Wndyri Plus subscribers can binge all 10 episodes of Academy ad-free. Find WNDYRI Plus in the WNDYRI app or on Apple podcasts. Warning. This episode includes some seriously risky behavior, including sexual situations, drug use, and some bad decisions. Previously on Academy. Ava, it's me, Jessie. So Amber and I broke up. Ava, you tell me if anything ever happened between you and Jessie, right? I ran into Olivia Lopes. Olivia made some powerful enemies. So what are we doing? Listen, stay here by the door and keep an eye out. Jessie, I didn't tell the truth about my dad. My dad is still alive. Noah and my English teacher making out. Ava, she should be laying low, and instead, she's the talk of the campus. Whoa, August. My head is spinning. You need to remember who you serve. This will be a helpful reminder. Find your own way back to campus. August? August. Uh, something going on in here, Ava? Hey, Leila. Charlotte's just stuck in her dress, and we're trying to get her out. I was very optimistic at the beginning of the semester about a size six, but working in the cafe is not helping my low carb diet.

Now, everybody, pull. Leila, why aren't you pulling? And end this incredible entertainment? I think I got it. Suck in and I'll rip the zipper down. One, two. Oh my God. I can break it again. Ava, you are a lifesaver. Homecoming may actually kill Why? Why is everyone so depressed about homecoming? It's like Bishop Grey's Met Gala. The theme this year is Midnight in Monte Carlo. It's a theme? And I'm supposed to buy something for that? Last year, Jennie Kupnesky brought a live pigeon as a purse. I think she got bird flow. This is insane. Do you guys have dates? Yep. Actually, no. I don't know why I said that. Caven is no longer an option because he sucks. And he used you to get to Ava. Trash behavior. Layla, what about you? Are you going with that intense girl? Talia? No way. But I will be bringing my best Cara Delevingne impression to scope out if she returns the gay vibes. I'm 98% sure. I thought you said she was deranged. I judged the book by its cover, but I opened the pages last week, and the pages are hot. Well, no matter what happens, I will not get with Caden at the dance.

Ava, do you have a date? I bet you do. All the guys love you. No. And I don't have a dress either, so I'll probably just skip it. Ava, this is your first Bishop Gray homecoming. You can't skip. Okay, why don't we go together? It'd be so progressive. Like, yes, we're two hot girls, but no, it's not sexual. So go as friends. Exactly. Oh, and you can wear one of my old dresses. Charlotte, you're like half my height. We'll figure it out. This is going to be It was so fun. Oh, shit. I got to go. Orchestra practice. Okay, bye. Super hot homecoming date. Pick you up at seven. His friendship is weird. You love it. She loves it. Faked. Something you hoped you could erase. Another fall into your brain like a rear view mirror. But you wish you could take it all back now. Yeah, you From one Cundry and at Will Media, this is Academy, episode 5, Homecoming. The leaves are changing, the temperature is dropping, and homecoming fever has taken over Bishop gray. Everywhere I look, someone's getting asked to the dance. Hey, Haley, will you go to homecoming with me?

I bought a homer limo to take us from my dorm to the student center. William? Of course. Serena, I brought you these tulips from the botanical garden. Will you go to homecoming with me? Of course. I love them, Paula. Look, Ryder, I carved our initials into the back of this It's a Rolex. Homecoming? Marcus, you shouldn't have. Hey, Ava. Wait up. Jessie, hi. I haven't seen you since Bird Island. I turned in the Hyde essay with your edits. Should be announced soon. Fingers crossed and all that. That's great, Jessie, but we really shouldn't be seen together. But the essay is done. I think it's fine. I actually wanted to ask you, Will you go to homecoming with me? What? Is that a yes? Are you serious? Have you lost your mind? Jessie, even talking to you right now is too risky. What if Amber sees us? What are you so afraid of? Really? Amber's my friend. You guys broke up last week. As far as the Night of the Wolf is concerned, we never should have met. So even if I wanted to, it's best to stay far away from each other. What are you You have an eyelash.

Right there. Oh. Thanks. Well, I got to go to class. Stay-far away. Yeah. Yeah, got it. Hey, Noah, what's up? We need to meet up. Tonight. Okay. Why do you sound like that? Long night. Sounds like someone got lucky. Not exactly. Are you okay? Meet me at the Registrar's office. Midnight. What? Why so late? Who's the client? No client. No one else from low-income housing? Jona Hayman, number 5 on the list. First chair of the Wolf. Keep this just between us, please. Okay. I'll see you then.

