Secret of the Sevens by Lynn Lindquist Page B

counseling for abandonment issues. The Shanahans were constantly working with me on my social skills, until one day I said, “I think my social skills would be better if I could punch some people.”
    The minute she gives me her lopsided smile, I know we’re okay.
    â€œAll right, but no more teasing,” she says.
    â€œI promise.”
    She gets quiet again, and her finger returns to flicking the corner of her textbook. “So … have you figured out the message?”
    â€œNo. You were right,” I say. “I’m not as smart as you.”
    Wiggly lines appear across her forehead. “I never said that.”
    â€œYou said you liked being smart and I should try it some time. You also told me you didn’t know why anyone would want me.”
    Her face scrunches. “Geez, you know I only said those things because I was hurt. I’ve always said you were smart.”
    â€œI take ADD meds and get C’s.”
    â€œYou also never open a book. You could pull good grades if you tried.”
    â€œI hate reading.”
    â€œâ€™Cause it’s harder for you. That doesn’t mean you’re dumb. I hear how you talk. Your vocabulary is better than most kids in my AP English. There are different kinds of smart, Talan. You have an amazing memory, you’re witty, and you think quick under pressure. Me? I’m academic. Give me textbooks and formulas and I can figure out things. Well, some things. I spent hours on that stupid message and couldn’t solve it either.”
    â€œWe should be working together.” I move my chair closer and lock eyes with her. “We make a good team.”
    Her mouth curls into a smile. “Yeah … ”
    The first bell rings and I move to my regular seat behind her. Jose Aguilar, Kollin, and Emily trickle in first, followed by the Pillars. Assholes. I can barely stand to look at them after witnessing that party.
    Professor Solomon shuffles in last, and our classroom becomes a silent movie. We sit perfectly still as he sets his briefcase on the desk and pulls out a notepad.
    â€œBefore the Pillars leave for their meeting, I’d like to assign your group projects. While they’re due at the end of the term, I’d suggest you begin as early as possible, as they’ll account for 70 percent of your grade. Each group is responsible for researching a famous public figure. You will write a ten-page paper, applying the concepts from class to illustrate the impact your subject has had on today’s culture and on your lives in particular.”
    Solomon orders us to move our desks together in a U-shape. Laney slides her chair to my left, and Kollin glides his to her opposite side.
    Then Solomon scoots his bifocals down and walks around the half circle, pairing us and writing our groups in his notebook. “Ms. Mann and Mr. Moore, you will be presenting together. Ms. Kaminski, you’ll be with Mr. Kabal. Mr. Hunter and Mr. Robinson … ”
    When Solomon reaches me, Kollin’s face gets tight. It’s obvious what’s coming. Solomon points to Laney and me. “Ms. Shanahan and Mr. Michaels—you’ll be working together. And since we have an odd number of students, you last three”—he points to Kollin, Emily, and Jose—“can collaborate.”
    Kollin glances to his left. Weird . Did he just wink at Emily?
    Professor Solomon dismisses the Pillars. A minute later, he starts a lecture on morality. Like Pavlov’s dog, I’m instantly dozing.
    The classroom phone buzzes me awake.
    Solomon listens, nods, and then hangs up and glares at me. “You’re wanted for a meeting in the Executive Building, Mr. Michaels.” He fills out a pass and shuffles over with it. “You’ll be out for the whole period.”
    Decent.
    I hop up and head for the door.
    â€œYou might want to pick up some coffee on your way,” Solomon mutters.
    As I trek across campus, I realize