Yes of courseyou can trust me.  Bette reached across the table and placed her hand on top of Shanes, and looked the thin young woman in the eye. 

Shane looked back into Bettes eyes studying them, gauging them.  She never really trusted anyone before, except Clive and that didnt turn out so well.  Still something about Bette set her a little at ease.  I canI believe that.  She let a small smile form on her lips.  Okay, well I might as well get this over with

Go aheadIll help you any way I can. She urged her on trying to sound comforting.  She was unsure why Shane was willing to open up with her instead of Alice or Tina, who she was much closer to.  She could understand maybe Alice, but Tina still seemed like a better person than her.

The thing isurmI dont have a high school diploma mumbling the last little bit she continued to speak quickly forcing it out all at once.  I ran away before I graduated and I want a GED so I can go to school to be a hairdresser, but Im unsure how to go about doing that, and no Im not talking about why I left.  Shane finished with a finality and glared at Bette, waiting for the woman to begin interrogating her or berating her.  She had watched the womans facial expressions change from shock to dumfounded, and now the woman looked completely befuddled.

After a moment Bette regained her composure, and forced Shane a smile.  She resisted the urge to ask her about her family or situation and decided on focusing on helping her.  Thats great ShaneI mean that you want your GED she quickly pulled her foot out of her mouth.  I would love to help you, I can get the information you need for your GED, and even help you study if you like.  We could meet for lunch, just the two of us, and I can go over the work with you.  She smiled at this, she felt a motherly vibe toward the younger woman, and was honored to be in a position to help her.       

ReallycoolId like that.  Shane smile gratefully at Bette, and wondered how she had gotten so lucky finding the new people in her life.  She didnt really expect to still be living, much less on her way to a GED and a career.