To Kill A Mocking Bird Essays (937 words) - To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mocking Bird To Kill A Mocking Bird deals with many primal and basic lessons in human nature. The book exposes many issues that affect most people throughout their lives. Scout, the main character was one of the most affected by these lessons. During the book she was exposed to many profound experiences, which no doubt will leave a lasting impression. In the three years that the book took place, she may have learned the most important things she will learn over her entire life. One person that affected Scouts life was Boo Radley. He brought wonder, fear and then finally relief to her heart. At first kids thought he was evil. There were rumours that while he cut out the newspaper for his scrap book he drove the scissors into his parent's leg.(pg11) He had tried to kill them. Even though this may have been just a rumor the kids were terrified of the Radleys. They described him often as a monster six-and-a-half feet tall with bloodstained hands. He was said to eat raw squirrels and any cats he could catch.(pg12) During the rest of the book Scout and companions tried to meet Arthur (Boo) and get over their fear of him. They did not succeed. But he showed affection for them by leaving them gifts in a tree. Finally at the end of the book he proves he is a good person by saving Scout and Jem's lives. In this instance Scout may have found that to negatively prejudge someone is wrong. She also learned compassion. Scout also learnt about the ugliness of life. About death and pain. This lesson occurred while her brother had to read to a sick and dieing old lady. This lady's name was Mrs. Dubose. She had been a morphine addict and had decided to go clean till her death. To die as a free women, to die knowing she had won. Scout describes her as a ugly lady and during their reading sessions she would have some kind of spasm-fits. Her head moved side to side. She would drool. Her mouth seemed to have a private existence of it's own. (pg.107) After many reading sessions with her having a fit each time, she died one day. Probably the most important person in Scout's life was the one who had set the best examples for her. This was Atticus. He taught Scout how to deal with people. One of his teachings was to be the bigger person. When Bob Ewell spit in Atticus's face and threatened his life, he did nothing and walked away. All he had to say later was,I wish Bob Ewell wouldn't chew tobacco.(pg.217) Atticus reacts with his brain not emotions. He encourages Scout to do the same. Another trait that he teaches is respect. Respect for people who are different. People such as Boo Radley. The kids had been acting out a play which involved Boo's scissor incident. They also tried to give a letter to him, so that he would come out to meet them. Atticus found out about both incidents. They were put in their place and told to, stop tormenting that man. He then told them that, what Mr.Radley did was his own business.(pg.49) Atticus also commanded respect for black people. He once told Jem that if a white man cheats a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that man is trash.(pg.220) At the trial he also explained that there are bad and good black men as there are good and bad white men.(pg.204) Two more models that helped Scout out. The first was a valuable example set by Atticus. He had been told to defend Tom Robinson. The case was a lost cause because he was beat before he began, and it would bring hardship to himself and his family. He knew this, but did not give up. It was the right thing to do. As he told his brother, do you think I could face my children otherwise(pg.88) Scout heard this conversation and understood it in later years. Again teaching this gives her a valuable example; Stick to what you believe in. A lesson in

Heres How to Know the Difference Between Miss, Mrs., and Ms.

