"Yeah, I'm not sure the City cares," Gert said, from behind Violet. As unsympathetic as the words might've been, the expression on her face was apologetic and the purple-haired teen was frowning. "Sorry," she added. "I'm not sure that the City respects test scores. I'm in the same boat; too young to 'drop out' or 'test out,' too old to plod along and swallow the b-s they're selling."
She pulled her hands from her pockets and crossed them over her chest. "Though if they do stick you in high school, you can take Mr. Banner's class. He's okay." And coming from Gert, 'okay' was high praise for any adult.