Search Results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bloomington, IN—Meta Platforms, Inc. regrets to announce the cancellation of the highly predicted reality docuseries Following Lalo Vera: 2 B-Town, set to premiere on November 10, 2023, on Instagram. The cancellation is due to unforeseen time constraints related to the video editorial process. Despite our best efforts, Meta and Lalo Vera LLC have met unexpected production delays, making meeting the scheduled premiere date unfeasible. This decision ensured that the series meets the ambitious standards of excellence and creativity that viewers have come to expect. Following Lalo Vera: 2 B-Town aims to capture the vibrant energy and humanity of Bloomington, Indiana, and we are committed to delivering an exceptional viewing experience. We are grateful for the patience and support of our viewers and fans, and we promise to come back stronger and better prepared for the November 10, 2024, premiere. Ladislao 'Lalo' Vera Jr. and Lalo Vera LLC are bringing their unique vision to life, and we are confident that the added time will allow us to create an even more compelling and captivating series. We understand the disappointment this announcement may bring. Meta and Lalo Vera LLC are working tirelessly to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that Following Lalo Vera: 2 B-Town will be worth the wait. We stay committed to delivering innovative and boundary-pushing content and look forward to sharing this extraordinary journey with our audience shortly. Do not hesitate to contact Lalo Vera LLC at Press@lalovera.com for further inquiries or interview requests. About Meta Platforms, Inc.: Meta Platforms, Inc. is a leading production company known for its innovative, boundary-pushing content. With a history of delivering captivating and socially engaging programming, Meta continues redefining the digital entertainment landscape. Through partnerships with influential creators and distribution networks, Meta brings unique experiences to audiences worldwide. About Instagram: Instagram is a leading social media platform that connects people through visual storytelling. With millions of active users, it has become a hub for creators, influencers, and businesses to connect with their audience and share engaging content. Instagram's collaboration with Meta is part of its commitment to offering diverse and compelling programming to its users. About Lalo Vera LLC: Lalo Vera LLC is the creative force behind the forthcoming reality docuseries Following Lalo Vera: 2 B-Town. Led by Ladislao 'Lalo' Vera Jr, the company is capturing the energy and humanity of B-Town through compelling storytelling. We assure our fans and viewers that we are committed to delivering an exceptional series at the rescheduled premiere date of November 10, 2024.

Meta presents the upcoming reality docuseries "Following Lalo Vera: 2 B-Town," premiering November 10, 2023, at 9/8c on Instagram. Bloomington, IN—Get ready for an exhilarating and captivating journey as Meta Platforms, Inc. presents upcoming reality docuseries Following Lalo Vera: 2 B-Town. This highly expected reality docu-series, set to premiere on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 9/8c on Instagram, takes viewers on an adventure through the vibrant streets of Bloomington, Indiana (B-Town). Join the charismatic Lalo Vera as he becomes the ultimate guide, exploring hidden gems, local hangouts, and the bustling life of B-Town. The teaser trailer, available at https://www.lalovera.com, supplies a thrilling sneak peek into the excitement ahead. Lalo's infectious energy and deep understanding of B-Town bring a fresh perspective to every corner turned and every interaction made. However, it is not just about the places but also the people. Lalo introduces viewers to the faces that add color and character to the city, sharing their stories, dreams, and lives. This heartwarming exploration of community and connection sets the backdrop for an unforgettable journey, highlighting the humanity that makes B-Town unforgettable. Ladislao' Lalo' Vera Jr, the creative talent behind Lalo Vera LLC, serves as the series' casting director, costume designer, editor, director of photography, producer, writer, and director. Lalo brings his unique vision to life, enhanced by the original music composed by Lalo Vera LLC. This collaboration between Meta and Lalo Vera combines the finest of both worlds to deliver an immersive experience for viewers. As a leading production company known for pushing boundaries, Meta continues to redefine the digital entertainment landscape. Instagram, a leading social media platform, connects people through visual storytelling, making it the perfect partner to offer diverse and compelling programming. To stay updated and be part of this extraordinary journey, viewers are encouraged to subscribe to the show's channel, where they can find the latest episodes. The adventure has only just begun, and so much more is to come. Buckle up, get ready, and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of B-Town. Do not hesitate to contact Lalo Vera LLC at Press@lalovera.com for media inquiries or interview requests. About Meta Platforms, Inc: Meta Platforms, Inc. is a leading production company known for its innovative and boundary-pushing content. With a history of delivering captivating and socially engaging programming, Meta continues redefining the digital entertainment landscape. Through partnerships with influential creators and distribution networks, Meta brings unique experiences to audiences worldwide. About Instagram: Instagram is a leading social media platform that connects people through visual storytelling. With millions of active users, it has become a hub for creators, influencers, and businesses to connect with their audience and share engaging content. Instagram's collaboration with Meta is part of its commitment to offering diverse and compelling programming to its users. About Lalo Vera LLC: Lalo Vera LLC is the creative force behind the upcoming reality docuseries Following Lalo Vera: 2 B-Town. Led by Ladislao 'Lalo' Vera Jr, the company handles every aspect of the series, from casting, costume design, editing, and production to writing, directing, and creating original music. Through its unique vision, Lalo Vera LLC brings the vibrant streets of Bloomington, Indiana to life, capturing the energy and humanity of B-Town through compelling storytelling.

We had our Chihuahua Puppy for over a week now. We have yet to decide to name him. Please choose all the names you like for the final vote. Please help name our puppy.

Indiana University Bloomington has always been known for its stunning architecture and picturesque campus, but did you know it also boasts some of the most enchanting study spots? Whether you're looking for a quiet nook to bury your head in a book or a cozy corner to sip on a chai latte while you conquer your assignments, IU has got you covered. Here are some hidden gems you must explore when considering your study areas. First on the list is the Indiana Memorial Union (IMU)—South Lounge. As you step into this 500,000-square-foot building, you'll feel like you're strolling through the hallowed halls of Hogwarts. With a fireplace, plush leather couches, and exposed wood, the South Lounge exudes a captivating Harry Potter aesthetic. Visit this spot not just for its charm but also for a delicious chai latte from Starbucks. Next up, the Media School Atrium is a vibrant three-story space that offers countless private study rooms and an enclosed atrium. It's characterized by its popularity amongst students and faculty, providing the perfect atmosphere for any intellectual pursuit. For the artsy souls, the Art Museum provides two distinct study spots: the Angles and the Fine Arts Library. Angles, a unique fusion of a coffee shop and gift shop, is an excellent alternative for those looking to escape the long lines at Wells and Starbucks. However, for a strictly silent ambiance and a less crowded space, the Fine Arts Library on the second floor is highly recommended. Prepare to be transported to another world as you ascend the stairs near the IMU Starbucks and enter the William Lowe Bryan Room on the 7th floor. This hidden gem offers high ceilings, cozy chairs, fireplaces, and a breathtaking view of the campus. It's a perfect retreat for any diligent student seeking inspiration. If seclusion is your top priority, then head to the study spot located above the IMU Starbucks. As you go up the stairway, you'll find yourself in a private sanctuary that overlooks the bustling IMU entrance. It's the ideal spot to find solace and focus. Lastly, the graduate side of the Kelley School of Business provides a haven of tranquility compared to the undergrad building. As you make your way to the 3rd or 4th floor, you'll find tables in the corner that offer a serene view of the arboretum. This peaceful atmosphere will surely help elevate your studying experience. So, whether you're seeking an enchanting ambiance reminiscent of Hogwarts, a picturesque view, or seclusion to concentrate, Indiana University offers an array of study spots that cater to every student's needs. Break from the bustling libraries and explore these hidden gems to enhance your study sessions and unleash your full academic potential.

A couple of bumps on the road, but things turned out fine. People come, people go, but I don't miss how much they whined. Sunflowers love to start the beef, don’t wanna keep it rap. https://twitter.com/ladislaovera/status/1494754560195416066?s=21

A Word of Statements from the Mother of Ladislao Vera Junior: Indiana University deprives my son of his diploma six months before he was supposed to graduate, and it was not a drunk-driving matter, no. It was a suicidal attempt. My son has proof of not being in school hours and not in class at the time of the incident. We have evidence of doctors saying my son has depression and anxiety. He also had concussions. As his mom, I am extremely upset about how the school reacted to this and very disappointed that my son is going through it all because, of course, he is Latino, with Mexican parents, that’s all to it. If he were a different race, this would not be happening. My son is an extremely smart boy dedicated to his studies. I just want the correct thing to be done in this case, and the correct thing is to give him his diploma from IU Bloomington because he has all his credits. He was six months from graduating. I hope OCR does the correct thing as it is supposed to investigate this matter. Truly we want the diploma he earned, and we have proof and evidence of my son not being in class at this time and not involved in anything illegal or drunk driving. ~ Nora Hilda Vera.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOOMINGTON (IUB) DEPRIVES THE COLLEGE DEGREE OF A LATINX SUICIDAL STUDENT, brings a stunning 3-year Conspiracies attacks, OWIs, the latest slip-ups, and an even more portable look to the world’s most loved Kelley School of Business. Lalo Vera announced that IUB, the 8th best business school built entirely around the United States, will introduce organized Crimes, a simple way to practice neglect anywhere, anytime, and Suicides, a major high-impact university college-student attempt type, on November 19, 2020. Lalo Vera is also introducing a new investigation—being done by the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights—featuring and designed with two-time bases of discriminations and five-time world basis of disabilities, along with the multiple complaints on Latinx student Ladislao Vera. Inspired by mental illnesses, this investigation will help build strength, balance, and endurance so students can have more safety on nations’ campuses—all the way to the last run. IUB was negligent in many respects. It was foreseeable that Ladislao Vera would commit suicide due to the deception activities. Ladislao Vera advised IUB and its agents that the misuse activities triggered his severe anxiety and depression. He was mentally unstable. He explicitly expressed that he was suicidal and had a plan to commit suicide. Proximate results of negligent acts that IUB subjected Vera to assault, aggravated mental harm, and caused Vera to suffer severe anxiety and depression in an attempted suicide. Ladislao Vera suffered substantial financial damages, including losing his society and support, grief, and lost wages and salary. During the Fall 2020 semester, IUB subjected Vera to various forms of cruelty that caused him to develop anxiety and depression. As a result of the severe anxiety and depression from ill-treatment, Vera committed an unfortunate suicidal attempt in a motor vehicle accident on November 19, 2020. “So here’s why I’m here tonight okay, um so, I went to your house tonight—that house—and I served a search warrant on it and I got the golf cart that you stole. Okay, so what I’m trying to do is close this case out. Okay, so that we can… so that we can move on, so we got multiple people…putting…so, let me just… let me start off with, I am looking for a little bit of honesty. Okay, at the end of the day, it does not have to be a bigger deal than you make it, okay. So umm, obviously the golf cart was reported stolen, okay. We got pictures of it in your garage, then I get a search warrant, I show up and I find it. Okay so we have the golf cart. Who took it?” ~ IUPD Officer Preston C. Wagner. Fifty-three college residents on the Latinx Floor at IUB are experiencing a dramatic tragedy of the two co-Resident Assistants’ termination. One victim almost lost his life from IU’s harassments aimed at the victim’s appearance and behaviors of being different. At the time, there are no witness or lead reported IUPD Officer Wagner. Ladislao Vera Junior communicated to IUB including individually named agents, that the conspiracy was triggering misery. Community members reported Harassment and threat concerns to IUB regarding the victims’ (Vera’s) safety. IUB owed a duty to use ordinary care to supervise the transgression of IU to reduce the risk of physical and mental injury that would lead to suicide with transgression. IUB, by and through its agents, employees, and proxies, was negligent in allowing Ladislao Vera to be assaulted. Ladislao Vera Junior studied Acting and Dance, holding 159 college credits. With only two required classes left to get a Bachelor of Arts in arts and sciences at Indiana University Bloomington. The fall 2020 Semester did not come out to be an academic learning experience where Vera continuously fought for his rights at IUB to get his degree. Violence actions, after another tragic incident, after other intense attacks, all led up to Vera moving back in with his parents on November 21st, 2020. At that point, Vera knew he was not going to finish his education at Bloomington. That was also when Vera stopped doing his passion: acting and dancing. Vera shares, “I never realized I would have to stop doing classwork for a grade to beg a university [IUB] to believe in my life involvement.” Many colleges reinforce diversity among our communities, while IUB struggles with discrimination from predominantly white institutions factors. New social movements are a theory. A theory in which social movements can face challenges to explain the excessive amount of new problems. Most of these movements came up in various western societies roughly since the mid-1960s. They were bringing people together to address problems, whether they were big or small important or not. Vera believes this is the best way for people to be heard. Especially those of minorities and people treated with inequality. “Okay so for one, you need lower your voice with me. Cause at the end of the day, I’m not here to get fucking yelled at. Okay, I’m here to talk to you, so you got to make sure who you are raising your voice at” ~ IUPD Officer Wagner. The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), evaluated Ladislao Vera claims that Vera filed with OCR. On July 8, 2021, OCR received against Indiana University (IU), stating discrimination based on race, sex, and disability. OCR has determined that the U.S. has the authority to investigate Vera’s cases. Specifically, the claims state the following— (1) Indiana University discriminated against Vera based on disability (multiple disabilities) when in January 2021 it denied Vera’s appeal of a suspension from the University; and (2) The University discriminated against Vera on the bases of race (Hispanic) and sex (male) when in March 2021 Vera was expelled from the University. OCR enforces Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin by recipients of Federal financial assistance (FFA) from the U.S. Department of Education. OCR enforces Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX), which prohibits discrimination based on sex in any education program or activity operated by recipients of FFA. OCR is further responsible for enforcing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II), prohibiting discrimination based on disability by recipients of FFA and public entities, respectively. As a recipient of FFA from the Department of Education and a public entity, Indiana University is subject to these laws. OCR has determined that it will investigate the claims. Please understand that opening an investigation does not mean that OCR has decided about the claims. During the investigation, OCR is neutral; OCR will collect and analyze its needs to decide the claims. OCR offers, when appropriate, a Facilitated Resolution Between the Parties (FRBP) process to facilitate the voluntary resolution of claims by providing an opportunity for the parties involved to resolve the claims quickly. Some information about the FRBP process is in the enclosure to this immediate release. When appropriate, the claims may be resolved before the conclusion of the investigation after Vera expresses an interest in resolving the claims. If such a case, Vera's resolution agreement and submitted to OCR must address, all of the claims that OCR determines are appropriate to resolve before the conclusion of the investigation. Information about this kind of resolution is in the enclosure of this letter. OCR makes aware that Vera may have the right to file a private suit in federal court whether or not OCR finds a violation. OCR will communicate with Vera periodically regarding the status of Vera’s claims. If you are interested in resolving Vera’s complaint through OCR’s FRBP process or have any questions, please contact Ms. Sherry Rosenblum. Equal Opportunity Specialist, at 312-730-1601 or by email at Sherry.Rosenblum@ed.gov.

United States Department of Education Office For Civil Rights 230 South Dearborn St., 37th Floor Chicago, IL 60604 September 14, 2021 Mr. Ladislao Vera Sent via email to ladislao@lalovera.net Re: OCR Docket #05-21-2246 Dear Mr. Vera: This is to notify you that the U.S. Department of Education (Department), Office for Civil Rights (OCR), has evaluated the above-referenced complaint you filed with OCR, which OCR received on July 8, 2021, against Indiana University (University) alleging discrimination on the bases of race, sex, and disability. We have determined that we have the authority to investigate your complaint. Specifically, the complaint alleges the following: The University discriminated against you on the basis of disability (multiple disabilities) when in January 2021 it denied your appeal of a suspension from the University, and The University discriminated against you on the bases of race (Hispanic) and sex (male) when in March 2021 you were expelled from the University. OCR is responsible for enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), 42 U.S.C.§§2000d-2000d-7, and its implementing regulations, 34 C.F.R. Part 100, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin by recipients of Federal financial assistance (FFA) from the Department. OCR is also responsible for enforcing Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX) 20 U.S.C.§§1681-1688, and its implementing regulation at 34C.F.R.Part 106, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity operated by recipients of FFA. OCR is further responsible for enforcing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), 29 U.S.C.§794, and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 104, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II), 42 U.S.C.§§12131-12134, and its implementing regulations at 28 C.F.R. Part 35, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability by recipients of FFA and public entities, respectively. As a recipient of FFA from the Department and a public entity, the University is subject to these laws. Additional information about the laws OCR enforces is available on OCR's website at http://www.ed.gov/ocr/. Based on the information you provided, OCR has determined that it will investigate the complaint. Please understand that opening an investigation does not mean that OCR has made a decision about the complaint. During the investigation, OCR is neutral; OCR will collect and analyze the evidence it needs in order to make a decision about the complaint. OCR offers, when appropriate, a Facilitated Resolution Between the Parties (FRBP) process to facilitate the voluntary resolution of complaints by providing an opportunity for the parties involved to resolve the allegations quickly. Some information about the FRBP process is in the enclosure to this letter. In addition, when appropriate, a complaint may be resolved before the conclusion of an investigation after the recipient expresses an interest in resolving the complaint. In such cases, a resolution agreement signed by the recipient expresses an interest in resolving the complaint. In such cases, a resolution agreement signed by the recipient and submitted to OCR must address all of the allegations that OCR determines are appropriate to resolve before the conclusion of an investigation. Information about this kind of resolution is in the enclosure to this letter. OCR would like to make you aware that individuals who file complaints with OCR may have the right to ie a private suit in federal court whether or not OCR finds a violation. We will communicate with you periodically regarding the status of your complaint. If you are interested in resolving your complaint through OCR's FRBP process or have any questions, please contact Ms. Sherry Rosenblum, Equal Opportunity Specialist, at 312-730-1601 or by email at Sherry.Rosenblum@ed.gov. Sincerely, Jeffrey Turnbull Team Leader Enclosure

OFFICE OF MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF BRAD SWAIN 301 NORTH COLLEGE AVENUE BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA 47404 TELEPHONE (812) 349-2534 FAX (812) 349-2828 Date: 7/21/2021 To: XXXXX XXXXX Jr. From: Major George Tripping In response to your subpoena, I have included video from the night you requested. I believe this is the incident you might be looking for. The incident is still with out investigation unit for filing possible charges. I have attempted to send Body Camera footage to your email. Hopefully you can access the video from this DVD. If not, you can contact me and we can make further arrangements for you to view any other video you may need. George R. Trippany Assistant Jail Commander Monroe County Correctional Center 301 N. College Ave. Bloomington, IN 47404 (812)349-2808 gtrippany@co.monroe.in.us

Vera stayed on the dean’s list for all 4 years in high school with a ending cumulative GPA: 3.3/4.0; Dean’s List all semesters.

