[Help, I'm starting to really like this pairing!]
[Just as I thought. Naomi Kenway was just putting on an act this morning. Ian can't even recite his multiplication tables, so how could he possibly understand those classic scientific books?]
[I think people should stop focusing on whether a kid is smart or not. Ian has so many good qualities. He's really good at picking up on other people's emotions. He was the one who noticed Carina was upset and comforted her, and he even gave her his egg. Why do you all insist on picking out flaws in such a considerate child?]
[But he's just not as smart as the other kids. Are we not allowed to say that?]
...
The sun was unusually fierce today. Chelsea Raines hadn't brought a parasol, and sweat trickled down her cheeks, causing her makeup to smudge slightly. She instantly grew irritated.
"What kind of task could they possibly have for us in this heat?"
