Schooled

Naomi is concerned that Lena is setting her sights on Zach. In order to keep his attention on her, Naomi continues to help Zach, despite her reservations about tormenting Capricorn.

Naomi leaves a letter from “Lorelai Lumley” in Capricorn’s locker, telling him to meet her in a courtyard off the library. Once there, the door locks behind Capricorn, and Naomi and Zach watch from the rooftop as Capricorn maintains his composure until being let out. Naomi tries to make Zach feel better about not getting the response he wanted from Capricorn, saying that at least he was trapped there for a really long time. Zach is not easily consoled: “Yeah, and we were up here a really long time! What’s the point of pranking someone if the prank’s on you as much as on him?” (66).

Zach’s frustration with Capricorn boils down to the fact that Capricorn does not react when he gets pranked, taking all the fun out of it. As Naomi puts it, “Cap Anderson was the ultimate eighth grade president. He fell for every gag, hook, line, and sinker […] There was only one problem: he wasn’t reacting. You could harass him; you just couldn’t upset him” (67).