Heres How to Know the Difference Between Miss, Mrs., and Ms. Dear Mrs. Galloway, You begin the letter simply enough but the reader on the other end only rolls her eyes, laughing, and somewhat annoyed at the incorrect use of the title Mrs.. That response is not even close to what you wanted for your communication, but theres a reason for it: Shes 17 years old and isnt planning to get married anytime in the near future.Knowing the correct way to address someone in a letter or phone call is not only a good idea- its a way to ensure that the purpose of your letter or call isnt overshadowed by potential offense to the recipient. Small slights in communication etiquette can make a difficult situation even worse if youre trying to resolve it via written communication or a telephone call.For example, its a common misconception that Miss and Ms. mean the same thing. Or that all women can be referred to as Miss or Mrs. These titles have three entirely different connotations and anyone who uses them should know the difference between the three- especiall y if they perform a job or function that requires a lot of written and verbal communication skills.So, lets look at the meaning of each title and how to determine if it should be used to correctly address the recipient of your letter or phone call. A simple review, such as the one offered here, can save you time and stress, and help ensure your communication efforts happen as smoothly as possible.Its important to correctly address the recipient of your letter with the correct title. Photo by John-Mark Smith from Pexels.Using Miss correctlyWhen preceding a name, Miss is used to respectfully address an unmarried woman. It can also be used alone, without a name preceding it, to address her. The correct way to pronounce this title is [Mis] (rhymes with this).Youll also see the term used as a tease or reference to a womans personality traits, such as Miss Perfect or Miss Manners, although this use of the word is not considered to be formal.ExamplesMiss Myers, please contact our office as soon as possible.Excuse me Miss, but I think you left something behind.She acts like Miss Know-it-all but is mostly unaware.Settings in which you will use MissIn a formal setting, it is best to use Miss in front of an unmarried womans last name (surname). Some common examples of formal settings include business interactions, professional communication with business associates or employers, addressing someone in a position of authority, addressing someone you dont know personally, etc.). Slightly less formal is the use of Miss in front of an unmarried womans first (given) name, and this should only be done if you have permission to do so. In many cases, if a woman does not wish to be referred to in a formal manner, she will let you know: Oh, you can just call me [name].However, it is acceptable and polite to simply use Miss when verbally addressing a stranger whose name you dont know, but this is not typically done in written communication. For example, if you encounter a woman (of any age) on the street who has dropped her scarf, you could get her attention by saying: Excuse me, Miss. Is this yours?In informal settings (such as friends, close acquaintances, and family members, etc.), using Miss in front of a word that describes the person to whom youre referring is acceptable, although be careful- you can still hurt someones feelings if the descriptive word is not a compliment. For example, Miss know-it-all is a commonly used expression to refer (in a somewhat derogatory manner) to a woman who corrects others often.Using Mrs. CorrectlyMrs., when preceding a name, is a title used to respectfully address a married woman. It is similar to the use of Miss in that it is most often used along with a womans surname. In the past, it has been used along with the husbands first and last name to refer to his wife (Mrs. Donald Smith), but this practice is considered outdated. Some women might even take offense in it, so it is best to avoid it if possible.The correct way to pronounce this title is [Missus] (rhymes with miss us). In fact, youll often see the title spelled out as Missis, Missus, or Mizzus in dialogue, to denote exactly how a character pronounces it.ExamplesMrs. Jones owns the floral shop down the road.I think youre a wonderful person, Mrs. Annette.Ill ask the missus what she thinks of having dinner tomorrow night.Settings in which you will use Mrs.In a formal setting, such as in a business or professional context, you will likely use Mrs. before a married womans last name to address her politely. As with Miss, you can also use Mrs. before a married womans first name, but you should wait for permission or an invitation to do so.However, very rarely will you see Mrs. or Missus used alone, without a surname or given name following it. When it is used alone, it is usually mentioned in an informal way, such as a friend asking another friend: Are you and the missus joining us for dinner? This is another way that