Summons: Service by publication (A) Praecipe for summons by publication. In any action where notice by publication is permitted by these rules or by statute, service may be made by publication. Summons by publication may name all the persons to be served, and separate publications with respect to each party shall not be required. The person seeking such service, or his attorney, shall submit his request therefor upon the praecipe for summons along with supporting affidavits that diligent search has been made that the defendant cannot be found, has concealed his whereabouts, or has left the state, and shall prepare the contents of the summons to be published. The summons shall be signed by the clerk of the court or the sheriff in such manner as to indicate that it is made by his authority. (B) Contents of summons by publication. The summons shall contain the following information: (1) The name of the person being sued, and the person to whom the notice is directed, and, if the person's whereabouts are unknown or some or all of the parties are unknown, a statement to that effect; (2) The name of the court and cause number assigned to the case; (3) The title of the case as shown by the complaint, but if there are multiple parties, the title may be shortened to include only the first named plaintiff and those defendants to be served by publication with an appropriate indication that there are additional parties; (4) The name and address of the attorney representing the person seeking service; (5) A brief statement of the nature of the suit, which need not contain the details and particulars of the claim. A description of any property, relationship, or other res involved in the action, and a statement that the person being sued claims some interest therein; (6) A clear statement that the person being sued must respond within thirty [30] days after the last notice of the action is published, and in case he fails to do so, judgment by default may be entered against him for the relief demanded in the complaint. (C) Publication of summons. The summons shall be published three [3] times by the clerk or person making it, the first publication promptly and each two [2] succeeding publications at least seven [7] and not more than fourteen [14] days after the prior publication, in a newspaper authorized by law to publish notices, and published in the county where the complaint or action is filed, where the res is located, or where the defendant resides or where he was known last to reside. If no newspaper is published in the county, then the summons shall be published in the county in this state nearest thereto in which any such paper may be printed, or in a place specially ordered by the court. The person seeking the service or his attorney may designate any qualified newspaper, and if he fails to do so, the selection may be made by the clerk. (D) By whom made or procured. Service of summons by publication shall be made and procured by the clerk, by a person appointed by the court for that purpose, or by the clerk or sheriff of another county where publication is to be made. (E) Return. The clerk or person making the service shall prepare the return and include the following: (1) Any supporting affidavits of the printer containing a copy of the summons which was published; (2) An information or statement that the newspaper and the publication meet all legal requirements applicable to such publication; (3) The dates of publication. The return and affidavits shall be filed with the pleadings and other papers in the case and shall become a part of the record as provided in these rules. in.gov

Human rights have always been a substantial part of a community. If something goes wrong, mass resistance to situations and circumstances that are unfair is stimulated by "the crisis of the inner city" (Castells, 1983). A more narrow form upon women of color participation demands equal rights in school desegregation during the civil rights movement. Effective communities display theoretical and conceptual issues in mobilization to connect people of color and city life. 1789 to 1945 The age of social movements assists framework within enlightenment period, French revolution, and traditional three-tiered society. "Newness" Social movements emerged as people fought for the principles of their rights. Napoleon's dictatorship is attained and limited by terror reign resolving conflicts of interest amongst disputes between society members. Racism and white supremacy have been a part of the American higher education system since its outset. People addressed these issues by developing "new" social movements. These distinct spaces separate social organizations' intersection basis on nominal and graduated linkages to multiple society levels. Such citizen movements operate self-determined, specific goals, locally-based, and territorially mobilize with social change that brings out individual rights expressions towards the end of 1945s. Mid-19th-century "Newness" Social Movements emerged through such given grievances—genuine or imagined wrong on a complaint or protest incredibly unfair treatment (Google 2021). Groups' responsibilities aimed at justice contributing complementary distributive actions that sparked the industrial revolution. Individuals have the right to seek support from their towns, cities, and national power—capable of cohesive or persuading people to act in specific ways—such as in Europe with the Woman's movement during mid 19th century. Catholicism dominant people have more power than renaissance members, while subdominant women are less than industrial workers. New Social Movements era affected grievances proclamation of justice, equality, liberty by women organizations continuing unfinished business never settled in the 19th century. Newness Social movements are purposeful organized groups striving to work towards a common goal. New" women's movements of the 1970s both attempted to love and justice implementation systems from organizational numbers, resources, and function structure. "Newness" Social Movements instituted post-World War II with identity politics. Such liberatory movements expressing individual rights in A Moral Movement. Late 1960s Woman's movement differentiates 1980s "second" ('new') Woman's movement throughout complementarity actions that this report analysis. Despite efforts to address racial tensions, higher education in the United States has not come a long way in resolving the white supremacy system. 1980s 17 Latina students synthesized their passion, commitment, and motivation to strengthen women's independence with an envisioned organization at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Students of color face racial hatred in both racial societies and on campus. Therefore, college campuses fill in racial prejudice gaps in so-called racial American society. The new sense of community identities protects individuals and their rights discussed throughout the conducted research paper. Participation in this Latina organization consists of various federal and state laws destroyed upon college communities to benefit the criminals. Findings of the research display an extraordinary number of laws violated within Indiana's University communities caused by this Latina organization. Research specifies a precise agency (Chapter) of an organization "turning the table" on society's norms and values with evidential recordings. The complexity of problems arises from this Latina sorority's masterminding organized crimes that convey dehumanizing actions, homophobic behaviors, and conspiracy attacks. Analysis among thematic discourse content tracks position, occurrence, and meaning of words/phrases by how communication works in social contexts from data that identify central themes and patterns in the timeline. March 15, 1989 SUNY Albany Campus pinned its Alpha Chapter of a Latina-oriented organization know as Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated ('OPB'). OPB sorority is a not-for-profit corporation with its principal place of business and citizenship in New York, Manhattan County, New York. A brief history of OPB's movements will categorize exhibit A below: OPB members do not overlap Liberatory Movements over time. Qualitative social barriers emphasize a structural-functionalist deviance case among negative correlations from OPB operation components. Self-representation emergence of complex systems confirms collective sentiments in Robert K. Merton's Deviance Typology with charismatic leadership model and Social model of disability. Durkheim's Functionalist of Crime shows proper from OPB Society of saints promoting homophobic attitudes in college environments. OPB chapters' heuristic evaluation closely examines generative usability functions relatively similar to the late 1980s' new' Woman's movement. Women still experience gender inequality and oppression in today's world, encouraging members to be active leaders from organizational empowerment. Many college students feel lonely, so they start searching for "a home away from home" for a sense of belonging in their new environments. Belonging in a Predominantly White Institution" displays characteristics that C.E. Garcia associated with place of belonging among Latina/o/x college students: "(3) individuals were not treated as though they mattered;" at "(1) places that lacked compositional diversity;" from "(2) where racial identity and culture not valued or actively erased;" as "(5) lacked shared interests with others in areas they did not feel they belonged;" by "(4) where they were silenced, ignored, or not allowed to contribute." I approached this essay, recognizing my experiences as a Gay Latino fraternity (LUL) member in a Multi-Cultural Greek Council (MCGC) at Indiana University Bloomington. I will not highlight my statements as bias but instead demonstrate the perspectives of the other involved individuals. I, Ladislao Vera, was a member of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda (LUL) Fraternity, Incorporated, Co-Resident Assistant IU's Latinx Floors, and is a resident and citizen of Indiana. Luis Dávila Latinx Floor is a Thematic Learning Community (TLC) housed on the 6th and 7th floors of Forest Quadrangle West-A Tower operating under Residential Programs and Services (RPS) at Indiana University Bloomington. March 2015 Indiana University Bloomington chartered OPB's Beta Tau Chapter after 26 years. Beta Tau hosted a 'viewing' for fraternity men to enjoy a presentation of Beta Tau pledgees— called Mopes —during set—called Intake session—from physical and mental abuse of the women seeking membership. Examples of such presentations included but were not limited to abusive physical contact, verbal abuse, and financial exploitation. The new social movement framework articulates 'new' grievances in women's, ecology, gay rights, disability, and other various peace movements. The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) report of secondary schools' climate that Stulberg argues seems to be improving with time. In 2015, GLSEN did a survey and found that 57.6 percent of students felt unsafe due to their sexual orientation and 43.3 percent due to their gender expression. The report also expressed that 56.2 percent of students experience homophobic remarks by teachers and other school staff. OPB is a sorority with nearly 18,000 members nationwide (4,500 financially active) and 58 chapters in 16 U.S. States and 0 U.S. territories. To become an OPB member, scripted in article VII of Sorority's national by-laws, members "shall consist entirely of women" with "good character and standing." If and when an interest— a non-Greek student that expresses interest in becoming a member of the specific social organization—makes it to the end of the pledging process, they will receive a certification of membership that had their membership number. If sisters want to extend their memberships, they must "fit strict serotypes" by being "extremely feminine" (Worthen 171). OPBs' behaviors are focused on keeping idealized physical appearances to attract eligible fraternity men by going the extra mile (Worthen 173). June 2020 OPB Sorority publicly accused Alpha Xi Chapter of LUL Fraternity, located at Indiana University Bloomington, of sexual assaults on Twitter. The exclusive studies examined in this descriptive research among an influential group of this Latina Sorority at Indiana University Bloomington. Injustice communities existent an exceptionally long time by traditional gender role socialization that challenges females in the process of learning 'what it means to be a woman.' "& tbh no one better come at me about my story bc I have a whole sisterhood behind me. So save it. Period.," (@LaCruel_ June 5, 2020). Ixchel Mendez-Elizondo aided and abetted the conspiracy against members of Alpha Xi. Salazar's statement, "and if your mans is an LUL what are you doing to make sure he's holding his brothers accountable???" (@mmari15 2020). Rhetorical thought, if your girls is an OPB what are you doing to make sure she's holding her sisters accountable? OPB Sorority publicizes cultural unity by empowering their female gender by raising standards of excellence in their academic, social, and personal endeavors. Cue findings reveal women seeking membership in OPB Sorority were victims in a conspiracy at the direction of members of Beta Tau, including the Midwest Region 6 Vice-President of OPB Sorority. Experienced investigation sees continuous marginalization in American society from inequality within this Latina Sorority. Monday, August 17, 2020 OPB member and I were co-Resident Assistants (CoRAs) of the LatinX Floor affected when Robert Kevin Whiteside (IU staff) contacted Barry W. Magee (his boss) at 0700 hours to make a police report. Fifty-three college residents on the Latinx Floor at Indiana University Bloomington are experiencing a dramatic tragedy of the two co-Resident Assistants' termination. One victim almost lost their life from the OPBs' harassments aimed at the victim's appearance and behavior of being queer. We may not deliberately care for the mentioned attempt, but what about the rest of the LGBTQ+ individual rights? The new social movement consisted of one specific change and many since the end of World War II. CBS4 News declared Indiana "University wanted to shut down Greek life altogether" because of the coronavirus's pandemic when school started in August 2020. Indiana University's Division of Student Affairs' cease and desist orders to 3 Greek chapters that violated COVID-19 "public health regulations and restrictions," IU spokesperson Chuck Carney confirmed. Jackie S., IU's Associate Director at the Office of Student Conduct, started her investigation about OPB being the only Sorority subject to discipline in a cease-and-desist order, "putting students at risk of spreading COVID-19" (WTHR.com 2020). Tuesday, September 29, 2020 AD Jackie interviewed an OPB member, "stated that the event was 'very last minute kind of get together within, some sisters but not all, and some of the residents from the Latinx floor so they could get to know people,’ "Greek system as institutions," Meredith G. F. Worthen displays, "stereotypical conceptualizations of masculinity and femininity." At the same time, "hyperfeminine may be reinforced in Greek societies." The OPB member interviewed, “stated that Vera was not invited to the event, but arrived anyways." Worthen said, "the out-group (i.e., LGBT individuals) may be particularly at risk for prejudicial treatment." OPB member “stated that Vera was participating in the event, that she saw him present, and does not know if he was drinking but knows he was socializing and in the environment of the event." The motivation of Greek members are in "quality of group dynamics" within their high morals by being a groupthink; "striving for unanimity override…to realistically appraise alternative courses of action…with high levels of pressure toward uniformity… independent thought is devalued, and group like-mindedness is paramount… that encourages conformity and compliance" (Worthen 170). The Sunflower member questioned her prior statement when she said, "I think he brought people with him. We hadn't invited him, be he came, and we felt intimidated to ask him to leave. I didn't know what scene would be created, so we didn't ask him to leave." Sororities will "restrict… members from thinking and acting outside the [group's] norms" (Worthen 171). The OPB member also stated that there was people who made sure the bedroom doors were locked and that there was someone standing at the front door for when people stepped outside, “The people who were not invited just walked in without knocking or someone saying ‘yeah, come in’. AD Jackie interviewed me [Lalo Vera] since somebody wrote my name in the Incidence Reports about the OPBs' event. 13wthr news reporters claimed that "administrators said they crackdown on cease and desist not followed including actions against individual students." OPB members refused Indiana University orders of Incidents Reports sent to Bloomington about "no parties, no gathering, not even recruiting" (WTHR.com). Wednesday, September 30, 2020 AD Jackie interviewed my CoRA, a member of the OPB Beta Tau, the only OPB member that did not publicly state, mention, or accused me [Ladislao 'Lalo' Vera] in any aspect of torts. Risman mentioned that influential groups, known as the 'generalized other,' are established from relationships between stereotypical limitations and individuals' self-development. Barbara J. Risman's materialization within "College Women and Sororities" that sorority girls seek "for their success" through "physical attractiveness, social skills, and social class." My CoRA "invited residents from the residence hall from where" both of us worked at, to her Sorority's event as she had "personal connections with them besides that I'm their RA. I know some from back home" and that "residents showed up 'late too,' nothing was official official." My CoRA "arrived around 11:00 pm" at the event and "spent the night at the house. The residents… went home to the residence center." My CoRA told AD Jackie she "was not sure how [our residents] got there. I didn't see any of my residents drinking." My CoRA said the event was "mostly first-year students and some are sophomores," and that she "invited 5 of [our] residents" in person, "texted them the address of the house," and "then they speak among themselves and invited others." OPBs Beta Tau's negative consequences are "challenge discordant ideas" of members' independent thought contributing to the like-mindedness of the group causing groupthink phenomena. My CoRA said the opposite of what her OPB sister said, "No one was standing at the door of the house, we expected certain people to show up. We didn't expect others to show up late." AD Jackie asked Libby Spotts to tell Sergent Rebecca Schmuhl to show up to the S. Lincoln. St. house. Sgt. Rebecca A. Schmuhl knocked on the tenants' front door, where they only got two names of the OPBs. Beta Tau members told Sgt. Schmuhl, “At some point Ladislao Vera, an acquaintance who had previously been un-invited, crashed the gathering with a group of friends." OPB "fight against the injustices suffered by [female] gender" by voluntarily working independently in solid relationships with Greek-lettered organizations to achieve their social change of fostering an environment for concepts importance in action-taking by women activism. The OPB members told Sgt. Schmuhl that ”Vera had been drinking and that he is not a pleasant person when drunk." She also said they were fearful about confronting him and asking him to leave reported to IUPD Officer. The OPB tenants of the Lincoln house said that I left with my group after approximately 15 to 20 minutes.“ The OPB tenants told IUPD at the door that "police were never called and she later heard through her sorority president that the gathering was reported. [Beta Tau member] stressed that it was not a party and it was not affiliated with her sorority.” OPB Nationals compels its members to do "everything in her power to promote the interests, welfare, and dignity of the chapter." 1st person that reported the bonfire incident said “Theses freshman and I were hanging out and saying there were organizations who were having a get together.” They sent it in for a "first-year student" of the Latinx floor. The Freshman "was more concerned about the size of it" and "scared to submit it from their username." Saturday, October 3, 2020 AD Jackie shared "a fourth report was submitted" from a "name associated with the email does not match an IU student," “This report included a 5—second video clip, a photo of a group text conversation, a snapchat photo, and an audio clip.” Tuesday, October 6, 2020 The chapter president of the Sunflower Sorority sent an email to the Office of Student Conduct with a letter towards me with allegations of various actions: Vera walked into the home uninvited, visibly intoxicated, and made all who were invited feel uncomfortable. We were afraid to kick him out or say anything to him frankly because we are scared of him. Prior incidents have shown that he can make a scene especially when intoxicated. We wanted to hang out as friends, peacefully, and so we said nothing and he left 20 minutes later. Whil[e] he was there he did pace back and forth and socialize with others. Following the report, Vera made comments on social media that led us to further believe he was involved. The tweets all come after the event took place. Tweets mentioned will be below in the timeline in italic Furthermore, aside from his own posts on Twitter, we have recognized a few similar posts from other members of his fraternity and friend circle. We also would like to mention that when Vera arrived he brought others with him which added to the number of people who were already there. OPB Sorority is responsible for instituting and enforcing policies that provide adequate supervision of chapters from acts of torts. OPB Sorority is solely responsible for all indemnification and permitting chapters to partake in the involvement of injustices with the "common goal of creating a new standard for women." This is why indemnification is a code of regulations in article 22 of the OPB Sorority Constitution. No OPB Sorority chapter has sole authority to execute an instrument on behalf of the Sorority. OPB Sorority has the sole authority to determine whether an individual can obtain membership in the Sorority. OPB Sorority grants authority to chapters to act as agents of the national organization to conduct sorority business and operation. With power from OPB Sorority, the Regional Director then informs all chapters in her region when the chapter has permission from OPB Sorority to conduct an executive act. For undergraduate chapters, in addition to serving as an agent for OPB Sorority, a Regional Vice President must also serve as an agent of OPB Sorority for manageable governing and ease of communication. Only with authority from OPB Sorority and a Regional Vice President acting as an agent and Supervisor of OPB Sorority can an undergraduate chapter conduct operations or other sorority activities. OPB Sorority oversees and supervises all undergraduate membership conducts. At the same time, the Regional Vice President serves as an agent and acts on behalf of OPB Sorority as a supervisor and at the direction of OPB Sorority to institute the Sorority's policies and procedures. Students are unaware of the diversification that generates discrimination in universities on college campuses. Numerous studies reported a significant concern regarding discrimination than the ideal intention. In 2018, a demographic survey of 70,000 undergraduates among the different college campuses of the United States confirmed bias in the students (Stevens, Courtney, 2018). This diversification has created discrimination among the students, administration, and teachers. Discrimination within higher education is an issue that provokes a chunk of controversy. The discrimination among college students, those of different genders, sexual orientations, and diverse backgrounds exposes them to various mistreatment. The interdisciplinary approach to researching racism in schools has usefulness because it requires improved tools to improve students' names, challenge, and change racial status. With these tools, educational scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and workers can better work to prevent the "new racism" of the K-12 schools and better move towards a racially just education system. Indiana University, Bloomington (IUB), and Purdue Northwest University (PNW) are examples that are reforming these actions. PNW established an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) office to end discrimination trends making it acceptable for all students with 'three Es': Ethics, Equity, and Equality. The 3 Es are cornerstones of PNW policies that ensure individuals receive equal access to activities, resources, and facilities. EDI assures students must "receive equitable treatment, equal access, and equal opportunity to participate in any university program or activity by ensuring compliance with university policies consistent with federal and state mandates." PNW pledged to focus on diversifying university staff and faculty that provides students with Equal Opportunity programs. "Free exchange of ideas and peaceful assembly" is Purdue's goal that helps this research report find solutions by creating a sense of understanding with other ongoing efforts. PNW aligns a comparison with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Research surveys find most faculty reporting to believe that their campus diversity positively affects their students and communities. Different educational institutes have appointed female directors of student affairs to overcome them. January 2015 At Indiana University (IU), Sara Jaye Ivey Lucas is currently serving as the Director of Residential Life and Assistant Dean of Students and Parents. Ivey Lucas started working as an Assistant Dean in the Dean of Students' Office. Lucas helps coordinate Residential Life (including Latinx Floor TLC) to ensure the students have proper resources to navigate their concerns. Barry W. Magee is also serving at IU as Assistant Director of Diversity Education in Residential Programs and Services (RPS). Magee helps the students in Housing Application affairs; suppose a student does not feel comfortable selecting a gender possibility on the Housing Application. In that case, the student will contact Barry Magee. Barry will then work directly with the student and the assignment office to find a suitable space. Magee requests an exemption for gender-nonconforming students if they do not see it possible to live on campus due to their gender identity-related specifications. The student will then work with Barry Magee to find suitable off-campus housing. Similarly, Jessica Uhlman is also serving as a Residence Life Coordinator in the Southeast Neighborhood and Building Manager of Forest Residential Hall. The IU Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency that serves the IUB campus. It needs to employ forty-five full-time sworn police offers, part-time police officers, and student cadets fully certified as law enforcement officers by the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board. IC 21-39-4 gives IU the authority to appoint police officers. This research's primary focus will be on college students, college faculty, and society due to their community efforts in universities. Education is a part of success in any society. Students and Faculty members play a significant role in forming university foundations. Intended audience outreach is all university members displaying diversity issues at the college level. University Citizens should be rooted in the core of understanding the case to its fullest extent. All individuals need to see the problems and understand why changes need to happen. The examined research goes in-debt the living of college students directly affecting their experiences. The heart of a problem with inequality comes from the higher education system students. The only proper way to improve these problems is for students to take the initiative in the first phase of the process to understand fully, know and magnify the extent of these problems. The faculty is also critical of playing a huge role in solving these problems. Research studies show that most professors care about their students' success. August 2020 Sara Jaye Ivey Lucas authorized the unanimous employment standings of me, Ladislao Vera. I was associated with Gisella Morales-Garibay when Co-Resident Assistants were called for by Jessica Uhlman under the direction of Barry Magee. Thursday, August 6, 2020 9:01 am Jessica Uhlman sent out an email that subjected 'Move-in Shifts/Schedule' to all Forest RAs—including me [Lalo Vera] and Morales-Garibay—with the finalized move-in schedule. Ivey Lucas and Magee both received a blind copy of the email. These noticed administrators know which days Morales-Garibay and me [Vera] were to report for work, as they see this administration aspect. 08/09/20 Morales-Garibay socially influenced me with the objective aim to change my behavior and perception through indirect, deceptive, and underhanded tactics requiring me to be unofficial take Morales-Garibay’s move-in shift. Once I showed up at Morales-Garibay's shift at McNutt Parking Lot, Morales-Garibay revealed her exact whereabouts and where she should have not. Morales-Garibay later made threats to drive up to my house. Around 5:04 pm Ozmara Arteaga and Angela Navarro held me against my force through hostage transportation with the intent to financially maltreat me for Campus Food at Forest Hall, with the 'Grub Hub' Application. I did not have my wallet, keys, nor access due to the hostage directed from Morales-Garibay, as Gisella rejected my phone calls and messages. Approximately 7:20 pm Morales-Garibay ordered an OPBs dispute at my frat house, leaving me abandoned by Ozmara Arteaga and Angela Navarro. I cautiously returned to my dorm room A702 with assistance from informants. Around 8:14 pm Alejandro Buendia—my fraternity brother—continuously demanded and oppressed me to suppress his 'girl,' the impact of which caused me to hide in A702. 08/10/20 Morales-Garibay and I worked the morning shift together at McNutt Parking Lot, where they both had the right to possess certain golf carts. Morales-Garibay confessed to me in a private car ride discussion after work that the conspiracies are to 'turn the tables on others. 08/13/20 Dialogue remarkably consisted of the relationship between Alpha Xi and Beta Tau, prompted by Ixchel Mendez-Elizaondo in her dynamic conversions set in motion the conspiracies. Morales-Garibay routinely told me she wants to 'cover for' me due to her earlier irrationally perfidies of acts. I, Lalo Vera, reminded Morales-Garibay to show up. Recorded Statements from Witnesses Kameryn and Sindey confirmed that Gisella purposely did not show up to my center desk shift. Around 7:18 pm: Morales-Garibay finally revealed she was drinking Wednesday night of 08/12/20, which triggered her to not show up to my shift. 08/14/20 12:30 pm – 5 pm Morales-Garibay and I were both scheduled to work. Yet, Gisella discreetly and successfully committed not to go to her shift due to a hangover. Morales-Garibay expressed to me that she would inform their Supervisor. Shortly after that, Gisella asked me, "Wyd tonight," easing this contingent the last time Gisella and I last talked and seen each other. 08/16/20 8 am – 12:30 pm I worked the Stadium Check-in shift at the Basketball Stadium when Morales-Garibay operated Golf Carts at the Parking Lots of McNutt and Foster. I logged into IU's school system to check in constantly arrived first-year students. I distributed students' IDs while under supervision by the Leadership Team, Barry W. Magee. In comparison, Morales-Garibay held eccentricity among no supervision by operational independence of the Golf Carts upon McNutt and Foster residential areas. Later about 7 pm, Robert Kevin Whiteside parked a green golf cart with a white canopy in the outdoor loading dock area of 801 N. Jordan Avenue. IUPD Police Report Case #201307 states a 'green golf cart…was missing from the loading dock area of 801 N. Jordan Ave…at 1900 hours on 8/16/2020... no leads or witnesses" at the time. 6:34 pm to around 7:37 pm I was found house cleaning at 424 E Southern Drive with my service dog. Shortly after, I received a phone call from Morales-Garibay at approximately 8 pm. Morales-Garibay arrived at 424 E Southern Dr. and parked her black car behind my Silver Chevy HHR. Arteaga sat in the back seats of Morales-Garibay's car as Leija sat in the front passage seat. Morales-Garibay exited her vehicle and rapidly walked towards 428 E Southern Drive. Simultaneously, Arteaga and Leija gently came out of the vehicle then culturally addressed me outside the driveway of 424 E Southern Drive. Arteaga, Leija, and I observed the garage door of 428 E Southern Drive opening by the action of Morales-Garibay. Morales-Garibay departed the garage while operation a four-seater golf cart painted Green and gold towards and drove in the direction of 424 E Southern Drive. Morales-Garibay, Arteaga, and Leija obtained the golf cart with the view of use, attempted use, and threatened the use of substantial force against me, Lalo Vera. OPB members had the intent from solicits, commands, inducements, and endeavors to persuade me to engage in such conduct of riding on the golf cart. Approximately 8:44 pm Morales-Garibay communicated a threat with the intent of [Lalo Vera] to engage in conduct against my [Vera] will. I was placed in fear of retaliation for their [Beta Tau's] conspiracy theories. Morales-Garibay caused the golf to be parked in and occupy space within Vera's 424 E Southern Drive garage. I fear the threat carried out—not knowing that the golf cart was stolen—through my occupation, profession, and employment status caused by the OPBs' expressions, words, and actions. Morales-Garibay harassed me [Lalo Vera] into obtaining the golf cart without the intent to tell me that she stole the golf cart at the time. I, Ladislao Vera, communicated to OPB Sorority, including individually named sisters, that the conspiracy was triggering misery. OPB was causing severe anxiety and depression that I was having suicidal thoughts. Examining how students are harmed academically and emotionally by young people and adults creates a hostile environment. The Beta Tau Chapter at IUB makes four different trends in the attitudes towards the LGBTQ community at colleges and universities. I use methodologies to dissect case research reports within qualitative interviews at Indiana University Bloomington office of student conduct held during the fall 2020 semester. Eventually, the conspiracy got the best of me, Ladislao Vera, and on November 19, 2020, determined action against me. The responsibility falls on public schools to create a safe learning environment. In grounds on Restatement (Second) of Torts, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Federal Fair Housing Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, First Amendment right to free expression, constitutional right to privacy, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Community members reported Harassment and threat concerns to IUB regarding the victims' [me, Lalo Vera] safety. January 20, 2021 A zoom video call was held between the IU's Office of Student Conduct and myself. I received a Letter of Deactivation under the name "Ladislo," stating that LUL Fraternity National Council has concluded its investigation regarding the sexual allegations brought against me. Nationals' investigation highlighted actions by me that fall against Hermandad's principles. Indiana University Bloomington continually ignored these harassment threats, which puts the school on notice that officials are legally responsible for not protecting students. 01/19/2021 Two Witnesses conducted written testimonies on my behalf with such circumstances reported. OPB Sorority owed a duty to use ordinary care to supervise the transgression of Beta Tau to reduce the risk of physical and mental injury that would lead to suicide with transgression. OPB Sorority, by and through its agents, employees, and proxies, was negligent in allowing me [Lalo Vera] to be assaulted. Illustrations of said negligence or omissions, cited by way of example but not limitation, are as follows: Permitting and allowing organized crimes, which included physical abuse, mental abuse, financial exploitation, hijacking, and other forms of torts by local Omega Phi Beta chapters, including Beta Tau; Failing to warn local Omega Phi Beta chapters, including Beta Tau, about the dangers and harmful effects of organized crimes and defamation causing physical injury, mental anguish, humiliation, and embarrassment, although it knew or should have known such aid and acts can cause severe depression and/or be fatal; Failing to adopt reasonable and practical policies to be followed by its local chapters, including Beta Tau, to prevent harmful activities and management. Failing to take reasonable steps to ensure its local chapters, including Beta Tau, followed policies and procedures it claims to have adopted regarding dehumanizing actions and heterosexist behaviors; Failing to take reasonable steps to learn whether its local chapters, including Beta Tau, were following policies and procedures regarding required 'awareness of violence' activities it claimed to have adopted; Failing to train members of Beta Tau on the anti-harassment policy; and Failing to train and supervise Regional Vice President and national advisors. November 19, 2020 OPB was negligent in other respects that it was foreseeable that I, Lalo Vera, would commit suicide due to the deception activities. I, Lalo Vera, advised OPB Sorority and its agents that the misuse activities triggered my severe anxiety and depression, I was mentally unstable, and I explicitly expressed I was suicidal and had a plan to commit suicide. Direct and proximate result of the preceding negligent acts that OPB subjected me to assault, aggravated mental harm, and caused me to suffer server anxiety and depression in an attempted suicide. I, Lalo Vera, bring this essay according to the Restatement (Second) of Torts § 552, § 559, and § 581. I suffered substantial financial damages, including losing my society and support, grief, and lost wages and salary. During the Fall 2020 semester, OPB subjected me to various forms of cruelty that caused me to develop anxiety and depression. As a result of the severe anxiety and depression from ill-treatment, I committed an unfortunate suicidal attempt in a motor vehicle accident on November 19, 2020. In "From Struggle to Success via Latina Sororities," David Orta articulates that Latino/a/x students are affected by the macrosystem of Universities' power, privilege, and oppression in campus environments. Individuals who "interaction within a sorority is highly effective in shaping a girl's self-image" by judging each other of male approvals (Risman 233). Orta discussed that these Latina students "need to surround themselves with others of similar racial and ethnic backgrounds" to feel a sense of belonging "in new surroundings." That is why seventeen 'empowered women' shaped OPB to "act as resources" among their various communities by displaying the "essence of womanhood." The history of America progressed social norms deeds in heterosexist conditioning groups causing "negative attitudes towards gays and lesbians" (Worthen 168). When we mature in our own cultures—considering stereotypical standards in America—we start to learn who we are and become whom we hang around with (Risman 231). Education plays a huge role in part of individual success in any society. Being diverse and different should not affect students' education in universities. All universities, including IUB, should write an action plan, developmental progress, and changes in education and the student's environment. Part of the key to success is solving diversity issues to ensure everyone obtains an equal opportunity to succeed. Universities should deliver diversity training to all staff members, facilities, and students to promote diversity in individual lives. Training will include engaging with others respectfully by ending words that can be inappropriate for one's feelings. New members of the facility will also have to participate in an orientation program that will meet their school's diversity expectations with further training implications. The solutions mentioned should be cost-effective as Greek organizations require feasible insurances to reduce physical and mental injury risk, leading to suicide associated with transgression. Celebrating diversity allows students to express and share their differences with peers that might or might not relate. Although we are all different, telling ourselves in universities is essential because our differences can inspire others to feel equal. Diversity does not destroy our education and personality; it helps our education and character.

