At school the next day, I get a pass to use the library computer lab during study hall. It’s my lucky day: Marisol Tanaka, the uber nerd of Centerville High, is here and the workstation next to her is empty. I sit beside her and paste on my best Prince Charming smile.

“Yo, Marisol. What’s your research topic?” Her reaction, a bombastic side-eye, tells me that I should have taken more time to schmooze. I dial back the dazzle, and act all needy and befuddled. Some chicks dig that. Finally, I get her talking about the assignment.

“I’m researching climate change, specifically grass.” 

​

“What, like weed?” I can’t help grinning.

We can’t all have
super brains.

"Of course not.” She frowns at me like I’m a moron, which is annoying. “Lawns, golf courses, city parks. They use too much water and chemicals and limit biodiversity. Plus, lawn mowers are major polluters.”

Her phones buzzes, and she turns away to check her messages.

That’s when I notice her screen displaying her list of sources, all neatly formatted. 

“I have to run to the office,” she tells me. “Don’t touch my stuff.” 

As Marisol rushes out of the lab, I pull my phone from my pocket and snap a photo of her screen. Moving the scroll bar, I see that her entire essay is here.