Mrs. differs from Miss.Using Ms. correctlyIf you are unsure about a womans marital status and are addressing her in written communication, Ms. is the preferred title to use. Think of it as the opposite of Mr., which is used to refer to a man, regardless of his marital status. The correct way to pronounce this title is [Miz] (rhymes with fizz).ExamplesDear Ms. Jenner,Ms. Lyle is the new principal of Belleview High SchoolSettings in which you will use Ms.As stated earlier, Ms. is the preferred term in written communication to refer respectfully to women whose married status is unknown. In this sense, many editors and journalists will use this term to cover their tracks in case Miss or Mrs. Is incorrect.As with Mrs., the use of Ms. as a standalone word is not typical.Getting around all three termsSpeaking of editing and journalism, a recent trend in many publications has been to use the first and last name of the woman without including either of the three titles (Miss, Mrs., or Ms.). However, this is not as acce ptable in spoken communication, where Miss, Mrs., and Ms. are still preferable (as long as the right one is used.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Admissions Data

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Admissions Data University of Arkansas at Little Rock Description: The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) is a public university made up of seven colleges: Business, Education, Engineering and Information Technology, Professional Studies, Science and Mathematics, Law, and Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Business is the most popular among undergraduates. The university has an open admission policy and a learning resource center to support students who may need help with college success skills. In athletics, the UALR Trojans are a non-football member of the NCAA Division I Sun Belt Conference. Admissions Data (2016): University of Arkansas - Little Rock Acceptance Rate: 90%Test Scores 25th / 75th PercentileSAT Critical Reading: 420  / 560SAT Math: 470  / 540SAT Writing: - / -SAT comparison for Arkansas collegesSun Belt SAT comparison chartACT Composite: 19  / 25ACT English: 19 / 26ACT Math: 18  / 24What these ACT numbers meanACT comparison for Arkansas collegesSun Belt ACT comparison chart Enrollment (2015): Total Enrollment: 11,891  (9,575 undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 40% Male / 60% Female51% Full-time Costs (2016 - 17): Tuition and Fees: $8,061  (in-state); $19,499 (out-of-state)Books: $1,715 (why so much?)Room and Board: $9,578Other Expenses: $3,804Total Cost: $23,158  (in-state); $34,596 (out-of-state) University of Arkansas at Little Rock Financial Aid (2015  - 16): Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 95%Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 92%Loans: 57%Average Amount of AidGrants: $8,978Loans: $5,518 Academic Programs: Most Popular Majors:  Accounting, Biology, Business Administration, Construction Engineering Technology, Criminal Justice Studies, Early Childhood Education, English, Finance, Journalism, Marketing, Nursing, Psychology, Public Health Graduation, Retention and Transfer Rates: First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 68%Transfer Out Rate: 35%4-Year Graduation Rate: 12%6-Year Graduation Rate: 28% Intercollegiate Athletic Programs: Mens Sports:  Basketball, Baseball, Golf, Track and Field, Cross CountryWomens Sports:  Soccer, Volleyball, Swimming, Track and Field, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf Data Source: National Center for Educational Statistics If You Like UALR, You May Also Like These Schools: University of Central Arkansas: ProfileArkansas Tech University: ProfileHendrix College: ProfileUniversity of Arkansas - Fort Smith: ProfileMississippi State University: Profile  | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphGrambling State University: ProfileHarding University: ProfileUniversity of Oklahoma: Profile  | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphTennessee State University: ProfileUniversity of Memphis: ProfileUniversity of Tennessee: Profile  | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph University of Arkansas at Little Rock Mission Statement: mission statement from http://ualr.edu/about/index.php/home/history-and-mission/mission/ The mission of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is to develop the intellect of students; to discover and disseminate knowledge; to serve and strengthen society by enhancing awareness in scientific, technical, and cultural arenas; and to promote humane sensitivities and understanding of interdependence. Within this broad mission are the responsibilities to use quality instruction to instill in students a lifelong desire to learn; to use knowledge in ways that will contribute to society; and to apply the resources and research skills of the University community to the service of the city, the state, the nation, and the world in ways that will benefit humanity.

