Hey, Cherie! by Cherie Bennett

Hey, Cherie!

I'm a 17-year-old high school senior. Today, I just realized that this kid at my school is stalking me. I never paid attention when I saw this guy everywhere I went 'cause our town isn't all that big. But when I thought about how many times I have seen him somewhere that I am outside of school, I started to get kinda worried.

He is in 10th grade but had a ceramics class with me this semester. He would always follow me after class, but I never thought it was anything. I have had guys follow me before so I was like "no biggie." Then I noticed him once or twice during lunch coming up behind me. I was like "Dude! What is your deal?" and he would just stare and not say a word. He was like "umm, umm." So I told him to go away. I thought that was it.

Then one of my best friends came over and asked me why this kid was outside my house! She said she saw him sitting in a park that is across the street from my house. I don't think he lives anywhere near here! Then my friend and I started counting strange things, like notes in my locker and on my car, and the times we've seen him around after school. Now, I am thinking about the hang-ups on my phone! Oh man, as I write this I am really getting worried 'cause other stuff is coming back to me about other weird stuff I forgot about! I guess the only good thing is that he has never said anything bad, and I am def. not scared of him. My football-player boyfriend could totally handle him. It's just really strange. What should I do?

—Stalked by 16 Year Old

Hey, Stalked!

This is no minor matter you have, and I am so glad you became aware of the problem! Stalking is a very serious crime, which has increased greatly because of cyber stalking. It is also a crime that is hard to define, but any unwanted contact could be called stalking.

And, as you have realized, a lot of times you don't even see the stalking until you put it all together. It is also defined differently from state to state. Since you have only just realized you have a problem, have you confronted this kid with what you have noticed? He may have plenty of excuses for his behavior and you want to be certain that this is real before going to authorities, since they will need a certain amount of proof.

These days, with cameras everywhere, it wouldn't be so hard to get pictures or even video of him in places or situations he has no business of being in. If he has no valid reasons for being in your neighborhood, for example, then you can talk to your counselors at school and ask for their advice. You may also not want to go anywhere alone, and absolutely talk to your parents about this situation. They should know immediately what is going on with their daughter! If you still have the notes or anything else that you couldn't explain before as proof, then this may convince this kid that he is in trouble and could damage his life permanently.

Hey, Cherie!

How should I invite a guy I like to a party I'm having? He is super cute, but we aren't even friends or anything.

—Shy but Inviting

Hey, Shy!

Ask him! What have you got to lose? If you can ask him and a friend of his together, then that will make him more comfortable attending your bash. He is also more likely to say yes! If he says no, well then you just have to say thanks anyway and not take it personally. I know that's hard, but it's really not about you! Have fun!

Cherie Bennett is a best-selling author of books for teens and young adults. Visit her website at www.cheriebennett.com. To find out more about Cherie Bennett and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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