Chapter 26
Rue
On Monday morning, I finish sliding my apology letters into each of my friends’ lockers before the homeroom bell rings. Carlton. Meredith. Mabel. Dot. One letter for each of them expressing how sorry I am, how I wish I’d done things differently, and how much I hope they can forgive me.
Relief washes over me as I lean against my own locker, because even if they don’t forgive me, I’ve at least tried to right my wrongs.
And then the loudspeaker blares through the halls. “Rue Sullivan, please make your way to the office.”
My stomach drops. Oh, no.
All around me, students glance my way in amusement and surprise as I do what I’m told.
When I reach my destination, I sit across from Principal Harris with my hands folded tightly in my lap, trying not to fidget.
The office is too quiet. Too neat. A Bible sits open on the corner of his desk like he brought it out just for this meeting.
He doesn’t look angry, but that somehow makes it worse. “Rue,” he says gently, folding his hands. “Do you understand why you’ve been called in today?”
My throat tightens. “Yes, sir.”
He nods once, like he expected that answer. “Then you understand that what you participated in goes directly against what we stand for here at Fallbrook.”
My gaze drops to the floor.
“This is a Christian school,” he continues.
“We don’t just teach academics here. We teach character.
Integrity. The power of our words.” His voice is calm, but each word lands like a heavy blow.
“Scripture is very clear about the harm gossip can cause. It divides people. It damages trust. It isolates.”
A lump rises in my throat. He’s right. He’s so right. “I know,” I whisper.
He studies me for a moment, not unkindly. “Do you?”
I nod, faster this time. “I do now.”
Silence stretches between us, thick and uncomfortable.
“I’m not questioning whether you feel remorse,” he says after a moment. “I can see that you do. But remorse doesn’t erase impact. Several students must have been hurt by the things that were posted. Friendships were surely strained. And the environment here at school was definitely disrupted.”
Each sentence feels like a weight pressing down on my chest. “I understand.”
He exhales slowly. “Because of that, you’ll be suspended for one week. You’ll also be expected to meet with the school counselor when you return. Not as continued punishment, but for guidance. We want to see growth from you, Rue. Not just regret, but changes.”
My eyes sting. I blink quickly, willing myself not to cry. “Yes, sir.”
He softens at the sight of my tears. “You’re not a bad student. But this was a serious lapse in judgment.”
I nod again, because there’s nothing else to add.
“Alright,” he says. “You’re dismissed.”
I stand on shaky legs, murmuring a quiet ‘thank you’ before turning toward the door.
And as I step into the hallway, the weight of it all finally settles fully on my shoulders, and the stares from other students are instant.
They’re hot and humiliating, and my vision blurs at the edges.
I blink the oncoming tears away, but one escapes anyway.
When I get home, Mom is already waiting in the living room. Her arms are crossed, her phone is in hand, and a woman I’ve never seen before is sitting stiffly on the couch with a pastel tote bag that says Glow & Renew.
“Sit,” Mom says.
I do.
“I just got off the phone with the principal.” She presses her lips together. “You’ve been posting as that Little Birdie gossiper? Are you serious, child? This is not what I meant when I told you to be bold, Rue Chanel Sullivan.”
I swallow. “I know. I’m sorry.”
The woman on the couch perks up. “Hi, sweetie! I’m just here to show your mom how she can reverse fine lines naturally—”
“Not now, Brenda,” Mom snaps, not taking her eyes off me.
I blink.
Mom sighs, rubbing her temple. “Go to your room. We will discuss this later.”
I don’t argue. I just go.
In the silence of my room, I let the events of this morning replay in my mind.
I can’t help but wonder if Ezra heard my name on the loudspeaker, or what he thinks happened when I got called to the office.
I haven’t checked my phone yet, and when I lift it to my face, I see several messages from him asking what happened and if I’m okay.
Me
got suspended for being LB
Ezra
seriously?
Me
yep.
Thankfully, the morning quickly settles into afternoon as I sit on my front porch, staring at the Charles River.
