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Everyone except for Kaileigh’s , is absolutely silent My heart is pounding so hard, I’m positive I’m not the only one who can hear it

"No, Howard," I say "None of us wants that There’s no need for anyone to get hurt here--"

"What aboutHe is too "Doesn’t anyone care about ot to keep hi so he won’t hear what I hear, the sound of sirens in the distance They’ve been growing louder every second I hope Howard doesn’t notice the the buckle on my purse

"All of you," he says "But especially Jasmine She had a photo--"

"Of you at Prince Rashid’s party?" I ask

"She thought it was funny," Howard says "She was going to Tweet it The RA on duty, partying with a prince I tried to explain to her--I tried to get her to delete it, but she wouldn’t I told her I could lose "

His voice breaks

"But then I did anyway Stupid So stupid My parents are so mad at me They told me I’m a joke"

"Oh, Howard," I say "I’m so sorry"

I’ve slipped roove of the pistol against oes on "She thought itJasmine came from a rich family She didn’t need the RA job It was all a joke to her I was a joke to her But I’h’s throat, and I see the girl flinch in pain, though she’s otherwise paralyzed with fear

"I otten into Harvard," Howard sobs, "but I am no one’s joke!"

"No, Howard," I say "You’re no one’s joke I agree that the way Jasmine treated you was really unfair I wish you’d come and talked to us about it, but it’s not too late Why don’t you let Kaileigh go so you and I can talk now?"

I’ood actress You have to be in order to convince stadiu is going out only to them, or that your heart truly was broken by the boy in the lyrics you’re crooning