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Dr. Hugo Strange is a bald man with round glasses and a generally pleasant disposition.  He invites Sammy in and has her take a seat.  "So, Ms. Jameson, it's been a while since we've spoken.  I take it things were alright after our last chat, but you're back.  Is there something specific bothering you?"

"Yeah,  sort of, but its not me, exactly.  Its a friend of mine.  And when I say its a friend of mine, its really a friend of mine, not me just pretending that a friend has a problem when its really me -- really.  There's a girl I know who really needs to talk to somebody who knows what they're doing.  I started to try to help her, but"  Sammy shrugs and looks frustrated and helpless.  "She's carrying a big load, and I'm smart enough to know its way too big for me to handle.  Like one of those drowning people who will pull down a rescuer unless the rescuer knows exactly what to do.  So I guess my part of the problem is figuring out how to get her to come in here without her feeling like I'm deserting her or ratting her out."

"That's a sticky problem."  he says, setting his pen down.  "I suppose you could try to just be a good listener, give your friend some time.  People often realize that they need help, and come to friends for it.  Perhaps after you've listened for a while you might be able to suggest she seek professional help.  That's got it's own risks.  Often the people who need professional help the most are the most adamant about not needing it."

Sammy nods slowly.  "OK.  It's just... She has some anger issues.  I don't want her hurting anybody.  I and... I was able to get between her and somebody else last week when she blew, and she hurt me a little-- but that's okay -- I knew it might happen and I stepped in anyhow,  because it was better me than that other person.  She was a wreck after.  I think... I'm pretty sure she's coming out of a bad mess, and I'm afraid she'll go back there if something goes really wrong, if she does something stupid and loses it again."  She looks at Strange kind of pathetically.  "That's why it's too big for just me.  If I'm not around to stop her, and somebody gets hurt... I'm not going to feel real good about it.  I know I can't be everywhere and stop everything, but I need to feel like I tried when I knew."

"You are a very compassionate person.  Do you think you might be able to convince her to come in and see me?  If you gave me her name I might be able to find some excuse to see her.  If she's prone to violent outbursts, it might be better to intervene.  I would of course keep your name out of it."

Sammy thinks and replies slowly.  "No name,  not yet.  I don't want her thinking she's been betrayed; that would probably make things worse.  Part of the problem is her trust in someone was broken before.  Let me try."  She pauses.  "Do you have an emergency number?  If she breaks again while you're here, I'll just drag her straight to you and force her to deal.  But if you're not here, I-- I'm not sure where to go."

Strange fishes a card from his pocket and gives it to her.  "My service can reach me anytime.  Just try to be supportive, and if things get bed let a school administrator know.  We're all here to help."

Sammy pockets the card, and half smiles.  "Which ones are paranormals?  Those are the ones I really need when things get bad."  She puts up a halting hand.  "Never mind.  If they wanted people to know, they'd tell.  If you don't tell me you can't answer that question, then I can pretend I didn't ask."

"I wouldn't know."  Strange says, putting his pen away.  "Is there anything else?"

"Nothing I want to talk about right now."

"Ok then.  You take care of yourself and let me know if you need to talk to me.  Remember, we're all here to help."  He gets up and shows her out of the office, calling in his next appointment.

Sammy leaves the office not particularly reassured that he'll really do much of anything if she needs him to help.

>> Fast Forward >>

[That night, after dinner.]

Sammy gets her mom alone.  "Mom?  You know that new girl I mentioned, Alicia, the one I thought you ought to meet?  Because, she, uh, reminded me of stories you've told me about yourself?  I'm starting to think her problems are too big for me to deal with, not alone."

Sammy's mother looks a little lost for a second.  "Well, maybe the counselors at school could help or something."

Sammy's nose wrinkles in slight distaste.  "I tried, but I think I can only call him if she does something threatening." Again.  "He left me a little confused."  She blinks. "I did talk to you about Alicia, right?  Or did I only rehearse this in my head so much that I forgot to really do it?  I know I told you there was somebody new at school, a couple of new people.  Jakob, her, and Rhys, the musician?"

"You mentioned her.  I'm not sure I can help though.  She might resent me talking to her more than appreciate it."  Mom tries to smile, "Kids your age don't usually listen to us grown ups."

"She was mixed up with some bad people," Sammy says, somewhat urgently.  "I think they moved here to get away.  But its like its still right there for her,  sometimes."

"It's easy to doubt your value.  Think that the way you were is the only way you know how to be.  She needs time to adjust, and some positive things to let her see that she can be someone different."

"I knoooow that much.  It's just--it's the getting there that's scary.  She gets crazy angry sometimes, out of control.  I stopped her from hurting somebody before."  She looks away, as she feels slightly guilty.  "The brown sweater didn't go in the trash just because I was sick of it.  It was torn up and bloody past fixing."  She shrugs.  "I'm afraid.  I'm afraid of her hurting somebody.  I'm afraid of her needing a lot more help from me than I can give to her.  I'm afraid of what happens when I let her down -- I know I will, she needs a LOT."

Sammy's mom comes and gives her a hug.  "You wont let her down.  You might not be able to help her, but that's not letting her down.  The best that you can hope for is to make sure she knows you're there for her.  That could make all the difference in the world."

"I don't know," Sammy says dubiously.

"Trust me Sam.  If there had been someone there for me, it could have made a world of difference.  You have friends that know what it's like to be different.  When I was your age, it was just me.  I was scared and alone, and didn't think anyone understood.  Let her know that you're there for her."

Sammy hugs her mom tightly.  "OK.  I'll keep trying."