Bob: On Campus, by a vote of three to zero we found you not responsible and looking at each of these specifically statements of the charges. General discussion, we've concluded that there was not a preponderance of evidence. We just couldn't determined that with preponderance of evidence that that's what was correct. We don't know when, we know you bumped elbows, but we don't know through a preponderance of evidence that this behavior was efficiently to put people at risk. Kind of decisions that you need to make in the future related to that specific situation. There was no preponderance of evidence that you were intoxicated. There was no preponderance of the evidence that uh marijuana was presences, present, or that you knew about it, even though everybody seems to... not everybody, several witnesses have said that they think they smelled it outside or something like that. So just in essences I want to make sure I went through all these uh specifically statements...uh masks...uh I think that covers all theses specifically statements, so combined decision is three to zero that you are not responsible, for these violations. Now having said that, there are multiple educational points that the committee wishes to present to you for future issues and for future considerations. So we'll start with Brennan cuz he has some brilliant ones I think. Formal Hearing Commission Day Two Findings Brennan Murphy: Lalo, we appreciate that you had, you seem to have some sincere motivations of caring for other people that that motivated you that night. We do feel that, even if misconduct did not necessarily occurred, some of your choices, could be deemed, foolish, mistakes, things along those lines that we really want you to consider your actions moving forward and the variety of options available to you that Latosha has talked about earlier. When your presented with difficult situations there are usually multiple solutions that can be considered and we just want you to realize that some of those maybe better than others. Attending any sort of gathering in the time of COVID, you know of any amount of people can be dangerous and we really want you to consider you know what that looks like, but I also wanted to, to hear, we ended last week, I, I threw some, some hard, ideas and challenging, meant to be challenging ideas towards you and I wanted to know if you had time to reflect on any of those things that we ended with and if there is anything you wanted to say towards that, what you thought, maybe some disagreements you had, but I wanted to, I want to hear a little bit from you on that. Lalo Vera: Could you possibly... rephrase what you said last time? or ask me? Brennan Murphy: I will re-summarize the points I left with, I am going to say that I delivered them in a pretty... it was my tuff love to delivery of trying to to really challenge you. I want. I wanted you to consider: As a role model, and a leader, a mentor, in your community--that's something we see very much about you and it's kind of getting at what Latosha was talking about with your presences and your stamp of approval on something can desensitize others to to the dangers the risks the the implications so that even you know if this wasn't the time of COVID you know attending a party with residents does that make it seem okay that people could be underage drinking, those ideas, that I want you to considered, what your tasks and approval can mean for people that look up to you and the second part was that you did not give the full truth to Jackie Stelmaszczyk in your original interview with her, and you given several reasons about that and some cultural reasons that we don't want to necessarily denigrate or directly oppose but talking about how you were found the fact that you know your a RA. Your at IU and you are trying to live a ethical life and still you engage in not giving the full truth and giving some false quotes as well. Those are the two things I left you with and I just want to hear if you thought about them for a bit. Lalo Vera: I actually have thought about it quite a bit. one of the main aspects is was basically where you did mention lying and being honest and where the cultural comes in and we know where as talking more about the Latino aspect where they there is called chismosos, chismo, chisme, where there is a lot of gossiping going around, but one of the main also other aspect is the lying and doing what's the right thing to do and I know I probably did theses at different times, where I probably, I did go to the event, maybe I should have the meeting that I had--the floor meeting--that I had after the party, before the party. At a different times, or maybe actually doing what Latosha said as, putting in the, making sure that the residents are aware, know why I shouldn't have done this for this particular party as I done with every other, other, event, and I guess where the part, the way is where my mental health conditions has come into play where I never really bring this consideration and maybe I should stop being a hypocrite on the aspect of mental health conditions of telling people to look for help and giving them advice for help. Where I should have do the same thing and follow what I have done too and I know I've done this where, as much as I possibly can in my work conditions. Where I'm going to is where to stop being so broad and actually making sure I get things done ahead of time in doing the things remotely and not going physically and in the cultural aspect is not where I'm trying to be a snitch but where the right thing to do and every one should the right thing to do and the only way they can know if I actually spread my knowledge of what I learned and what I have done with everything. Especially where dealing with COVID-19, coronavirus is a really big problem nowadays where we need to as being a university representative you need to, well I need to make sure I follow those regulations and support them in every way and making sure I didn't go. I know I should have actually texted the Group.Me instead of me dealing with my inner emotions where I don't, I just let them because it's the other, my co-worker, and it can't seem imma snitch on my coworker. Maybe I should have been doing the right thing since the start. As in where not reporting them but giving them it to aware of what's actually happening instead of just letting it go in other peoples words and whats. I don't know. I feel like maybe convers...communications is key and I haven't been doing that as a lot and that's something I have to do now because I feel like the RA role challenged me to speak up a lot more, a lot lot more. Especially in the authority rise, and I know, as where my methal, my mental health conditions did kind of brought me to not speak up much. So that's where I should have started off as. Speaking up as much as possible and telling them what I actually think and not just tryin' be broad about things, and same thing with the, with Jackie and everyone else. I know I should not have to protect anyone in whatever actions I have done and especially if it's in the community--Hispanic culture--like no I can't be doing that but I know I should have done the right thing by speaking the truth to my residents and to the people of authorities. Brennan Murphy: I really appreciate the the depth of reflection you offered so thank you very much for that. Panelist Unknown: Um can I say something? Um I feel like your a role model, your in the, you need to be a role model at all times and with COVID I, this is stuff for college you being a senior, your junior year right after spring break. I mean this is just horrible and as a nurse I just have to tell you that with you role modeling the positive behaviors, your wearing a mask, social-distancing, and and you are really trying to do that. Then, this is a life or death situation and we just really need to protect other people and um I appreciate you being so honest with us during this panel and um I am excited for your future, and I think this is a learning experience, and look it as a learning experience. Cuz that's what we want for you, to you know, rise above this and move one. Lalo Vera: mhm uhm Bob: Okay and uh I guess uh it's my turn umm and uh Lalo I've want to start with um I think it's very important for you to keep in mind that if there had been a different panel with exactly the same information that we have received. It's certainly possible that they could come up with the preponderance of evidence that you were responsible. So I think you need to keep in mind or maybe a little mental note to yourself, that just because we did not believe that there was a preponderance of the evidence doesn't mean other people might have come, or might not have come, to conclude very different decision. So we're not saying what you did was right or we approve of it. We're simply saying that we don't think that based on the information is we interpret it that this is something that needs to go further than this. So that's why we want this opportunity for the learning comments, and I guess I have two learning comments to add to my colleagues, and the first one is I want to ask you a question and that is: When you graduate from Indiana University, do you intent to go into a work or professional environment in which you are only working with Latinos? Or you plan on going into a work environment of where you working with and interacting with the multicultural environment? Lalo Vera: After my undergraduate studies at Indiana University Bloomington, if and when I do graduate, I do want to enroll in a M.F.A. Program for Acting. Graduate school program in University of Southern California. I'm hoping it's that place, I am in the process of doing that application but, well not but, the main goal is to work in the, work at the table of where the directors and films and producers sit at, the actors. I do want to become a Film and TV Actor on television. Um so, this is basically showing me for being the Role model as you all mentioned. I want to be a Role Model for Latinos that they can also do directing or doing what they could do their dreams. It could be hard to get there but as long as you doing something to get there and everyone is at their own pace and as long as they take their time. That's something I want to do. You, I don't think you need you need a education to be a actor, but I pur, I believe, it's the right thing to do and I am self-discipline and I know academic wise it will give me so much focus that I have to do it. Not because I want, not cuz I'm paying the money but, it's because I actually want to learn something of being a successful professional actor. So a actor mainly, and I guess, I will be working with different types of people. I possible won't be working with Latinos, but I'm hopeful to be a role model for Latinos. Bob: Okay. Thank you. That was a very good answer. So what I want to add to that is, can you think of a work professional environment, in which lying to your producers or directors or writers or coworkers is consider an appropriate thing to do? Lalo Vera: I do not think at any moment of it is the right thing to do. umm, now that you put as this side, I can see where my lying to Jackie could come in too. umm, I didn't think about it like that before until now and you are right. I mean I can possible put the same situation in my workforce over where writer or producer, I didn't go to um my my co-actors bonfire blah blabh blabh blah. It, I can see that now but I think I should have tell the truth to my my my producer, the director. I guess I did go to my co-actors thing, to go save another co-to save a crew member or something, um. I don't know, I feel like, I wouldn't lie. Maybe I should have been honest from the start. Bob: Well there's no maybe but I'm glade that you have reached that point now that uhh it's going to be really difficult in life to go through life as a successful respected person, if you are trying to lie your way to the top. Just not going to work. Okay. That's all I had to say. So at this point we turn it over to Latasha, uhh she gives you information about what happens next. Brennan Murphy: I also think that procedurally the Dean of Representative has a opportunity to respond in the findings, and the students, if I remember correctly. Bob: Which you probably do, so uh. Lalo I think you go first. Reaction to the finding. Lalo Vera: I would just like to say thank you. I am speechless. Thank you. Bob: Okay. Thank you, and Latosha. Latosha Williams: Uh, yes, thanks to the panel for your time in making a decision. It is the purview of the panel and to issue a completely new decision based off the evidence provided. Um, and so I cannot say anything that about that other than its within your purview to do so. I will say Lalo much to the point that Bob made. I am excited to hear that you have future attentions of continuing in graduate school and continuing on to be a actor. I know I'm a theatre lover. I think, you probably know Brennan has theatre history here on campus um and to Bobs point. The spaces that you begin to operate in as a professional actor really is only as respectable as you are in terms of character and integrity and so I really hope that you take some of these lessons learned in this experience, and then take that to heart and really do some internal work. It's not going to be one meeting and then suddenly I'm an honest integral person but do some internal work. To make sure that your actions really align. With the the values that you espouse to be as a actor and furthermore I know that theirs a lot of connection to the Latino community and being a role model in a Latino community and it will be important. Even with that aspect of your identity, to lead with integrity and character so I hope that you are able to do that in the future. From here there's a no finding for this case and so what that typically means is that this case isn't retained on your conduct record, and if there were a finding we would have implications for records being retained. I believe up to five years after you graduate. We only report that information to people that you allow us to report it to. Or if its subpoena by the court of law, but there's no finding here. So this particular case would not be retained on your record. You would have the option to appeal after this if you choose to do that and it will go to a review board of two faculty members and a student panelist. If you were to appeal, and I think that's all that I... Bob: uh you just froze up. Panelist Unknown: uh-oh. Bob: So Latosha uh I don't... Latosha Williams: hello... Bob: yea your... Latosha Williams: hello... Bob: your freezing, you're coming and going. Latosha Williams: okay, that was all that I needed to cover. Hello. Can you hear me? Bob: Yes, we can now. Latosha Williams: ooka... Bob: Okay. So uh I guess we can just formally conclude because the dean's representative has covered all of the bases as to what happens next... Lalo Vera: I do have a question for the dean's representative before we end real quick. Bob: Hang on, let's make sure... Lalo Vera: If she's not coming, if not I can just email her some other time. Okay. Yeah. Maybe I. It's okay then. Brennan Murphy: I think we can wait a second. She might rejoin, or not. In that acetum I'm just gonna, I have a piece of advice from a background in theatre. That different graduate programs have different expectations of when people are more inclined to to to join that discipline's graduate program. So that for like someone that wants to go med school. It's pretty common to go directly from undergrad to grad school. From what I remember of theatre it's it is very common for people to return to a M.F.A. after some time in in the profession. I am only saying that as a, and I don't know the particular of the school or schools that you are applying to, but just as a thing to consider. That if that's more in line with how that goes. It does not necessary reflect poorly on you or where you're at in your development as a actor. I just want to make sure that you like have that little idea in case there are expecting people more and there like 30s or so. That's usually the M.F.A.s that come to IU Bloomington in much I know, but Latosha Williams, great. Oh, that was not meant to discourage at all, just meant to give some context... Lalo Vera: Thank you. You're right. Bob: Okay, Latosha, you back with us? Latosha Williams: Uh yeah my apologies with internet here is a unstable so I rejoined on the phone. I'm sorry about that. Bob: Alright, so why don't you go over those a final steps of information again. Latosha Williams: Okay. Sure. So um, in our processing's of once a decision is made of not responsible, typically the decision is not retained as conduct record on file and so since this case is not responsible. This case will not be reported on your conduct file Lalo. For cases that are found responsible, we typically retain those for up to five years after graduation, but in this case again. This was a not responsible finding. We can only report information that you release us to report or that's subpoena by a court of law. So that's is typically put in share regards to confidentiality. There's is typically a appeal period that is granted for hearing commissions up to ten days after this decision is issued to you. That appeals goes to a review board of two faculty members and a student representative. Should you choose to appeal. So we just want to make sure that you're aware of that right as well. Those are the only two things that we typically cover at the end. So I give it back to Bob. Lalo Vera: I have a question. Latosha Williams: Unless there's a actual question. Lalo Vera: Yes. I know there are other cases that came after this and I know this case made me get on probation and the other one made me, and the case said if I was on probation if I had another case on me it will turn into a suspension. So will that mean the other cases will turn into a probation? Or will that mean we have to do another meeting for the other cases? Latosha Williams: um so we can possibly talk off-line or with an advisor about that but the decisions for the other cases will still stand unless you appeal to those cases as well. Did you appeal any of those other cases? or was it just this one that you appealed? Lalo Vera: I was hoping to appeal the other one, the golf cart one... Latosha Williams: Okay. Lalo Vera: That's when the letter was sent to me, I was umm in a differ, in somewhere that I didn't... Latosha Williams: I'm aware. Okay. Lalo Vera: Yeah. Latosha Williams: So um we'll have to talk offline Lalo and you may need to draft me a email that says what was going on for you at that time that you would want to appeal because I do think that we're beyond the deadline for those ones. So you'll need to maybe work with an advisor to help you because of you do not have to go through that process alone and I know it's a difficult time. So talk with your advisor to see what documentations you can send to the OSC office about if you would be eligible at all to even appeal those decisions because we're beyond that deadline. Lalo Vera: Alright, Thank you. Latosha Williams: And then if you have other questions. I I'm happy to answer them, offline, off, off the recording here. Lalo Vera: Thank you so much. Bob: Alright thank you everybody. Have a wonderful evening etc and we are now concluded. So Brennan if you could take us offline. Lalo Vera: Thank you everyone. Bob: and everybody can leave the room if you choose to do so. Lalo Vera: Have a nice weekend, thank you. Setting: The Hearing Commission Panel Location: Zoom Video Conference via Internet Physical Location of Vera: Basement of parent's home within personal bedroom sitting on chair at desk. Individuals (5): Panelist Bob, Panelist Brennan Murphy, Panelist Unknown, RA Lalo Vera, Dean of Representatives Latosha Williams. Date: Time:

CAUSE NO. 53C02- 2001CM2000, 2012F61170 STATE OF INDIANA vs Ladislao Vera Defendant PRETRIAL ORDER State appears by (Deputy) Prosecutor: Trisha K. Bushey Defendant appears ____ in person (and) by _________ Outstanding discovery: __________ State's Witness and Exhibit List: Filed on 1/5/21 Defendant's Witness and Exhibit List: __________ The State's plea and sentencing offer is: Plead to OWI, A misdemeanor and Auto Theft, entered as A misd Dismiss remaining Sentence 1 year and 1 year, consecutive Other 2 years total probation; 90 day license suspension; no fine 5. Defendant ___ Accepts ____ rejects ______ will consider the State's plea and sentencing offer. 6. Defedant counter-proposes the following plea and sentencing agreement: Plead to ________ Dismiss _________ Sentence ___________ Other ____________ 7. _____ Defendent expressly waives CR. 4 between this date and the next pretrial conference. Defendant requests that the case be set for pretrial conference in ______ rotation(s). 8. ____ State and/or ______ Defendant request(s) that this matter be set for trial. The Court NOW ORDERS: That the case be set for (further) (final) pretrial conference on ___ at ___ _.m.; That the case be set for change of plea / sentencing on ____ at ___ _.m. ________ Defendant shall appear for rights advisement at 7:45 a.m. on the same date; That the case be set for _____ day bench/ jury trial on ________ at _.m. That ____ SO ORDERED __________ ________________________________________________ Judge, Monroe Circuit Court

CASE NUMBER: 53C02-2012-F6-001170 FILED: 12/18/2020 APPEARANCE Name of Defendant: Ladislao Vera Case Type of Proceeding: Criminal Transaction Control Number: Not Available Prosecuting Attorney Information: Erika Oliphant, Charlotte T. Zietlow Justice Center, 301 N. College Ave., Room 211 Bloomington, IN 47404 Deputy Assigned: Trish Bushey (24952-49) Will the State accept service by FAX: YES Pursuant to Local Rule LR53-AR00-0108, for caseload allocation, this case should be filed in C02 because: Defendant has the following pending case: 53C02-2011-CM-002000

CASE NUMBER: 53C02-2012-F6-001170 STATE OF INDIANA IN THE MONROE CIRCUIT COURT SS: COUNTY OF MONROE STATE OF INDIANA VS INFORMATION FOR: LADISLAO VERA DOB: 12/11/1998 COUNT I: Gender: Male AUTO THEFT Race: W A LEVEL 6 FELONY Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown Height: 5'09" Weight: 179 424 E. Southern Dr. Bloomington, IN 47401 REST Count I: on or about October 13, 2020 in Monroe County, State of Indiana, Ladislao Vera did knowingly or intentionally exert unauthorized control over a golf cart, the motor vehicle of Indiana University, with the intent to deprive Indiana University of the vehicle's value or use. I.C. 35-43-4-2(a) and I.C. 35-43-4-2(a)(1)(B)(ii) Jeffrey A. Kehr, 20197-71 Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney WITNESSES: Barry Magee, Robert Whiteside, Guillermo Lithgow, Dawn Shipley, Alejandro Buendia, Gisella Garibay, Nathan Koonz, Preston Wagner, Indiana University Police Department 20-1307

Officer Wagner was right. I got the letter of my expulsion for drunk driving and theft a day later, when I was in my room in the frat house. Because I had a little hope in me that everything would be fine and I will resume my normal school activities soon, I stayed in the frat house and locked myself in my room, entertaining only a resident as a visitor. The morning I got released from the station, I knew I wasn't totally fine, that prompted me to make my way to the university’s clinic where I ran a test and found out I suffered a concussion. The news got to my mom even when I tried to hide everything from her, to avoid her worrying. I stayed in the hospital a few more days receiving treatment, that's when I got my suspension letter, a little more longer my expulsion letter followed. It was a little something to sweep out the scandal I got in. When I read the letter, one thought came to me. I tried so hard for things not to blow up on my face but it did, in the worst way possible. But I told myself one thing, I would not cry. Not for this, not for them. I saw this as an opening, things were bad for me and staying there would continue to be hell for me. And I might be expelled, but at least, I did not end up like Romeo. I did not let them take me down that road. I left school the moment I was expelled. I did not know how people felt, because I did not stay to know. But now, I sat with my mother beside me in the truck, a file in my hands and I knew I could have sent this through, I just wanted to see the look on their faces when I dropped this on them. My mom asked, “Are you sure you're fine?” I nodded, shooting her a smile. I got out of the car and walked to the house door. I did not like the feeling of going back there but I sucked in air and opened the door. They were all there, including Veronica who I called earlier. “Oh the princess is here,” Diego exclaimed, "if it isn't the star of the show.” “Looks like getting expelled wasn't enough for you,” Veronica grinned, “Maybe you — “ “I’m not here for a discussion,” I spoke, cutting her off as sharply as I could, “I just came to give you this,” I dropped the file on the table, Veronica grabbed and with them forming a circle around the content file, her eyes grew wide and I saw her swallow, “You might have collabed with that cop and also didn't have the guts to take the matter to Court but I do,” this time, it was me smirking, “I’m opening the case now. And every single thing you did will come to the limelight.” “Are you crazy,” Veronica growled, “You can't sue us with this amount. It's insane.” “You're making a wrong move, Vera. Think this through,” Diego said and I almost laughed at how calm he sounded. “For Romeo, for my residents, for everyone that became your victim. For me. You deserve much worse.” They stared at me. All of them. Surprise filling their gaze, shock shaking their bodies and it was basically just a sight to see. “See you in court,” I said and walked out the door. Blocking out their calls, blocking out the past, shutting the door to something that made me almost walk in a path I could never return from. At that point, leaving that house, I knew the case hadn't begun yet but right there, right then, I just knew it, basking in the sweet breeze that kissed my skin and a swell in my chest that now, I had won. I was free.

I became much more clear-headed later on. But when I did, I remember sitting across a dude who identified himself as Officer Wagner. He was the same one who took me out of my chapter meeting with a search warrant for the golf cart, bombarded me with questions, and threatened me. I looked at the clock that was pinned to the wall, it read two O'clock, approximately one hour since I came crawling out of my flipped over car. And my eyes widened with the thought of Veronica that I wasn't aware of when I called her name out loud. Officer Wagner eyed me, “Veronica Dallas García, you mean?” I nodded, “Yes, isn't she playing victim? Have you seen her? She’s gone corrupt.” “RA Dallas Garcia is perfectly 'fine' and is presently receiving educational attention in the student conduct.” I sighed, relieved. I might have not snitched on her but at least, she know what she is doing. “But you my friend,” Officer Wagner began, “won’t be left off that easily.” “At least let me go to the hospital,” I pleaded but he stared at me, with no reaction, no emotion, nothing, “I did nothing wrong Officer. Let me go.” “You were drunk driving — “ “Where did you get that idea from?” And I remembered the test he ran on me earlier, “The test you took wasn't even bona fide.” “You were so drunk, how would you know that?” “I was not drunk okay. I had a panic attack.” “A panic attack. How cute.” I ignored him, “I had a panic attack and I couldn't find my pills.” “So you take drugs?” “No! No. Antidepressants. I use them for my anxiety and panic attacks.” He regarded me for a moment, jotted something down on the book that was in front of him, and said, “Let's do this later. Take a rest for now and we’ll start the questioning once you're sober.” I wanted to yell at him that I was not drunk but decided against it. He called an officer, ordered him to put me in my cell and I wasn't to receive any visitors. I was too tired to fight it so I let them be. It was my first time in a jail cell, my first time of ever sleeping in one but I did so without a fight. Partly because I was drained mentally and physically and partly because a few hours ago I was in a car accident and I felt something was going wrong with my head.

The realization screamed in my head and I felt lost. I had no idea what I was doing but I had to make sure my residents are safe. So I drove, my pulse quickening, ears ringing, I didn't understand anything but I needed to get to the dorms as fast and quick as possible. If I could save all my residents, just this one time. Romeo's face flashed in my head, the image of him dangling above his chair, that only made me drive faster. When my chest seemed to get tighter and my head swam with more images, more voices, more thought, I tried to count to ten, it was the least I could do since my pills weren't available. I counted. 1….2….3….4 but I forgot what number came after four and my chest was tight again, everything swam in my head at once. I started to count again, but I never got to three. The last thing I saw was a pole and the hood of my car approaching it at a fast speed and everything was finally quiet. I remembered waking up to the sound of shattering glass from my flipped car upside-down on its roof. It went on for some time but I wasn't sure what to do. I couldn't feel anything, I felt so light, yet I could sense that there was a pain there, somewhere. I stayed quietly in the car, tried to start it but it wouldn't comply so I laid my head on the headrest of my seat and closed my eyes, trying to understand what or if I was feeling anything. The smoke against my window resumed, I looked out to it and there was a man standing there with a uniform and a torch, pointing it directly to my face.

October 13th day, I sat across Officer Wager in Forest Large Conference Room I was in the previous days. I didn't feel great, but better than dance class and I could speak properly now, without slurring my words. “You're sober now?” He asked. “I was never drunk.” “Well, the test results said otherwise.” “They are fake.” He didn't say anything to this but flipped the pages of the notepad he had with him. “I need a lawyer,” I pressed, “I'm not answering the questions.” “You know Vera, if I were you, I'll just do what I’m told.” “I have a right to a lawyer.” “This is something we could talk about here. Involve your lawyer and this matter would be taken to Court,” I kept quiet with this, while he resumed, “I’ll make this quick and you’ll be released soon." “Vera Ladislao, am I correct?” I nodded. “Date of birth?” “12 11 1998.” “Citizen of Indiana?” “Resident and citizen of Indiana.” He nodded and wrote it on his pad, “You live at 424 address?” I told him yes. “Good. I’m just going to read you your rights before I go on, do you understand?” He read them, I told him I understood. There was not much rights for someone in police custody anyways. “Last month Vera, a golf cart was seen in your garage,” He smirked, I froze, “A golf cart?” He looked at me with a blank face, I wasn't sure he was interested but I spilled out everything, right from when Veronica asked to hang out. He sighed, "Okay, essentially what you’re saying is somebody else stole a golf cart, which we found in your garage — “ “Veronica. Her name is Veronica, why do you keep ignoring that,” I eyed him suspiciously, “Veronica came to see me, threatening me to ride on the golf cart which she brought from work.” “So a girl harassed you basically.” I shot my eyes, “I couldn't have done anything. She was threatening me.” “You’re basically telling me that another RA just didn’t show up from thin air but went and stole a golf cart, brought it to your house, left it, and then nobody realized that it was a little bit suspecting?” “I don't know how she did but Veronica stole that golf cart, not me.” “Okay! She stole it, how’d she get it?” “Why don't you ask her,” I said, “you seem to really favour her.” He glared at me and I knew I hit a spot, the right one, “So let me, let me give you a rundown of the story you just told me just a minute ago to see if it makes sense, okay?” He went through what he had on paper. When he missed an information, I corrected him saying there were two girls with Veronica. “So now, there's two girls?” He chuckled, “And somehow the cart magically ended up in your garage?” “Someone else put it there Sir. Why does it sound like you're accusing me of something?” “No one is accusing you, Vera. Maybe your story just seems kind of made up.” With a small chuckle, he rose from his seat and said since it was a school issue, I would face the school and most likely an suspension. And I dismissed him, allowing them to walk out of Forest Center but not after I heard him get off the phone saying, “It's done.”

Individuals: IUPD Officer Nathan Koonz, RA Ladislao Vera Junior, IUPD Officer Preston Conner Wagner. Date: Tuesday, October 13th, 2020 Start Time: 10:54 P.M. End Time: 11:51 P.M. Address: 1725 East Third Street Bloomington, Indiana 47401 Location: Forest Quadrangle Building: Center Building Second Floor Room: Large Conference Room C102 Officer Preston Wagner: So, okay. Do you live at 4-2-4 address? Because that's where I wanted to talk to you originally. Ladislao Vera: Um, I live here. yeah, I sleep here every day. Officer Preston Wagner: okay, So is that just your fraternity? Ladislao Vera: Um, I'm not sure what address do you have?... How do Officer Preston Wagner: it's the 4-2-4... Ladislao Vera: How do you have that address? on file?.. If I, if my address Officer Preston Wagner: That's what the RA told us. That's what... Ladislao Vera: What RA? Officer Preston Wagner: Okay. Ummm. So here is why I am here tonight, um so I went to your house tonight, that house, and I severed a search warrant on it and I got the golf cart that you stole. Okay, so what I am trying to do, is close this case out, okay, so that we can. Ladislao Vera: I stole a golf cart? Officer Preston Wagner: So that we can move on... so we got multiple people... Ladislao Vera: that's cool? Officer Wagner: putting.. so.. let me just... let me start off with, I'm just looking for a little bit of honesty, okay. at the end of the day, doesn't have to be a bigger deal than you make it. Ladislao Vera: uh huh Officer Wagner: okay, So umm, obviously the golf cart was reported stolen, okay. We got pictures of it in your garage, then I get a search warrant, I show up and I find it. Okay so we have the golf cart. Who took it?” Ladislao Vera: I honestly do not know since I do not sleep there Officer Wagner: uh huh Ladislao Vera: ummmmm but I do know, I'm not sure where that information is, I'm not sure where it's... Wagner: so who all lives there? Ladislao Vera: ummm. my roommates, so there's.. techni... there's five rooms... Wagner: mhm huh Ladislao Vera: one of them technically mine, Wagner: mhm huh Ladislao Vera: empty but technically mine Wagner: mhm huh Ladislao Vera: so five of us live there... there of us lives next door... Wagner: mhm huh Ladislao Vera: and with that aspect, I do not know how a stolen golf cart, if they hot wired it or whatever, could get there, Wagner: mhm huh Ladislao Vera: umm, but I do not think my roommates are that smart enough, Wagner: mhm huh Ladislao Vera:... to be honesty... but... Wagner: so essentially what you are saying somebody else stole a golf cart... Ladislao Vera:.. I don't care who reported it, but I think you should get the true story out that original person, because their not telling you everything, and you may... Wagner: well you're not telling me everything. Ladislao Vera: I'm telling you right now, and you may say you have all this documentation um but I don't see any proof of me actually physically taking a gold cart Wagner: so here's what we're going to do... Ladislao Vera:...one of the two-wheeler golf cart. Wagner: Here's what we're going to do, so I already have probable cause linking you and the house to the golf cart, that's how I got the search warrant. Ladislao Vera: oh okay. Wagner: ... to go in your house and get it. Ladislao Vera: go get it, I thought you already have it. Wagner: No, I do already have it Ladislao Vera: okay then... Wagner: there's already officers there with, your golf cart, okay. Ladislao Vera: That's not my golf cart. Wagner: Alright, so here's the thing... Ladislao Vera: That was never my golf cart. Wagner: Here's the thing, I don't want to be a jerk... Ladislao Vera: like its not a frat house, like, our houses is not frat houses, we rent them from regional court. Frat houses are here [IU campus]. So uh, I don't know what they be doing but they just be going back and forth. So I even feel like I think I got everything out, and then after that I notice how I do need to stay in the dorms more, um, so I been distancing myself away from the house to live here. However, I told you everything I know... Wagner: alright so here's what we're going to do. Ladislao Vera:... so far. Wagner: so um... okay so for one, you need lower your voice with me. Cause at the end of the day, I’m not here to get fucking yelled at. Vera and Wagner at same time: Okay. Vera: at the end of the day, I'm not here to get accused at. Wagner: I’m here to talk to you, so you got to make sure who you are raising your voice at. Vera: I'm not here to get accused at. so stop accusing me of something that I didn't do... but I'm telling you... Wagner: When did I accuse you? Vera: You're saying that my story is not believable. Wagner: okay, so is that accusing you of anything or is that is saying that your story isn't believable. Vera: you're saying my story isn't believable as in accusing me that my story is fake. Wagner: okay. Vera: as in my story is a story, Wagner: okay. Vera: the story that I said isn't a story, it's a real life event... Wagner: okay Vera: …that actually happened Wagner: okay Vera: okay, but go on. what what... Wagner: so, and my problem is what's gonna end up happening is that the whole fraternity is gonna go down and you guys are gonna get boated and have no affiliation with the university and I'm gonna have to file paperwork downtown on...on issuing warrants for people and all kind of stuff that I don't wanna do. okay, I want to close this case out. Okay, and I know you don't want to sit here and talk to me any longer than you have to. nobody wants to sit here and talk to the police. okay, but when we sit here and the longer we sit here, and you keep circling around questions... Vera: okay look. do you want to know the true story? Wagner: …that you may be don't know the answer may be... Vera: Do you want to know the true story? Wagner: Yes, I want to know the true story. Vera: okay. Wagner: I'm tired of sitting here, right now. Vera: what, that was the true story, it's just a little dumb version of the true story... Wagner: okay. Vera: the true version, the true version... Wagner: what's your... Vera: if you want... Wagner: what is your... what is your address here? your address here, your room number here... Vera: uhhh 424 e Southern Drive Wagner: nu, no... I know that address. your address here. Vera: uhhhhhhhhh, 1275 e ... Wagner: what's your room number? Vera: ...3rd streetttttttttttttttttttttttttttt. Wagner: no no, i just need like your room number man, and like what building your in, like east, west? Vera: I know I'm 702. but I don't know what tower. Wagner: is it the tower over there or tower over here. Vera: that one? I think? (purposely points at east tower) Wagner: you said 702? vera: yeah... why? Wagner: i'm just trying to confirm where you live dude. vera: oh okay. Scene Ends and fades to next.

