Ray and I walked over to my house Thursday after school.

I laid down on my purple sheets in my room to my face to the gray ceiling and Ray sank down in the bean bag chair across the room.

"So how's your school week been so far, Ray?" I sighed.

"Good, I guess. I'm not so excited for Monster Principle Gator, or whatever her name is."

I let out a small laugh, agreeing. There was silence for a moment, but then Ray interrupted it,

"What about you Lyn?" he asked, sounding sincerely concerned, "Are you O.K.?" His eyes were worry-filled.

So he did know. He always knew I had trouble with my family, and he must of figured out what was happening at school. I just shrugged, tearing my eyes away from his gaze.

"Listen Weslyn," he stood up and took a step towards me. I looked into those familiar electrical grass green eyes, my attention directed towards him. Ray rarely called me by my real name. "If anything is ever, ever wrong, please tell me and know-know that I-" he stopped, looking for the right wording. He took a deep breath, "Know that I will, forever and always, have your back."
I stood up and he gave me a big warm hug. Not normal for me, I'm not a touchy person. I didn't care right then though.
I buried my head into his shoulder, and his smooth hand gave mine a quick, hopeful and trusting squeeze, then smoothed my hair comfortingly. Being surrounded by his strong pale arms gave me the thought everything would always be okay. That we would always be safe.

With sudden realization I stepped away from him. "Thank you Ray," I said  insecurely. I spoke with more confidence next, "But I'm as unbreakable as a diamond." I glanced down to my hard wood floor, gave Ray my best fake smile, and we both silently sighed, though for different reasons.