“Mom used to say that politeness is deception in pretty packaging.”

“Sorry, am I being rude?" she asks."I'm used to saying whatever is on my mind. Mom used to say that politeness is deception in pretty packaging”

“Politeness is deception in pretty packaging.”

“Don't pretend", I say Breathily. "You know I'm not. I'm not ugly, but I am certainly not pretty." "Fine. You're not pretty. So?" He kisses my cheek. "I like how you look. You're deadly smart. You're brave.”

“she’s not pretty, that word is too small. She is not like the girls I used to stare at, all bend and curve and softness. She is small but strong, and her bright eyes demand attention. Looking at her is like waking up.”

“Aren’t you going to ask me if I’m all right?” I say.“No, I’m pretty sure you’re not all right.”He shakes his head. “I’m going to ask you not to make any decisions until we’ve talkedabout it.”

“She tries to turn too soon, and the ladder smacks into Fernando's shoulder."Oh! Sorry, Nando."The jolt knocks his glasses askew. He smiles at Christina and takes the glasses off, shoving them into his pocket."Nando?" I say to him. "I thought the Erudite didn't like nicknames?""When a pretty girl calls you by a nickname," he says, "it is only logical to respond to it.”