by Ashely Pettibon
Center High School
Monaca, Pennsylvania

There are some things that can be kept secret and then there are secrets which must be told. When a friend tells about her crush or tells that she is throwing a surprise party for her brother, these things can be kept secret. But when it comes to violence or drugs, you must tell someone who can intervene if necessary. When it comes to keeping a secret, you have to know when to keep it and when to speak up and tell a responsible adult.

For example, Sharon came up to her friend, Tina, between classes and whispered in her ear, “I need to tell you something. It is very important. Meet me after school at my house.” Tina agreed, thinking it was something simple like her crush asked her to the upcoming school dance. After school, Tina made here way to Sharon’s house not knowing what she was about to hear. Tina rang the doorbell expecting to see her friend’s normal smile and cheerful demeanor. Sharon opened the door and, even if you didn’t know her, you would be able to tell that something was wrong. “Sharon, what’s wrong?” asked Tina. “Come in and I’ll tell you,” replied Sharon. They both went in and sat down. They sat in uncomfortable silence until Tina finally asked, “What did you want to tell me?” It took Sharon a few minutes to collect her thoughts. “Do you promise to keep this a secret?” If you tell you, you cannot tell anyone. Agree?” “Yes, I promise.” Sharon started with her story, “Do you remember Jimmy, my friend from Parker High?” “Yes, I remember him. Isn’t he the one who played basketball and was really smart?” Yes, that’s him. But lately things haven’t been going real well for him. His parents are getting divorced. His grades are suffering too. He has also been suspended from the basketball team because he failed chemistry. He came over the other day and was really upset. He even threatened to kill himself. He told me not to tell anybody but I am really worried about him. I don't know what to do." "Well I think that you should take him seriously and tell an adult about it. You never know what could happen. He could end up hurting himself or someone else. What would you do if something happened to him knowing that you could have done something to stop it?" "That's true. I don't know if I could handle it. I don't want to break his trust but I don't want him getting hurt either. I think I will tell my parents. They'll know what to do."

Later that night Sharon decided to ask her parents for their help. "What would you do if a friend of yours is in trouble?" she asked. Her mom replied, "Well that depends what kind of trouble he is in. Do you think you could tell me what's wrong?" "Well.. well…umm… it's Jimmy. You know his parents are getting a divorce. He is so upset his grades are suffering and he has been suspended from the basketball team." "Oh that is terrible!" "I'm not sure if everything is okay. He threatened to kill himself and I don't know what to do. I told Tina earlier today and she suggested that I tell you." "Well I'm glad you came to me. I think that we should go over and talk with the three of them. It might help." "Okay. I'll go get my coat and then we can leave."

On the way to Jimmy's house Sharon was contemplating her decision of telling her parents. But she realized that it was a good decision and she couldn't live with herself if something bad happended. Both of Jimmy's parents' car were there when they arrived. They rang the doorbell and Jimmy answered the door. "Hey Jimmy. How are you?"

You see, Sharon did the right thing by confiding in her friend and asking for advice. Tina gave the right answer when she told her that she should go tell her parents and ask for their help. Nothing bad happened here because somebody took action. You would never know what could have happened if Sharon didn't say anything. If you don't take action against violence, then you can't sit back and say that it wasn't your fault.