"Remind me to change that. The name's Jackson Whittemore. Best lacrosse player this side of the Mississippi- which is the only sport that matters in Beacon."

"Mighty claim. Think I'm gonna have to see some solid evidence to support it."

"Practices are open to spectators. Just promise you'll cheer when I put my money where my mouth is."

"You don't think it'll ruin my Mysterious New Girl vibe?"

He snorts.

"Mysterious? Yeah, it might. Would you rather be mysterious, or popular? The window on that one closes faster."

"Being popular sounds like a lot of work with very little interesting pay off. Unless things work differently around here?"

"Being popular is its own reward. If you don't know someone, you'll never get anywhere in life."

"I believe you. About the second part. Nepotism is the highway to success. But I'm not sure high school popularity matters much on that scale."

"Your loss. I still want to know if I can expect your to cheer me on."

"Sure. If you're truly the best player this side of the Mississippi. Best impress me."

"Oh, I will."

(She overhears a small exchange between Allison and the boy in front of her; she's forgotten her eraser at home, but he gives her one.)

(The boy already sounds smitten.)

Adorable. Time for recon. "Who's the guy in front of Allison?"

Jackson looks.

"Oh, that's McCall. Dorky kid on the bench, always hangs out with Stilinski."

"So not someone you know the intimate character of. Got it."

"Just vague impressions. Dorky, way too earnest, asthmatic. Decent in class, terrible on the field."

"Could be a fun way to pass the time. For Allison. Light teenage rebellion for the shy and serious."

"Is that her type? Really? I can probably point her to something more fun, if you give me a hint."

She thinks about it. "Someone fun but not too fun that she feels left behind. Good looking, but low key about it. She's not about that Extra life. At least not in public."

"Not too fun? What kind of lame rebellion is that? I'd try giving her Daehler or Lahey. I'll point them out and you can take your pick"

"Oh? Why them in particular?"

"Daehler is good-looking but doesn't know it. He's artistic or something, very quiet. When I've seen him talk, though, he's not boring. Lahey is good-looking but spends most of his time frowning or glaring. Kind of a sad, feral puppy. He might make for a good fixer-upper."

"She'd love a project. Very much a do-gooder type. But maybe I should look into both of them. Especially if they're as good-looking as you say. Research, you know. Gotta keep on top of that."

"Obviously. You wouldn't want to settle for anything less than the best."