Unfortunately, Lisa was unable to see Kelly for the remainder of the day because the girl—as expected—had so much to learn about the new school. She was learning what Principal Skinner wanted her to. He told her about the 'vegetarian' sloppy joes. Lisa vowed that, as soon as she saw Kelly next, she would inform her that they were actually made from skunk meat.
Kelly was in the band! She arrived late—apparently she'd gotten lost on her way, and Lisa felt bad immediately for not taking a more proactive role in helping her, even though she'd been busy with getting acquainted on her own—so Lisa only had time to smile and wave at her as Kelly got out her…trombone! How exciting, an instrument that boys tended to play.
Right away, Lisa started thinking of the possibilities. They could help each other study. They could discuss classic literature, vegetarian and vegan meals, animals, nature, /music/. Oh, she could teach Kelly the saxophone and Kelly could teach her trombone! They could play duets…jazz duets if she liked the genre…she had said she liked big band music, so there was a chance, right?
Lisa took the opportunity when class was over. Kelly was putting her trombone back in its case after cleaning it—she cared enough about her instrument to clean it!—and Lisa walked over to her and waved nervously. Nervously? Kelly looked up from her instrument and gifted her with that same wide smile that had made Lisa smile before.
"Hi!" Lisa said, probably projecting a bit more cheerfulness in her voice than normal because of the extra nerves. "In case you don't remember, I'm—"
"Lisa Simpson," Kelly interrupted, although not in a rude way; she was just as excited as the other girl, it seemed, to be talking again. Noticing Lisa's puzzled expression, Kelly explained, "Oh, sorry, I looked at your binder and saw your last name. I was curious. I hope you don't think that's…I don't know…creepy or anything."
"No!" Lisa insisted, quickly, perhaps a bit /too/ quickly. "No, I think it's great that you're actually looking at something beyond what's right in front of you."
"I like to have an open mind." Kelly shut her trombone case and latched it, then stood up and lifted the case. "You can't have an open mind if you refuse to see things that are around you and accept them for what they are." Kelly paused when her stomach growled, and she frowned and let her hand rest on top of it. "I'm starving. Do you want to go get something to eat? I didn't have lunch today; the principal here tried telling me that the sloppy joes were vegetarian." She scoffed, letting her eyes roll as the sound escaped her lips. "But they're not. Clearly there's meat in them."
Lisa just watched Kelly for a second. She couldn't respond. Kelly figured out, on her own? Her palate was truly that of a non-meat-eater! Lisa assumed vegan, but one could never be too sure. Lisa couldn't speak still; all she was able to bring herself to do was nod. Kelly said something that sounded like 'let's go then', and Lisa stalled before following. She watched Kelly turn around. She was still smiling. Her long hair bounced when she walked. She carried her trombone case carefully, unlike most of the other students who allowed their instruments to get thrown around every which way.
By the time Lisa could move her feet, she was too excited to realize that she was, again, blushing.