It’s so nice to sit out here and watch the water on pretty spring days like this.
I assign stories, lives, and dialogue to the people who pass by on foot, bikes, and scooters like I’ve done since middle school.
And I think about what Ezra said about me having the potential to become a screenwriter someday, after helping Miss Fern with the play.
When I go back inside, I’ve sat down to watch TV for all of ten minutes before the doorbell rings. Mom is nowhere to be found, probably in her room on a business call or something, so I answer the door. And blink in surprise.
Mabel, Meredith, Carlton, and Dot stare right back at me.
At first, no one says anything, but Mabel breaks first. “We got your letters,” she gushes. “They were really sweet.”
The others nod and murmur in agreement.
I move aside. “Would you like to come in?”
The five of us make our way to the couch, and I awkwardly fidget with my hands.
Dot speaks first. “I know how it feels to be in your position, remember? When Mabel, Meredith, and Carlton turned on me, you were the only one who didn’t. I’m really sorry I didn’t do the same for you this time, Rue. I just needed time to process you being Little Birdie.”
I smile. “Thanks, Dot.” I take in the way everyone else is watching me with knitted brows and crossed arms. “You guys, I’m so sorry.
I know I hurt everyone with what I posted, and I kept the whole thing from you, which is just as bad as lying, which I’m pretty sure I did at some point, too.
I don’t know if you can ever forgive me, but I’ll never stop being sorry. ”
They’re silent for a moment. Mabel breaks first, cracking a smile and getting up to hug me. “I forgive you. Of course I do. But don’t you ever do something like that again, you hear me?”
Meredith sighs and rolls her eyes, joining our hug.
“I do, too. And for the record, I love you, Rue. I know I can be harsh and unbearable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t talk to me and come to me with things.
I never meant to overlook your feelings, like your boyfriend said.
I never meant to let you drown alone.” Moisture shines in her eyes.
“And most of all, I’m sorry for how I treated you because of my own insecurities.
I need to do better as a friend. I will do better. ”
Then Carlton hugs the three of us at once. “I’m sorry, too. For everything, Rue. Including leading you on. I’ve started going to therapy so I can work on myself, and—according to my therapist—my constant need for romantic validation.”
A giggle bursts through my lips at that. “Thank you, Carlton. I think that’s a really good idea.”
It doesn’t take long for Dot to join our dogpile, and then what happens next can’t be prevented: Meredith and I start crying, and Mabel and Carlton start laughing, so we’re just a five-person blob of hugs and feelings.
When we break apart, Meredith and I wipe our eyes. I’m blushing from embarrassment at the emotion we’re displaying, but it doesn’t even matter.
Because inside? I’ve never felt more in bloom. Still, there’s one tiny little thorn left poking at me.
I still haven’t been completely honest with them about my fake relationship with Ezra.
“There is one more thing I need to tell you all.” Steadying myself, I let it all out.
How I really did have feelings for Carlton, but how they really did go away, too.
He has trouble meeting my eyes at that part, and I’m honestly kinda grateful because I feel like I’m going to die as I admit it all.
I tell them about how Ezra stepped in at the party, and how somewhere along the way, I started wishing this could all be real.
They all ask so many questions throughout my confession, I’m surprised Mom doesn’t come down while I’m mid-sentence.
By the time I’m done, my friends look equally shocked and enchanted.
“It’s my turn to apologize,” says Meredith. “I’m sorry for how I treated you when it came to Carlton. Nothing will ever be worth sacrificing our friendship again.”
My throat burns. “Thanks, Mere.”
She smiles. “You need to tell Ezra the truth.”
Mabel nods. “Maybe after the game tonight?”
“No way,” I say. “If he doesn’t feel the same way, I’m going to be humiliated.”
Dot hums. “I’m pretty sure he feels the same way, but let us know if you need our help.”
And then I get a text from him.
Ezra
I’m outside. can we talk?
“Too late.” I show my friends the phone. “He’s here.”
Dot and the twins burst into squeals, and then my mom finally comes down. “What on earth is all this commotion about?”