Page 94 of Nobody in Particular

THIRTY-SEVENROSE

William visits me at Bramppath directly after lunch. At least he let me eat first. Rather thoughtful of him.

The interviews this morning went perfectly. I’d anticipated no less from Molly, Eleanor, and myself, but Danni surprised me after all her talk of being terrified of standing front and center. Somehow, she managed to spin her entire question session in our favor. In the photos Danni stands stoic, calm, chin raised. She held unwavering eye contact.

These months in the spotlight have changed her more than I realized. I can only hope it was for the better.

Of course, William rather disagrees.

“I don’t know how much clearer I could have been,” he spits out. We’re sitting in one of the office meeting rooms, across from each other at a long wooden table. His suit has a coffee stain down the front. I wonder if he’s noticed. “So, please explain to me, Rose, why your friend chose to speak directly to the media rather than liaising with me for a statement as I instructed?”

Well, that would be because I had never told Danni it was an option at all. Let alone a directive. “She was outed to the world today,” I say. “Against her will. She at least deserved full control over what she had to say about it.”

And I certainly didn’t want her being manipulated or guilted into saying something that would save my reputation at her own expense.

“But for you to go and make your own statement,” he says in a wretched tone. “What could possibly have possessed you to do that? You donotspeak to the media. You willfully ignored that.”

“So there wouldn’t be a statement released implying Danni was inappropriate with me,” I snap, “or that she kissed me against my will—just in case there’s ever a photo leak and we need the plausible deniability set up in advance—or that I secretly hate her, or anything along those lines. I will not allow you to use her as a human shield to defend my reputation!”

“Yes, it’s become quite clear this year that your reputation is ofverylittle importance to you,” William says in an icy tone, folding his hands on the table before him.

“Is what I said so awful?” I ask. “Is it even that different from what you would’ve had me say?”

William looks as though he’s praying to the Lord to send him patience. It’s a reaction I bring out rather often in people. “I would have had you say nothing at all, Rose. The content is not the point. How do you think it looks that thecrown princessmade apublic statementon her friend’s sexuality drama?”

“Drama?” I repeat flatly.

“I’m sure it goes without saying,” he says, “that you need to spend some time apart from this girl. At least anywhere you can possibly be seen.”

“There aren’t reporters in Bramppath.”

“No, but there are students, Rose! We don’t know how many of your classmates are fueling these rumors, but we know there’s at least one. And one is all it takes.” I hold his gaze, and he darkens. “Think, Rose. I just came from calming your father down. He wants that girl out of Bramppath. He doesn’t trust you to remain discreet anymore, and frankly, I can see why. I convinced him to hold off while we handle it, but don’t think he won’t ship that girl back to America if it comes to it.”

I force myself to slow down and remain calm. Clearly, pushing back will get me nowhere at present. Appeasement and bargainingmay, however, prevent the palace from inserting themselves between Danni and me.

“Okay,” I say. “Just… don’t hurt her. I’ll stay away from her.”

Some of the wind leaves William’s sails. “There’s no need to be so serious. They aren’t going to assassinate the girl.”

“There’s more than one way to hurt someone,” I say.

“Yes, well. I’ve won you one last chance, Rose. I wouldn’t waste it.”

I grit my teeth until my jaw aches, and nod.

They let me return to school shortly after dinner. Molly is on her way out of Dewitt just as I’m about to enter. She’s already changed out of her uniform and is wearing a pair of sweatpants and sneakers, which tells me either she’s not filming anything tonight, or she’s already finished. “Walk with me,” she says, grabbing my arm. “I was about to print something out.”

“That sounds so normal,” I say with a laugh. “It’s strange that normal things can still happen when the world’s falling apart.”

She gives me a sympathetic look. “You know I got sent a petition today? Some random person wanted me to share it, so they can get signatures demanding your parents let you be with Danni.”

I groan. “Oh, yes, that will change everything. Let them knowjusthow many people believe Danni and I are together, in writing!”

“At least their hearts are in the right place.” Molly grins as we pass beneath a rose canopy. Then, she sobers. “Are you okay?”

“Not really. My parents say I must stop being seen with Danni altogether. With the implication that if I’m caught even speaking to her, they’ll punish us.”

Molly squeezes her eyes shut, as though she was afraid of this very thing. “Okay,” she says. “We’ll figure it out.”

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