Conner and Mel's parents

Courtney's talk with Mel's parents went fairly well. They mostly wanted to know how she knew Mel needed help and if she'd continue to help her.

Given what Courtney knew about Mel, it made sense they were being overly cautious about their daughter's friends. She explained about the bruises she saw on Mel's wrist and how Doug acted around the other girl. Their was no hesitation that yes, of course, she'd help Mel again, if necessary.

When all the questions were answered. Courtney, unknowingly, reiterated what Dante had said by saying that Mel should stay. That the girl had real friends here.

It took about twenty minutes, then she was given a note to go back to class. On her way out, she saw Conner waiting.

"They're ready for you," Courtney told the boy.

Conner sat he could hear the voices but could not make out what was being said. He knew he was going to be asked some questions but was not sure by who. Conner was a bit nervous but not scared. He saw Courtney walk out.

"Ready, what did I do?" he said with a sly grin. "Is it like the Grand Inquisition?" ask Conner walking to the door.

Courtney smiled at his quip. "No, it's not that bad. It's Mel's parents so just be respectful of them. Oh, and they seem really iffy on letting her stay so anything you can say to help with that would probably be useful." She paused and then added. "I just, basically, told them that Mel has a good support system here."

"No problem," Conner replied as he knocked on the door.

He heard "enter" he opened the door he looked at everyone and there were two he did not know. He figured they were the parents. He gave a warm confident smile to the parents.

Dr. Williams motioned for Conner to sit. "This is Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, they are trying to get a sense of the people that Melissa has become friends with, and the friends that helped her during her time with Doug Jefferson. Explain, in your own words, what happened at the dance and how you knew Melissa might be in danger from Doug?"

Conner gave his charming smile. "Let me start by saying, good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Morrison." Conner paused thinking. I realized Mel, as we call her, was in trouble back at the beach party. I and some others looked for her when she was gone." said Conner looking at Mr. and Mrs. Morrison. "By the way, I got to sing with Mel, she has a beautiful voice, during the beach party. Anyways, Courtney and I have been good friends for a long time, almost like a sister and brother relationship. When Mel was not seen, she came to me and asked that I could help find her so I helped in the search and helped take her to the nurse." Conner explained.

Conner paused thinking again how much he should say. He was worried he might say something wrong. "After some time I was told what was really going on. Moving to the dance, Doug was not taking the break up very well and was staring at Mel with a mean and hateful look. I had already worn Doug to stay away... ah.... earlier, and if I saw him mistreat Mel I would have another... mmm… talk with him." Conner was getting a bit nervous now. "So I asked Mel to dance along with some other guys so she would have a good time and not worry about Doug," continuing to explain. "There was security there but Doug got close, dancing with some other girl, and jumped the guy she was dancing with and ran out an emergency exit." described Conner now back to his normal self.

"Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, Mel is very well liked here at this school and now the information is out on Doug. Mel is very well protected. If Doug were to come back on campus I was told that Doug will be held by security and you probably already know their qualifications. Off campus Mel her friends will not let her go anywhere without a few of us with her. So you could say she has bodyguards until Doug is removed from here and are friends for life. I can say that with confidence. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison." said Conner pausing. "I know Doug got lucky. I know he will not get another chance without ah... I will just say it, a beating." Finished Conner.

Dr. Williams was a little surprised that Conner seemed to jump right into the topic with both feet, but it seemed to be a good thing as Mel's parents were considering the boy's words.

"Well, thank you for helping our daughter." Mrs. Morrison responded. "We will certainly take what you said into consideration."

Dr. Williams gave a nod and then asked Conner, "Was there anything else that you wanted to add?"

"I can not tell you what you should do. But I think taking her away from us would be a loss for her and us her friends. We would miss her dearly. I am sure I speak for a lot of people on this. If there is anything I can do let me know." Conner paused looking at Mr. and Mrs. Morrison. Is there anything you need or do you think Mel may need that I and her friends can help with?" asked Conner respectfully with real concern and sincerity.

The Morrison's seemed to relay something to each other without speaking. Mrs. Morrison then spoke up again, "We aren't expecting more than true friendships for our daughter. People that will stick by her. It seems to us that you've already done that but we need to know that it will continue going forward."

Conner sat thinking about their words. More? He thought, leaning back. "The only way I know she will get rid of Courtney and Me is to beat us off with a big stick. I can't talk for everyone but most feel the same way, that is just the way we are. She is a friend for life as long as she will have us as friends. I have no other way to put it. She is stuck with us." Conner explained sincerely. Conner looked the parents in the eyes. "If we did not want to be friends with Mel then we would not be here. I would not be here talking to you. Everyone in our group would come here and say something similar." added Conner.

Dr. Williams decided it was likely enough, "Thank you, Conner." She handed him a slip of paper excusing any class time missed, as Mel's parents also thanked him. "Carter should be outside, if you would send him in. You can go."

As said, Carter was out there, the two said a quick hello and Carter walked into the office as Conner left.