The italicized section before Chapter 7 describes the early moments of young college students who are ready to “melt into music” on a Saturday night.

After leaving the café, Haley feels embarrassed by her small behaviors, thinking that this is why “she’s never had a real boyfriend” (68), though she had been blaming it on soccer until this point. Lost in her thoughts, Haley is surprised by a text reminding her about a meeting she had promised to attend with Jenny, which she is almost late to.

When Haley arrives, she and Jenny go upstairs to the Dean of Students Office, where they are scheduled to meet with Carole Patterson, the person who will coordinate the investigation. Haley feels awkward and confused as the meeting starts. Carole talks with Jenny about the steps of the case, explaining that the accused will have a chance to provide his own statement. Jenny is emotional as she describes her father’s insistence that they file a police report, which she doesn’t want to do. As Haley watches the conversation, she reflects on how “the pixie-cute Jenny of early September had devolved into an unkempt mess” (73).

The purpose of the meeting becomes painfully clear to Haley as Carole begins to explain Haley’s intended role: to be Jenny’s advisor during the case.