Alexandria and Madison were blissfully unaware that Butch and his gang were plotting revenge. Butch said, "I don't understand why anyone would stand up for Little Miss Emo-Shredder." Another one of the bullies added, "And that girl had some crazy moves. I've never seen anything like it." Another one said, "There has to be a way to get back at her." One of the girls in the group said, "I know! We can spread a rumor about her." The others liked the idea. Butch said, "I've got an idea. The rumor can be that she's possessed by demons." The girls in the group wrote on the restroom stalls, "Alexandria is possessed by demons. Burn crosses in your yard tonight." When Alexandria saw this, she was very upset. Why would anyone think she was possessed by demons? She didn't want her friends to see her cry, but she couldn't help herself. Madison noticed and asked what was wrong. Alexandria said, "It's nothing." Connor said, "Tell the truth, love." She told her friends what happened. Madison said, "This has Butch and his gang written all over it." Alexandria said, "All I did was defend you. I didn't think they would do this to me." Madison said, "They're cruel and ruthless. It doesn't surprise me that they'd do this." Connor was furious. First, Butch and his gang tried to hurt his best friend, and then, they started a rumor about his new friend. Connor found Butch to confront him. Butch said, "Oh, you're the emo-shredder's friend." Connor said, "She has a name, Butch. Her name is Madison. Now, why are you messin' with me friends?" Butch said, "Stay out of this. It's not your concern." Connor said, "I think it is." Butch said, "There's nothing you can do about it, and because I'm a preacher's son, the teachers aren't going to do a thing about it." Connor said, "I don't care who you are. You should be in big trouble. You're a sick person!" Butch said, "Shut up!" Connor said, "No." Butch knocked Connor to the ground and got some of the other boys in his gang to beat him up. They soon got bored and walked away. Connor got up and limped down the hallway to find his friends. Madison saw him and said, "Oh, no! Connor! Are you okay?!" He said, "No." Alexandria asked, "What happened?" He said, "Butch and his gang beat me up. I tried to confront Butch, but I got beat up." Madison said, "How dare they! I'm going to go kill them!" Connor grabbed her and said, "No, love, don't sink to their level." Madison and Alexandria took Connor to the school nurse. He was sent home to rest. After school, Madison told her aunt and uncle what happened, and Alexandria told her parents what happened. Later, they all went to check on Connor. Madison's aunt said, "Connor, that was brave of you, but you should have told us about it." Madison's uncle said, "The teachers might not do anything, but that doesn't mean we won't do anything." Everyone put their heads together, discussing ways they could put an end to this nasty rumor once and for all.