“There’s a bonfire tonight though. For the sorority and residents,” she grinned, “But it's a gathering for… the worthy people.” As she walked to her car, I wondered if she realized a bonfire was not allowed during this social distancing time. I wondered what she was thinking. Getting home, I contemplated getting to my room and keeping myself there for a while till I could draw up a plan that won't make everything explode in my face but decided against the thought immediately I had it. If Diego or any of my hermanos sees it, they wouldn't keep their mouths shut. Talking about the devils, Diego and Carlos walked into my room unannounced, their face wearing their usual smirk. “I heard a golf cart got stolen, Princess.” Diego stated as he walked in. “What are you doing here?” And I registered what he said, “How did you know a golf cart was stolen?” “Oops” Diego grinned and it began to come together. “You knew this, didn't you? All of this, all of you, knew this. You knew all this right?” And everything else began to piece themselves together. “That's how you knew I would be there that day at Forest, that's how you beat me up and Veronica knew... because you planned it.” “Wow. This princess is smart,” Carlos laughed. “What the hell is wrong with all of you?” I burst out. “Oh easy, Princess.” “Shut up, just shut up!“ I continued to yell at them, which apparently was a stupid move. Before I could say something else to trigger the situation, Diego had already launched a blow on my stomach causing me to fall on the ground. Carlos, I saw landed a kick to my feet and it went on like that, kept going on like that until they seemed satisfied. But before they left, Diego bent to me, so that he was close to my face and then whispered to my ear. My heart sank as I watched them leave and this time, I didn't hold back the tears from slipping away. I tried to think of something to do at that moment before Diego, Carlos, Veronica or anyone else that was involved made the first move. Finding it difficult to walk at first, I tried crawling to my bed, on my way, I caught sight of my reflection staring right at me. I asked myself if I punched the mirror and it turned into shards of glass would I be able to see myself and not stir all these ugly feelings inside of me. If I used a part of the broken mirror on me, would I still be able to feel, to think, to be made a fool? I wanted to know this, wanted to feel and not feel, to be or not to be. When my chest began to feel like it was too small and constricting my airflow, I opened the drawer where I kept the antidepressants. The bottle was there but the drugs weren't. I tried to remember when I finished everything while I popped more pills than necessary, but I couldn't. Nothing made sense anymore. I thought I had pills, I took more than I should but not to the point of it finishing early. I needed it. Badly. I felt intoxicated and every thought began to swim in my head at once. Then a call came through. It rang and pierced my ears and for a moment, everything was still. I thought I was deaf but my phone rang again. Without looking at the caller, I made a huge sigh and answered. A resident's voice rushed in, like an alarm. Her voice did sound shaky, scared like she has been crying. “Girl, calm down.” And I thought how funny and hypocritical that was at the moment. Me telling someone to calm down when I couldn't even think properly myself. “I just wanted to take this skin off.” She cried out, “No one likes me because of this skin. I just want to take it off.” “Girl, where are you? I’m coming right now.” “They don't want me because I don't look like them,” I was guessing she meant the flowersuns, “There's so much blood, Vera. I just wanted to change it.” It was like everything I was saying was going on deaf ears and she went on and on repeating the same thing, that she wanted to cut her skin off. Suddenly, I remembered when Veronica mentioned a bonfire for our residents, what if that certain resident was there and that was what triggered her. I tried to keep her on the phone but it ended eventually. Firstly, I went to the Forest dormitory where she lived, her roommate told me she left a few hours ago. That was all the confirmation I needed that she might have gone to Veronica's bonfire. I arrived at the bonfire as fast as time could take me. I wasn't sure how I appeared to them but they stared at me with weird looks on their faces, grinning, smiling, making remarks. I wasn't sure what was happening exactly but I moved around, avoiding their gaze, avoiding them. I didn't want to see any of them, no not now. I yelled out that resident's name but all I heard were giggles from the small crowd at the main living room, where the 'bonfire' was held. Veronica came up to me, her gaze not leaving mine. I did nothing but watch, “Where's that resident?” I asked, “I told you not to cross me Vera,” She hissed, “Look at you, with no pills… attention seeking thrash, trying to take my job.” “What are you doing here?” I heard someone call, behind Veronica. I recognized the voice as Alicia, You weren't invited!” And there was more laughter. I ignored them, I wasn't here for them, “Where's that resident?” “Oh, you mean you little ***** resident,” she smirked at that, “How would I know, she's your best resident. She's so pathetic, we just let her know she can never be one of us.” I glared at her for a moment, wanting to do something to her, anything at all. But she wasn't important, not to me. “You are the pathetic one here.” I snarled at her then made my way to the door. That resident wasn't at the party, she was nowhere, the realization screamed in my head and I felt lost. I had no idea what I was doing but I had to make sure that resident was safe. So I drove, my pulse quickening, ears ringing, I didn't understand anything but I needed to get to that resident as fast and quick as possible. If I could save her, just this one person. Romeo's face flashed in my head, the image of him dangling above his chair, that only made me drive faster. When my chest seemed to get tighter and my head swam with more images, more voices, more thought, I tried to count to ten, it was the least I could do since my pills weren't available. I counted. 1….2….3….4 but I forgot what number came after four and my chest was tight again, everything swam in my head at once. I started to count again, but I never got to three.

I got a call from Jenna shortly after receiving the email, requesting that I turn up at Top n Bar with urgency. I didn't want to, but I had to. Upon seeing the golf cart in the garage, I thought of leaving it there, but it would have come off too suspicious. What if someone found it there? What then? She was the only one in the building who had access to it. I left with no other choice but the intent of returning it after my shift, only for me to find it was borrowed. Veronica wasn't bluffing after all when she said she would create a conspiracy. One thing I also did not think about was how suspicious dropping the golf cart would look. If anyone saw me taking it out of my car, they definitely would have the wrong idea. I left it as is, hoping it is gone when I return with much of an audience. Jenna addressed both me and Veronica. As I stepped into the room, Veronica was sure to give me that smug look of hers. Hating how I felt that moment, I took my eyes away from her. “Vera, thank you for coming.” Jenna began, “I know how this seems like but please I need to be sure.” “It’s fine Jenna, we understand,” Veronica chimed in. “A golf cart is missing and this one is a private cart that belongs to someone who uses it here, not completely for us.” She looked at us as if confirming we are following her, “Do you have any idea about it?” Veronica shook her head no, and I wasn't expecting her to tell the truth but still, how could she lie like that. “Vera?” For a moment, I considered telling her it was in my garage and then the entire story that led to that, but that itself would have been the most absolutely ridiculous story. So I told her no too. “Please think well Vera, you were the last one in charge of the carts,” seeing how confused I was at this, she explained further, “When you made up for not coming to your shift by attending to the golf carts, that was the last time someone was in charge of them. Veronica didn't come for her shift yesterday, she was sick and had a hangover.” and that’s when it hit me at that moment, I had just fallen in Veronica's trap, and there was no going back now. “I’m sure.” I confirmed, and I knew I was digging a pit for myself, but nothing seemed like the best option. I had to handle things as neatly as possible, and if I drag Veronica down in a rush, Heaven knows what else she will plan for me. When I was heading to my car after my shift that afternoon, I met Veronica on my way and stopped her. It might have been of no use, but I tried asking her to tell Jenna the truth. I expected her to laugh at that, she did laugh, and then she brushed past me but not before asking me where I kept the cart. Of course, I couldn't talk to her, so I left that unanswered. “Why are you doing this?” I asked, “Why are you hell bent on frustrating my life?” She kept silent for a moment, tapping her foot lightly against the ground, and then, “Vera, you see your problem is you don't know your lane and you simply don't know when to quit it.” “Now, what the hell are you trying to say?” She shrugged, “Well, you tell me. Maybe I got tired of your smug face.” “I have done nothing to you.” I hissed, “And I don't know what your plan is but I’ll tell you this, you won't control and play me like you did Romeo. You won't get what you want.” She rolled her eyes, coming close to me, “And I’ve told you, I had nothing against Romeo. He just happened to let this get the better of him. His death was all on his own.” I wanted to say something but couldn't. She smirked at this as if saying, "Thought so.”

I drove with my car two days later for my afternoon lectures. Romeo's photograph and letter was tucked inside a drawer next to my bed. I had thought of burning it instead, throwing it behind me and locking it forever but somehow, I stopped midway and the thought just seemed ridiculous to me. There's one thing Romeo failed to mention and warn me about though. That I might somehow begin to live off the antidepressants he had given me. I most times now find myself breathing faster than normal like something in my chest was closing up on me and the only thing I could turn to were the antidepressants, popping a pill or two. They became my companion. I texted Veronica to remind her about covering for my shift that day, when the calls were going straight to voicemail. Sliding my phone back in my pocket, I saw a resident approaching me — or that was what I thought when she completely ignored me and walked past like no one was there. Confused, I walked back to her and tapped her shoulders. She turned, but didn't look up. Didn't matter though, because I had already seen her eyes and how red they were against her brown skin. I also noticed how big her clothes were. How they seemed to cover up everywhere and she only does that when one thing happens, CHAPTER SIX - B.T. FlowerSuns “Not now, Vera.” Veronica whispered, taking my hands off her. “What happened to you Veronica ?” I asked, “Talk to me please.” “I said not now Vera.” Knowing how harsh her tone was, she murmured a “sorry.” Also letting me know we had a test to catch up on and she was gone. At that time I knew that resident was hurting herself, I wasn't sure if it had anything with the flowersuns but with incidents that followed after, I really wished I had pressed on the matter more, even though it would have made her mad. I didn't get the chance to see that resident after the class. It was like she didn't wait for the class to be over before she left. I tried calling her, it went through but went unanswered then I sent her a text, hoping she was doing fine. When the time read three twenty, I decided to call Veronica, reminding her about her covering my shift. She answered on the second ring. “Hey Veronica. Uh, I just wanted to remind you about my shift. Are you sure you still want to cover for me?” “Ah, yes.” She replied, “Please don't worry about anything.” She assured me everything will be fine, even though she did sound groggy, thanked me for allowing her to make it up to me and the call ended. I went back to my room in the fraternity house. Thankfully, most of the boys weren't around and the ones that were roaming about paid me no mind like I didn't exist to them. I remember these were the same people then that ran to me for a hand shake anytime I was around, "what changed?" I took Veronica's advice and found myself sleeping the entire afternoon off, until I was awaken by the sudden sound of my phone ringing. Without checking the caller, I answered it. “Why weren't you at work today?” It was Jenna and something in her tone told me she wasn't happy about something. “Um…” “I've called you tons of times but the calls kept going to your voicemail. Why didn't you come? Did something happen or you just decided to skip it?” “No, no.” I shook my head like she was there and tried to rub off the sleep from my eyes, “It’s nothing like that. Veronica was meant to cover up for me.” “Veronica?” I nodded, realizing she still couldn't see me, I croaked out a small “yes.” “Veronica never came. She was never here today.” This confused me more, knowing a few hours ago — just a few minutes away from the start of my afternoon shift — I reminded Veronica about my shift. She said she was going to be there. What was Jenna talking about? “No, no. I made sure she covered for me.” “Vera, I can assure you Veronica was never here. She didn't cover for you. And if she was, why didn't you give me a notice? Also, what excuse do you have not to show up?” I tried to come up with one, but couldn't. I was thinking of how it would seem like if I told her I needed a rest. Veronica suggested I took a rest that afternoon. Surely, I wasn't about to tell her any of that. When everything was still silent and it was confirmed I wasn't going to say anything anytime soon, I heard a sigh from Jenna and then, “See me tomorrow Vera, we need to talk.” And she ended the call like that. I made sure not to be even a minute late the following morning, after my morning lectures were over. I found Jenna in the storage room at Top n Bar, supervising some of the workers there and taking note of what goes in and out. “Hey Vera.” She greeted me, I shot a small smile. “I'll just make this as quick as possible.” I nodded, allowing her to continue, “Do you want this post?” “Yes.” I replied, looking straight at her, “I really do and I’m so sorry if I haven't been meeting your expectations.” “I don't want you to be. And if you don't want to be sorry, you should focus on your post. I pressed on you getting this. It wasn't easy but now…” “I really I’m sorry.” “Next time someone is covering up for you, you’ll let me know okay?” I nodded, and her eyes softened, “If you aren't okay too, let me know and I’ll understand, okay?” I nodded, thanking her. After she had excused me, I asked her if I could do anything to help to cover up for yesterday and she pointed out I could help people with the golf carts. I asked her if I now had access to the golf carts. “What do you mean?” She asked, “You've always had access to it. Also, Marilyn also sent an email to you, reminding you that you are working with the golf carts a few days ago but you didn't show up and ended up doing a less heavier job.” “It wasn't like that Jenna,” I said, “Veronica informed me Marilyn made a mistake and I wasn't allowed to operate the golf carts yet.’ A frown came upon Jenna's face, “Is Veronica who you listen to now? Is she the one who drafted the plans for your shift?” I stayed silent, having no excuse, wondering why everything I said now revolved around Veronica. “When Veronica started out as the resident assistant, she wasn't allowed to operate the golf carts, she might have thought the same went for you too.” She explained, “But still Veronica is mainly acting on what she thinks is right, even though it’s not. From now on, you follow what I only tell you and if there's any changes, you'll let me know okay.” I thanked her with a smile of my own and left to start my own part of the job. My phone rang. It was Veronica. My first instinct was to ignore it, God knows what misinformation she might get again. But it continued to ring and when I answered it, her voice rushed into my ears, so quickly and suddenly. “Oh my God, Vera. I’m so, so sorry, I didn't cover for you.” I didn't say a word, didn't see the need to, “I was out drinking a few minutes to your shift and I completely passed out. I'm so sorry.” Now, I remembered how slurred her words were when I called to remind her about my shift. “So you decided to drink during my shift, yeah?’ “Oh no, it wasn't like that.” I said nothing, “I promise I’d call Jenna and explain things to her. This time I promise I won't break it.” Sighing, I told her it was fine and I didn't get in much trouble and then I remembered another thing she said. “Veronica,” I called, “Last time we were together… What did you mean by I was hurt?” She was silent for a while, “Weren't you? I saw the bruises on your arms and some people said they saw some people harassing you.” I thought about this. I didn't see anyone around that afternoon, but again, I couldn't be too sure and if there was, why didn't anyone come to help? “Really?” I asked. “Really…. Uh it went round a bit, the news but I hope you are okay now. “ I told her I was, thanked her and once more assured her I held no grudges against her before the phone call ended. For the next few days, I tried as much as I could to keep a low profile. Seeing the kind of people I lived with and how my current state was, that wasn't so easy to do. That afternoon was the last time I was mishandled that way for campus food but it wasn't the last time I was harassed for food or anything else. I wondered if anyone paid attention to how things were with me. If they saw any changes in me or I acted differently — I hoped not. I tried to be that rainbow in a cloudy sky, that sunlight in a breezy day, that star in a naked night and just appear normal, away from everyone's pity. I hated how some of them stared at me, especially very few of the fraternity boys like they pitied me. I hated it — made me anxious and I kept thinking something bad will happen that will be deserving of their pitiful look. On a Sunday August morning, I drove to work at the basketball stadium. It was then I decided to put all my worries and fears and strength in my work. Right there, it was just me and a bigass stadium. My issues could be ignored for a few hours. With the help and supervision of James, I began to check in students that went in and out of the court, and issued ID’s to them. And for a moment, I felt less suffocated. This was just me doing my work, being useful to people, with no one telling and reminding me that I was a mistake. My shift ended quicker than I expected it to. I seemed to have been so invested in the day's work that I didn't realize it was five already and the end to my shift had come. In fact, it was James that came to me around five fifteen to remind me. It was also around this time my phone beeped with a text message and Veronica's name showed on my screen. 'Wyd tonight?’ It read. I thought against it at first but knowing I also did not have anything against her, I replied to her with a 'nothing.’ In seconds her next text arrived, 'Want to meet up? Let's hang out tonight.” I stared at the message for a minute or maybe longer, for she sent me another message asking if I was there. As the moment passed, I wondered what she might be up to, to invite me because this had never happened. Not me being invited by a flowersun, but by Veronica who long before we started working together acted like I never existed. Even Though all of these thoughts swam in my head, I knew this was just me acting up and Veronica's actions came from a good heart. Settling with this, I replied telling her I was down for an hour or so. She replied quickly again that she'll meet me in my house. When I read it, I regretted my decision immediately. What was I doing trusting her? She’s a flowersun after all and yes, I did not have any evidence, I was pretty sure she was part of the reason why a resident hurt herself, Veronica was one of the promising flowersuns' members after all. But I didn't find myself reversing my actions, right now, thinking about it, I wish I did. What I did do was spend my time in my room, doing whatever I could and because I could too, cleaned up some public areas in the house, trying as much as possible to avoid the other boys. Veronica called that she had arrived but she didn't want to come up. I told her it was better that way and made my way downstairs, Carlos and Diego smirked at me like they knew something that I didn't and I wondered why and what. Outside, I met Veronica leaning on her car which was parked behind mine. But instead of it being just her, two other girls I recognized as members of flowersuns were there too. Alicia, the girl who had harassed me for campus food with Taylor stared at me straight in the eyes, not seeming to take them off anytime soon. Of course, I wasn't expecting her to go on her knees and beg but didn't she feel any remorse for what she did. I wondered if Veronica knew Alicia was the girl her source had seen harassing me. “Hey!” Veronica greeted, then took me by my hand and drew me close, “Thanks for having us. I hope you don't mind.” I smiled at her, just her and not wanting to look at the other two, “Well, I didn't know you were bringing company.” “Alicia and Taylor seemed so bored back home and practically begged to tag along,” And she laughed, I didn't know what was funny but others joined too. For the next few minutes, we just talked. Mostly, Veronica asked questions and I answered as politely and simple as I could — The presence of the other girls though, was something I wasn't comfortable with. Veronica asked the questions, Alicia and Taylor giggled to each other like they weren't part of the conversation, almost felt like they weren't. “How have you been lately?” Veronica asked and I cocked my brows to her, “I mean after Romeo's death and with the whole, y'know fruity thing.” I didn't like how she said 'fruity thing’ but I let it slide and I told her, “I’m okay.” I should have left it as that but then it just slipped from my tongue and gave an impression that I was using something to get by the days. Again, I began to regret stepping out but thankfully, she didn't seem to pay much attention to what I said and she went on with the conversation. “How about we do something much more fun.” Alicia suggested, I watched her from the corner of my eye, noting how smug she looked. “Yes!” Veronica agreed and that glint was back in her eyes. It wasn't something that came off as good to me. “We brought a little thing actually.” “What?” “A golf cart!” She said it like it was the best thing ever but my confusion was only fueled as I stared at her blankly, “So, I got permission to take this golf cart and you are going to take us on a ride?” “I don't understand. A golf cart?” “Yes.” “Veronica, you can't just take a golf cart out without permission.” “I told you, I got permission.” “From who?” She shrugged. “Who else, Jenna.” “Jenna authorized you to take a golf cart out?” I chuckled. It all didn't make sense. “I’m serious. Come on. Let's go on a ride, all we do is take care of the golf carts, why don't we enjoy them a little too.” “He’s fruity, what do you expect?” The girl who I identified as Taylor laughed, “They are just such pussies.” “No, don't say that, Tay.” Veronica slapped her on the arm lightly. It didn't seem like she was serious about it though. “He’s perfectly fine to me.” “I’m going back inside. Thanks for coming.” “Honey, you can't just leave.” Alicia said, “We drove all the way here to see you and now you're pushing us away?” “It's less than ten minutes and I never asked for any of you to come see me.” “Are you being rude to us?” Veronica began, “I really didn't know you were like this Vera. Here we are trying to be nice to you because we feel sorry for your fruity ass and you're — “ “Look, I won't —” “Don't cut me off Vera.” she spat, “Romeo might have not ended well in our little conspiracy with your guys — “ she motioned to me — “But you could also do us well.” “Are you crazy?” None of these made sense, nothing made sense. How did the tables turn? When did things switch up? “Romeo was a victim. A victim of your stupid act and his death means nothing to you? You want to add another victim to your list?” “I didn't tell Romeo to kill himself.” She snickered, “He did it all on his own because he was weak… just like you. Only that you begged for attention.” Everything was silent for a while. We stared at each other like it was a staring contest — all four of us, three against one. “Give us a ride Vera. Really, that's all we want. None of these even makes sense.” I nodded. “You're right, none of these makes sense. So just leave.” Veronica let out a small bitter laugh, “You aren't even going to worry about the conspiracy?” “Screw your damn conspiracy.” I left her there with her friends, blocking out everything she had to say, did or has done. Now it was certain, I was right about Veronica, something was up with her and I was stupid to blindly ignore all the signs. When morning approached the next day, I decided to take my car out for a drive to school and my shift at Top n Bar, later in the afternoon then I saw it. A green and gold painted golf cart parked at the garage which was near to where my car was parked. My mind rushed back to last night with Veronica and her sisters and I thought this was just a sign of her “promised conspiracy theory.” That morning, I received an email from Jenna with 'URGENT!” stamped on the subject line and I knew something was wrong. It read that a golf cart had been stolen from Top n Bar parking lot. A green golf cart.

