"If you don't get into the program, there must be some flaw in the admissions process," Jemma Simmons declared.

"Oh, I'm going to get in," Fitz replied smugly.

"I hope so," Simmons sighed. Ever since she was young, getting into the Emberly Program, an advanced placement program for young STEM geniuses, had been her dream. They would be transferred to a private boarding school with state-of-the-art technology and only the best and brightest students and teachers to work with. It was rumored that Stephen Hawking himself taught a few classes there for top students. Simmons couldn't imagine going there without Fitz by her side. Lately, though, she had been nervous about whether or not she was going to get in. Her science grade was the top in her grade, of course, but she was worried about how she was doing in math. And besides, there was always the possibility of a slip.

"Hey, don't worry about it," Fitz said, putting his hand on hers. "You're the smartest person I know. You'll get in for sure."

"Thanks, Fitz," she said. They'd spent so much time in each others' company, studying and working and, sometimes, just spending time together.

"Although, you got a tough draw for your lab partner," Fitz said. "I mean, Skye Bennet? Really?" He winced. "I honestly can't believe she's in the advanced class."

"Yes, well, I should be able to cover that," Simmons said nervously. "Besides, she could probably use a grade boost."

"It's not fair that you're responsible for her grades," said Fitz. "Has she ever done any homework? At all?"

"I don't know," Simmons said. "I'm just a little...scared. That girl terrifies me. She keep staring at me in class, like she's planning to kidnap and murder me or something."

"I wouldn't put it past her," said Fitz.

"That's why we're meeting to work in a coffee shop," said Simmons. "Completely public, completely safe."

"Unless you go into a dark alley," said Fitz, grabbing her arm suddenly. Simmons shrieked, then laughed.

...

Simmons sat, ramrod-straight, at a table at the local Starbucks. Her collar was popped out from under her purple sweater, and her freshly-ironed skirt was tucked demurely under her legs. She wore her hair in a tightly-bound bun, and her makeup was professional, tasteful, and smooth.

By contrast, Skye, who slouched into the seat across from Simmons ten minutes late, was a mess. She wore a too-big tan jacket over a too-small T-shirt displaying the logo of some metal band Simmons had never head of (she preferred classical music, thank you very much). Her cargo pants were splattered with paint, and her wavy brown hair didn't even look like it had been brushed. Instead, it grew from her head like a tangled briar hedge, framing Skye's stormy face and contributing to the impression that she was likely to scratch you if you touched her. For reasons Simmons couldn't fathom, Skye's bulky laptop was on the table in front of her.

"Right, then," said Simmons. "Let's get to work."

"Wait," said Skye. "Shouldn't we introduce ourselves first?" That was a bit more sociable than Simmons had expected Skye to be, but she was nothing if not polite.

"Oh! Of course," she said. "I'm-"

"Jemma Evangeline Simmons," said Skye. "Born in Oxford on April 3rd, 1998. Skipped two grades in elementary school and taking science classes several levels above her grade. Lives on 774 Maple Grove Drive, phone number 612-555-4389. Currently applying to the Emberly Program, and according to Young Scientists Daily, odds are pretty good that you're getting in. You specialize in biochemistry, while your friend, Leo Fitz, specializes in engineering. You've been best friends since you were about five, have won five separate major national science contests working as a team, and are not currently dating, but he's working up the nerve to ask you out."

"Fitz wouldn't-" Simmons began. "Wait, how did you-" Skye turned her computer around, displaying a page filled with complicated-looking computer code."

"That's what I figured out with a simple scan program in about ten minutes," she said. "I'll bet there's a lot more I could learn if I left it running longer. But I won't. I don't need to." She closed the computer.

"I'm not stupid," she said. "But I am terrifying." The realization hit Simmons like a slap to the face. Skye had heard every word of her conversation with Fitz.

"Oh my goodness," she said. "Skye, I am so sorry."

"Sorry you said that," Skye replied, "or sorry I heard?" She stared Simmons down.

"Both," Simmons said helplessly. "It was unutterably rude of me."

"Yeah, it kinda was," said Skye, crossing her arms.

"Wait," said Simmons. "What was that you said about me getting into the Emberly Program?" Skye smiled mischievously. It was the first time Simmons had ever seen Skye smile. She had to admit, it was a lovely change.

"Maybe I'll tell you later," she said. "But you were right before. We should get to work."

Messages:

Skye Bennet: heres a link 2 the article about the emberly program.

Skye Bennet: btw were fb friends now

Skye Bennet: i thought it would b easier 2 work on the project this way

Jemma Simmons: Skye, while I do admire your computer science prowess, tampering with my Facebook account is a violation of my privacy. The information you found out about me was fair game, I'll admit, but this is most definitely NOT.

Jemma Simmons: Also I would appreciate it if you would abide by the rules of spelling and grammar while you converse with me over the internet.

Skye: lol ur a n00b grl :D :D :D

Jemma Simmons: Why do I bother?