“You think I don’t get how hard it is?” Of all the bullshit. “It’s been hell here for me; you know that better than anybody. And I wouldn’t say you’re taking a huge risk when we’re Atherton’s best-kept secret.” Well, third-best secret, after the Cara/Robbie revelation and, of course, AHS’s most beloved couple: her and Miguel. But I’m not looking to get into an even bigger argument right now, so I keep that to myself. “It took you worrying I might get tossed out of school to clip one of those stupid things on my shirt, and don’t think I noticed you chose one that couldn’t possibly get traced back to you. I know you decorated yours with the squad. Everyone could tell the clips on Miguel’s shirt were yours.”

“I still came to your rescue. You didn’t have to throw a shit fit like that so I’d have no choice but to help you.”

“The team lied to me about what to wear today. The entire school was looking at me like I’m a fucking idiot who’s obsessed with being quarterback.”

“Who cares?” She throws her hands in the air. “You think anyone would like you better if you’d gone ahead and worn a pristine Lacoste shirt? News flash, Jack: nothing is going to make it okay to them that you replaced Robbie. If you haven’t noticed that by now, you’re…”

She trails off, but I won’t let her. “I’m what?” I demand. “You know I notice that particular fact every fucking day, so what is it you think I am?”

“A problem!” she blurts out. “You are a problem, Jack. I was doing just fine before, on my way to becoming captain and enjoying life as a popular cheerleader, and now I’m lying to my friends and hiding out in locker rooms and having secret dates. I had a whole plan for getting out of here and finally getting to be myself—all of myself—in college, and all I had to do was stay the fuck away from Atherton girls. This isn’t the junior year I had planned.”

“You think this is the junior year I had planned?” I can’t help it—the low blow slips out. “You think this is the junior year Cara had planned? Things change. I’m sorry life has gotten harder in the closet, but I didn’t pull you in here with me. You climbed into my window.”