CHAPTER FIVE That night, and for the first time, I swallowed the antidepressant drugs. When it seemed one pill wasn't doing the job, I took three more. I never planned on using the drugs but it wasn't until I read Romeo's note I decided I might need them. Also, that night, I gave up on holding back and broke down to tears, cried myself to sleep. I wasn't expecting the content of Romeo's suicide note. Just as I wasn't expecting it to not be a suicide but a letter directed to just a person, to me. Romeo's photograph stared at me as I tried to decipher the content of the letter. As I read the note, it seemed to me like Romeo was there, whispering the words, Hey. This might not be what you expected and by the time you read this, I will not be there to answer your questions. You don't know this, but I'm always watching you and knowing you, you'll probably not open the bottle until much later. But, like I said, I’ve always watched you, you never noticed but I prefer that. I watched and admired you from afar. Whether it developed into something more, I wasn't sure. I wasn't sure if it was love, a simple crush or just admiration. But I felt something, I don't know you did but thank you Vera, thank you for allowing me to find comfort in you until my final breath. Your Hermano, Romeo. The voice ended as the letter did and I found myself popping pills, shivering in my bed, breaking, crying and I didn't know what to call the feeling inside of me. But it was there and heavy, at the same time fragile. I stayed in my bed with the windows closed all night, Romeo's note squeezed in my hands while the bottle was on the floor, maybe I had lost grasp of it while I was asleep and let it slip. I woke in the afternoon, which meant I skipped a class and because I didn't want anyone to suspect anything, I went for my shift at Top n Bar’s parking lot, Marilyn sent an email as a reminder that we’ll be working on the golf carts. I immediately regretted not calling in sick when I was almost at the parking lot, because out there, standing under the sun with his hands in my pocket was Derek. After that night at his house, I never saw him again and quite frankly I hoped I never will. But there he was outside the hall like he was waiting for someone and when his eyes landed on me, he began to walk towards me, taking very slow strides. I was frozen, but somehow I moved — quickened my pace so I could move past him before he had the chance to say anything. He grabbed me by my hand and gently pulled me back, “Please Vera, just hear me out.” I shrugged his hands off. “The cliché phrase when someone knows they messed up, huh?” “Yes, I did. I messed up pretty badly and I know saying sorry will never be enough for what you went through — “ “And you have no idea what I went through. You have no idea what those guys did to me and will still do. So your apology doesn't cut it.” “I’m sorry Vera, I really am.” “Just forget it.” I whispered and started to leave but was stopped again. “I was forced, okay. They made me do it.” “Nothing!” I yelled, then brought my voice low to not attract any attention, “Nothing will make you deceive anyone that way.” “Vera — “ “I bet none of what we shared means nothing to you. It was all part of your plan, yeah?” “No! No, They never approached me until two weeks ago. Believe me Vera, I really didn't want to do it.” “Doesn't matter.” I said “They came to me. They said they suspected you were gay and if they didn't find out the truth about you…. Things won't be good for the both of us.” “So you just went with it.” “You have no idea what those guys could do,” He hissed, “You don't know how much they hate this. Look at you, Vera, look what they did to you. Who knows they could do much worse.” “And deceiving me we shared something was the only way?.” Derek shook his head violently, “I didn't mean to. Believe me when I say that's something I didn't lie about.” “You know something Derek,” I chuckled — a low, bitter, grave sound, “Those frat guys might have been the ones who kicked me, hit me, called me names, hurt my pride but you Derek, what you did, hurt so much more “ “Derek…” But it was in the past now and quite frankly one of the last things I want to hear. “Just leave, please. It's all gone and I want to let all that go but… not now, please.” He nodded his head, seemed to have given up but called again, his face covered with guilt. “Are you okay though? I heard what happened — that you're the last person he spoke to.” I nodded, remembering Romeo's note — another thing I want to forget. “I’m fine, don't worry about me. Please.” And with that, I left him standing there and continued to Top n Bar parking lot. I met Veronica there, moving golf carts, smiling so widely as she did her work. I wondered if the problem she talked about was over now. I wanted to come to work to refresh myself, clear my head a bit instead of being cooped in my room that only reminded me of Romeo, but seeing Derek now really changed a lot of that. I felt drained, no longer having the energy to do anything. I wasn't sure if he was telling the truth, but the one person I knew held his truth and didn't use it against me but for me was dead. Veronica noticed me first, she waved at me. I waved back, making my way to her. “Thank you so much for helping me last night. Hope it wasn't much of an issue?” “No, it's fine.” I smiled, drawing the sleeves of my hoodie, hoping it will cover all the bruises. “Get on with what you're doing then, let me not distract you.” I gave a small laugh and made my way to one of the golf cart, but was stopped by Veronica’s high pitched voice, “Oh no dear, you can't handle the golf carts yet.” “Why?” I asked, confused. “Well, you are still new here and you don't have access to the gold carts yet,” Veronica sighed, her lips forming to a sad smile, “We just have to see how well you'll do with the other tasks you are assigned and we’ll see where we’ll go from there.” “But Miss Marilyn sent us an email this morning, a reminder that I will be working on the golf carts, with you.” “Oh no, she might have forgotten.” she huffed, “Miss Marilyn is getting so forgetful these days. Let me see her — “ “No, it’s fine.” I stopped her as she attempted to walk away, “It might have been just a mistake. I'll go clean some equipment.” She thanked me for being understanding as I left to the other side of the building where equipment like spare parts of gadgets meant for rooms in the hall were kept. That was how I spent the rest of my afternoon shift, trying not to think, trying not to feel but that only made me do what I didn't want to. I left the room the moment my three hour shift was over. Veronica was standing at the entrance of the building, like she was waiting for the arrival of someone and when she saw me, she waved and took long strides towards my direction, “I didn't see your car anywhere.” she pointed out. “Yeah. I haven't been feeling the vibe to drive, y'know.” I chuckled, she joined in, though I wasn't sure what was funny. “Come on, let me give you a ride.” “No, I'm fine. Walking actually feels good nowadays.” “I insist, Vera.” And I wasn't sure what she was trying to do but she went ahead to give me this puppy look that I had no choice than to give in. Once we were in the car, she turned to me and began apologizing for not picking my calls and I got into trouble for that. I told her it was fine, I didn't get hurt. “Great,” She replied, “There's something you must know though.” “What?” “I feel so guilty for Romeo's death. I feel it’s all my fault.” Wondering what she meant by that, I asked but she squeezed her face to a frown, like she was about to cry, “Just calm down Veronica, it’s fine” I assured her. “No, it’s not. Romeo was just caught up in our ridiculous conspiracy drama.” She confessed. “Some LLC frat guys kept harassing some of the women that wanted to join flowersuns, our sorority. So to get back at them we decided to expose them on Twitter with how they were homophobic towards Romeo. We didn't mean this. We didn't mean for anyone to get hurt.” And she bawled her eyes out again, letting out a fierce cry. What she said hit me like a blow to my head, because I couldn't stop thinking Romeo would still be alive if the Twitter saga didn't exist. Then again, what happened, happened because he was a victim of bullying and harassment, the twitter thread was just something to fuel his actions. As I watched Veronica cry, I became numb, empty but I found myself patting her shoulders, whispering words that I hoped would calm her down. After a long moment, she lifted her head and dried her face, giving me a shy smile, “I’m so sorry, that was really embarrassing.” “No it's okay.” I assured her, "Please don't feel that way and guilty too, it's not your fault.” She nodded, “Let me make it up to you.” Veronica offered, her sad smile still on her face, “I'll take your shift the day after tomorrow. I really feel bad for what happened yesterday. Let me make it up to you.” “No, don't worry about it. I didn't get seriously hurt, really.” “Still, Let me just make it up to you. You need rest also. This week seemed to have been really horrible for you.” I refused again, she continued to offer and pressed on it until I couldn't fight it anymore and felt it would go on forever if I did. “Awesome.” She grinned, “You just relax and I’ll handle everything for you.” I returned her smile and sat in silence as she drove to the fraternity building, a country song playing in the background. This time, I was careful with how things came out and told her to drop me off a block away from the building and I saw her off from there. It wasn't until I was in my room, popping a pill in my mouth that I remembered and realized what Veronica said earlier. I never told her I got hurt and was harrassed the previous day.

CHAPTER 4 Suicide. That's what they said it was. This morning, two hours before I woke up, one of the building residents had gone to pay Romeo a visit. He noticed how dark the room was, how Romeo’s chair wasn't where it always was and how it was in the center of the room instead. Dangling above it was Romeo's weightless body. Already colourless, already cold. Report said he might have died the night before and not that morning, probably around the same time he left my room. It wasn't even a day later and the news was all over school — on the tip of everyone's tongue, on blogs, on Twitter. If anything, it only fueled the drama between the flowersuns and LLC. The flowersuns claimed LLC pushed Romeo into suicide with their homophobic ways. The might have no clues at the time, but they have a source and are certain LLC Fraternity were being homophobic towards one of their 'fruity’ frat member. When I read the news the next afternoon, I thought the flowersuns didn't care about any of that and maybe I still do. The resident, who sat on my bed, next to me asked why I thought so and I told her, “If they really wanted to help him. It won't be that hard getting any evidence.” And I thought of the afternoon when Veronica dropped me off and I was greeted with a blow on my stomach and injuries from Diego and Carlos punching the hell out of me, saying and calling me whatever they could at that moment. I thought of how I laid there and no one tried to help, but they stood there with their phones, with the video camera on. No, if those women really wanted to help Romeo at that time, they would have. There was nothing stopping them. “I really do feel bad for him,” the resident uttered, and I turned to look at her, noticed how moist her eyes were, “But I understand him. Really well.” I didn't like that. That she understood him. It made me remember the night she stumbled to my dorm, with her hands filled with blood. Made me think that that night would have been the last of her too. “You are the last one he spoke too, right?” I nodded, “He just came to say hello.” For some reason I didn't want to mention the antidepressants, “And I’ve spoken to the police, in case you're wondering.” “They probably won't do much anyways. It will just be ruled as suicide in a matter of days.” “Yeah?” “Yeah.” She answered, “He didn't leave a note.” “I didn't expect him to.” I stood up and told her I wanted to go for a walk. I was already sick of it, everything — everything about Romeo. It was crazy how no one took it as such a huge deal, crazy how few hours ago Romeo was in my room, talking, laughing. Did he know he will never get to do any of that when he sat there on my bed? “Where are you off to?” the resident asked, interrupting my thoughts, “No where actually. I’ll just take a walk alone and be back.” “What about your shift?” I told her I didn't have any but Veronica did. “Alright. Are you sure you'll be fine alone?” I nodded and left before she asked anymore questions — before I gave up on hiding and broke down in front of her. I met Diego on my way out, I wondered where Carlos was since the both of them were always together and inseparable. He stared, glared at me as I approached the door. I knew the best thing was not to look back and just ignore him but I watched him as he watched. I hoped he read me. I hoped he understood. I hoped he knew he killed Romeo. Diego didn't follow me out, that I was grateful for. My boldness could only take me so far. I walked to nowhere in particular. I walked without a destination. All I knew was everything suffocated me and the resident couldn't stop talking about Romeo and I wanted to forget him. Forget that I was the last person he spoke to. My phone began to ring in my trouser pockets. My first thought was to ignore it, talking to anyone at that time was something I wanted to ignore as much as I could. But it rang again, again and again until I gave up and answered a harsh, “what.” “Oh, I'm so sorry. I knew it was a bad time to call.” Veronica said, “I’m so sorry, I shouldn't have called.” “No, no, it’s fine.” I assured her, regretting how harsh my voice came out, “Why did you call? Are you okay?” “Yeah, I'm fine. I just…” “What is it, Veronica?” “I can't make it for my shift. Something came up here and I’m not in the right mind now and I'm caught up with this issue. So, I was wondering if you could cover for me?” Veronica paused, waiting for my response while I regretted picking up the call. “Of course. It’s by eight right?” “Yes. Thank you so much!” And before I could say anything else she ended the call. With a deep sigh, I looked at the time on my phone screen, it read seven forty. I wondered what had come up that made Veronica to skip her shift, I wondered if she was okay and if it had anything to do with Romeo's case. I wondered if taking Veronica's shift that afternoon would also take things off my mind. I arrived at Gresham three minutes to the start of Veronica’s shift, the campus restaurant hall that offered the best pasta and hamburgers, basically the best food. I greeted some of the workers on my way in. They smiled and laughed like they normally did, but I noticed the way they seemed to hold themselves back and stare at me, like I was a fragile being that will soon break. And maybe they were right, maybe it was a matter of time till I break, till I explode. “You aren't working today.” James stated. He was the assistant dean for the Latinx floors. “Yeah, I’m covering for Veronica. She’s not feeling too well.” “Well, are you? I heard what happened.” “Yeah.” I smiled, hoping I looked convincing enough, “I think working will be good for me though. Besides, Veronica did sound pretty serious.” He nodded and left it as that. It was obvious he wanted to say something, but thought against it, patted me on my shoulder and told me to take care of myself. The rest of the afternoon was spent in a breeze — mostly cleaning the restaurant hall and doing the dishes. I couldn't go to the storage room because I didn't have access to it yet but Veronica did. I wasn't sure if working actually did the job of making me forget or it just made me think more. Few minutes to the closing time, Carlos and a girl I recognize from flowersuns walked in to the room. Their eyes searched the hall like they were looking for something then it landed on me and Carlos smirked. I turned around, trying to ignore them but they walked to me and tapped my shoulder. “What is it?” Carlos grinned, “We just want to talk.” I looked at the both of them, “Since when did the both of you start hanging around?” “That's none of your business, Vera, is it? We just want to talk.” The girl, who I now remember as Alicia eyed me, and twisted the strand of the hoodie I was wearing. I drew back and took a step away from her, hating that she was so close. “Is there any problem?” I heard a voice echo behind me. It was James, he seemed to have come out from the storage room. “Listen Vera, if you know what's good for you. You'll follow me, quietly.” Carlos growled. I turned to James and yelled back that I was alright. Like Carlos warned, I followed him outside, to the side of the hall building — away from public eyes. “What is it?” “Like I said, we just want to talk.” Carlos began, “We are technically brothers, Vera. And I heard you got the ra job, congratulations.” I rolled my eyes at that, he frowned but his face went back to that suspicious smile again, “Seeing what you are putting us through, you should give us some free food.” “Putting you through what?” “You are fruity,” Alicia hissed, “A vile, attention seeking one that always wants the spotlight on him. The least you could do dear is to compensate us for having to deal with something like you.” “It’s just free food. It’s the least you could do right?” I shook my head and glared at them already having enough, “I don't have time for this. I have to go back to work.” I turned to leave, Carlos pinned me to the wall, hitting my shoulders and swore at me, “I don't know who told you that you are in charge here but you're mistaken.” “Just do what we want Vera and we’ll let you go.” I glared at them and tried to get myself away from them, but Carlos was quick to pin me again to the wall and this time, he made sure he landed a good blow on my stomach and another on my arm. I could have not given in but they won't stop, won't stop talking, won't stop swearing, won't stop touching and blowing. “I don't have access to it,” I coughed, “I don't, but Veronica does.” “So go get her. Go get Veronica.” “She's not here.” “Call her then,” Alicia laughed into my ear, “Call Veronica to come here.” And I did. With shaky hands, I retrieved my phone from my pockets and dialed Veronica's number. It went through but she wouldn't pick. So I tried again and again and again and again, but it went to voicemail. I decided to send a message online, I did. It read she was online but my message wasn't read. “She's not answering.” I choked out, “She did say she is busy but let me go. Why harass me when I don't have access to anything!” “Are you raising your voice at us?” asked Carlos, attempting to land another punch on me, but I wasn't having it anymore. Before he could hit me, I twisted my body to the other side to avoid the blow. He was taken aback for a second, this gave me the opportunity to kick his crotch —though I almost missed— and land a blow on his stomach. He yelled in pain, clinging between his legs. I didn't want him to recover from the impact, not yet at least, so I landed another lunch and another and another until I felt Alicia teeth sinking into the flesh on my upper back, followed by a small sized log of wood making a sharp pain filled impact with my legs, then arms and Carlos was on me again. He looked angry, really angry. He didn't fail to let me know that. I didn't know exactly when but they left and I also didn't know how long I sat there drained and weak. There wasn't much damage done physically and the bruises weren't too visible, at least they were careful to not leave too much scars. But they did leave scars, only that no one could see them. Still, I couldn't find it in me to get up and walk alone back home since I had no car with me. I didn't want to call anyone inside the hall and ask them for help, most definitely not James. But my pride seemed to have gotten the better of me and I ended up ringing a resident's phone. In minutes, the resident's car rolled into the parking lot and then she found me sitting on the spot Carlos and Alicia had left me. “Oh my God, Vera. Who did this to you?” She grabbed my hands and helped me up, walking me to the parking lot and then her car. “Who did this to you?” She asked again, but I didn't want to speak or recall what happened so I shook my head, thanked her for coming and turned my head to the window. The car ride was silent. Short but silent. I thanked her again for helping me when we got to the fraternity house and began to make my way to my room. She didn't follow me, but that's because I told her not to. I met Diego and Arturo on my way to my room, there was no sight of Carlos anywhere but at the sight of me, Diego smirked, like he knew what happened. I removed my gaze from him and continued my walk to my room. I locked my door as soon as I got in and although, I tried to suppress it for so long, a tear slipped to my cheeks. It was gone as soon as it came, I wasn't going to cry now, not because of them. My room was darkly lit, the windows and curtains were closed, only the lamp brought light, beside it was the bottle of antidepressants Romeo had given me, which I now considered as a gift. In that moment, I was aching and it wasn't because of the blows Carlos had so generously given me. I didn't seem to feel so much from the bruises on my arms. My head felt like a scene where so much was happening and playing at once. I couldn't stop it, not when my heart also drummed in heavy beats divers of crazy chords. I sat on my bed, gripping the antidepressants bottle so hard a vein could have been cut. I told myself a while back I wouldn't need them, but now, the thoughts in my head wouldn't stop pushing themselves forward, whispering in my ears, I couldn't stop it. With a deep sigh, I twisted the cover of the bottle open and sitting in it was a small piece of paper. Unwrapping it, I saw how hurried the hand writing was and although, I have only seen it on two occasions, I could recognize that handwriting and the photograph glued on it. It was Romeo's suicide note.

