Acclaim for Another Way

Another Way speaks to the reader on many different levels. This is the account of a young girl (Chloe) and her struggles to truly love herself. We’re drawn into her world of casual sex, peer pressure, and living with lies. We feel her pain and rejoice with her as she searches to find Her Way.

This story draws you in, to experience life as a teen today. Another Way introduces our young readers to a new way of thinking. Through self-discovery and self-empowerment, Chloe learns there truly is Another Way—a way to stand strong with honesty and personal integrity—an inspiration for young, as well as older readers.

Judy Herzanek—Changing Lives Foundation

Holli Kenley beautifully shares in Another Way how young people can embrace confidence and self-empowerment as they find their way through the challenges of the teen years. Amanda and Chloe’s tough choices demonstrate a sensitive look at the benefits of knowing and respecting yourself first. The book shares practical and effective tools which help create a road map to making the best decisions possible. This is a remarkable book and one that would benefit any child who is starting out in middle or high school.

Cathy Taughinbaugh—Parent Coach

I found Another Way to be a great tool for opening a dialogue with my teenage daughter about a subject which can be hard to talk about. The story gave life to some of the most difficult hurdles teenagers have to deal with. I feel after having read it, my daughter will be more aware of and prepared to deal with some of the difficult decisions ahead of her.

Shawn Vaca—Parent

I feel this book is fantastic for teaching teens and pre-teens it’s okay to say no. It was a great learning experience for me; it taught me without it really feeling like learning.

Ivie—High School Student

Without hesitation, I provide my endorsement for this novel. It is beautifully crafted and provides a beneficial resource for young girls, as well as their parents. I wish I had been provided with a resource like this when I was in middle school, as it is such an awkward time of development. As my children grow, I want to be able to provide them with resources I am both comfortable with and confident in with regard to their content on the topic of sex and sexual relations. The novel is both!

Jill S. Martin—Parent & Educator

Well written, beautifully paced, and consistently engaging. This heartwarming story takes us on an emotional journey with two teenage girls, growing up in a modern society surrounded by social pressure to embark on a sexual relationship, before they are ready. The novel sensitively explores teenage friendship, sexual relationships, and self-esteem.

In a world rife with underage sex and teenage pregnancies, this book gives young people a chance to see there is Another Way to express love: through mutual respect and trust. This is an invaluable addition to any young person’s bookshelf.

Martine Johnson—Child & Adolescent Wellbeing Mentor

My adolescent clients are often bombarded with multiple mixed messages about sexuality, self-worth, and decisions about relationships. Another Way is an indispensable book for teens and those who care about them to communicate and make crucial life decisions about sex and relationships. Holli Kenley has done it again with this practical, entertaining, and bold book.

Jill Osborne—EdS, LPC, RPT

If guilt or shame have ever held you captive, Another Way is a must read! Author Holli Kenley drives home the fact we do not have to let guilt and shame define our lives. There is Another Way—find it here and be set free.

L. Gosik—Mother of Five

Holli Kenley is a phenomenal writer. As I read through Another Way, my thoughts were we needed this kind of material when I was a preteen/teenager, which was age appropriate and would hold both parents/guardians as well as teens responsible/accountable for their actions. With everything being sexualized and with the growing social behavior of sexting, I believe Another Way will open the eyes of many. In fact, I think this novel could be a refresher for adults to read as well! Although I have previously suggested her books to different groups and individuals, I would recommend Another Way to anyone!

Marie Waldrep—Author, A Voice That Has Spoken From Within: A Survivor’s Feelings Expressed Through Poetry

In Another Way by Holli Kenley, we are able to see not just the decision young Chloe has to make about herself and her life, but how the decisions we all make today affect the lives we live moving forward.

This is one of those great reads that is sure to find an audience with readers of all ages, becoming a source of encouragement for those who feel as though past decisions will keep them from enjoying future successes and happiness. If you ever had any doubt as to what is possible just by choosing to forgive yourself and finding the will to move forward, then this book should definitely be on your reading list.

Cyrus Webb—Host of Conversations LIVE and Editor-In-Chief of Conversations Magazine

Another Way provides a safe and easy way for young readers to understand the complexities of navigating through the typical social interactions and difficult decisions they will likely face sooner than later. Holli does a wonderful job of weaving a story together with powerful lessons, all the while guiding readers to a place where they can make those critical determinations in a responsible and confident manner.

Victor Shueller—Coach, Speaker & Author

Another Way depicts the challenges our youth face regarding promiscuous sexual behaviors. And in this book, author Holli Kenley finds a way to offer a structured layout full of applicable life lessons and useful tools. For all practical purposes, I definitely recommend Another Way for parents and all youth group leaders. This book provides insightful information for such an extremely important and essential part connected to today’s youth by giving options in how to make better decisions.

