Chapter Twenty-Three

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Walking into school gave Camilla flashbacks to the day after Amanda Banks went missing. Students looked her way as she passed, but their gazes flitted away in an instant as they whispered to their friends with failed subtlety.

Oh, what Camilla would do to go back to that time, when there was only one accusation against her. Now, there were two in total, from the entire newspaper committee (with special guest, Amy Gardener).

Initially, she wasn't sure if the committee would publicize the events of the previous day, especially after they kept the truth of their interview with Camilla a secret. But as soon as she saw those looks from her peers, her fears were confirmed.

But, of course, Michelle popped up with evidence: the newspaper. "It was published today," she said. "I bought the last of the stack, but I'm sure the committee will restock it soon."

Camilla didn't respond. She scanned each word, reading about the assaults done on Zoey and Leah.

"They accused you of attacking them yesterday," Michelle continued. "You didn't even have anything going on after school, right?"

"I went out to eat with Jared around the exact time they're saying this happened yesterday. What the hell?"

"Hold up, what?" Michelle asked. "You two went on a date? Since when has this been going on?"

"Well, we've been talking for a while. But my relationship with Jared isn't important right now-"

"Oh, so Michelle knows now?"

Camilla looked up, and she met Jared's eyes. He seemed rather happy to see her, no surprise there. Somehow, the heavy atmosphere didn't suffocate him, and he remained oblivious.

Before Camilla or Michelle could enlighten him, Jared said, "Camilla, I actually wanted to ask if you wanted to go out again. I was thinking maybe The Lantern in the Gardens. Do you know the place?"

"Oh my god, that place is so romantic!" Michelle squealed. Camilla couldn't believe this conversation was happening with the issue at hand.

"Well," Jared started, "how does two o'clock on Saturday sound?"

Camilla looked at Michelle incredulously. If only Meagan had been there to save her. She had no idea where Meagan was, come to think of it.

"I mean, yeah." Camilla looked at Jared with lingering exasperation. "I'd love to, but that's not..."

Finally taking a hint, Jared frowned. "What's wrong?"

She didn't bother saying anything and, instead, shoved the newspaper she was still holding into his hands.

As he read, his face fell. "But we were together-"

"Exactly," she responded.

"What are you going to do?"

Camilla opened her mouth but was interrupted by a voice behind her, inquiring, "Yeah, Camilla? What are you going to do?"

And there was Ava, rolled up newspaper in hand, whacking it against her other palm. Right behind her stood André, cringing as he made eye contact with Camilla. If all eyes weren't already on her, they certainly were now, with one of the recently announced committee members approaching her.

Camilla sucked in a breath, responding, "I don't think you were a part of this conversation, Avery."

"Well, if you plan on having a little 'chat' with the rest of the committee," Ava said, using air quotes, "don't waste your time. They're not here. I published the paper. They didn't feel like they'd be safe at school after yesterday, so they're taking the day off. But I volunteered to publish the paper because I-sure as hell-am not afraid of you."

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