Prologue

Sometimes the labels we give people hurt them more than we intend them to.

Like the boy you call NERD.

Maybe someday you'll find yourself in a sticky situation and that NERD will be the only one willing to save you.

So watch what you say. And maybe shoot that NERD a smile next time you pass him in the hallways.

You never know who needs a smile.

*

Scout Jones was the BADASS, the SLUT, the BITCH. But she had her reasons, everyone has their own reasons.

Lincoln Adams was the NERD, the PUSHOVER, the LOSER. But he never let it get to him, even when he wanted to cry, he put on a smile and took the abuse.

They were unexpected, and different.

Two completely different people brought together by an unlikely dilemma.