Jeff Hodges—Youth Empowerment Speaker

Holli Kenley has written yet another award-winning book—Another Way... a powerful book that must be read by pre-teens and teenagers. As her story resonates strongly with my experiences during those formative years of discovery, I appreciate Holli’s emphasis on values and implementing those values through connections with like-minded friends, through youth groups which provide support. I highly recommend Another Way and also encourage parents to read this book to provide a deeper connection and compassion for what our children experience in their lives.

Nancy Ferrari—CEO, Nancy Ferrari Media

Another Way provides guidance and education for youth who are learning who they are while facing the decisions of real life. Kenley provides an outlet for those faced with peer pressure and offers strength and empowerment in being true to oneself. As young people weave their path through life, they need to know there is Another Way.

Robin Marvel—Motivational Speaker & Author/Editor U R Enough

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Are You Ready?

One ~ She Knew One Thing

Two ~ A Secret Agreement

Three ~ It Feels So Good, It Must Be Right

Four ~ He Really Loves Me

Five ~ I Don’t Belong Here

Six ~ I Lied to Myself... I Let Myself Down

Seven ~ Finding Another Way... Back

Eight ~ Each One of You Matters

Nine ~ Circles and a Code

Ten ~ Her Way

Appendix A ~ Book Club Questions or Individual Study

Appendix B ~ Chloe’s Circles

Appendix C ~ Tyrell’s Code of Conduct

Appendix D ~ David’s 5 Point Personal Code of Conduct

Appendix E ~ Offering Another Way To Parents

Bibliography

About the Author

Another Way

Another Way is a novel about young people engaging in at-risk social behaviors and entering into sexual relationships before they are ready. Without judgment or condemnation but with compassion, Another Way challenges young people’s current thinking around what is normal and wanting to fit in, and offers them a healthy path of self-discovery and empowerment.

Acknowledgments

When I finished the second final rough draft of Another Way, I turned to four individuals whom I hold in the highest respect and regard—both personally and professionally—and I asked them for their honest feedback. Because these remarkable people strive to improve the human condition within their respective roles and relationships, I knew I could count on their constructive input. After receiving their feedback, two more drafts were completed before Another Way found its final version. Moving from draft to publication is rarely a solo effort, and thus, acknowledging others who care deeply about its intent and influence brings a satisfying completeness to the process.

Thank you...

Marie Waldrep
Cyrus Webb
James Wilcox
Dan Kenley

Introduction: Are You Ready?

When I was twenty-five, I started my first year of teaching at an elementary school. I was eager and excited, and I wanted to make a difference in the lives of young children. My first assignment was a fifth-sixth grade combination class. After about the first three weeks, I felt extremely comfortable with the students, and they did with me. One day after class, a sweet sixth grader named Darla asked to speak with me privately. Of course, I said yes. I pulled up a chair next to my desk and asked how I could help her. With a frightened look in her eyes, Darla said, “I think I might be pregnant.”

Although I was not naïve, I have to say I was surprised. Calmly I asked, “Darla, why might you think that?”

Darla replied, “Well, my period did not come...and... Sam and I went to home base together.”

My mind immediately went to Sam, a little guy in our class, who was a fifth grader. Looking into Darla’s eyes, I saw fear as she wiped the tears streaming down her face. I quietly asked, “Darla, can you explain to me what first base is... and second base, and so on?” I wanted to make sure there was indeed a need for concern.

After Darla explained the bases to me, my concerns were validated. As I held this little girl in my arms, I felt helpless. Once Darla stopped crying, I walked her down to the nurse’s office who then took over.

Although this incident happened many years ago, I have never forgotten it. And, during my years as a teacher and as a therapist, I have heard stories like Darla’s and others over and over again. One of the questions I asked myself then, and I ask myself now, as young people engage in sex, is “Are they ready?”

As you begin reading Another Way, ask yourself, Am I ready? Really ready? And, how will I know whether I am or not?

I invite you to take this journey with Chloe. It’s time to find out.

Are You Ready For Sex?

14-year-old Chloe Wheeler is not sure.

Searching for guidance, she finds...

Another Way

Although this book is fictional, the characters—their conversations and their relationships— are based on real life experience.

~ One ~

She Knew One Thing

The bright yellow ball hung from the sky and cast its sword-like rays on the silver-crested waves of the ocean. Thunderous crashes of shiny water pounded against the kelp-ridden beach. Tiny sand crabs scampered from one newly-formed hole to another, only to disappear quickly under the slippery blanket of sand and water. Straight ahead, all one could see was miles of sparkling ice-blue water, dotted here and there with stark masts and colorful sails. Off to the north end was a manicured line of beachfront condominiums and houses—each one strategically arranged among the rolling sandy dunes, the wild tall green tulles, and the wooden-planked paths. Families were scattered here and there with children busily creating sandcastles while their parents attempted to sunbathe in between their bouts of sporadic supervision. Cool breezes filled the air with the familiar smells of seaweed and ocean spray. Perhaps, the most impressive sight and sound of this beach was the constant company of the friendly pelicans. Although they visited every part and almost every person in this mostly secluded and privately owned beach, they made their home territory toward the south end.

