Adelle nodded and wiped tears away. God, she was seventeen, not six! She pulled herself away and then kisses Chris softly in the lips. "Thank you" She looked away. There was a small crown hovering, whispering. They had obviously heard. The headmistress came hurrying over. Adelle, Miss Ashbey, I am so sorry, I just heard. Please, accept our condolences. Adell, take whatever time off you need, dear. Miss Ashbey, if there is anything the school can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask..."<br/><br/>Adelle looked up in awe at the head. The woman had a reputation as a hard-nosed bitch, and yet suddenly she was displaying a softer side. Adelle couldn't help it, she gathered the older woman into a hug. "Thank you, Mrs Richardson". She released the startled headmistress, and smiled for the first time since getting the news.<br/><br/>Suddenly even her worst enemies were coming up and hugging her, and it seemed that very girl in the school knew her. "W-wow, I wish I could have been this popular without..." She couldn't finish the half hearted joke.<br/><br/>Linda Grey, her best friend, came up and hugged her tight. "Anything you need, Adie", she whispered "Anything at all."<br/><br/>Adelle murmered "Thanks", back, unsure of whether the offer meant what it sounded like... but Adelle was her friend and she didn't actually fancy her at all anyway.<br/><br/>She turned to Christina. "Okay, let's go..." She was ready, now, she could be strong, and do this.