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as Mary Beth pointed out, I’ve never been looking either.
    But the idea that someone like Kelsey might be cheating, might be changing the whole grading system for everyone in this class — especially me — well, it just totally irks me. Seriously, I am livid. Not only that, but if what Mary Beth says is true, Kelsey is probably not the only one doing this. It is so wrong!
    By art class at the end of the day, I’m still fuming. I try not to show it, but I am so enraged. The more I think about it, the angrier I get. Today Bryant and Jorge have moved to our table. I suppose they think if they’re taking us to the dance on Saturday, it buys them the right to sit with us. And really, I don’t mind. I just don’t want to talk to anyone.
    â€œWhat’s eating you?” Bryant asks me toward the end of class.
    â€œHuh?” I look up from where I’ve been staring blankly at my drawing.
    He points to the paper in front of me, and Mary Beth looks uncomfortable for me. She probably thinks I’m moping over Clayton again, and I suppose on some levels I am, but this cheating thing is what’s really got me frustrated. I look at Bryant’s face. Is he one of them? Is he a cheater? And if he is, do I still want to go to the dance with him? I don’t think so.
    â€œIf you really must know,” I begin slowly, trying not to sound like I’m seething although I clearly am, “I’m obsessing over the fact that there are kids in this school who think it’s acceptable to cheat.” I lock gazes with him in a challenging way.
    Bryant simply laughs. “You mean you just figured that out, Lowery?”
    I nod indignantly.
    â€œShe got an F in math.”
    I toss Mary Beth a warning look.
    â€œOuch.” Bryant seems truly sympathetic. “That’s gotta hurt. Especially for a brainiac like you.”
    â€œAnd I got a D minus in AP Biology,” I confess bitterly.
    â€œYou take AP Biology?” Jorge looks impressed.
    â€œAnd Kelsey Nelson got an A,” I continue hopelessly.
    â€œUh-oh.” Mary Beth looks concerned now, like I’m saying too much. But I don’t care.
    â€œSo what are you saying?”
    â€œWhat do you think I’m saying, Jorge?” I toss back. “Tell me, how does someone like Kelsey Nelson suddenly turn into an A student? Especially in AP Biology?”
    â€œShe studied?” He gives an apologetic grin.
    â€œYeah, right.” I roll my eyes.
    â€œYou think Kelsey Nelson cheats?” Bryant asks quietly.
    â€œDuh …”
    â€œDid you see her cheat?” Bryant asks me.
    I shake my head. “No. It’s just a theory.”
    â€œI’ve seen people cheating.” Jorge uses a hushed tone. “Lots of times.”
    â€œWhy didn’t you tell someone?” I demand.
    His dark eyes get wide. “Are you kidding?”
    â€œWhy not?” I turn to Mary Beth now. “And how about you? You said the same thing — that you’ve seen students cheating, but you don’t tell. Why not? ”
    Mary Beth bites her lip, and I can tell the idea of ratting on someone is terrifying to her.
    I look at Bryant. “I suppose you agree with them?”
    He just shrugs.
    â€œI just don’t get it. I mean, it’s so unfair. Cheaters ruin the grading system for the rest of us.” I look at Bryant and Jorge. “Do you guys cheat?”
    Bryant chuckles. “If I did, do you think I’d tell you?”
    I consider this.
    â€œAnd Jorge doesn’t need to.” He grins at his friend.
    â€œReally?” Mary Beth looks interested.
    â€œJorge doesn’t like anyone to know, but he’s got a seriously high GPA,” Bryant says.
    â€œIt’s nothing, man.” Jorge turns red.
    Now the release bell rings, and we’re gathering up our stuff and getting ready to leave, but I’m still fuming. Bryant and Jorge make small talk as we head out, and