DR. WALLACE: Our school club held an initiation breakfast in one of the nicer restaurants in our area. During the ceremony, one of the girls stole a small painting that was hanging in the eating area.

The owner of the restaurant sent a letter to the principal of our school demanding payment for the painting ($100) and informing him that our school functions will no longer be allowed unless a $100 deposit is paid.

This incident has hurt our club's reputation (everyone in school was talking about it) and as the club's president, I am asking you for the best solution to solve this mess. We really can't afford $100. — Chelsea, Miami, Fla.

CHELSEA: As president, stop by and apologize to the restaurant owner and tell him that the $100 will be paid soon. Then call a club meeting and ask that the girl who took the picture please return it to the restaurant (have it sent by express mail). If that doesn't happen, the alternate plan should include a club fundraiser that will raise enough money to clear the debt.

A SCHOOL PROFESSIONAL WILL KNOW WHAT TO DO

DR. WALLACE: My best friend's stepfather is very mean to her. Besides being verbally abusive, he also hits her. My friend tells me everything and has shown me the bruises on her back and arms.

I had my mother call her mother, but my mother was told to mind her own business and that my best friend was bad (that's not true) and the punishment she has received was deserved.

I really worry about my friend. She used to be a very happy girl, but now she's always sad. I am really concerned about her. My father thinks I should contact the police and have this man arrested, but I don't want to do that. This could cause more conflict with her mother. What else can I do to help my friend? We are both 12. — Nameless, Seattle, Wash.

NAMELESS: You are a great friend to this girl and perhaps her only lifeline. If her stepfather is truly abusive, and it sounds like he is, then some sort of intervention is necessary to rescue her.

If your school has a counselor or a nurse, discuss your friend's problem with one of them. If this isn't possible, talk to your principal. School personnel know what to do in situations like this. I would also take today's column to the professional at school so he or she can read your letter and my response.

CAN A PREGNANCY OCCUR IF A COUPLE DIDN'T GO ALL THE WAY?

DR. WALLACE: Please answer my question, and hurry. Is it possible for a girl to become pregnant even if she did not "go all the way" with a boy?

There is no one else I can ask, so please, please answer my question. I'll be watching the newspaper for an answer. — Nameless, Crown Point, Ind.

NAMELESS: Pregnancy could result if the sperm cell is on the vagina and swims into the uterus. This could happen even though the couple did not engage in intercourse.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.