“Precisely. In the weeks ahead we’ll continue to concentrate on strengthening our personal knowledge bases in the various disciplines. Vi?” He gestured for her to take the floor.

“You know the drill,” Vi said, knowing full well Marianne didn’t. “Science, literature, history/social studies, humanities, and math. Ideally”—and Vi shot a notable frown in Marianne’s direction—“we can each specialize in at least three.”

“And sometimes a sub-discipline counts,” Mr. Garcia added. “For example, within the humanities, perhaps one has a real handle on art. Right, everyone?” He spoke to all of them, but it didn’t take a Quiz Quest team captain to know he was really talking to Marianne. Had he seen her doodles during class? If that made him think she was an art historian, he needed help with the humanities himself …

“Once in a while there’s some pop culture stuff, too?” Nina said directly to Marianne in one of her question-statements. “Like celebrities, if they’re iconic or historical?”

Marianne was almost grateful to Nina for giving up the pretense that this discussion was for everyone and not just for her.

Marianne actually didn’t care about celebrities at all, even though people acted like that was a job requirement for a stupid girl.

Marianne remembered one time when she was reading a book for English class in seventh grade, her friend’s big brother said to her, “The classics, huh? Shouldn’t you be reading about Ariana Grande’s latest breakup instead?”

She’d just giggled, because what else could she have done?

She knew nothing about Ariana Grande.

“Cool!” She threw a thumbs-up to Nina.

She hadn’t ever finished that book she’d been reading. And she couldn’t remember why, because she’d actually liked it. What book had it been? Treasure Island. That was it.

“Hey,” Dan piped up, “Have you all seen the Jeopardy! clip when the question is what Beyoncé and Jay-Z go by when they perform together on their album and instead of ‘The Carters’ she answers, ‘Bey-Z’? Comedy gold.”

Mr. Garcia lifted a hand to impose quiet. If she knew anything about Mr. Garcia, it was that he hated when things got derailed. “On that note, I will leave Vi to oversee practice with the hope that by the end of the hour we will have determined, um, which specialties most require our focus. I’ll pop my head in around twenty after.” He took one step and, as if remembering her all of a sudden, turned to Marianne and added, “Ms. Blume, I trust you’ll keep our conversation the other day in mind.” He raised a hand goodbye and left.

Instinctively, Marianne checked in with Vi, who gave her a knowing look.

Vi had heard that conversation.

“Marianne,” Vi said, breaking up her thoughts, “I emailed you several links to flash cards. You received them, I assume?” Vi couldn’t even look at her.

Marianne nodded. “It was a lot,” she said honestly.

Marianne browsed the words on the “welcome” poster. Willkommen. Chào mừng. Kaabo.

“Like I’ve been saying, Addison believes science is our greatest weakness,” Vi announced to the group, ignoring Marianne’s response.