Saving You, Saving Me by Kailin Gow Read Free Book Online Page A

“Oh,” I said, suddenly feeling a deep sense of sadness for Gail. “I’m, ah, I’m really sorry to hear that.” I was at a loss for words.
                “Don’t be,” Derek said. “His death wasn’t in vain. Gail’s founded this Center in his memory ten years ago, and we’ve gotten tens of thousands of calls since. We’d like to think we’ve at least helped someone who needed it along the way.”
                Initially, I was hit with a sudden verge of tears, but the way Derek talked about how Gail turned around her tragedy into something courageous, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride for being part of her mission.
                “Do you want to grab something to drink before we start?” Derek asked. He took my hand very gently and led me to the break room. “Ta da!” he said, opening the refrigerator. Inside was a well-stocked beverage center with sodas, juice, energy drinks, and water. “Take a pick. It’s available for everyone here.”
                I grabbed a can of Diet A & W. Derek grabbed a bottle of water. “Thought I’d show you that first before we head on into the conference room.”
                We made our way into a room with a large oval table and he gestured for me to take a seat. He stepped out and returned with a notepad, pen, and some papers. “You’ve read through the policies from the packet you received by mail, right?  Here it is again…”
                I looked at the copy of paper in front of me, reading through it, but zeroing in on three points:
     
    1)       Callers are to remain anonymous so they can feel comfortable talking to a peer counselor at Sawyer House
    2)       Everything at Sawyer House is to remain confidential
    3)       Peer Counselors have a choice to remain anonymous or not to the Callers, but we advise against getting too close to a Caller
     
    “That’s there to protect the callers and to protect the counselors. Both ways,” Derek said, noticing where I was looking. “Any questions on the rules and policies?”
    I shook my head.  I could imagine if I had any, I’ll ask.
    “Now here’s the fun part. Let’s go over the scripts. It’s there so you have a guideline on how to answer questions.” Derek looked at me for a moment and said, “I’m sure you’ll do fine even without a script, you seem like the kind of girl who can handle yourself well in any situation.”
    I blushed, looking down. Was Derek flirting with me or just extra encouraging?  Lola was intrigued, leaning forward in her black lace corset, mini-skirt, and thigh-high stiletto boots.  Derek was boyishly cute and very nice. That’s right – Serious Susan jumped in. He’s more your type than Collins McGregor.
    “Thank you,” I said. “But I’d definitely feel more comfortable with a script around.”
    Derek grinned. “That’s what they’re there for.”
    I looked over the scripts and said, “Am I supposed to know all the different types of scenarios that would come up?  There’s cutting, divorce, bullying, bulimia, break ups, all kinds of stuff in here that I don’t have the answers to, Derek. I mean I’m not a psychologist or a doctor. How am I supposed to answer their questions if I don’t even know the basics of what they’re talking about?”
    “One step at a time, Sam,” Derek said patiently. “We’ll take it one step at a time.  No need to feel overwhelmed right now.  It’s a lot to absorb. That’s why I encourage you to go look up these issues on Wikipedia or Google it.” Derek came closer and sat in the chair besides me, looking into my eyes. “You know, you don’t have to start taking calls until you’re ready. Even then I’ll be around so you’re not handling the call alone.” He turned away and opened his bottled water, taking a sip from it. “I’m sensing you’re not sure about all this?”
    “No, no,” I said quickly. “It’s a lot to take