“Erin, I want you to understand something,” Hailey explained. “Yes, I’m hoping that my parents will like that I’m helping you. But no, it is not the only, or even primary, reason I’m doing this for you. I am doing this to help you. If I can help you by simply wearing thicker underwear to bed, why shouldn’t I do it?”
“Some of your friends might find out.”
“How? We’re only doing this at home. Neither of us are going to tell anybody, and my parents will keep it private as well. Besides…” Hailey hesitated. “…I really don’t have friends at school to care about. There’s almost nobody there worth talking to. I’m being completely honest when I say that you’re one of the first people my age I feel I can talk to without getting dumber.”