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“I— What makes you think that?” he asks, and then he clears his throat, and that’s when I know I’ve got him

“You did” Even after everything that’s happened there’s a part of ht this moment, like surely no adult—no teacher—could be that awful and petty and od”

“First of all—”

“How could you do this tolike all hell to s the sob I feel rising inhim see me cry is quite another “Brown has beenlife”

Bex lets out a low, mean scoff “I ruined your dream?” he echoes contemptuously, like I’m a little kid who still believes in Santa Claus “You tried to ruin my life, Marin”

For a moment I’m totally stunned “I—what?”

Bex rolls his eyes, scrubbing a hand through his hair like he honestly cannot believe od,” he says, “you are so spoiled Everyone in this school is spoiled, but especially you”

I blink at hiht up short No adult has ever talked to me that way before “How am I spoiled?” I ask, more baffled than offended “You’re the one who—”

“You can play victim all you want, kiddo,” Bex interrupts “You can act like you had nothing to do with any of this But you and I both know the truth”

I feel et very still “What does that mean?”

“Oh, don’t look at me like that You’re not a baby deer” Bex rolls his eyes “You were always around, Marin Hanging out in the office Making up excuses to ask for rides”

“Wait a second,” I protest “I never—”

“Sitting ondesk, for Christ’s sake,” Bex continues “What vibe did you think you were giving off, exactly? You wanted it, Marin And retted it afterward, but I’ to sit around and let yousex predator e both know you were every bit as responsible for what happened as I was More, probably”

I a fast and silent down my face For the first time in my life it’s like I’m all out of words

“Fuck you,” is all I can e I don’t wait for him to reply before I turn and walk away