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crossed the line. I shouldn’t have said what I said about his wife. But he’s an idiot and he made me lose my temper. And I’m not going to take back what I said about deadwood.”
    “Surprising as you may find this, I happen to agree with you,” said Dr. Burton.
    Ally blinked. “You do?” 
    “But certain standards of behavior must be maintained. You will apologize to Mr. Paulsen for your remarks concerning his wife and the legitimacy of his firstborn.”
    Ally scowled. “I’m not going to apologize about the deadwood…”
    “You aren’t listening, Miss Wester,” said Dr. Burton. “I said you will apologize for your remarks concerning his wife.”
    Ally blinked. “Oh.” She laughed. “Okay. I get it.” 
    Dr. Burton smiled. “That’s a bright girl.” He glanced at the flatscreen computer monitor on his desk. “Your third period is open, correct?”
    Ally nodded. 
    “Mr. Lloyd’s American History class is at that time. As I recall, that will satisfy the same requirement for graduation as the American government class. I believe a transfer would be in your best interest.” 
    “I think you’re right,” said Ally. 
    Dr. Burton nodded. “Very well. Apologize to Mr. Paulsen, and you will start in Mr. Lloyd’s class tomorrow.” Ally got up. “Oh. Miss Wester?”
    Ally paused at the door. “Yes?” 
    “You have a remarkable mind. Try to refrain from using it to point out the faculty’s ignorance. That causes all manner of problems.” 
    Ally grinned. “I’ll keep that in mind, sir.”

    ###

    The dismissal bell rang, and classroom doors opened and students poured into the hall. Ally joined the throng and headed towards her locker. Her backpack straps were taut with weight. The first day back and she already had three hours worth of homework tonight. 
    “Ally! You are my hero.”
    Ally turned. Bill stood at his locker, grinning at her. “What?”
    “I heard about it,” said Bill, still grinning. 
    Ally rummaged through her locker. “About what? Stop being so obtuse.”
    “How you made Paulsen freak out,” said Bill. “That was so cool.”
    “I lost my temper. I shouldn’t have done that,” said Ally. 
    Bill laughed. “Oh, man. I’ve wanted to see someone get him for years. I heard he’s out back behind the gym, crying and smoking cigarettes.” 
    “Maybe you’re right. I don’t want to talk about it,” said Ally. She slammed the door shut and pulled her backpack over her shoulders. 
    Bill flushed and looked at the floor. “All right. Sorry.”
    Ally raised an eyebrow. “It’s not your fault.”
    “Okay. Sorry,” said Bill.
    “Bill!” said Ally. She laughed. “Stop apologizing at me.” 
    Bill nodded. “Okay.” He fidgeted. “Do you want to study? Together, I mean. I can’t believe he gave us so much pre-Trig homework on the first stay.”
    “Sure,” said Ally. She started towards the door and snapped her fingers. “Wait. I have to pick up my brother from school.”
    “Okay,” said Bill. “Maybe later. See you tomorrow.” He raised his hand and hurried off towards the door. Ally waved good-bye and watched him go. She knew he would take it personally. She hated to be so light with his feelings, even though she didn’t want to be his or anyone else’s girlfriend. 
    “Boys,” she mumbled. She joined the last few stragglers heading out the doors. It had snowed some more during the day, and the front steps were slick. Ally took small steps to keep from falling on her face. 
    “Hey! What’s your problem?” 
    Ally turned and saw Nathan Jameson standing near the doors, glaring at her. He had one arm over Mary’s shoulders, and a lit cigarette smoldered in his other hand. 
    “Nathan,” said Mary, her voice a pleading whine. “Don’t make trouble.” 
    Nathan ignored her. “So what’s your problem, ice queen? Don’t like football, do you?”
    “Nathan,” said Mary. “Please…”
    Nathan glared down at her. “I’m talking here, babe.