Approach to care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Approach to care - Essay Example The extra cells form a mass of tissues which take the shape of a tumor. Apart from a number of preliminary tests, positive diagnosis is made by investigation of a biopsy sample of concerned cancer tissue. Cancer staging is mostly decided by biopsy outcomes which provide definite clues to decide the level of the cancer type and the magnitude of cancer spread. Staging also enables the caregivers to arrive at the conclusion of treatment modes. Staging is also pointer to the aggressiveness and indicator as to how widespread the cancer in the body is. Loss of desire for food or inexplicable weight loss, exhaustion, cachexia, headaches, bone or joint pain, neurological indications, such as wobbly walk or memory loss, neck or facial enlargement, unusual bleeding, hoarseness in voice etc. are the warning signs for the impending attack of cancer. The most important part of the treatment mode is the concerned cancer patient. The treatment protocol must fit into the needs of the individual, on the basis of various reports before the caregiver, including that of biopsy. Generally, more than one cancer specialists are involved in taking the decision about the modalities of treatment. The treatment will include one or all of the following procedures, depending on the stage of the cancer. They are: â€Å"surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy†. (Davis, 2014) At this stage, the caretaker has taken the decision about the nature of cancer and the treatment modalities. Cancer is the unrestrained growth of nonstandard cells anywhere in the body. The causes of cancer are many and some remain unknown till date. The broad, potential cause of cancer is the abnormal development of the body cell/s. Such development may be due to genetic makeup and combination of other factors. Specific enumeration of causes that result in cancer is impossibility. With the details available through scientific research, caregivers now

Summary of article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Summary of - Article Example A rather shortsighted tendency exists where clubs look at the contracts as an easy source of revenue while clubs also go into the contracts as a tactic for marketing communication. The objective from both parties ought to be building relationships, acquisition and development of resources and strategy for networking. But many corporates as well as clubs have continued to view the sponsorship contracts as short-term hence failing to strategically evaluate the kind of contracts they go into. Corporates in most cases have tendencies of hurrying into contracts with clubs without proper negotiations, hence failing develop and manage the relationships. There is therefore a need to proactively monitor the contracts on the side of sponsors especially, negotiate properly, enter the contracts for reasons more than just communication, make rational decisions on the same and ultimately enter into relationships that add value. With growth in value of sponsorship programs not being questionable organizations must think broadly and consider the contracts as strategy, networking and relationship building avenues. There is a need to leave the short-term perspective of the transactions and embrace a long-term value approach in signing the sponsorship

King Lear: Egg-as-crown Metonymy Essay -- Shakespeare Literature

In metonymy†¦ the literal term for one thing is applied to another with which it has become closely associated because of a recurrent relationship in common experience. Thus â€Å"the crown† or the scepter can be used to stand in for a king. (Abrams’ Glossary of Literary Terms, 98) In the play King Lear by William Shakespeare, the Fool compares King Lear’s Crown to an egg. Shakespeare’s use of metonymy to replace the crown with an egg implies that Lear’s kingship is fragile and brittle, on the verge of breaking at any moment. We find through the narrative of the play that this is indeed true; King Lear’s kingdom crumbles due to his foolish mistakes. King Lear’s first mistake of laziness and selfishness leads to the banishment of Cordelia and Kent. The revelation of his mistakes leads to madness and eventually his death. The egg-crown metonymy here is effective. Both the egg and the crown represent something precious and delicate, making the two interchangeable. King Lear is the figurehead of his kingdom with his power and command drawn from his crown. His crown is also a symbol for his kingdom which is essential to his ego and can be supported with the scene where he asks his daughters to tell him how much they love him. â€Å"Which of you shall we say doth love us most, /That we our largest bounty may extend /Where nature doth with merit challenge.† (I, i, 53-55) King Lear demands a public display of affection from his daughters because it demonstrates his dominance. The betrayal of Goneril and Regan destroys King Lear’s ability to command, as competition between the two sisters’ shatters his kingdom like an egg. Lear’s relationship to his crown can be compared to a hen and her egg; both mean the world to their owners, and bot... ..."When thou clovest thy / crown i' the middle and gavest away both parts, thou [†¦] hadst little wit in / bald crown," (I.iv.14). Metonymy of egg-crown in King Lear is effective, the fragility and cracking of an egg is examined and compared to the crown, kingdom, and kingship. An egg is naturally fragile and in King Lear, so is the crown. King Lear’s laziness leads to a series of events that ultimately causes the kingdom to collapse, similar to an egg with the slightest crack. Works Cited Essay/term paper: king lear: lear the tragic hero. (2010, 11). Retrieved from http://www.dreamessays.com/customessays/King%20Lear/2755.htm King lear symbolism, imagery & allegory. (2010, 11). Retrieved from http://www.shmoop.com/king-lear/symbolism-imagery.html Shakespeare, William. King Lear. New Revised Edition. New York, NY: Penguin, 1987. Print.

