Ungifted

Ms. Bevelaqua asks Chloe about her friendship with Donovan and whether she would be sad if he had to leave the school. When Chloe asks why he would have to leave, Ms. Bevelaqua insists Chloe must have noticed that Donovan does not fit in. Chloe replies that he is “good at a lot of things I’m not” (120). Further, he passed the test. Ms. Bevelaqua informs Chloe they believe Donovan had help and asks if Chloe provided that help. She is adamant that she would not even help her mother cheat, though she does say that “we” offered to help Donovan study (121). Ms. Bevelaqua asks who comprises that “we,” and Chloe replies, “Are you asking me to rat out my friends?” (121).

The robotics team has transformed the gym into a replica of the Dutchess Auditorium, site of the upcoming competition. Driving Tin Man is the most comfortable Donovan has ever felt with a joystick. He sees the robot as “an extension of [his] will” (122). Donovan drives Tin Man through the course while Mr. Osborne times him. When Tin Man completes his final move, Mr. Osborne calls out the time, informing the class it is their best yet.