What Happened To Rachel Riley?

On November 27, Anna emails Babcia. She understands the challenge of speaking up without any support, remembering Babcia’s experiences of growing up with a communist government. Anna answers Babcia’s question about whom she trusts, naming her parents, Nik, and Babcia herself. Anna signs off with a penguin fact about how they huddle together to stay safe from predators: “There’s strength in numbers” (259).

On November 28, Rachel writes an apology letter to Principal Howe for what happened at the Winter Ball; however, she asserts that she is not sorry for what she did, as she believes that she was doing the right thing.

On November 29, Principal Howe emails Rachel’s parents a picture of this note. She gives Rachel a three-day in-school suspension and bans her from all school-sponsored activities. She also threatens to revoke Rachel’s letter of recommendation for Moorland if her behavior continues this way. Principal Howe claims that the school is investigating the accusations made at the dance but gives no further details.

Principal Howe sends the school staff a brief email, attaching the school’s sexual harassment policy and asking them to step forward if they see anything of note.

Blake and his gang, as well as Jordan and Kaylee, shun Anna after Thanksgiving break.