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“What sort of things?” Mom asks sharply.
Suddenly, the principal and guidance counselor actually look concerned.
“It started with people saying Aaron and I are in love. But then they started calling me a slut—”
“What?” my dad booms, staring daggers at the principal.
“Is there more?” Katie asks.
I nod, trying not to cry. “I—I really don’t want to say it out loud.”
This is so embarrassing.
And humiliating.
And I feel so vulnerable.
And also trapped.
I don’t like dealing with big emotions with a bunch of other people in the room.
Aaron wraps his hand around mine, and I try to take a deep breath.
“I have it all written down,” Sarah says, reaching for her backpack. “Along with who we think wrote it or who we heard saying it.”
She slides it out and even though the principal reaches for it, she hands it to Mom and Dad first, who gasp. The other parents gather around and look at it, but it’s Katie who slams it onto the principal’s desk.
“In what world is it acceptable that these sorts of things are being spread around? About an eleven-year-old?!”
The principal sputters as he and the guidance counselor read it over. The guidance counselor’s eyes go wide.
The principal looks back at us, specifically Aaron and me.
“Is there something going on between the two of you?” he asks. “It’s not uncommon for people to spread rumors—”
Mom looks like she might lunge at the desk and Joel’s dad whips out his phone.
“Who the hell do you think you are?” Mom seethes. “They are eleven years old! That you think it couldeverbe acceptable for these things to be said is disgusting!”
“I think it’s best that I call our lawyer,” Joel’s dad says simply, causing Joel to smirk.
Then Jeff locks eyes with my dad, who nods approvingly and says, “I think that’s an excellent idea.”
I squeeze Aaron’s hand more tightly.Getting more people involved. Great.
“I assure you there’s no need for that. We’re simply trying to understand the cause of the rumors,” the principal says, and I notice he’s starting to sweat.
Thatalmostmakes me smile.
Joel’s dad doesn’t say anything. He pushes the phone against his ear, then steps back slightly. “George…”
Mustering all my strength, I look at the principal.
“Aaron has been my best friend for years. He’s been holding my hand all day today, hoping to make the rumors mean less if people think we’re together, but none of that makes this okay. And it’s not our fault. Aaron punched that guy because he asked if I give all my guy friends blow jobs or just him—”
I stop short, seeing the horrified looks on the parents’ faces.
“If you ask me, that guy deserved it,” I continue. “But what he deserves more is to be punished for it. If you’re trying to blame us for it, then there’s something way worse going on here.”