CHAPTER Three Saturday, August 8th, 2020 through Monday, August 10th, 2020 "Caught in 4k.” I heard a voice speak followed by the sound of a camera and people laughing, clapping hands, shouting, hailing. For a minute, I froze, it felt like I was incapable of moving, of thinking. I stared at Derek, maybe you could move, maybe he could speak but Derek wouldn't look into my eyes. His eyes moved everywhere — to my feet, to the floor, the carpet, the tv, to the sofa, anywhere but my face. “Derek — “ I heard my voice crack but before I could say anything more, someone grabbed my shoulder and forced me to face him and I was met with a guy in the room besides Derek. Actually, I was met with at least half a dozen guys. All of them Latinos. All of them I knew. All of them are people I called my 'fraternity brothers.’ “We know the sick truth about you now, princess.’ Diego’s face was the first one to enter my line of vision and he wore the same expression as everyone else, a sinister twisted expectant look that made my blood run cold and my knees weak. But I couldn't show them I was scared of them, I couldn't fall to my knees in front of them just because they found out I wasn't who they thought I was. Though, I still couldn't look up without feeling like I'm tearing apart and it's the hardest thing to do, I finally found my voice. A little shaky, but it will do. “What Is the meaning of this?” Diego chuckled. I once liked the sound of it and found it comfortable, but that night, it ran chills down my spine and I hated it. “What does it look like, princess?” “Stop calling me that.” “What? Princess?” He laughed, “I mean only princesses play for the boys and… you play for the boys too. What does that make you?” I frowned, remembering where that word began to ring in my head. Though, I knew the answer and wasn't expecting any from him, I asked, “You sent that text didn't you?” “What?” Then he grinned, “You sucking dick?” I wanted to punch him as he spoke. Heaven knows my fist twitched to that and if I did I would have broken a bone or two and it won't be mine, but I turned to Derek who sat quietly on the sofa. His head was done and I couldn't see his eyes properly but I knew they weren't settled. “Derek,” I called, moving towards him, “Tell me — tell me exactly what I need to hear. This is a mistake, yeah? You don't have a hand in this, right?” But he didn't answer, instead he took a much more particular interest in his fingers and he began to twist it. So hard I thought it might snap. ”Yesterday,” I began, “Yesterday, behind the library, someone was there right? Someone was — I felt like I was being watched by someone.” I searched for eyes but like all evening, they refused to meet mine, “You knew didn't you? It's that why you asked me to come here? Because you are part of this set up?” Again, Derek kept silent “Answer me!” “Doesn't matter.” He replied. It was a broken small, silent voice but enough for me to hear, “It really doesn't matter anymore.” “How do — “ “Okay!” Diego said, dragging me by the collar of my shirt and forcing me to look at him, “Okay, that's enough lovers quarrel for one night. I might just pluck my eyes out because of that.” “Let me go.” “I should let you go?” He turned to the other guys behind him, all laughing, all having something so sinister about them, “we should let you go?” I couldn't come up with a reply at that moment, I couldn't find the strength to do so. What I could do was slap Diego's hands from my shoulders and make my way to leave but someone pushed me with what I could feel was his leg, that I fell on the ground. Fortunately, I was quick to brace myself and shield my head from hitting the ground, but not so much for the rest of my body. “What the hell bro,” I turned to meet Carlos standing in front of me, hands in pocket and his eyes on me like he saw vermin, “I thought we were all brothers. Why keep this thing you have going on away from us?” “Just let me go.” “No,” Carlos replied, his face twisted to a sneer, like he is looking at something worse than vermin, “What the hell is wrong with you bro? Tell me,“ and I watched his face grow dark, “Did you have thoughts about getting it in on with any of us when we hang out?" They all stared at me, waiting for the answer like it meant anything, like it would change anything. I glared at Derek one more time, before standing up and making my way to the door. This seemed to have frustrated Carlos, for he grabbed me by my shirt, dragged me to him then pinned me to the wall. “Who told you could leave?” He sneered, “You don't want to tell us the ugly truth, huh?” “I can't believe we stayed in the same room and ate together with him.” I heard Arturo say, cringing at the way he said 'him’ like I wasn't a living thing, “Did you see how he was with Derek?” “I like you.” “He sounded so pathetic,” then he turned to me, “You are pathetic.” I closed my eyes, wanting to block out their voices. I hated how they made me cower before them, like I was below them but still, I didn't want to believe that any of these was happening. That it was real. “Why are you doing this?” I asked, “I thought we were brothers, why are you doing this?” Arturo scoffed, “Brothers? Brothers, you say. Well, princess, who wants to have a brother who thinks lustfully about his brothers?” “That's not true — that has never happened.” Arturo grinned, “Yeah? I even watched you at the abandoned warehouse yesterday. You were so over that other princess there.” “It was you?” I asked, then turned to Derek, “I felt someone was watching us. You planned that too.” Derek opened his mouth to speak but Diego cut him off, coming to stand in front of me, “I bet that's what you think of doing with us, right?” “No, Let me go. That has never happened.” But they didn't listen, didn't try to. Didn't want to. I was pinned to the wall and forced to listen to every word they said — every cuss, every insult, everything. I didn't know how I bore it or handled it. I couldn't remember much after that, I do remember someone punching me on my stomach but I wasn't sure who and all the while, Derek sat there and watched. I felt caged with them, but I soon found myself in my room, in the shower, letting the tiny drops of water rain on my skin but unlike other times, I felt no comfort, no relief. I just wanted to be alone and even when I was, nothing seemed right to me. Like I should and like nothing had happened, I turned up for school the next morning. A resident was there, at the entrance of the lecture room for our creative writing class. She tapped her foot on the floor, not showing any signs of stopping soon like she was impatient about something and her eyes searched the faces around her, like she was looking for something until it landed on me. My first thought was to run, ignore her, do anything that would not warrant me seeing her, but I was glued to the spot, frozen and only stared as she approached me. What if she hated me now? What if she acted like how the frat guys did? What if— “Why aren't you picking my calls?” “What?” Like I did the previous afternoon, when I went to confront her, she shoved her phone to my face, “ten missed calls, Vera. Ten freaking missed calls.” “I was busy.” “Busy with what?” I opened my mouth to reply her, what I would say I didn't know, but students began to flood into the lecture room and I followed, leaving her behind. She wasn't having it — grabbed me by the hands and whispered harshly that we will meet after the lecture. The lecture itself was the only thing stopping me from Insanity, and screaming my lungs out, because even then I felt everything was closing up on me and instantly began to regret coming to class. She made sure she sat by me, even though I tried my best to avoid that. I remembered what Diego and Carlos told me about her the day she stormed out of my room. Didn't she resent me now that she knew the truth? Didn't she see me like I was weird like everyone else did? It’s funny that that was two days ago? That two days ago everything was completely fine. It’s funny how everything became so fast paced. The class ended earlier than I thought it would, although it felt like it was taking an eternity. I was quick to rush out of the lecture room as soon as the lecturer did, but the resident paid attention to my movements like a hawk and refused to leave my side. When we got to a quiet area in the hallway, I turned to her sharply, “What do you want from me?” “I just want to talk.” She said, “Why are you running away from me?” Because I had no valid reason, I didn't answer and she continued, “because I now know the truth?” “Please, just stop. I really don't want to talk about that.” “Why? Why do you look at it like it's something to be so mad about — “ “Then why did they have to do that to me?” I cried, “Why did they have too look at me like I’m vomit or something so much worse.” She stared at me for a moment. Did nothing but wait for my breathing to come down to its normal level. “I know what they did.” She confessed and sighed. For a minute I thought she was part of the scheme too. “I came to see you and apologize for acting the way I did and I met Diego and Carlos.” They told me everything.” Her face twisted in disgust, “They are not even sorry for what they did.” “You aren't mad?” I asked and she looked so confused, “You don't think this is unfair to you after finding out the truth.” She seemed to have understood where I was getting at and her face broke to a sad smile, “Oh, I’m fine, I’ll get over it. Is that why you didn't want to help Romeo?” I nodded. She understood. And for the first time since yesterday's morning, I was relieved. On the morning of my first day as a resident assistant, I received an email from Jenna which stated my work days and shifts. It was two days after the incident with my frat brothers, two days of being seen like I was somebody else, two days of everyone knowing that I, Vera was a fruity man. It was weird how things spread wider and faster than wild fire in a hot California summer. How people and everyone seemed to know you once something shocking, surprising or unexpected happens. People stared longer than they should, and their whispers sounded like they really wanted me to hear them, and most times they were not nice things. The good thing about it was, I no longer had that secret banging in my closet, wanting to get out. It was open and out there for everyone to see and many people actually didn't care. It didn't bother them that I was fruity, they didn't mind it at all. Some though, like the women from the flowersuns acted like I was a pile of glass surrounding them and stared at me in a new way, not like I was something to protect like they thought of Romeo, but just something. In the resident's eyes, I might have bounced back like everything was normal and I was fine. But it wasn't, I knew things have changed right from the moment I heard people clapping back at Derek's house. Things would never be the same at the frat house. Everyone — those who I once took pride in calling hermanos— still saw me as that one thing that should be discarded. They still looked at me differently, said ugly stuff, made me do things and even still claimed I thought of them in a lewd way. It was sick. But I wasn't ready to leave or bend to them just because they didn't approve of me, even though that drained all the energy in me. But, it was the month of what I loved to call the August energy and a resident had told me to make good use of it and in addition to that, I was now the resident assistant for Latinx floor, a position I had been trying to acquire since my freshman year. Jenna was the first one to welcome me with a big smile when I walked into the stadium for my first shift. I asked for Veronica since we both had the morning shift together, Jenna said she came an hour early and was setting up the golf cart. I thanked her and was about to leave to meet her, when Jenna called me back and narrowed her eyes at me. “What were you thinking bringing peaches to Marilyn?” “Sorry?” And then I remembered the peaches that I thought would win me a few points. “Oh God, I'm so sorry about that. Veronica mentioned she loved them and I thought it would be nice to get her some…” “Veronica told you that?” I nodded, “But it was a mistake. She meant cherries. We are deeply sorry.” “We?” Jenna frowned, “Honey, you have nothing to be sorry for. This is Veronica's mistake. She knows Marilyn has breathing allergies when she takes peaches and she's very strict about them.” “It was a mistake,” I insisted, “And she's deeply sorry for that. Please don't do anything to her.” Jenna observed me for a moment then sighed and rolled her eyes, “Just because you said so.” I laughed, she smiled then I made my way to meet up with Jenna. I found her cleaning the golf balls. She noticed me before I could say anything, and that smile that seemed almost automatic was back on her face. “Hey Vera,” she greeted. “Hey. I see you're almost done here.“ “Yeah, I came a bit earlier for it. I might be a bit busy today.” I nodded then she looked at me like she was expecting me to ask her what she was busy with, so I did. Her response though was unexpected and made me freeze. “It’s about Romeo,” she answered, “I think the assaults against me are getting too much. As a resident assistant here and a flowersuns, I think this is a matter to look at.” Then her eyes grew wide, like she just remembered something, “I’m guessing you weren't through the same thing. Did they hurt you like they did Romeo.” I shook my head, denying it and tried to speak but she didn't seem to notice, “Those arrogant bastards. I really hope you're doing okay though. I know you want to help Romeo, but with your… situation, it's understandable that you can't do much.” I wanted to tell her that her sorority really wasn't better. And I might have no clue but I know they aren't exactly nice towards the residents— who wants to be a part of the flowersuns but was always declined. Like she read my mind, Veronica grinned, “By the way, I know your friend, that resident has been dying to be a part of the sorority. We had a discussion of recruiting new members, she should apply. I’ll make sure she gets in, this time” Although I wasn't too thrilled about the idea, I acted like I was, showed her a grin of my own and expressed how wonderful that was. “I’m happy you are okay with this. She'll be very happy. You two are so close,” she stated, “for a while I thought you were dating. How silly of me.” She laughed, though I didn't find it funny, I joined in. For the next two hours, it was just me and Veronica — working. We hardly said anything to each other and sometimes I would catch her staring like she wanted to say something but decided against it. But when we began to pack up to leave the golf cart, she tapped me on my shoulder and looked really sorry, “I just wanted to apologize for that little mix up,” she began. I told her it was fine and Miss Marilyn didn't get hurt, but she shook her head roughly and her face squeezed to a frown, “No, no. I act so stupid at times. Those peaches might have killed her and it will be because of my stupid mistake.” “Well, cherries don't exactly look like peaches so…” “Doesn't matter. I'm so sorry.” I told her it was fine and before she thought of crying, I patted her shoulder, assured her one more time that no damage was done and accompanied her to the parking lot, where her car was. I turned to leave but she grabbed me by my hand, told me that she will give me a ride home. I remembered that she was a flowersuns and I, a member of LLC Fraternity and the Twitter trend and scandal with Romeo was still there and even if I had nothing to do with it, I was still connected to it somehow. But images from that night in Derek's house came to me in flashes and began to play in my head like a movie. I didn't care, at that point, I was convinced they didn't rule me. Thanking Veronica and flashing her a smile, I hopped into the passenger's seat of her Toyota Camry, and she drove off. We were at the frat house within minutes. I wanted her to drop me off a block before the building, but she declined and replied, saying “I know what you're doing. But you have to stand up for yourself. Don't let those homophobic bastards rule you.” “I won't.” I replied. “Of course. Just keep looking and watching your back.” She said dryly, I smiled and thanked her for the ride and advice. She asked if I remembered all my shifts, I replied yes, thanked her again and began to make my way to the entrance door, all the while feeling Veronica's eyes following my every movement. I met Diego and Carlos on my way to my room like they had been standing there waiting for me. The best thing I could do at that time was ignore the looks they shot at me and continue my walk. But just as I began to do that, Carlos, I believe — because I wasn't sure whom — stretched their legs forward, that I stepped on my feet and stumbled on the ground. I would have fallen face flat, if I hadn't braced myself for the impact and landed on my sides instead — the side of my head did hit the ground though. “What did you do that for?” I hated that my voice cracked at the end of it. They seemed to have noticed and let out a small chuckle, “We noticed you hitched a ride with a girl.” “So?” “Didn't you feel anything?” Diego stepped forward, I stood to my feet, “Didn't you feel like… touching her?” I didn't say anything. Didn't need to. “I bet you didn't, did you?” “He sucks dick, I’m very sure he didn't even think of Veronica that way. “ He seemed to be talking to Carlos, but Diego's eyes narrowed at me as he came close, What if he's thinking of us that way, right now.” “Stop it.” It came out smaller than I expected, and I hated how I no longer felt confident when I’m with them, “Just stop okay! Two weeks ago, even last week, you had no idea, no freaking idea that I was fruity. What changed?“ When they didn't say anything, I continued, “Yes, I’m fruity and no, I don't and I will never think of being with any of you guys. No one will ever think of being with someone who is sick and disgusting and bullies — “ I wish I could say I ended my speech quite well and I walked out freely without a scratch. But while I was just getting riled up to speak my mind and tell them exactly what I felt and thought, Diego's fist landed squarely on my jaw and for the second time that afternoon, I landed on the ground. I felt someone kick me and another and another and a punch and I thought it would go on forever but it eventually stopped and I was breathing hard, Carlos was too and Diego. “You really thought you were in the position to speak.” Diego spat, “You dirty filthy trash!” And he kicked me again as if he was trying to prove his point. “You disgust me.” Carlos said, “And I hate that I once ate, talked and called you a friend. You are the one who deserves no one.” Again, like he was trying to prove a point, he kicked me once more. I closed my eyes and braced myself for another impact, but it never came. They already left. I remember seeing people around us, they were gone too and I wondered why no one came to help. They just stayed and watched and took their phones from their pockets to take a video. Eventually, I found the strength to get myself up and walk to my room, even though all I did was limp throughout. Thankfully, there was not much damage, especially on my face — except a cut on my forehead, a scratch on my arms, and a small injury on my left arm. Besides all that, I didn't think there was any need to visit the clinic. There was a knock on my door. Faint, but it was there. I didn't want to receive any visitors but before I could speak, the door opened and the visitor stuck his head in. It was Romeo. “Do you mind if I come in?” He asked, unable to say anything, I shook my head. I doubt he saw the movement but he came in anyways. “I saw what happened,” He began, “I know it's very cowardly to just watch and not do anything, but you understand don't you?" I nodded. “You understand we are now like… outcast to do the ones we call hermanos.” “We don't have to be — I’m not going to be.” “It’s not for us to say. Society hates something, they’ll act on it. It's left for us to know if we could stay fighting or give up. At the end, you're all alone and fighting means nothing when you'll fall to the ground anyways.” “It doesn't matter,” “But it does,” he choked out, “people will hate you for not loving the normal, or what they know as the normal. Apparently, having feelings for boys Isn't.” “It doesn't — “ “I didn't exactly come here to talk,” Romeo said quickly, “I came here to give you this.” And he handed me a bottle of what looked like pills in them. “What is this.” “Antidepressants,” He smiled, “I used them when they found out about me. And the start of the Twitter scandal.” I shook the bottle, hearing the sound of pills hitting the body of the bottle, “Does it work?” He shrugged his shoulders, “Sometimes. But not much lately that's why I’m giving them to you.” I chuckled, “But I’m not depressed.” He laughed, patting my shoulders, “just in case.’ He stayed in my room for a few more minutes, helped me to press my wounds with a purple towel that was lying on my bed and we talked. About everything and anything, mostly about what the other guys did to him when they found out he wasn't normal. He also mentioned he wasn't convinced the flowersuns are there to help him and just wanted the praise and attention. I told him I didn't think so too and I remembered that resident. Was she any different since she was only interested in his story because she wanted the flowersuns to notice her? Before he left, I told him my friend is working with the school's press team and she would help him, I also would help him because no one would care about what I did anymore. He smiled and thanked me, that at least he was able to speak with me. I thanked him too for talking to me and the next minute, I was alone again. That night, I slept well with a new sense of relief. Talking to Romeo, somehow made me feel I had a companion, an ally. I slept looking at the bottle of antidepressants that I now kept on the reading table beside my bed. I woke the next morning to the sound of voices outside — outside my room, outside the door. I tried to get up as fast as I could to know what was happening but the pains on my body from the beating I got the previous day drew me back. My phone began to ring, so loud that I flinched at the suddenness of it. It was a resident. Her voice rushed to my ears when I answered it but I couldn't get what she was saying because the words were so rushed. Then she repeated it. This time, louder and clear enough, “He’s dead, Vera.” the resident said, “Romeo is dead.”

