When Jake gets home from school after his conversation with Willie, he looks around his room at all the science fair materials everywhere. He gets madder and madder. He decides that he will not quit the science fair, after all, because this is what Kevin and Marsha want to happen. He thinks of a better solution. In the morning, he asks his father to drive him to school so that he can get there early. On the way, Jim asks whether Jake needs any help with his project. Jake declines, explaining that students are expected to do all the work themselves. His father says that he thinks he should at least take a look at Jake’s work, and Jake agrees to this plan.

Jake heads for Mrs. Snavin’s room. He explains to her that he wants to be partners with Willie now. Mrs. Snavin checks the rule book to see if there is any rule against students in different classes working together or against choosing a partner so late in the process. There isn’t any, so she gives her consent. Jake goes to meet Willie’s bus. He calls Willie over and explains his idea. Willie is excited, but he wonders what caused Jake to change his mind.