“Don't listen to them,” he whispered.

But I couldn't stop hearing the laughter.

Every cruel comment I'd heard throughout high school seemed to come rushing back at once.

I started crying.

“I want to go home.”

Caleb immediately took my hand.

“Okay.”

We started walking toward the exit.

I thought the humiliation was finally over.

Then the gym doors opened.

Several police officers walked inside.

The music stopped.

Conversations faded.

Everyone turned toward them.

And then something happened that made my heart stop.

The officers walked directly toward Caleb.

Chapter 3 — “Sir, You Need to Come With Us”

One officer stopped a few feet away.

He looked at Caleb.

“Caleb?”

Caleb nodded slowly.

“Sir, you need to come with us immediately.”

I froze.

“What?”

The officer looked at me.

“You're with him?”

I nodded.

He seemed surprised.

Then he asked:

“So... you have no idea what Caleb has done?”