It was in this direction of the pelicans’ home Chloe Wheeler was walking. As she dipped her toes into the freshly washed sand, she chuckled as she looked behind her to view the funny-shaped footprint she had left. In a moment, the next wave would wash it away, and prepare another canvas for her next foot painting. With her hands clasped behind her waist and her head tilted back slightly to let the rush of cool air brush across her face, Chloe continued on about half mile down the beach and then turned sharply away from the ocean. The excitement began to build inside as she anticipated the place she had longed to visit for almost a year. As Chloe made her way over several sand dunes and through over-grown tulles, she then carefully crawled down some large round stones until she found her place on a smooth broad flat rock. Except for a few pelicans, no one else had discovered this private place, at least as far as Chloe knew. And that’s what was important.

Making herself comfortable on her slab of gray rock, Chloe viewed the wondrous beauty of this relatively small lagoon surrounding her. The water was crystal clear, not like most lagoons, which were dark and murky. She could see the glossed rocks nestled below and the myriad of orange, blue-green creatures flittering about. The tulles encircling the little lagoon provided a wall of privacy, and the pelicans perched on rocks or posts stood guard in protection of it. Chloe took in a deep breath, letting the excitement wind down, and she began to relish the peace and quiet she was about to enjoy.

Chloe didn’t realize how much she missed this place until now. Coming here just once a year didn’t seem enough, but then she knew her family sacrificed to make the trip this year. James, Chloe’s dad, owned his construction company and business had not done well over the past several years. Chloe’s mom, Melissa, stayed at home to take care of Chloe’s younger sister, Alisha, who recently turned eight. Missy, as she was called, enjoyed working her freelance interior decorating business from home. However, her income was also impacted by the recession. Chloe decided she had been feeling very selfish. She was truly grateful her family was able to enjoy one fun-filled week at their beach!

Chloe closed her eyes for a moment. Thoughts whirled and raced around in her head and then began to settle down. So many things were about to change in her life. In two weeks, she would be starting high school, and in a few months, she would be turning fifteen. Although many of Chloe’s friends were allowed to date in middle school, her parents set her official dating age at fifteen. Oh, yes, she was permitted to go to the Winter and Spring dances, as well as the eighth-grade prom, but those weren’t exactly the same as dating. Her stomach did a little flip as she thought about all the new experiences she was going to encounter. Secretly, she wondered if she was ready.

Chloe opened her eyes and looked down into the lagoon. The sun was shining at an angle, just so it cast a mirror-like film across the surface. When Chloe looked down, she could see herself perfectly. She never thought of herself as being pretty, just average. Her extremely curly and unruly black hair reached her shoulder blades and parted naturally toward the middle of her scalp. Her round deep brown eyes accented with a rare yellow hue were set between a straight nose, much like her dad’s. Friends often commented on her unusually long eyelashes and her perfectly formed eyebrows. Moving closer to her reflection, Chloe saw a smooth complexion. Luckily, she was not tormented by acne or unwanted blemishes many of her friends complained about. And for this, she was grateful. As she smiled, Chloe viewed her white well-straightened teeth which had succumbed to two years in braces. Her frame was long and slender. She actually didn’t seem to mind her figure until now, when all her friends were filling out in the right places at a much faster rate than did she. Perhaps this year that would change too.

As Chloe pulled her knees up against her and rested her chin on them, she stared deeply into her reflection. She saw a young lady who did well in school, who had a loving family to care for her, who shared some very special friendships (especially with her best friend Amanda), and who felt good about who she was. She wondered to herself, “Would this all change too?” Over the past year, Chloe had seen many of her friends change already. They became less interested in school, hung out with older crowds, and freely experimented with drugs and alcohol. Chloe mumbled to herself, “It’s just the way life is...” However, it was Chloe and just a few of her close friends who were different from so many kids she knew. She reached down to stroke the water in the lagoon. It began a ripple effect causing her reflection to waiver. Chloe’s dark serious eyes followed the moving image. She pulled her hand from the cool water and allowed the reflection to take on its steady form. She didn’t want to change the image she saw, at least for now. She felt secure about who she was and where she was going. She felt very comfortable with the fact no one had pressured her into doing anything against her will—not drinking, not drugs, and not sex. Although Chloe had been quite vocal about her opposition to drugs and alcohol, she kept her thoughts about virginity to herself. She secretly wondered, “Is it I don’t really know how I feel about it? Is it, in a way, I am a bit embarrassed by it? Or is it my lack of experience in dating which keeps me from speaking about it?” Chloe didn’t know the answers to these questions, and for now, it wasn’t important she have all the right responses. She knew one thing—she was a virgin and at this time in her life, that’s the way she wanted to be.

As Chloe slowly stood up stretching her long legs, she watched her reflection grow upon the water’s surface. The faithful pelicans fluttered about watching her every move, and the green tulles swayed in the breeze. Chloe took one last glance, not to admire her physical appearance, but to imprint indelibly upon her mind the portrait of who she was.