Torture by maths should be a felony.

I glowered back up at him. "Did you need something?"
He didn't move. "Where are you going?"
"To plot your downfall," I snapped. I bent to retrieve my bag and then sneaked beneath his arm. It wasn't the most dignified exit, but it worked.

You're Gideon's friend."
I laughed. Gideon's friend, of course. "Only because his mother pays me to hang out with him."
"Can she pay me?" Elspeth asked.
Iris, moving into the room, rolled her eyes at her sister.

I've heard youngsters use some of George Lucas' terms -- "the Force" and "the dark side." So it must be hitting somewhere. It's a good sound teaching, I would say.

Audrey Hepburn has influenced me.

Because you are the one. You are better than me in some things, and I am better than you in others...I don’t mind being a bit like you. I hope you don’t mind being a bit like me.