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening Chapter Three

The first light of dawn was streaking the night sky with pink and palest green. Stefan watched it from the window of his room in the boarding house. He had rented this room specifically because of the trapdoor in the ceiling, a trapdoor that opened onto the widow's walk on the roof above. Just now that door was open, and a cool damp wind blew down the ladder below it. Stefan was fully dressed, but not because he was up early. He had never been to sleep. He'd just returned from the woods, and a few scraps of wet leaf clung to the side of his boot. He brushed them off fastidiously. The comments of the students yesterday had not escaped him, and he knew they had been staring at his clothes. He had always dressed in the best, not merely out of vanity, but because it was the right thing to do. His tutor had often said it: Anaristocrat should dress as befits his position. If he does not, he is showing contempt for others . Everyone had a place in the world, and his place had once been among the nobility. Once. Why was he dwelling on these things? Of course, he should have realized that playing the role of a student was likely to bring his own student days back. Now the memories came thick and fast, as if he were skimming through the pages of a journal, his eyes catching an entry here and there. One flashed before him vividly now: his father's face when Damon had announced he was quitting the University. He would never forget that. He had never seen his father so angry†¦ â€Å"What do you mean, you are not going back?† Giuseppe was usually a fair man, but he had a temper, and his elder son brought out the violence in him. Just now that son was dabbing at his lips with a saffron-colored silk handkerchief. â€Å"I would have thought even you could understand such a simple sentence, father. Shall I repeat it in Latin for you?† â€Å"Damon-† Stefan began tightly, appalled at this disrespect. But his father interrupted. â€Å"You are telling me that I, Giuseppe, Conte di Salvatore, will have to face my friends knowing that my son is ascioparto ? A ne'er-do-well? An idler who makes no useful contribution to Florence?† Servants were edging away as Giuseppe worked himself into a rage. Damon did not even blink. â€Å"Apparently. If you can call those who fawn on you in the hopes that you will lend them money your friends.† † Sporco parassito!† cried Giuseppe, rising from his chair. â€Å"Is it not bad enough that when youare at school you waste your time and my money? Oh, yes, I know all about the gambling, the jousting, the women. And I know that if it were not for your secretary and your tutors you would be failing every course. But now you mean to disgrace me utterly. And why? Why?† His large hand whipped up to grasp Damon's chin. â€Å"So that you may return to your hunting and hawking?† Stefan had to give his brother credit; Damon did not wince. He stood, almost lounging in his father's grip, every inch the aristocrat, from the elegantly plain cap on his dark head to his ermine-trimmed cloak to his soft leather shoes. His upper lip was curved in a line of pure arrogance. You've gone too far this time, thought Stefan, watching the two men whose eyes were locked together. Even you won't be able to charm your way out this time. But just then there was a light step in the study doorway. Turning, Stefan had been dazzled by eyes the color of lapis lazuli, framed with long golden lashes. It was Katherine. Her father, Baron von Swartzschild, had brought her from the cold lands of the German princes to the Italian countryside, hoping it would help her recover from a prolonged illness. And since the day she had arrived, everything had changed for Stefan. â€Å"I beg your pardon. I did not mean to intrude.† Her voice was soft and clear. She made a slight motion as if to leave. â€Å"No, don't go. Stay,† Stefan said quickly. He wanted to say more, to catch her hand-but he didn't dare. Not with his father here. All he could do was gaze into those jewellike blue eyes that were raised to his. â€Å"Yes, stay,† Giuseppe said, and Stefan saw that his father's thunderous expression had lightened and that he had released Damon. He stepped forward, straightening the heavy folds of his long fur-trimmed gown. â€Å"Your father should be returning from his business in the city today, and he will be delighted to see you. But your cheeks are pale, little Katherine. You are not ill again, I hope?† â€Å"You know I am always pale, sir. I do not use rouge like your bold Italian girls.