Bar mitzvah. Hey, Jona. If you don't shut up, people will start talking about your inverted dick instead of just your shitty personality. Thanks, Amber. Jona's a prick. A complete prick. Hey, do you want to come back to my dorm I'm going to try on some dresses for homecoming. I have so many, and I love your opinion. Oh, that sounds so fun. And we'll get to catch up. You've been so MIA lately. Always leaking off somewhere. I'm not sneaking anywhere. Sure. Let's do it. Ladies and gentlemen, if we're all done gabbing. Thank you. I would love to start class now. Please, let's warm up before we discuss a very fun Bach symphony. Everyone, eyes on me. One, two, three, four. Thanks for coming over, Ava. That orchestra practice was brutal. And I needed girl time, you know? Totally. Good to catch up. And you have such good snacks. Is this William Sanoma? Yeah, my absent father sends me these gift baskets. So cliché, right? Oh, shit. Sorry, Ava. That's like, so insensitive. Hmm, no, that's okay. I wish I had an absent parent who sent me fancy gift baskets. My mom just sends me memes about praying.

(laughter) Can you zip me up? Oh? Wow. Amber, you look... Like a Hadid. I was going for Bella, but I'll settle for Gigi. It's gorgeous. It's giving like spring break in Miami, but very classy. Okay, perfect. What are you wearing? Oh, I'm not going. I don't have a dress. What? Wait. My mom sent over like five options. Just take one of mine. I think I have one you'd love. Red? I don't know. Oh, come on. It's bold and has very old Hollywood vibes. So you, right? Yeah, but... Just try it on. I swear your boobs are going to look amazing in it. Okay, fine. Do you have a date yet? No. Unless you count Charlotte. I'm going with my Dartmouth guy. Got special permission from the headmaster, but boys aren't the point. I'll be fun regardless. Oh my God. Ava, that dress. You It looks so good. You have to wear it with these earrings. Dimonds? Okay, no. No way, Amber. This is all so expensive. Don't even worry about it. Oh my God, this dress is Dior? I can't wear this. Stop. You're wearing it. Are you sure? Positive. Thanks, Amber. This is really nice.

Of course. What jewelry goes with this dress? Silver or gold? Gold, no question. You haven't talked to Jessie recently, have you? No. Why would I have talked to Jessie? I don't know. I'm bringing this guy to the dance, so I just wanted to make sure he's moved on. Okay, red lip or clear gloss? Red lip all the way. I'm sure Jessie's moved on. Everyone has so much going on right now. Yeah, I guess. Someone told me they saw him with a girl. Did you hear anything about that? I didn't. Not that it's a big deal or anything. I mean, I don't care. No, totally. And don't take this the wrong way, but maybe if you want to really move on, we should talk about Jessie less. Huh. Maybe. I'm just saying it's probably not helpful to think about Jessie all the time. Um. Okay. I don't think about Jessie all of the time. I didn't mean... No, no. Thanks for the advice, Ava. You know, it's actually getting late. I think I'll head back to my room. So many midterms, a little dime. Yeah. Sounds like a good call. Headmaster. August Discanso. I've received reports from Kevin Hayward that you've been harassing him, threatening notes left in his locker, strange phone calls.

Is that true? Did he tattle on me with a little weasel? August. We can't keep having these little disciplinary meetings. What is the nature of your relationship to Kevin? We were friendly Then a little bit more. I helped him discover he's not just into girls. Can you blame him? So it's another one of these. This week it's Kevin. Last week it was Vera Neuwen. This has to stop. I'm just making it hard for the kid to ignore his sexuality. It's basically the opposite of a hate crime, and it's completely harmless. Harmless? Until someone like Olivia Lopez ends up in the psych ward after taking a handful of Vicodin. I told you that wouldn't happen And it can't. But you need to take your responsibility seriously. You can't be harassing your peers because there's going to be a lot more scrutiny around here soon. What are you talking about? Why? I'm announcing a project. An important project. I can't discuss anymore, but I'll be away from campus for a while. I trust that my successor will enjoy the same relationship that we've enjoyed, but only if you get your act together. Or what? You can't expel me.

That wouldn't help either of us. Who's to say what the future brings? Leave Kevin alone, Stay in line. Get out of my office.

