don't you dare tell anyone about this!

Jaime didn't know what to do. She didn't want to betray Whitney's trust, but she couldn't let her friend slowly kill herself. She wrestled with the decision for days, before she made up her mind.

She tried to get some friends to come with her, but none of them would. They were too afraid. They didn't want to get Whitney into trouble. So she went by herself. She went to the school counselor, and told her everything.

At the end of the day, Jaime was getting everything that she needed for homework ready, when Whitney stormed up to her. How could you? She screamed, I told you not to tell, and you told! I trusted you! I thought you were my friend! I HATE YOU!

I know, Jaime said in a choked voice, trying not to cry. But you're one of my best friends, and I couldn't watch you do this to yourself. I did what I thought was best.

Best? How could this be best? Don't ever talk to me again.

When Whitney didn't speak to Jaime for a month, she was afraid she had lost her friend forever. But at least she was alive, and healthy. She was getting the help she needed. And for that Jaime was glad. She'd do it again in a heartbeat.

After two months without a word from Whitney, Jaime was convinced she'd lost her forever. Until one day, first thing in the morning, before classes. Whitney came bounding down the hallway, with her trademark smile firmly in place. She stopped in front of Jaime, and embraced her in the biggest hug she'd ever gotten.

Thank you Jaime. You're the best friend I could ever ask for. You might have saved my life that day, and I will never be able to thank you enough for that. And I'm so sorry that I said all those horrible things to you.

I forgive you, Jaime said, returning the hug. She had never felt more relieved in her life.