† â€Å"You don't need it,† said Stefan before he could stop himself, and Katherine smiled at him. She was so beautiful. An ache began in his chest. His father continued, â€Å"And I see all too little of you during the day. You seldom give us the pleasure of your company until twilight.† â€Å"I have my studies and devotions in my own rooms, sir,† said Katherine quietly, her lashes dropping. Stefan knew this was not true, but he said nothing; he would never betray Katherine's secret. She looked up at his father again. â€Å"But I am here now, sir.† â€Å"Yes, yes, that is true. And I must see that tonight we have a very special meal for your father's return. Damon†¦ we will speak later.† As Giuseppe motioned to a servant and strode out, Stefan turned to Katherine in delight. It was seldom they could speak to each other without the presence of his father or of Gudren, her stolid German maid. But what Stefan saw then was like a blow to his stomach. Katherine was smiling-the little secret smile that she had often shared with him. But she was not looking at him. She was looking at Damon. Stefan hated his brother at that moment, hated Damon's dark beauty and grace and the sensuality that drew women to him like moths to a flame. He wanted, in that instant, to strike Damon, to smash that beauty to pieces. Instead he had to stand and watch as Katherine moved slowly toward his brother, step by step, her golden brocade gown whispering on the tiled floor. And even as he watched, Damon held out a hand to Katherine, and smiled the cruel smile of triumph†¦ Stefan turned away from the window sharply. Why was he reopening old wounds? But, even as he thought it, he drew out the slender gold chain he wore under his shirt. His thumb and forefinger caressed the ring that hung from it, then he held it up to the light. The little circlet was exquisitely worked in gold, and five centuries had not dimmed its luster. It was set with one stone, a lapis the size of his little fingernail. Stefan looked at it, then at the heavy silver ring, also set with lapis, on his own hand. In his chest was a familiar tightness. He could not forget the past, and he didn't really wish to. Despite everything that had happened, he cherished Katherine's memory. But there was one memory he must truly not disturb, one page of the journal he must not turn. If he had to relive that horror, that†¦ abomination, he would go mad. As he had been mad that day, that final day, when he had looked upon his own damnation†¦ Stefan leaned against the window, his forehead pressed to its coolness. His tutor had had another saying: Evil will never find peace. It may triumph, but it will never find peace . Why had he even come to Fell's Church? He had hoped to find peace here, but that was impossible. He would never be accepted, he would never rest. Because he was evil. He could not change what he was. Elena was up even earlier than usual that morning. She could hear Aunt Judith pottering about in her room, getting ready for her shower. Margaret was still fast asleep, curled up like a little mouse in her bed. Elena passed her younger sister's half-open door noiselessly and continued down the hallway to let herself out of the house. The air was fresh and clear this morning; the quince tree was inhabited only by the usual jays and sparrows. Elena, who had gone to bed with a throbbing headache, lifted her face to the clean blue sky and breathed deeply. She felt much better than she had yesterday. She'd promised to meet Matt before school, and though she wasn't looking forward to it she was sure it was going to be all right. Matt lived only two streets away from the high school. It was a simple frame house, like all the others on that street, except that maybe the swing on the porch was a little shabbier, the paint a little more peeled. Matt was already standing outside, and for a moment her heart picked up at the sight of him as it used to. He was good-looking. There was no doubt about that. Not in the stunning, almost disturbing way that-that some people were, but in a healthy American way. Matt Honeycutt was all-American. His blond hair was cropped short for the football season, and his skin was sunburnt from working outdoors on his grandparents' farm. His blue eyes were honest and straightforward. And just today, as he held out his arms to hug her gently, they were a little sad. â€Å"You want to come inside?