The group was sitting together on Monday. It was homecoming week, and the first day was decades day. The senior class got the 80s as their decade, so most people showed up in band t-shirts. Sophomores were given the 50s, so Abbey wore a pink poodle skirt and a white blouse.
"We're voting for homecoming court next period," Hanna said. "I heard rumors that Jade and Katie might be up."
"You guys would be the first same-sex couple to be on the court," Dirk declared.
"Why would we be voted?" Jade asked. "Neither of us is that popular."
"You guys are now," Hanna said. "You two are the face of the Aaron project. People saw y'all at the fair, and they love it. Two star-crossed lovers brought together by tragedy. You guys are definitely going to be nominated, if not win."
"How would a same-sex couple even be nominated?" Jade asked.
"Ask Abbey," Hanna said. "She's on the homecoming community."
Abbey wasn't paying attention. She was reading some papers. Katie had given her copies of the emails. "Abbey," Hanna said. Abbey looked up from her papers. She let out a small noise, letting them know they had her attention. "We're trying to find out if a same-sex couple can be on the homecoming court."
"Well, the girl would have to have more votes than one of the boys," Abbey said. Her eyes didn't leave the papers. "And their partner would also have to be on the court. It's rare though."
"But not impossible," Dirk added.
"Yeah," Abbey said. "Not impossible."
"If we don't get on the homecoming court, do you still wanna go to homecoming together?" Jade asked.
"Sure," Katie said. The bell then went off.
They voted during the third period. They were announced at the end of the day announcement. "Your sophomore female representatives are Chloe Burnette and Abbey Posey," the principal said. Jade heard cheers down the hall. "Your male sophomore representatives are Miles Miller and Able Hirsch."
Jade continued to listen to the announcement. "Now, you're homecoming king and queen candidates," the announcer said. "Your queen candidates are Katherine Molka, Jade Hansen, Joan Rivera, Katie Mitchell, and Ariel Kennedy."
The students burst into applause. People congratulated Jade so loud they couldn't hear the king candidates. "At this time, you may release all students," the announcer said. The students then filed out of the classroom.
A hand grabbed Jade's shoulder. Jade turned around, spotting Abbey. "I know your secret," Abbey spat. "And it's disgusting."
"What secret?" Jade asked.
"You and Aaron were never friends," Abbey accused. "I read all the emails hundreds of times. There are inconsistencies all over it. It's disgusting that you're coping their trauma."
"No," Jade said. She pulled out the note. "I have Aaron's suicide note."
Abbey snatched it from Jade. Abbey stormed off, still holding the note.