Abigail says yes

“I don’t know. I mean if Dr Stricture doesn’t want this priest to speak at the assembly, I’m sure she has her reasons. She’s had an array of priests through, even some from out of town. How is this priest going to be any different?”

“It’ll mean a lot to Anissa.”

“Will it? Last year she tried the same, another petition, and then she didn’t even present it.”

“I understand that was because her friends didn’t back her. She relied on you, and you didn’t sign. That really hurt her. She might hide it, but I can still see the hurt.”

“She’ll get over it.”

“I didn’t think you’d say no to your friend. I thought you were better than that, Abigail.”

You can see the shock in Abigail’s eyes as you say that. Disappointing Anissa, she can accept. Disappointing you, not so much.

“Alright, give it here.”

You pull up the Googledoc on your phone and pass it to her. She swirls her signature onto it with her finger and then types out her name.

“Thank you, Anissa will appreciate this.”

“And you?”

“I’m glad you’re helping your friend.”

You give her a big smile, and she gives you a heartwarming one back. For a moment, you think it might go further. Then you hear students in the hallway. Assembly is over. Class is about to begin.