This week, check-in went fast. Some meetings we weren’t able to get past check-in, because someone would bring up something they were struggling with, and the rest of the group would jump in to problem solve, offer support, or listen. It wasn’t unusual for check-in to end with the whole group in tears.

“Next on the agenda was going to be the multi-school mixer, but we’ve postponed the date to next month because Alexei’s going to Hawaii…” Brooke said in a voice so small it was like she was speaking to herself. I gestured for her to speak up, and she got a little louder, a small smile spreading. “Mrs. Harrison has given approval to do a presentation to the freshmen about how to contribute to safety in schools. Does anyone have any suggestions for specific topics to touch on?”

Finn cleared his throat. “I was thinking we could try and lean into this as a recruitment session,” he said in a serious tone that didn’t quite match the glint in his eyes. “I’m picturing all of us in glitter and feathers, choreography, maybe some laser lighting if we do well at the bake sale, that kind of stuff. By the end of it, if membership doesn’t go up by two hundred percent, you can put me in solitary confinement.”

Mr. Elliot jumped in. “Once again, Finn, we are not a cult, and we do not have recruitment targets.”

“But sir, think of the children. Us. We’re the children. We want more friends to play with.”

“Make it sound creepier next time, Finn,” I said, and Jaz snorted from across the semicircle, tossing her hair over one shoulder.

“Does anyone know any queer icons?” Finn pushed on. “I’m thinking a celebrity appearance could really add a wow factor here.”

“Do I count?” Mr. Elliot asked.

“With respect, sir, that’s a hell of a loaded question.”

Right about now, Brooke should be jumping in to steer the conversation back to business. But she sat with a stiffened posture, raising her hand off its place in her lap every now and then, before lowering it, apparently losing her nerve.

Raina rolled her eyes, let out a sigh, and crossed one leg over the other, running her hands down her tight beige riding pants. She had a hard face to begin with, thin lipped and wide jawed, made all the harder by the sleek ponytail she scraped her straight, mouse-brown hair into. Today I was surprised her narrow eyes hadn’t turned Finn into a gargoyle. Finally, she broke. “Okay, thank you, Finn,” she said in a firm voice. “Lily, name a topic.”

Lily blinked large green eyes and blushed a deep red at being put on the spot. “Um … harsher punishments for using queer terms as an insult?”

“Wonderful,” said Raina, and she pointed a finger gun at Brooke. “Brooke, write that down.”