The “oh-poor-baby” expression. I hate that expression. And, oh man, here it comes. Miss Rose reaches out and draws me into the room, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. It’s sort of like a hug, except she’s also making sure I’m in exactly the right place for the spotlight to hit me. The shoulder she’s holding goes stiff. “Everyone?” she says. “Everyone? If I could have your attention?” I don’t know why she even asks. New kid in class is a big deal anywhere, and in Grin And Bear It, it’s like the circus has come to town. I stand like the acrobat on the high wire—drumroll and all—trying hard to
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