This is the first time I’ve had a chance to properly speak to Rosie all day. We had an Italian test this morning, and she was busy studying in the library when I arrived at school. The responsibility of pinning the cast list fell to me for that very reason.

“Can you lead the meeting?” I ask, clicking my pen absently.

She looks at me in surprise, but nods. “Yeah, of course. Are you good?”

I shrug. “My parents are being...my parents.”

Rosie’s face softens in understanding. She’s seen this enough times before. “Oh.” She reaches between us, grabbing my hand and squeezing. “Let me know if you need anything. I love you.”

I manage enough strength to squeeze back. “Love you.”

Emmitt and Grant enter a minute later, laughing about something uproariously. My heart only grows heavier at the sound, and I rub my hands over my arms as goose bumps form along my skin.

The bell rings and Rosie claps her hands excitedly. “Hi, everyone! Welcome to our first joint film club meeting of the year. If we could all go around and introduce ourselves, that’d be great. Please include your preferred name, pronouns, and what your favorite movie is.”

When no one takes the initiative, Rosie sighs. “I’ll start. I’m Rosie Hardy, I use she and her pronouns, and my favorite movie is The Handmaiden.”

She looks to me, and I nod. “I’m Mina Rahman, I use she and her pronouns, and my favorite movie is The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.”

“I’m Grant Njoku, I use he and him pronouns, and my favorite movie is Get Out.”

“I’m Andie Zavala, I use she and her—”

The circle goes around the room, everyone introducing themselves until we finally end at Emmitt.

“I’m Ezra Rivera, I use he and him pronouns, and my favorite movie is Foul Lady Fortune.” As he says it, he aims a cocky grin my way, obviously alluding to the fact he played the male lead.

The rest of the room titters in amusement, more or less confirming they know Emmitt’s true identity, but I can’t bring myself to feign laughter.

For the second time that day, I watch his smile fall.

Rosie looks between us, biting her lip, but eventually clears her throat. “Grant, can you pull up the website for the Golden Ivy student film competition? We’ll go over rules and regulations.”

As Grant moves toward the computer, the makeshift circle breaks apart and people start clumping into groups.

I grab my stuff, moving for my usual seat, and Rosie follows me. Every so often, her eyes flicker toward Sofia, but for the most part, she seems focused.