Awkward

You don't have to be anyone but yourself.

That's always the worst: the not knowing. Because then you're stuck with a hundred questions no one can answer.

...I never would have seen Chelsea reach up, take Logan's face in her hands, and kiss him. So the off again was definitely on again. And I knew then that Patrick was very wrong about my heart, because if it had actually been an encyclopedia I could have watched it all with perfect composure.

Stupid patriarchal culture with stupid ideas of beauty—stupid me for going along with it.

...everyone would wonder, 'What's he doing with her?' And then you'd say, 'Hmm, good question,' and you'd dump me. That wouldn't be nice.

How stupid would that sound? It was high school, not the Hindu cast system, where the Untouchables have to avoid 'polluting' the upper classes.

I fought the urge to flee by reminding myself that I couldn't run away every time I felt uncomfortable, embarrassed or hurt.

Too late to point out that he would be better off with someone smart and sweet and—okay—awkward than with Chelsea. Someone who could make him laugh. Someone like, oh, I dunno, me!

And while, yes, a normal day for me means three AP classes, it really isn't so bad. Definitely stressful, but...

You said, there was no harm in wondering. You said, it’d just be a peek, And you said, don’t be a mother hen. You said, you could land on your feet. But we both know now, You had to learn somehow. Alice, dear, things in mirrors are not as they seem. Stop risking it all on one of your lunatic schemes.

You, Mackenzie,” he said slowly, “have a thesaurus where your heart should be.

What?" My head jerked up too quickly and I lost my balance. The stupid skates sent me hurtling toward the ground, which was exactly what I deserved for thinking that I could tutor and skate at the same time. The Greeks had a word for that type of pride: hubris. And it usually came before a very long and painful fall.

You asked ... and now I get to ask you questions.” I made an expansive gesture that nearly knocked over my water. “I’m an open book.” “I’m dyslexic.