Tru is anything but. A midyear transfer, he's the mysterious new 'hood guy who has quickly become the class clown and discovered all his teacher's peeves. And Nell, the reticent isolationist sits nearby, ignoring the daily spectacle of Tru's antics as she writes and sketches in a moleskin and relishes in her seeming-invisibility. They share no connection and have never said a word to one another. Then Ms. Yashar announces a collaborative senior presentation. Nell looks mortified when she hears she must pair up with a classmate. Tru sees her weary look and, lingering after class, asks Ms. Yashar to pair him up with her to save her the awkward "who doesn't have a partner yet?" moment in class. He's used to saving those who need it. But will