I tapped the screen to open it.

*Dear Mrs. Mercer,* the email began.

They still didn’t know my rank at the school, or perhaps they did and were too embarrassed to use it after the way they had treated me when Ava first made her accusation.

*We are writing to inform you of some difficulties Ava is experiencing at school,* the principal wrote.

*Over the last forty-eight hours, several students have shared social media posts regarding the police investigation.*

*It appears the student body has become aware that the allegations against you were retracted.*

*Ava has spent most of the day in the counselor’s office.*

*She has refused to attend her afternoon classes due to what she describes as hostile behavior from her peers.*

*We would like to schedule a meeting with you and Mr. Whitmore as soon as possible to discuss a support plan.*

I stared at the text on the screen.

The social order of a high school was a fragile thing.

Ava had spent years building her reputation as the popular, untouchable girl who could do no wrong.