Vicious

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, child abuse, child sexual abuse, bullying, and substance use.

In a flashback to 10 years prior, Emilia and Dean kiss and spend time together. Dean is complimentary, but Emilia fears that his interest is “just another cruel Vicious joke” (69). She attends a party with him, pleased that Dean’s popularity means that she is no longer bullied by her peers.

Emilia considers Vicious’s wild parties a sad sign of his parents’ neglect. She feels uncomfortable socializing in the kitchen where her mother is responsible for cleaning. She hovers on the periphery of the party, embarrassed when Trent and Jamie call Dean “an idiot” for dating her. Dean makes bragging comments that falsely imply that he and Emilia are having sex. This enrages Vicious. Trent orders Emilia to “leave Vicious alone,” which makes her furious, as Vicious instigates their interactions. She storms away, thinking that a breakup with Dean is “inevitable” since she does not get the respect or acceptance she deserves.

Emilia goes back to her family’s small apartment in the Spencer mansion. Vicious sneaks into her room, something that Emilia finds perversely satisfying; she does not want him there but feels victorious at having finally annoyed him in return.