Ava, you made it. You're lucky I even showed up. What happened to your face? Just a little scratch. Did Could you bring your work study key card? It's in my wallet. Why? Give it to me. Wow, no snarky jokes? You sure you're okay? Focus. And follow me. Won't there be a record of my card here? Should we avoid the cameras? No. If anyone asks, you left your cardigan in here after your shift at the donations hotline. First of all, I would never wear a cardigan. Ava, over here. Way to be quiet. Start looking through these files. What am I even looking for? The file of student, August Discanso. Your boss? The Grand counselor of the Night of the Wolf or whatever? That's the one. Isn't that a little sketchy? Less questions, more searching. Shit. Did you hear that? Darby, Dane, Dean. I'm serious, Noah. We need to go. I think someone's coming. One second. Noah, somebody's in the hallway. Bound it. August Discanso. Get down. We need to hide in the closet. Ava, stop. That's admitting guilt. We admitted guilt after we broke in here. Ava Richards? Noah. Dr. Wells, I can explain. I was She was working a late night shift on the donations hotline for work study.

And I was coming to help her find her cardigan. Make sure it doesn't happen again. And I want you to head straight back to your dorms. Straight back. Understood? Of course, Dr. Wells. Good night. Good night, Noah. That was weird, right? How? Dr. Wells is cool. Yeah, but not that cool. We should be in the headmaster's office right now. Why did he let us off? Because he likes me? I don't know. Look, I got the file we came for. So no harm, no foul, right? Sure. Hey, have you ever been out to Bird Island? No. I've heard it's pretty overgrown out there. Not much to see. Why? Hmm. I thought I saw you there last week. Really? Well, it could have easily been my twin or my clone. You've seen pretty little liars, right? Noah, I saw you with Dr. Wells. Are you fucking my English teacher? Ashiva. Shut up and follow me. We can't talk here. Okay. Here. So? Explain. Okay. My relationship with Dr. Wells starts a long time ago, when I had a thing with August. Eew. I know. But my freshman year, my dad got arrested for fraud. He scammed other rich people, even some other students' parents.

We couldn't afford tuition anymore, so I became a scholarship kid. You say that like it's the ultimate shame. And then you started banging your teacher? Okay, never mind. No, sorry. Tell me. I confided in August, and he took advantage of my vulnerability. I cut things off, but it ended badly. Ever since then, he's had it out for me. I pretty much swore off boys, so that's when I got into writing. But it was like fan fiction, really smutty fan fiction. I accidentally submitted a 5,000-word story about Hermes falling in love with Apollo in a 2000s teen movie for Dr. Well's English to honors final. Yikes. Yeah, but he wasn't mad. He asked to read more my writing. I'd stay after class to argue with him about the old white cis classics, and soon those arguments turned into dinners and late-night study sessions at his loft, which turned into more. Nobody knows, except you. Wow. I thought you were like a soulless cloud of snark. There is, unfortunately, a human heart underneath all this. You can't tell anyone. Please. So what really happened with Olivia? I do not want to get into that. The city on a hill?

Look, I'm not proud of what I did, but you have to understand, August is a predator. He gets off on having power over other people. He hooked up with Olivia Lopez. But after Olivia started dating someone else, He got jealous. And when he took over as head of the Night of the Wolf, he burned her. Used her collateral. Sorry, her collateral? The Night of the Wolf has something on everyone. August hacked her phone, found some nudes, and made them public. Olivia got in trouble for violating Bishop Gray's moral code. I was horrified. I was going to testify in front of the disciplinary committee for her, but I got up on the stand and I saw August. The look in his eyes was... He was going to hurt me. So instead, I invoked one of Bishop Gray's founding philosophies, that we should be like a shining city on a hill on a dark night, providing an example of light and goodness for young people everywhere. Olivia had failed that example, so she deserved to be punished. (sighs) Last night, after you saw me with Dr. Wills, August called me to the den. He made me drink something, and it made me really fucked up.

He took me out into the woods and and left me there. To teach me a lesson that I need to respect him more. I'm going to take him down. And I'm not going to be afraid of him ever again. So what's my collateral? We... We know about your dad and the cancer.Oh my God.That wasn't. How did you.? We do background checks. It wasn't hard to find out. Our destruction is mutually assured. I'll keep your secret as long as you keep mine. Blackmailing each other. The key to everlasting friendship. You swear to that there's nothing else you're keeping from me? Nothing. All right. Fine. And now, to cement our commitment, we must swapspit. Yeah, I'm leaving. Come on, one little kiss. You fucked up. Can you believe no one has asked me to homecoming yet? Any look on your end? None. But I see one unpleasant suitor heading this way. Oh, God. Hello, ladies. Ava. Charlotte. What do you want, Caden? Actually, Ava, I'm looking to talk to Charlotte about something. Well, Charlotte does not want to speak to you. Even if it contains the words I'm sorry and homecoming? Even then, Charlotte wants you to think about how much of an asshole you've been.

