The day after the Fall Dance, the entire school buzzed with whispers.
Some students had seen the video. Others had only heard rumors — but everyone was talking. About Michelle. About Madison. About what had happened on that screen.
Michelle didn't want to show up at school that day. She stood in front of the mirror, trying to steady her hands as she did her makeup. Lila watched her from the bed, silent for once.
"You don't have to go," Lila said gently. "No one would blame you."
But Michelle took a deep breath. "That's exactly why I have to."
The Principal's Office
By second period, Michelle was called into the principal's office — along with Steve, Lila, and several other students who had been at the dance.
The air in the office was thick with tension.
Principal Harris, a stern woman with a reputation for fairness, looked over her glasses with a measured calm. "What happened last night is unacceptable," she said. "This school has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, bullying, or the violation of student privacy."
Michelle clenched her fists.
"It wasn't the first time," Steve said firmly. "This has been going on for weeks. Ever since we started dating, certain people—"
"—Madison and Kara," Michelle interrupted, her voice stronger than she expected, "have made it their mission to ruin my life."
Harris nodded slowly. "We will investigate this thoroughly. But if you have evidence—"
"We do," Lila said, holding up her phone. "I saved the video before it was taken down. And I've got screenshots of Kara and Madison bragging in group chats."
That was the moment something shifted.
Michelle felt it — like the balance of power had tipped. Like she wasn't a victim anymore.
She was standing up.
Confrontation
Madison was called in later that afternoon.
Michelle didn't see her again that day, but word spread fast: she'd been suspended, and the school had launched a full inquiry.
But the damage was already done — not to Michelle, but to Madison's reputation. People had seen the truth. And most importantly, Michelle no longer felt alone.
As they walked out of the building together, Steve reached for her hand.
"You were amazing in there," he said quietly.
"I was terrified," she admitted.
"Still. You didn't let them win."
She stopped walking, turned to face him. "Do you think this is over?"
"No," he said. "But you've got people who've got your back now. Me. Lila. And a whole lot of others."
Michelle leaned into him, resting her head on his chest. The breeze tugged at her hair, but she didn't care.
For the first time in weeks, she felt free.