"Okay, that's actually pretty neat. And yes I say ducked with my face, how else did you expect me to say it?"

"I dunno! I just didn't totally believe her that you really said that! You could just say 'screwed' if you don't want to swear, you don't have to go all bird vocabulary."

"That's still a little bit sweary."

"What, no, it's not, screwdrivers are not profane."

"Eh, well. I still prefer duck. And it's funny, too."

"Funny-peculiar."

"Thank you!"

"...You're welcome."

He shrugs. "I take some pride in being at least a little bit peculiar."

Alex puts the cards away. "I guess if you've got it flaunt it, huh?"

"Yes!"

Pat pat.

"Did you guys have dinner yet?"

"Nope. Want to go out for Indian?"

"Sounds good to me!"

Bus and Indian restaurant (it's not far from the Mexican place) and buffet! Most of the food is not hand-feedable, but there are kneeling cushions available, and Isabella can give Sadde bites of pakora.

And Sadde eats the stuff and apparently enjoys it thoroughly!

She pulls out her notebook and flips to the inside front cover, where she's copied it out with classes and mealtimes and unscheduled hours in a neat chart.

"I should make one of these."

"It's handy, although I'll have it memorized in like a week."