She's not going to homecoming with you, and you don't have her vote for homecoming, King. Jesus. Okay, then. Bye. Wow, Charlotte. I'm proud of you. Even if you spoke in the third person like, Elmo. Thank you. Now, if you excuse me, I'm going to go pass out in the bathroom and figure out what possessed me to turn down going to homecoming with Caden. Attention, students of Bishop gray. We have a very special announcement. I'm pleased to announce that this year's Hyde SA award recipient is Senior Jesse Van Doren. Holy shit. We did it. We really did it. It's 10:17 AM, so those bells can only mean one thing. The list. Excuse me. Sorry. Move it. Jessie's now number 10. How? What the What the hell is going on? Apparently, Blaine got caught with steroids in his locker, and he was disqualified from the fencing. You kicked him off the list immediately. And that's how Jessie got on, taking Blaine's spot after winning the hide essay. This is bullshit. I'm being framed. Why would I take anabolic steroids for fencing? Oh my God, that's what Clem was putting in Blaine's locker. That's what we were doing, planting drugs.

This isn't the end of this. Somebody's going to pay. Homecoming is the best. There are acrobats and fire readers and belly dancers. Jake, stop looking at her. I play more of the carnival games, but can't wrinkle the suit before they announced Homecoming Court. God, the worst part is the grand promenade. Everyone stares at you walking up the stairs, and there's a photographer, and a step and repeat. I'm getting hives. But the absolute best part is that everyone is so fucking hot. Ava, I'm surprised you showed up. Me too. Congrats on being an award-winning writer. Thanks. Actually, I brought something. It's a celebrant. These came in at the Conservancy Tori. They're for you. Wait, are those sweet Stella cherries? Oh my God. I had to see what all the rater was about. Got a cutting a few months ago, and the first fruit just came in. Pretty good. Try one. It tastes exactly like home. Thank you, Jessie's. This makes me so happy. You look really pretty. Thanks. This is all so dressy. Dances in my hometown were in a gym where some girl was getting fingered in the corner. I mean, Sabrina Becket looks like she's getting fingered over there.

Actually, I think she I'm just holding in a sneeze. Do you want to dance? Jessie. You can't. Right. Right. Well, I'm going to go get some punch, but in case you change your mind, I'm around. Hey, Leila. Talia? You came. I was starting to think this wasn't your vibe. I am not going to be grinding my genitals on people like some of these freaks, but I love the snacks. Some are gluten free this year. You don't like dancing? What if you dance with me? No, no, no, no. There will be no genital grinding. Come on. I know you have rhythm in your bones. Because I'm Mexican? No, because you have a fat ass. A lot of support. Leila. I'm kidding. Come on. Move your hips with me. This. This? I feel like people are staring. They're staring at that massive donk you're packing back there. Kitting. I'm kidding. Oh, a slow song. You want to keep dancing? Could be funny. No, I don't know. Okay, stay here. I'll get us some punch. Be right back. Two cups of punch, please. Thanks. Leila. Marco. Jesus, what are you, a cop? I'm right here. No need to yell.

Sorry, I'm so on edge. Do you have anything weed at ease? No, I'm on probation. Remember, I'm not selling. I really need it if I'm going to make it this week, please. Fine.nice. But this is the last time. Meet me in the bathroom in 10. Excuse me. Sorry, that's my bad. What the fuck, Blaine? You spilled on my dress, do you know how much this cost? Sorry, Amber. I'm a little... Overserved. God, you're wasted. Drinking away your feelings because of the list. I'm fucking My application to Columbia is totally fucked because somebody decided to frame me. I mean, it's a little strange that the moment you get caught for drugs, Jessie makes the list, and you're caught. I don't know. Maybe. I guess. It's just so weird. Like, Jesse has never even gotten close to making the list, and then boom. Out of nowhere, he wins the Hyde assay, and you're caught for drugs. It seems coincidental. Wait. Hey, Jessie. Welcome. Last week. What? I saw Jessie last week in the men's locker room. What the hell? That's super suspicious. You don't think Jessie planted those drugs, did you? Oh, I'm going to kill that little bitch.

Hey, Mom, is everything okay? Everything's great, baby. I just wanted to check in about coming home for your cousin's birthday next weekend. Oh, shit. What did you say? Shit. I completely spaced out about that, and I have three essays and a test due next Monday. I don't think I can come home. Where are you? It's so loud. I'm at homecoming. What? Why didn't you tell me? What are you wearing? Send pictures. I could have sent you a dress. I know. I decided to go at the last minute. I should have called. It's just busy. I know. It's been forever since I've seen you. Maybe you can ask your teachers about coming home next week. They can be very understanding if you explain-I'm sorry, Mom. It's so loud in here. I got to go. Love you. Jessie fucking Van Doren. Yeah? You plan I did those drugs in my locker. You fucked my life. Wayne, what are you talking about? Last week, I know it was you. You're crazy. Oh, my God. I don't know what the hell you're talking about, you drunk asshole. I'm out of here. Jesse, wait. You're dead, Van Doren. You're dead.

