The story is set in motion by a sexual encounter between Jenny and Jordan at a college party.
The book is out Oct. 4 from Algonquin Young Readers.
Read the excerpt below.
Excerpt fromWreckedby Maria Padian
Haleys not a hugger.
She ignores all that, even the stray, used tissues.
Im so, so sorry,she doesnt say out loud.
Her roommate shakes with silent sobs.
Haley just holds on.
She doesnt know how long.
When they finally move apart, Haley stays on the bed.
Jennys face is creased and red-streaked.
Her eyelids look raw.
I had absolutely no idea, Haley says quietly.
I didnt tell you.
I could barely admit it to myself.
Youre being really brave.
Jenny angles her head away.
If Im so brave how come I didnt fight him off?
How come I let this happen to me?
Fresh tears begin to form in her eyes.
I dont feel brave.
When Richard hears the soft knock on his door late that night, he doesnt move.
The handle turns, and his door opens a crack.
Can I come in?
Jordan asks as he walks in and sits on the bed.
This is not Jordans usual Wednesday night face.
For one thing, hes sober.
Jordan runs his hand through his hair.
Listen, I have to ask you something.
Do you remember last week, when you and I were talking about the party?
I told you about that girl I met?
Did you repeat that to anyone?
I dont think so.
Well, did you or didnt you?
I need you to be sure.
Richard puts his hands up.
ImsureI did not repeat what you said.
Relief spreads over Jordans face.
Mind telling me whats up with you tonight?
I just need to know, okay?
A boulder of dread thuds in Richards gut.
That girl, Jordan says, the one I told you about?
Shes telling people I raped her.
Richards brain goes numb, processes in slow motion.
Responding, in words, is not an option.
I assumed it was more stuff about dorm damage.
So I go there and they send me in to see this woman named Carole Patterson.
She tells me Ive been reported for sexual misconduct.
Jordan tosses his hands up.
I was, like, what?
Somebody is accusing me ofrape?
But Im drawing a complete blank, so I ask her, Who the hell is saying this?
And she tells me its that girl.
Shes telling them I forced her to have sex, and now the college is doing this whole investigation.
Thats messed up, man.
What are you going to do?
Just spent the last three hours in a hotel room with my parents discussing that.
They pretty much flew up the highway with my lawyer after I called them.
They brought a lawyer?
Uncle Bruce, Jordan says.
Whos a real hard ass.
Until you need a hard ass.
He wants me to fold, Jordan says, spitting out the words.
Can you believe it?
He says colleges hate this sort of thing and just want to make the problem go away.
He says all a girl has to do these days is point her little finger and bam!
He says I should withdraw.
Get while the goings good, start fresh somewhere else.
Jordan makes this sound, like a snort.
My dad keeps saying stuff like, But Jordans a legacy!
Like his crappy thousand-dollar-a-year donation makes a difference?
Give me a break.
Richard tries not to react to this.
Even with financial aid, his parents struggle to pay his tuition.
So what are you going to do?
Heres what Imnotgoing to do: act like I did it and withdraw, Jordan says.
I didnt rape that girl, and Im sure as hell not slinking out of here like I did.
If I quit, and dont defend myself?
I look like some chicken shit, running away!
Cant argue with that, Richard says.
They sit quietly for a moment.
Then Jordan clears his throat.
In three days I tell Carole Patterson, in writing, that I didnt rape Jenny James.
Its the first time Richards heard her name.
Thing is …. Jordan pauses.
Richard feels his chest tighten.
How are you going to manage that?
Since … you did.
Jordan sits forward on the edge of the bed.
See, thats what I need you to forget.
