So I read your reviews, and I absolutely love the ideas, so I'm incorporating them into this chapter.

Kate

Kate remained carefully civil towards both Reynie and Sophie the rest of the week. If she found herself in a situation with both at the same time, she politely excused herself, usually to go punch a wall or scream in the faculty bathroom, which had a very pick-able lock and was much nicer than the girls' rooms. It was no secret that Sophie and Reynie were hitting it off immensely well – and Kate had to admit, they made a handsome pair. Grudgingly she found herself beginning to like the girl, against her own will. It is extremely difficult to dislike someone who exudes kindness and warmth – especially when you yourself possess similar qualities.

This drove her to a level of frustration she'd rarely felt before, and most certainly not in such a situation as this. Miss Perumal shot Kate infuriatingly empathetic looks whenever the topic of Sophie was brought up. Instead of making Kate feel any better at all, it only inflamed things, for having someone on her side was almost worse than being alone. She was supposed to be standing on her own two feet!

One evening the weekend after school began, Milligan, who was generally busy working out on the farm or on short stints of secret government operations, and Kate were relaxing on the front porch of Mr. Benedict's house. Number Two and Rhonda had recently acquired a swinging bench under the agreement that no, Constance could not go on it without adult supervision and yes, Kate was allowed, but only if she didn't unscrew anything.

Dusk was falling and the two of them were peacefully swinging, each chewing on apples. Kate was on her eighth when Milligan spoke up.

"What's the matter, Katie-cat?" he asked. "You're quieter than usual."

"I'm – what? I'm not. I'm fine," she insisted.

"Are things alright at school? You know, I told Nicholas that it might be too soon for you. You aren't Reynie, after all."

Reynie. Well, he was certainly hitting it off with every aspect of public school. Even if he wasn't the most popular guy – yet – it was barely the first grading quarter and he basically had a girlfriend.

Milligan was still staring at her intently. "Are you fighting with the boys?"

"No," she said shortly, standing up and stretching. "Everything's fine."

"Okay," he said, clearly hesitant to drop the subject. If Kate made up her mind not to disclose any information, then he knew that he sure as heck wouldn't be able to get anything out of her. Instead, he helped her gather up their apple cores in silence and take them into the kitchen. Kate announced that she was feeling a little tired and wanted to go to sleep; Sticky and Reynie were congregated in one or the other's room, and Constance was having a discussion with Mr. Benedict.

As she slowly trudged up the stairs, Milligan turned to find Miss Perumal watching with a sad expression in her eyes.

"Oh, Kate," she murmured.

"What is it?" asked Milligan immediately. "Did someone do something to her?"

Miss Perumal gave him a look that made him feel rather foolish. "Of course not," she said, "but she's having some difficulties."

"Well, what is it?" Milligan said quickly. "What can I do to help?"

Miss Perumal smiled at him. He was so clearly fond of his daughter – really, he adored her – and it always blew her away how swiftly he'd come to her rescue. "I'm afraid there's nothing you can do." She paused. "Kate's 'affliction' isn't something easily remedied."

"Is she sick?"

Sighing in affectionate exasperation, Miss Perumal motioned for him to take a seat. She took the kettle from the stove and retrieved two mugs, pouring them each a cup of tea. He obliged and drank, thanking her.

"Kate is such an intelligent young lady," Miss Perumal began. "She's very clear-headed, rational, and has a heart of gold."

"I know all that," said Milligan impatiently. "Just tell me."

"Well," said Miss Perumal delicately, "Kate and Reynie have been close friends for a good while now, and it's only natural now."

"Are you saying they're… fighting?"

"Goodness, no! No, Milligan," Miss Perumal said, "Kate likes Reynie." She looked expectantly at him.

"I know that already! They've been good friends, like you said. What does Reynie have to do with Kate's quietness?"

"I'm afraid you don't understand what I'm saying. Kate likes Reynie. She – she has a crush on him."

"What?" Milligan almost dropped his cup in astonishment. "You mean she's in love with him?"

"Not yet," said Miss Perumal, smiling faintly. "It's just a crush, and seeing him so happy with Sophie all the time only makes it worse. That's why. There's your answer. And Milligan – you can not let Kate even suspect that I've told you this."

Dumbfounded, Milligan knotted his brow, trying to process this statement. Kate liked Reynie? As more than a friend? Reynie was a nice enough fellow, but good enough for his Katie-cat? Definitely not.

While he didn't understand the attraction, he loved his daughter and valued her happiness so dearly – particularly since he'd been gone for so much of her life – that he made up his mind instantly to do whatever he must to make her happy. If being with Reynie was so integral to her wellbeing, if that would bring the old Kate back, then he'd just have to learn about matters of the heart and apply them in the same manner in which he always studied various writings prior to embarking on a secret operation. Besides, Kate and Reynie were only teenagers, and according to Miss Perumal this was "just a crush". How hard could it be?