Hey, Marco, let's make this quick. Thanks, Slayla. I appreciate you. What's going on in here? Talia, it's not what it looks like. Okay, I get it. Wow. It was just one time for a friend. You're not going to change. You can't. Wait. Talia. Who was that? Just some girl. If she rats us out, you didn't get this stuff from me. Hi, I'm Phoebe Washington, your student activities coordinator. And before I announced this year's home Homecoming King and Queen, I just want to say that whoever keeps drawing Peni on the side of the Byron dorm, including a new addition tonight, while we appreciate that you choose to include all races and ethnicities, please stop. Okay, drum roll, please. I said drum roll. And this year's Homecoming King and Queen are from Playhouse and Byron house, Caden Cardozo and Gigi Repira. Thank you, Bees. I'm glad you're taking this ground, but I don't feel like a king today. I feel like Lancelot without his Guinevere, Batman without Robin, that old guy in up without his dead wife. And it's all because I've lost the love of a very special lady. Charlotte. Darlin, if you just give me another shot, we can go back to my room, take off our clothes, I will absolutely fuck.

All right. That's enough of that. Thank you so very much. Now, enjoy Midnight in Monte Carlo. Did you hear what I said up there, Charlotte? Yeah. Yeah, pretty sure everyone heard it. That's what a mic is for. So, what did you think? As the poet, Jojo, saying, It's just too little too late, Caden. Why now? What change You know, when I was tripping balls last week and you yelled at me, I felt like my soul was lifted out of my body. I saw you, Charlotte, on the astral plane. Do you know what that is? Is that from Animal Crossing? No. It's a spiritual realm, Charlotte. You and I. I think we might be soulmates. Can you give me another chance? Hmm, yes. Okay, I forgive you. Oh, fucking brilliant. Right, I want you to have this. Your Crown? Oh, this is just like a mean Girls. Oh, great movie. Did you know my birthday's October third? Oh, my God. I love you. I mean- Do you want to go back to my dorm and do dirty things to each other? Oh, yes. Jessie, wait. Please stop walking so fast. Your legs are like twice the size of mine.

Ava, not right now. Please. Why did you do that? You just risked everything we worked so hard for. He punched me, Ava, for something you did. So save the lecture. God, I am so tired of this shit. Every time it looks like things actually might work out, it all just comes crashing down again. Fuck. It's okay, Jessie. You'll figure it out. No, it's not okay, Ava. You're the only person I care about. I think about you all the time, and we're both pretending like we don't feel it, don't notice what's between us. And why? Because you're afraid of some other girl? It's more complicated than that. The Night of the Wolf, Amber, the entire student body makes anything between us impossible. You know that. It's too complicated. That is such fucking bullshit, Ava. Love is the easiest thing in the world. It's natural, it's organic. It's what we're supposed to do as humans. But you're telling me that a secret society and a mean girl is just too much for us to overcome. Amber is my friend, and the Night of the Wolf will ruin my life. If you want to be with me, you can be with me.

It's just a matter of how badly you want it. I want you. I really, really want you. Do you want me to? I... Hey, Hey. Can I kiss you? If you don't want me to, just say so. No. I want you to. I feel your presence on my skin. I feel you spreading out within. This time you got a hold on me. Because now I look at you differently. Tell me real about you, real about the wine. It's time I take you. Binge all 10 episodes of Academy me early and ad-free on WNDRI Plus. Join WNDYRI Plus in the WNDYRI app or on Apple podcasts. Before you go, tell us about yourself by completing a short survey at wundry. Com/survey. From WNDRI and at Will Media, this is Academy. This episode was written by Anderson Cooke and Sydney Butler, directed by Anderson Cooke, produced by Ashley Taylor, Brigham Snow, and Emanne Leonard. Editing and sound design by Brandon Groubel, with support from our Director of Postproduction, Seth Richardson. Original theme song by Winsor. Producers for WNDRI are Stephanie Waukneen and Brian Taylor-White. The Senior Producer is Eliza Mills, and the Senior Managing Producer for WNDYRI is Candice Menrique-Zren.

Our Executive Producer for Atwil Media is Will Malnani, and our Executive producers for WNDYRI are Aaron O'Flaherty and Marshall Louis.