She turned to Mason first. Mason, she said quietly. Tell us what happened. Mason's leg bounced uncontrollably. He kept glancing at Blake, waiting for permission or fearfully checking whether retaliation awaited him.
Mason. Naomi repeated. Look at me. Not at him. He swallowed hard.
His voice cracked. I I didn't want to do it. What didn't you want to do? Naomi pressed. The the attack, Mason whispered.
I told Blake we'd get in trouble if we went too far. But he, he said, "If I didn't help, he'd he'd post a video of me smoking behind the gym. " Tears welled in his eyes. "My parents would kill me. I didn't know what to do.
" Ila watched silently, her hands tightening around her blanket. Naomi kept her tone steady. So you participated because Blake threatened you with blackmail. Mason nodded miserably. Blake jerked up right.
That's a lie. He's lying to save himself. I never Blake. Ramirez warned. Sit.
Blake slammed back into his chair, fuming. Naomi turned next to Connor. Connor, she said. Your turn. Connors lip quivered.
He looked younger now. Stripped of the cocky exterior he wore earlier. I swear, he blurted. I didn't want to do anything. I told Blake it wasn't right, but he kept saying Ila's family thinks they're better than everyone and that someone needed to humble her.
Naomi narrowed her eyes. So, this was not spontaneous. Connor shook his head vigorously. No. Blake planned the whole thing.
He told us where to sit, when to start recording. He even said the school wouldn't do anything because his dad owns half the district. Gasps broke across the room. Leila's breath caught. Naomi's jaw tightened.
Blake shot to his feet, slamming both hands on the table. You little traitor. The sound cracked like a thunderbolt in the confined room. "Shut up! " Blake roared.
"All of you, shut up. You're throwing me under the bus because you're cowards. None of you would ever stand on your own without me. Ramirez stepped toward him. Sit down.
Blake ignored him, pointing wildly at Mason and Connor. I made you guys popular. Nobody even knew your names before me. You were nothing. Nothing.