Read Are You Still There for Free Online

time?”
    Paisley beams. “Great question! No. We’ll have only one incoming phone line for callers. The computer can accommodate multiple texters at the same time, but we’ve only got two computers, which will affect the rate at which we can respond.”
    â€œWhat if we need help?”
    â€œGreat question. I was just going to get to that. We will have a separate phone line that won’t be made public. This line can be used in case you need to consult during a call. Your partner can simply call me on this back line while you’re still on the phone with the caller. Then your partner can convey my thoughts by writing them down on your notepad.” Paisley pauses as we all sit and digest. “All of you will have access to the back-line number, so that you can reach your fellow listeners during their shift, but I ask that no one give that out.”
    I wonder if everyone else feels as freaked out as I do.
    â€œDon’t look so panicked, folks. You’re never truly alone. While one listener is actually talking to or texting with the caller, the other one will be writing ideas for their partner.”
    We must look confused, because Paisley points to the dry-erase board and whips out a marker. “I’ll show you what I mean. Janae, come on up here. You’ll be the listener and I’ll be your partner. I’ll help you. Nate, you can be the caller. You start by saying ‘ring, ring.’”
    Nate grins. “Yo. A Ring-a-ding-ding!” He says it like he’s rapping.
    â€œUh, hello?” Janae puts a pretend phone to her ear.
    â€œHold up.” Paisley interrupts them with her hand. “Say, ‘Helpline, this is Rachel.’”
    â€œRachel?”
    â€œI recommend that you pick a pseudonym. You don’t have to pick Rachel, but pick something other than Janae.”
    â€œOkay. Helpline, this is Gertrude.”
    We all laugh.
    Nate laughs too, but looks like he’s trying to swallow it down and get into character. He bunches up his shoulders, “I can’t take it no more.” He sniffles all loud. “Too much drama all over the place.”
    Janae looks to Paisley. Paisley writes on the dry-erase board. Validate that. Say, “It sounds like you’re having a hard time.”
    â€œIt sounds like you’re having a hard time.”
    â€œI am. Life sucks. My girlfriend’s giving me stress, my dog died, my math teacher gives too much homework, and my favorite band is breaking up.”
    Paisley writes on the board, You’ve got a lot on your plate .
    Janae rolls her eyes, “I can’t say that. I wouldn’t say that.”
    Paisley sets down the marker. “These are just suggestions in case you get stuck. You can say whatever you want to say.”
    â€œReally?” Janae’s eyes light up. “Okay. Get a new girlfriend and a new dog. Go to the library after school. And just deal—that’s the music business.”
    A few people start clapping. Paisley holds up her hand for attention. “Which brings me to rule number one. No advice giving—you’re not qualified.”
    â€œWhat? I thought this was a helpline!”
    â€œWe just listen, support, and link the caller to resources.”
    I hear rumblings of “This is stupid.” I have to agree.
    â€œI bet you’ll be surprised by how effective listening can be. Okay. Turn to the person next to you. Let’s practice reflective and supportive listening.” Miguel sits on my right. Christina sits on my left. I start to turn toward her, but she’s already started talking to Bryan. “The person on the right will share about a problem they are having. It doesn’t have to be something personal, but make it something real.”
    Miguel looks at me. He starts to say something and then he stops. “I don’t know what to say.”
    I sigh. “What problems do you have?”
    He sort of laughs, but