The chapter shifts to the past, where Camille Ashwood starts her first day at Meadowlark High School after years in private school. While leaving the main office, Camille collides with a blond boy with gray eyes and a nose ring, sending her books and schedule scattering.

The boy steadied Camille and joked that he was used to girls throwing themselves at him. Camille, flustered and unusually quiet, observed his features, including a nose ring he said he got after losing a bet to his friend Wes, and a forearm tattoo she could not fully make out.

As the boy helped gather her books, he read her name and schedule aloud—"Camille Ashwood"—and noted her next class was chemistry. Camille managed a few replies but was mostly tongue-tied, distracted by his appearance and demeanor, especially the way he spoke.

When Camille tried to head to class, she walked the wrong way. The boy corrected her and introduced himself as Dusty. Embarrassed, Camille passed him again and kept walking without replying, but the encounter clearly marked their first meeting.