I was so wrapped up in my head that I almost ran right into Pain at the front doors of the school. I glanced up at the last minute, jerking back from her as she scowled at me, arms crossed over her chest.

"Hi, Pain," I said. "What's up?"

"That's what I'd like to know." She sounded really pissed. Was her makeup not so thick? And where were all her piercings?

"Sorry?" I was so stunned by her missing hardware I didn't put anything together.

"I'm tired of how ...