Aaron was having an absolutely miserable day. The only plus side was that after the forced inspection of his backpack for illegal substances when he exhibited "suspicious behavior" (i.e., extreme adversity to any physical contact) no kid was coming within five yards of him. He was eating an airport Snickers bar, which is the ultimate in teenager nutrition, and he was ruminating on what had made the dean such a bitter person, when Madison's tentative good will edged into his senses. Looking up with some surprise, he gave her a little nod of agreement. "As long as you don't care about your rep, I guess." 'Rep' was a word that Aaron had seen used on television. He was perversely pleased to get a chance to use it.