† â€Å"No. Let's just walk,† Elena said. They went side by side without touching. Maples and black walnut trees lined this street, and the air still had a morning hush. Elena watched her feet on the wet sidewalk, feeling suddenly uncertain. She didn't know how to start after all. â€Å"So you still haven't told me about France,† he said. â€Å"Oh, it was great,† said Elena. She glanced sideways at him. He was looking at the sidewalk, too. â€Å"Everything about it was great,† she continued, trying to put some enthusiasm in her voice. â€Å"The people, the food, everything. It was really†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Her voice trailed off, and she laughed nervously. â€Å"Yeah, I know. Great,† he finished for her. He stopped and stood looking down at his scuffed tennis shoes. Elena recognized them from last year. Matt's family barely got by; maybe he hadn't been able to afford new shoes. She looked up to find those steady blue eyes on her face. â€Å"You know,you look pretty great right now,† he said. Elena opened her mouth in dismay, but he was speaking again. â€Å"And I guess you have something to tell me.† She stared at him, and he smiled, a crooked, rueful smile. Then he held out his arms again. â€Å"Oh,Matt ,† she said, hugging him hard. She stepped back to look into his face. â€Å"Matt, you are the nicest guy I've ever met. I don't deserve you.† â€Å"Oh, so that's why you're dumping me,† said Matt as they started walking again. â€Å"Because I'm too good for you. I should have realized that before.† She punched him in the arm. â€Å"No, that isn't why, and I am not dumping you. We're going to be friends, right?† â€Å"Oh, sure. Oh, absolutely.† â€Å"Because that's what I've realized we are.† She stopped, looking up at him again. â€Å"Good friends. Be honest, now, Matt, isn't that how you really feel about me?† He looked at her, then rolled his eyes heavenward. â€Å"Can I take the Fifth on that?† he said. As Elena's face fell, he added, â€Å"It doesn't have anything to do with that new guy, does it?† â€Å"No,† Elena said after a hesitation, and then added quickly, â€Å"I haven't even met him yet. I don't know him.† â€Å"But you want to. No, don't say it.† He put an arm around her and gently turned her. â€Å"Come on, let's head toward school. If we have time, I'll even buy you a doughnut.† As they walked, something thrashed in the walnut tree above them. Matt whistled and pointed. â€Å"Look at that! Biggest crow I've ever seen.† Elena looked, but it was already gone. School that day was merely a convenient place for Elena to review her plan. She had woken up this morning knowing what to do. And today she gathered as much information as she could on the subject of Stefan Salvatore. Which wasn't hard, because everyone at Robert E. Lee was talking about him. It was common knowledge that he'd had some sort of run-in with the admissions secretary yesterday. And today he'd been called to the principal's office. Something about his papers. But the principal had sent him back to class (after, it was rumored, a long-distance call to Rome-or was it Washington?), and everything seemed to be settled now. Officially, at least. When Elena arrived for Euro History class that afternoon, she was greeted by a low whistle in the hall. Dick Carter and Tyler Smallwood were loitering there. A couple of prize jerks, she thought, ignoring the whistle and their staring. They thought being tackle and safety on the varsity football team made them hot stuff. She kept an eye on them as she loitered in the corridor herself, refreshing her lipstick and fiddling with her compact. She'd given Bonnie her special instructions, and the plan was ready to be put into effect as soon as Stefan showed up. The compact mirror gave her a wonderful view of the hall behind her. Still, she missed him coming somehow. He was beside her suddenly, and she snapped the compact shut as he passed. She meant to stop him, but something happened before she could. Stefan tensed-or, at least, there was something about him that seemed wary all at once. Just then Dick and Tyler stepped in front of the door to the history classroom. Blocking the way. World-class jerks, thought Elena. Fuming, she glared at them over Stefan's shoulder. They were enjoying the game, slouching in the doorway, pretending they were completely blind to Stefan standing there. â€Å"Excuse me.† It was the same tone he'd used with the history teacher. Quiet, detached. Dick and Tyler looked at each other, then all around, as if hearing spirit voices. â€Å"Scoozi?† Tyler said in a falsetto. â€Å"Scoozi me? Me scoozi? Jacuzzi?† They both laughed. Elena watched muscles tighten under the T-shirt in front of her. This was completely unfair; they were both taller than Stefan, and Tyler was about twice as broad. â€Å"Is there a problem here?