because || winnedy
Being popular isn't easy, and it's something that Kennedy has learned at this point. Marie is always on guard, and therefore Kennedy always has to be on guard. Always following what Marie says, listening to her, making sure that the two of them keep up their reputation. It's important, Marie tells her freshman year, so that they can get invited to the best parties. It's important, Marie tells her sophomore year, so that they can keep their standing. It's important, Marie tells her junior year, so that they can take over next year. And Kennedy believes her.
But the one place where Kennedy truly lets herself be who she thinks she wants to be--that intelligent girl that knows the answers--is her AP History class. And when their teacher announces they'll be working on a group projects after the AP exam, she starts to pick out partners based on intelligence, rather than popularity. And that's how she settles on Will Foster.
And as the year goes on, she finds herself paying attention when he speaks in class, or to answer a question, and she finds that he's maybe a little bit funnier than her thought, a little more her speed than the friends Marie has picked out for her. So she gathers her courage when it's time to pair up, and goes over to his desk, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, and says, "Hey. Do you want to pair up for this thing?"
