“It’s not high school. It’s not a small town. These people—they’re known around the country. You post something that makes them look bad, it goes viral and it causes problems for them, their politicians, their mummies and daddies, then their families’ stock shares plummet…so yeah. They respond swiftly to threats of that kind. I’m not saying don’t stand up for yourself. But don’t bring a gun to a swordfight. Unless you’re okay with them getting the bazooka in response.”

Fuck. Suddenly I’m grateful she intervened. “Okay, I get it. I’ll just stay away from them.”

She snorts. “Is that an option for you? I mean, Keller seems quite taken with you.”

I see her questioning eyebrow lift an inch and I ignore it entirely, redirecting my attention to my phone just for something to do which isn’t about Keller.

I spot a notification from my email, showing me that one of my VIP contacts sent something, which is unusual on a Sunday. I only have my bank, the college, and my old high school’s administration in that category. Maybe Rothford sent me my schedule early.

I open the message, and everything goes blank around me, all of my attention laser-focused on the subject of the email.

Notice of Enrollment Termination

Dear Ms. Fairmont,

In light of recent events, it is with our deepest regrets that we must notify you of the termination of your enrollment at Rothford University, California, as well as the termination of your scholarship, effective immediately.

The termination is due to a breach of section 7, paragraph 12 in the Code of Conduct signed by yourself on the 21st of July.

Please surrender your keys and student pass by 6:00 pm today.

Regards,

Marissa Collins

Executive Assistant

Rothford University Board of Directors

13. Claire

13

CLAIRE

I reread the email at least a hundred times, stunned speechless.

“—aire. Claire, what’s wrong?”

My eyes don’t leave the screen for more than a fraction of a second, taking in Lily’s worried expression. She must have tried to call me a few times.

“I…” I can feel my lower lip tremble. “I don’t…understand. I’ve been expelled. Kicked out of school before it even started.”

“What?” Lily screeches.

She reaches for my phone and I let her take it, hoping against all hope she’ll tell me the email’s fake, that I didn’t understand it correctly.

“Oh god. Section seven, paragraph twelve, what is that, even? Fuck. Let me check.”

She switches to her own device and scrolls through it, eyebrows scrunched up in concentration.

“The section is ‘Tarnishing the reputation of the school.’ Shit, Claire. God, let me get to twelve…student privacy on private premises. Oh, no.” She looks up at me, eyes wide. “I’m so sorry. Oh, Claire.”

So that’s it. It was real. And it was…about something I’d done.