Kelly took the stranger's hand and helped herself up, smiling at him in gratitude. "Thank you," she nodded her head slightly out of habit. Kelly turned her head to the other boy who had basically given her a lecture on the word 'perfect.' Her cheeks darkened noticeably. "I'm sorry," she murmured, tempted to avoid his eyes by looking down. She couldn't. It was rude, and cowardly. Instead, Kelly looked directly in his eyes, and allowed herself a small smile. "I really am sorry. It was rude of me, I know. It surprised me too," she admitted. Now she looked downwards sheepishly. Kelly had never enjoyed admitting she was wrong in any sense. Her pride wouldn't allow it.

But right now, it was mandatory.

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