CHAPTER TWO Monday, July 27th, 2020 through Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 Slowly, I pushed Derek away from me and slid down the wall beside him. I felt calmer now, less throbbing, less excited but I could still feel my heart pounding against my chest, like it was breaking out to escape. I wondered how that will be, to have no heart. To not care. But I did and that was one of my many fatal flaws. Derek turned to me, trying to control his breathing with a smile that covered his slim pale face. He sat beside me now, still staring. I liked it but still it made me feel uncomfortable. Made me think there were more than a pair of eyes on me. “Are you okay?” He asked, head cocking to the side and like it will bring any enthralling effect, ran his hand through his wavy brown hair “Yeah.” And truly I was. But it couldn't change the conversation that resident had a few moments ago. It also couldn't change the Twitter saga, and the frat boys being homophobic. Most of all, I didn't seem to understand what that resident meant by acting like “everything was about me.” Because I didn't agree to help Romeo's case. Did she know? I was uncomfortable with the idea of my residents finding out the truth, even though I knew they would never mind. But telling one person is setting a path for everyone to know too, and not everyone will be as understanding as my residents. For a while, Derek and I did nothing but sit in silence and bask in the calmness of each other's presence. Derek though, didn't seem to be calm so much and took an interest in his fingers, twisting it so hard, I thought it might have hurt a bit. But he turned to me — eyes wide with his lips stretched to a smile that didn't make his eyes wrinkle at the sides. He stopped twisting his fingers now, instead he placed them on my arm and licked the bottom of his lips. “Want to come to my house tomorrow?” New to the question, my brows raised as I regarded him, trying to figure out what bold spirit has generated in him. He looked calm but still fidgety. Very fidgety. “Why?’ “To see you of course.” “Are you getting uncomfortable with our arrangements?” I asked in which he hurriedly replied no. “Then what?" “I just felt you should come, you know. Get to know more about each other.” I nodded, wondering why he wanted to know more about me since this is all we could give each other. When I first met Derek it was at this same library. But instead of being outside of it, we were inside — reading, as we should and somehow we began to not read the books in front of us but we both became more important things to read. It was like the perfect guide to meeting your significant other in a very cliché place as the library. And even when we weren't reading, we talked like we were in the library — in hushed tones, pleasantries and nothing more than the basics. We didn't need to know much about each other than our bodies. That's what I thought until that afternoon sitting with Derek and for some reason, I was excited. Very excited. “Okay. Awesome.” I grinned. He smiled too but again, his eyes didn't seem to smile too. “But I’d meet with Jenna concerning the resident assistant job, so after that?” He nodded, agreeing with the idea. “I thought Veronica was the resident assistant though?’ “There's still another opening.” I said, “Actually, Jenna is recommending me.” “Jenna?” “ She's the director of the Latinx culture center.” I explained. He nodded like he understood and continued to twist his fingers. It wasn't until the sun began to set below the horizon that Derek and I said our goodbyes and I began to make my way to the frat house, where I lived. Leaving the alleyway felt like a rush of clean air into my lungs. Until that afternoon, I have always felt different with Derek, much more reserved but different nonetheless and it was a good feeling. But right there, I knew something wrong somewhere and what it was, I had no idea until the events of the following day, when my tongue was filled with bitterness. “Vera!” Called someone behind me. Turning, I was met with Veronica jogging towards me with a huge smile that covered her face. When she stopped in front of me, her smile grew bigger and I wondered if it hurt to smile that wide and hard. “Hey Veronica.” I greeted, hoping my energy marched hers. I knew Veronica and I knew her well. She was a member of the flowersuns sorority, and a very dedicated one too. As a friend to some women in the sorority, I've seen Veronica a few times. What can I say about her? A bright easy going fun lover that never really seemed to show any interest in speaking with me even though I have tried to strike a conversation with her on a few occasions. “Hey.” She replied, still not dropping her smile which now seemed frozen on her face, “How are you? Where are you going?” “Home. Why?” “Well, rumor has it you are going to get the ra job, so I'm just looking after a co-ra.” And yes, at the time she was also the current resident assistant. "Ah. Yes. I spoke to Jenna actually. Been trying to shoot my shot at it since freshman year.” I explained, smiling back at her, “Turns out she's been wanting to recommend me to Miss Marilyn for the job.” “Oh, that's sweet. An extra hand is needed actually.” “Yeah?” “Yeah! Being an assistant is no easy job.” Laughing, I agreed with her. She did too but I didn't like the sound of it. “Your interview is tomorrow, yeah?” “Early too.” “Okay, sounds great.” She nodded and then clapped her hand, so loud and hard like she got an idea about something, “Okay! I'll see you tomorrow. Don't fret it. I'm sure you'll do great.” She smiled again and left. As I watched her walk to her sorority house, which wasn't far from where I lived, I thought of how burdensome the work of a resident assistant could be that Veronica seemed too comfortable and happy on the idea of having a partner to share the work with her. And I was thankful that things seemed to go great. She didn't bring up Romeo's case and didn't seem to care and that was another thing to be grateful for. I tried to call that resident again when I got to the frat house, lying on my bed in the dark, but like the other six times I tried, it went straight to voicemail. I thought of how I have frustrated her this much to make her ignore me. I thought of how she seemed so desperate. Too desperate. I thought of the cuts on her arms. I thought of the flowersuns. Seeing Veronica that evening, with her bright smile and huge eyes, I had restricted myself from grabbing her arm and forcing the truth out of her. If she had a hand in that resident hurting herself. But as my hands stretched to do the said action, it became ridiculous. The entire concept. The entire idea. Technically, I have never seen that resident being bullied in any way by the flowersuns. Except, the few times when that resident— who is the loudest, most outgoing girl I know — seemed to be very silent and reserved anytime girls from the flowersuns stepped into the scene. Or how someone who never belittles herself, seems to think of herself as nothing next to the flowersuns. The only thing that links to a good evidence or excuse was in Junior year when Veronica and some girls from the sorority had played a prank on a resident. At that time, she was as desperate as ever to be part of the sisterhood. Rumor has it she broke into the house with no invitation and begged to be called their 'sister’ visibly very desperate to feel and be among them. And then, they had invited her to their yearly bonfire night, where they met up with aspiring members. The venue was an undisclosed location, because apparently it was a confidential meeting/ party and was only for a privileged selected few. That resident was told to go to a Lodge outdoor area at the outskirts of campus. On getting there, she met no one. The party, according to the information given to her, was to start by ten o'clock but there was that resident, alone, cold, confused. No one came for the party. Turns out the bonfire never existed, and there was no party. She was just a play thing for their little trick. And somehow, sometimes, I have some thoughts that the flowersuns were responsible for that resident running to me that night, with her hands bleeding from harming herself. And tomorrow, there might be a possibility of me working so close with the mastermind of it all. That night, I got three messages from three different people and each one made my heart race with different emotions. Hope. Desire. Fear. My phone beeped beside me with a message. The little light that flowed from the screen of my phone, spread itself to light up the darkness of my room as I read the text. I had to blink a bit for my eyes to settle with the adjustment. Reading the message, there was a bit of confusion and the feeling of being grateful. "I hope you nail tomorrow's meeting. Can't wait to work with you, partner. Here's a little something, get some peaches for Miss Marilyn, she really loves them. Thank me later. " At the end of the message, Veronica stared at me. Wondering how she got my number, I texted her back, asking the question and of course, thanking her for the little information that could most definitely earn me a few points in Marilyn book. Two minutes after sending the message, my phone buzzed again with another text from Veronica, stating that she got my number from Jenna and the information “was no biggie” and I could thank her by getting the job. Satisfied, I laid my head on the pillow beneath my head, ready to say goodbye to the night. But for the third time that night, my phone flashed with a message. This time it was from someone I expected, which didn't take me by surprise and then I was filled with longing of expectations and that feeling of longing and desire. "You're still coming tomorrow, right? I'll be waiting for you." Derek's message stared at me with its bright light and precise directness. It wasn't new to receive messages from Derek. Actually, quite often, I receive texts from Derek but mostly about when and where we will meet. The shortness of his message was just the same as most conversation that we have, if you exclude the tempting words during sex. He was straight and always to the point and even when we don't let our body and lips do the talking, we sit side by side or in each other's hand, doing absolutely nothing. So to say, silence with Derek was in a way a most comforting feeling. A close best to tranquility, made me feel sometimes I could let my heart do the leading and not my body or urges. Looking forward to my time with Derek, I replied with a simple, “sure.” Smiling to myself as I laid my head on my pillow, preparing to sleep. But I thought of Derek again and tomorrow and how he never wanted me into his house, because he was trying to make things as discreet as possible and not too personal. But now things are changing, and have been changing for a while. I have noticed him staring a little too long too, does this mean he wants something more? And a few minutes after I received Derek's message, while I tried to force myself to sleep and not feel too giddy inside, I received another message. The third person that night, only that I didn't know from whom. It wasn't the shortest, it wasn't the most direct and it most definitely wasn't the most expected, but it was the only one that made my blood freeze and my heart to halt its pumping. It only contained six words. six ugly words but it was enough. "We know you suck dick, princess." For a moment, I sat with my head buzzing with no words, no thoughts, no specific emotions. I could only hear my slow breathing, the wind singing outside, the trees moving and at the same time nothing at all. When the day finally broke, and it was sensible enough to pay a visit to a friend, I walked to where that resident lived in the school's dormitory. It was a few blocks away from the frat house, but felt like hours as I quickened my pace under the cloudless sky. I called that resident but like yesterday, she didn't answer. Then I knocked, she also didn't answer and then I banged it with my fist. I heard a loud, “I’m sorry, hold on“ on the other side of the door and I was met with a wet resident. It appeared like she just took a shower. Her dyed red hair was curled and fell to the towel that was wrapped around her body. Her eyes grew wide as she saw me, preparing herself to close the door but before she could do anything, I stormed into the room. “What the hell are you doing, Vera?” She asked, but closed the door and stood by it. She repeated her question once more, folding her arms below her chest and glared at me. But I didn't care. Not now. “What are you trying to do?” “What are you talking about?” “You are the only one who knows, why are you trying to threaten me with it? Is this because I didn't agree to help Romeo?” She scoffed and ran her hands through her hair. I didn't know why I was there, why I was blaming her because it wasn't exactly proven she knew the truth. But coming to confront her, all the while, I prayed she was. “Okay. First of all, I think I’ve made myself clear on Romeo's case and secondly, what the hell are you even talking about?” Reaching to the pockets on my sweat pants trouser, I retrieved my phone, scrolled to the message I received the night before, the last one and handed it over to her, bringing the screen of the phone so close to her face. She read it and in seconds I watched as her mood moved from anger to impatience to confusion to realization and then shock. My heart sank. “You think I'll send this to you?” I swallowed, “Well, who else would it be. You're the only one who knows.” “What do you even mean? You never told me. You never mentioned it.” “Then yesterday what did you mean I was acting like everything was about me?” I asked and I felt with every word spoken, every step taken, I was getting farther from the truth. The one I had so impulsively concluded. “Didn’t you mean I was being selfish by not helping a fruity man because I was also fruity?” Her brows furrowed as a small chuckle escaped her lips and then she stared at me like I had said the most alien thing, “No. I only said that to get on your nerves — because I thought you didn't want to help because of your frat guys.” I did nothing as she spoke but watch and feel my heart skip beats and my blood like frozen water rushing through my veins. I felt cold at that instant, scared. “Isn't that what you meant by not agreeing?” She asked, like she has repeated the question previously, “Vera — “ “You didn't send that message?” “No, I — “ “I have to go. “ I heard her as she called my name, but made my way to the door. I felt it when she grabbed my shirt to pull me back but I removed it forcefully. I wasn't sure what to feel, how to feel. Someone out there knew I was fruity and was scaring me with it and quite possibly might blackmail me with it. But when I stood in the shower and let the tiny drops of cold water splash on my bare skin, I began to think that's exactly what it was, a scare. Nothing but a scare. A vile wicked reckless scare by someone who will not have anything to their advantage. At least, I'll make sure of that. With that, there was a new swell on my chest. No one will find out, no one has any reason to. With everything thing I did, with every partner I had, I have always been discreet and careful about it. It was impossible for me to get caught. I button my shirt as I thought of this, sealing the sudden surge of confidence and protectiveness and made myself presentable enough to meet Marilyn and Jenner. It is undeniable that I was still very much scared and alert even as I stepped out of the frat house, somehow it seemed to have intensified. I watched everyone closely, noticed everything, every movement, every person as I walked, like some infant vampire In a paranormal movie. It was a very alien feeling of insecurity. I felt someone was following me, watching me, taking note of all my movement like the exact same feeling when I was with Derek in the alleyway. But I shook the thoughts off as I made my way to Jenna and Marilyn's office. It was absurd to think that way. Crazy to think that anyone will want to have dirt on me or hate on me even for that time, I had so well believed I was most loved by everyone and everyone around me. The meeting with Jenna was as short and direct as I expected and hoped it will be. Apparently, Jenna kept saying good things about me to Marilyn, the Latinx floor manager. I must confess, my mind wasn't in the position at the moment and if the two women caught on with it, they never mentioned it. Marilyn though had politely declined the peaches which I brought for her, saying she didn't want them or eat them, In fact she was allergic to them. I was confused for a while because veronica mentioned in her message that Marilyn would appreciate it, or was she mistaken? Leaving the building, I saw the said girl speaking to a man that carried a basket of flowers, she seemed to be on duty. She turned and noticed me then that wide smile of hers was back again and she waved, beckoning on me to go to her. So with my bag filled with peaches, I made my way to her with a smile or my own, suppressing whatever fear that swam inside me. Forgetting the message I received, it was just a scare, I told myself. “I got the job.” I said to her. I watched as her smile grew big then she drew me close and squeezed me in a hug, laughing. “Yeah?” I nodded, “It was meant for no one else but you anyways. Jenna did well by recommending you.” She laughed and when she finally noticed the bag still filled with peaches and not on Marilyn's table where it was meant to be, her brows squeezed with a frown that now took over her face, “she didn't like the mangoes?” “Mangoes?” “Yeah. I told you to get mangoes for Miss Marilyn. She loves them.” “No,” I replied confused, “you said peaches.” Before the argument could go further, she reached out to her back pocket to get her phone and scrolled to the message she sent me. Her face fell as she read then she sucked in air and looked up to me with these very sad, sorry ocean blue eyes. “God I’m so stupid,” she sighed, “I’m sorry, so sorry. I meant mangoes, not peaches. I wasn't really paying attention when I sent this.” “Oh no it's fine! I comforted her and because she did look really sad and sorry, I rubbed her shoulders hoping that's enough to tell her not to worry. After a moment of us going back and forth on who’s meant to be sorry and all, Veronica released me and I was back in my room, on my bed, and the day breezed passed me like it was nothing, like it was seconds and then I was in front of Derek's apartment, at his door. Knocking and swearing and trying to calm my heart from beating too fast, I couldn't explain why this seemed like a huge deal to me. After a few seconds of waiting, someone finally opened the door and Derek stood in front of me. He greeted me with a smile, one that made my heart skip ten beats. When he invited me to come in, I made sure to compliment the black shirt that clung to his slim brown skin, even though it was technically nothing special. But that night, I did want him to feel special. “Your space is nice.” I complimented, taking account of the modern suburban vibe of the room. “Thanks. I got some help redecorating it.” And we watched, sat in silence which was expected because we both understood what this night meant for us. Derek though, was the one that broke ice. After he had brought a beer for me and watched as I took the first sip of it, he stood up from his seat, took slow steps to me, while biting his lips once. It was enough for me to start feeling everything all at once, everything I had tried to suppress because right now, Derek mattered more. I liked him, a lot and wanted more from him, more than he was already given, more than we could give ourselves. When I brought him close, I felt him tense, looking over his shoulder but it was normal, so I went further, drawing his lips to mine, taking it to mine. And while I kissed him and we took a break to catch a breath, I let him know how I felt without meaning too. It escaped my lips that I liked him, “more than I thought I would.” He got tense again and didn't say anything. I knew he was scared, I just broke a barrier between us. Nevertheless, I leaned in to kiss him again and that's when I heard a burst of laughter behind us followed by a series of people clapping.

CHAPTER ONE I remember the night a resident walked up to my room with her hands covered with blood. I wasn't sure if it was hers or someone else, so I ran to her like anyone would and asked what happened like anyone would, and like everyone would, she never said anything- just walked into my room, to my bathroom and cleaned the blood from what I now noticed were cuts from her arms. Again, I had asked her who did that to her, but with a fierce low gravelly sound, she said, “I would have cleaned it in my room, but it’s locked, and I don't know where I dropped my id.” More blood dripped from her arm, more scars were made visible and it was the last time that resident made herself vulnerable to me. If I can count that as vulnerability. That was senior year, during my stay in Indiana University Bloomington (IUB). That small incident with a resident, even though it made her a bit withdrawn from me and everyone else, ironically, it drew us closer. It also made me think, like really think; If I had a closer watch and didn't let my guard down that night, on the Latinx floor, maybe that would never have happened to the resident. She’s still very much alive, but I would have saved her still. Because that night, a part of me had died. And whatever happened that night, I never knew but what I did know is that wouldn't be the last time that resident will try to hurt herself. That was one of my last - early memories in IUB. The following, I believe were an assemblage of constant ongoing whirlwind that followed and dictated the outcome of my life. From parties to school to projects to just existing. Until at some point in my life, I learned there will be a moment, where slowly I'll become a dead man and justice will be a folklore in a book that was nothing but a flaw. And feelings buried deep down will begin to climb their way to the surface; hate, jealousy, anger, deceit, desperation, things with consequences we wish were a mirage. In the middle of my senior year, a few weeks after the incident with that resident, I sat with the said girl on a very bright uneventful afternoon, a pen in hand, working on a paper and a cup of coffee I had no desire to drink. The resident, on the other hand, stared at her phone screen, brows drawn together in the middle like she was trying to make sense of what she was reading or watching. She paused, swallowed, clicked her pen and resumed her reading. When it seemed like she was about to restart the cycle, I knocked on the table between us, pulling her attention, “You found something we could use?” “No,” she replied, still staring at the screen of her phone, “No, not really. It's just - just something on Twitter.” “Twitter?” “Yeah.” she answered, glancing up as if regarding me for the first time, “some kind of sexual assault case against Romeo.” For some reason, I felt no encouragement to continue with our school paper on a pandemic that wiped out millions of decades ago. A tweet at that moment seemed so intriguing. As if she had noticed my interest and felt the need to heighten it, she said, “It’s somehow related to IUB tho.” “What? This IUB?” I asked, rising up from my seat and moving to hers. “You know more than one IUB?” The first set of words that attracted my vision stated, “fraternity member…” and then there was a picture of a South American boy staring right straight at me, hitting me at a spot I thought would be sealed. I knew him, more than close enough, as a fraternity member in the same chapter as him. I tried to grasp the words, understand what the sexual assault was about but I was silent, numb, like nothing and like a wave, I felt and heard everything at once. She, though, continued as before. “Apparently, the flowersuns are accusing them of sexually assaulting a certain Romeo Mandez, a student of this university and a fraternity member of one of their chapters,” the resident stated, “Did you know anything about this?” I shook my head, “You didn't notice what your frat guys were doing to him?” I shook my head, ”You didn't notice anything about this Romeo?” Again I shook my head 'no’ like it was the automatic thing to do, then she proceeded to read out loud the remaining part of the Twitter thread, stating the flowersuns stand and my fraternity, which didn't have much on them She paused and watched me, as if expecting a commentary on what she had just said. Even though I could speak, I didn't know how to find the right words and not scare her away. So, I walked back to my seat and resumed my work, drinking the tasteless, cold coffee I had abandoned. Thankfully, she didn't seem to pay much attention to me anymore. “I could use this,” she drawled, her lips growing to a smile as she brought her attention to me, “Vera, You're an LLC frat guy.” “Yeah,” I answered, eyeing her suspiciously. Sometimes, you never know what absurd idea is going through her head, “What does that have to do with anything?’ 'Everything,” she answered like it was the most obvious thing, “you could help me write a major dealer for next week's paper. I know these guys are your frat brothers, but Romeo is too, and you might not know or have anything to do with this but as a fraternity member, you are connected with this. There's not much information given about this issue so if I could just break the ice of — “ “Girl just get to the point.” “I was thinking it will be a great idea, since you're closer to the information than I am, to get some information on the sexual assault case.” All the while as she spoke, her eyes never left mine, while mine seemed to take a particular interest on the sleeves of her shirt. Slipping below her sleeves was an exposed pinkish line tattooed on her arm, like it was begging for attention. Before I could say anything and address it, she beat me to it, shifting her books aside. “This could be us helping someone get justice.” “Why don't you leave that for people who actually have that as a job.” “What good will that do?” She huffed, “people will need information, witnesses, news. People will want to know what will happen and when they have that information, they can have the power to get people justice. Romeo’s story needs to be passed across.” “I would love to help but I really don't know how.” “Well, I know how.” I knew I would instantly regret it once the words were out but when I asked her how, she suggested that I could go undercover, like a silly cartoon main character. At this, I bursted out laughing, which she didn't find funny at all — I didn't too, but anything to move away from the topic. “This could change the way things are done around here.” “Girl, almost everyday we hear things like this. What makes you think your article will make anything different?” “And what makes you think it won't be?” She bursted out, “It might not change the whole world, but it can make a difference to the people surrounding it. Someone needs to change the narrative around here and stand up!” “So why don't you stand up for yourself?” “What?” Puzzled, she stared, waiting for an explanation as I was also waiting for that explanation or rather, how to phrase it. But I had already seen it and there was everything I could do about it. “Who keeps making you do this?” “Do what?” “This!” I said, moving across the table and taking her hands, I saw the marks. “Why do you keep hurting yourself?” Without a word, she roughly slapped my hands to take them off, which I did without any hesitation. While I still rubbed the hand which she slapped, she began to pack her books, her eyes down, focusing on anything and everything but me and what she seemed to be packing. Obviously, her mind was no longer in the present. “girl,” I called and when she proceeded to ignore me, I grabbed hold of her hands again to stop — the same hands with the mark — which she again, removed my hold harshly. “What the hell is that?” “What the hell is what?” “You are smarter than that girl. What are those on your arm, those marks?” But she wouldn't listen, she was done packing her stuff — as well as mine — into her bag and began to take her leave out of the park. “girl,” I called again, but this time, more sternly. Thankfully, it worked. But she turned to me in a quick, abrupt move. So quick and sharp, I thought she might just break her neck. Her red hair moved along with her, almost getting into those green eyes that blazed with anger and discomfort. With the same force she used to look at me, she tucked them behind her ear. “What! What did you see? What the hell do you want me to tell you?” I paused moving towards her, for the fear she might just hit me, “Yes, those are marks but Vera, you can just mind your business and act like you didn't see anything.” “I should act like someone isn't abusing you physically, girl. Who did that to you?” “Well, you are acting like nothing's happening to Romeo. So just keep up with that.” “Romeo's case is different. That I can't help even though I want to. This, I can.” We looked at each other for a while. Just kept watching, observing, waiting and when I asked her if someone did that to her, she replied no. When I asked her if she did that to herself, she kept silent. I waited for a few more seconds, but there were still no words spoken. No voice heard, nothing, just silence. For the first time that afternoon, she was gravely silent and there was that silence that screamed words and the truth to both our faces. My phone buzzed with a call. I looked at the caller. I knew I should answer but didn't. “Vera…” “No, not today.” She began to walk away, but I also wasn't having it. Not today too. Before she could move any further, I grabbed hold of her hands again, this time I was sensible enough to grab the one without the marks. “Who made you do this, girl?” “Leave it alone, Vera.” “Is it them?” I asked, searching her face for answers but she turned them away for me and pretended to be particularly interested in what was behind me, “Is it them, girl? The flowersuns. Are they at you again?” “What the hell are you talking about?” “Is that why you're so desperate to write this story? To favor the flowersuns? So you can get on their good side?” She glared at me, slapping my hands away and stared right through my eyes, like she was trying to convince me she was telling the truth, “The flowersuns are not doing anything to me. Okay?” “Girl - “ “I think I’m done here.” She choked out, “When you're ready to grow some balls and not act like it’s all about you, you can help me with Romeo’s case. If you're not ready to support and stand by me, then just go away.” With that, she walked away, her bags swinging at her sides with her books and mine inside of them. I didn't bother going after her. I didn't have to - didn't have to go after someone who didn't want to be followed. Few minutes after she stormed into my room, Diego walked in with Carlos by his side. With the look they had on their faces, they had surely seen an angry resident walking out of my room. “Is everything alright?” Diego asked. Carlos sat beside me, scrutinizing my face, as if he was searching for something. “We saw your red haired resident walk out of here and she didn't seem too happy.” “We just had a small argument.” “A small argument?” I nodded, “About what?” Because I didn't want to tell them what it really was about and I had no idea what to say, I told them it was something personal. With that, a sly grin grew on their faces and Diego gave me a slap on the back, laughing. “Look at you, getting your game on.” “It's nothing like that guys, chill.” “You know she has the hot for you, yeah?” Diego laughed, “She's a pretty one. You better not ruin this.” I rolled my eyes, “she doesn't feel anything for me. It's just in your head.” “Well, do you?” Diego asked, and it felt like he was still searching my face, “Do you like her?” “No.” But Diego didn't seem to be satisfied with my answer “But she's pretty and hot and red haired too, even though it’s dyed.” “Doesn't mean anything,” I chuckled, it sounded bitter to my ears, “I don't feel anything for her and she doesn't too. She's just a resident.” “Just a resident, huh?” He scoffed, while Diego let out a small laugh beside me. I wanted to come up with the smartest, simplest comeback I could say to them, but at that moment, my phone beeped with a text message. It was a loud tiny sound that echoed in the room and somehow, I just knew it was from the same person who had called earlier. I moved away from them so they won't be able to peek at the content of the message and I felt my pulse race as I read the words, “Behind the library, at the alleyway. Now.” I was right. It was from Derek. I looked up at Diego and Carlos who stared at me quietly, muttered that I had to rush somewhere and left them standing in my room. Even though everything in me screamed the obvious idea to not obey, my body yelled with the opposite. and I found myself at the alleyway, as the text described. It might be wrong, but it definitely didn't feel that way. Derek was there already. We stared at each other for a while. I could feel him needing, wanting, coming close. And because I wasn't thinking straight I walked to him. Because my body begged with a need I didn't know how to control, I drew him close. Because at that point in time, my head was all over the place and I wanted one thing at the moment, I took his lips in mine, not caring. Not thinking. Just feeling and doing. And somehow, I couldn't shake off the feeling that we weren't the only one in the room.

bringing to the books shall it be...