† Elena was as startled as the boys were at the new voice behind her. She turned to see Matt. His blue eyes were hard. Elena bit her lips on a smile as Tyler and Dick moved slowly, resentfully out of the way. Good old Matt, she thought. But now good old Matt was walking into class beside Stefan, and she was left following them, staring at the backs oftwo T-shirts. When they sat down, she slid into the desk behind Stefan, where she could watch him without being watched herself. Her plan would have to wait until after class. Matt was rattling change in his pocket, which meant he wanted to say something. â€Å"Uh, hey,† he began at last, uncomfortably. â€Å"Those guys, you know†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Stefan laughed. It was a bitter sound. â€Å"Who am I to judge?† There was more emotion in his voice than Elena had heard before, even when he had spoken to Mr. Tanner. And that emotion was raw unhappiness. â€Å"Anyway, why should I be welcome here?† he finished, almost to himself. â€Å"Why shouldn't you be?† Matt had been staring at Stefan; now his jaw squared with decision. â€Å"Listen,† he said. â€Å"You were talking about football yesterday. Well, our star wide receiver tore a ligament yesterday afternoon, and we need a replacement. Tryouts are this afternoon. What do you think?† â€Å"Me?† Stefan sounded caught off guard. â€Å"Ah†¦ I don't know if I could.† â€Å"Can you run?† â€Å"Can-?† Stefan half turned toward Matt, and Elena could see a faint hint of a smile curve his lips. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"Can you catch?† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"That's all a wide receiver has to do. I'm the quarterback. If you can catch what I throw and run with it, you can play.† â€Å"I see.† Stefan was actually almost smiling, and though Matt's mouth was serious his blue eyes were dancing. Astonished at herself, Elena realized she was jealous. There was a warmth between the two boys that shut her out completely. But the next instant Stefan's smile disappeared. He said distantly, â€Å"Thank you†¦ but no. I have other commitments.† At that moment, Bonnie and Caroline arrived and class started. Throughout Tanner's lecture on Europe, Elena repeated to herself, â€Å"Hello. I'm Elena Gilbert. I'm on the Senior Welcoming Committee, and I've been assigned to show you around the school. Now, you wouldn't want to get me in trouble, would you, by not letting me do my job?† That last with wide, wistful eyes-but only if he looked like he might try to get out of it. It was virtually foolproof. He was a sucker for maidens who needed to be rescued. Halfway through class, the girl sitting to her right passed her a note. Elena opened it and recognized Bonnie's round, childish handwriting. It read: â€Å"I kept C. away for as long as I could. What happened? Did it work† Elena looked up to see Bonnie twisted around in her front-row seat. Elena pointed to the note and shook her head, mouthing, â€Å"After class.† It seemed a century until Tanner gave some last-minute instructions about oral reports and dismissed them. Then everybody sprang up at once. Here goes, thought Elena, and, with her heart pounding, she stepped squarely into Stefan's path, blocking the aisle so that he couldn't get around her. Just like Dick and Tyler, she thought, feeling a hysterical urge to giggle. She looked up and found her eyes exactly on a level with his mouth. Her mind went blank. What was it she was supposed to say? She opened her mouth, and somehow the words she'd been practicing came tumbling out. â€Å"Hi, I'm Elena Gilbert, and I'm on the Senior Welcoming Committee and I've been assigned-† â€Å"I'm sorry; I don't have time.† For a minute, she couldn't believe he was speaking, that he wasn't even going to give her a chance to finish. Her mouth went right on with the speech. â€Å"-to show you around the school-† â€Å"I'm sorry; I can't. I have to-to get to football tryouts.† Stefan turned to Matt, who was standing by looking amazed. â€Å"You said they were right after school, didn't you?† â€Å"Yes,† Matt said slowly. â€Å"But-† â€Å"Then I'd better get moving. Maybe you could show me the way.† Matt looked helplessly at Elena, then shrugged. â€Å"Well†¦ sure. Come on.† He glanced back once as they left. Stefan didn't. Elena found herself looking around at a circle of interested observers, including Caroline, who was openly smirking. Elena felt a numbness in her body and a fullness in her throat. She couldn't stand to be here for one more second. She turned and walked as quickly as she could from the room.