The following morning is the first day for Charlotte and Jackson at Loblolly Middle School. When they arrive, they meet the vice principal, who asks Charlotte to pick some school activities. She opts for the school’s mediocre basketball team to maintain a low profile. The two newcomers are then ushered to their homerooms. Ms. Millar presides over Charlotte’s homeroom, but effusive Holly Fiellera is the self-appointed head of Charlotte’s welcoming committee and her official school buddy for the first week.

As Holly steps close to Charlotte, she accidentally knocks over a cup of pencils on the teacher’s desk. Charlotte’s reflexes as a trained pickpocket kick in. She manages to catch the mug, scoop up pencils in mid-fall, and snatch several more with her left hand. Everyone in class gasps at her speed and dexterity. “Some boy shouts, ‘Do it again! The thing with the pencils!’” (185). Charlotte is mortified to have drawn so much notice on her first day of class. Once she takes her seat, Charlotte is peppered with more questions from the bubbly Holly. A blond jock seated to her left leans in to make small talk. His name is Archer Bradley, and Holly warns Charlotte away from him.