Chapter 3 : Cast Out

Rosa’s POV

The video was playing right there on the large screen in front of the disciplinary board.

The room was silent except for the muffled sounds from the video—sounds that made my cheeks and stomach twist with shame.

Teachers, administrators, people who had watched me walk these hallways for years, people who had graded my papers, praised my assignments, and smiled at me in the corridors, were now staring at me like I was something filthy.

Something shameful and disgusting

“Turn it off,” I whispered.

No one moved.

My hands trembled as I clutched the strap of my bag. “Please…” My voice cracked. “Please turn it off.”

Finally, the principal pressed a button on the remote, and the screen went black.

The principal folded his hands on the desk and sighed. “Rosa Caldwell,” he called slowly.

I stepped forward, trembling.

“Do you understand why you have been brought here today?”

I couldn't answer even though I knew. My life was over.

“Rosa Caldwell!” He called sternly this time.

“Yes,” I whispered.

“Would you like to explain yourself?”

Explain myself? The words sounded ridiculous. Everything was in front of them. What else could I say?

I swallowed hard. “That video…” I began. “It was recorded without my consent. I didn’t know he was filming; I would never have agreed to that. Gary—”

“Miss Caldwell.” The sharp interruption made me stop.

The vice principal was looking at me with clear irritation. “This is not about Mr. Beaumont.”

“But he recorded it,” I gulped. “He shared it online. I didn’t—”

“You participated in explicit behaviour,” she countered, her tone reeking with disgust.

“I… I was with my boyfriend,” I muttered under my breath.

The room remained silent until the principal spoke again.

“Regardless of the circumstances, the content of that video violates this institution’s code of conduct,” he sighed.

“But I…I didn’t share it,” I said desperately.

“Your actions have brought significant negative attention to this school,” the vice principal snapped.

“So… you’re punishing me for what I had no control over? I'm the victim!” I cried.

“The disciplinary board has reached a decision,” the principal replied instead.

I pressed my lips together, silently wishing that… maybe they would give me a warning or suspension or something light. I had worked hard to get here.

“Effective immediately,” the principal continued, “you are expelled from this institution.”

The word echoed in my ears.

Expelled?

“No,” I shook my head.

The principal’s expression didn’t soften. “There will be no appeal.”

The board nodded in approval.

“But I didn’t do anything wrong,” I said weakly.

“Your behavior violated school policy,” he said.

I staggered back, nodding profusely. “What about Gary?” I demanded suddenly. “He recorded the video. He posted it. Why am I the only one being punished?”

Silence fell immediately, and the principal's expression changed.

“Mr. Beaumont… Mr. Beaumont's involvement is under review,” he said vaguely.

I knew what that meant. Nothing would happen to him. The Beaumont's were rich, powerful, and untouchable.

And I was just Rosa Caldwell, the girl in the video.

I chuckled bitterly as realization sank in.

The meeting ended quickly after that, and no one tried to comfort me or even speak to me. Instead, I was looked at like I was some virus, capable of infecting the school.

Within fifteen minutes, I was escorted out of the building like a criminal, and just like that, my future was gone in the blink of an eye.

The walk back home was a total walk of shame. Tears rolled down my cheeks. I looked pathetic.

“Thanks for your participation. A game.” Gary's words kept echoing in my head.

I stared at the crumpled 10 dollar in my hand, and it only worsened the situation.

Three months of believing I was in love, three months of trusting him and giving him everything.

And in the end, I was worth ten dollars. Only ten dollars, with my life ruined completely.

By the time I reached the door, I felt like I could collapse. But I hesitated at the door. My aunt was inside, and I was sure the school had already informed her.

What would she think of me? She worked so hard to get me out of the orphanage and put me through school, and I only ended up disappointing her.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked softly, but the door swung open almost immediately.

My aunt stood there with her arms crossed and her face furious.

My heart sank.

“So,” she said coldly. “You decided to come back.”

My throat tightened. “Aunt—”

“Don’t call me that.” She snapped, and I flinched.

She stepped aside and pointed toward the sidewalk.

My suitcase sat there, along with a garbage bag filled with my clothes.

I froze. It wasn’t what I thought, was it?

“You can’t stay here anymore,” she said harshly. “I can't keep a whore in my house… sorry.”

“I have nowhere to go,” I mumbled.

“You should’ve thought about that before spreading your legs for the entire internet to see,” she snapped.

“I didn’t know he was recording,” I answered.

“I don’t care.” She crossed her arms again. “You’re a disgrace to me. I thought I raised you better than this,” she continued angrily. “I was wrong. The neighbors are already talking, and I won’t have my reputation destroyed because of your stupidity.”

I looked down at my suitcase, the garbage bag, and everything I owned.

“You’re throwing me out?” My eyes watered.

“Yes,” she affirmed.

“But I’m your family.”

She looked at me coldly, disdain written all over her. “Not anymore.” Then she slammed the door in my face.

For a long time, I just stood there, wondering what had just happened.

My school was gone.

My home was gone.

My family was gone.

And the boy I loved had destroyed everything.

I began laughing crazily while stumbling away.

If anyone had told me my life would be ruined in just a day, I would never have believed it. Never!