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Midterms loom at [[Roseville High School|Roseville High]], and stress levels are through the roof! [[Daisy]] takes it upon herself to whip [[Tess]] into academic shape, but her tough-love tutoring is a far cry from the gentle treatment her beloved [[Mike|"Mikie"]] gets. Will Daisy's efforts pay off, or will this be one test she can't ace?
Midterms loom at Roseville High, and stress levels are through the roof! [[Daisy]] takes it upon herself to whip [[Tess]] into academic shape, but her tough love tutoring style clashes with the gentle approach she takes with her beloved "Mikie". Will Daisy's efforts pay off, or will this be one test she can't ace?


== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==
The pressure is on as exam time approaches for the Roseville gang. [[Mike]] floats into the cafeteria, riding high on his report card and ready to gloat. "You'd be dancing too if you got '''HONOR ROLL!'''" he proclaims, much to [[Paulo|Paulo's]] annoyance.<ref name=":c29p1">{{Cite chapter|url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p1}}</ref> [[Tess]] looks glum, prompting [[Daisy]] to tactlessly ask "It's not because of your poor grades, is it?" Tess's reaction makes it pretty clear. [[Lucy]] suggests Tess just bribe her teachers, advice that Tess finds appalling.<ref name=":c29p1" />


The pressure is on as exam time approaches for the Roseville gang. [[Mike]] floats into the cafeteria, riding high on his stellar report card and ready to gloat. "You'd be dancing too if you got HONOR ROLL!" he proclaims, much to [[Paulo|Paulo's]] annoyance.<ref name="comicpage-c29p1">{{Cite web | url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p1 | title=Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 1}}</ref> Tess looks glum, prompting Daisy to tactlessly ask "It's not because of your poor grades, is it?" Tess's reaction makes it pretty clear. [[Lucy]] suggests Tess just bribe her teachers for better grades, advice that Tess finds appalling.
Daisy, ever the eager beaver, volunteers to tutor Tess. Skeptical that a student two years younger could even handle her classes, Tess asks to see Daisy's report card. Daisy begins to sweat. The reason becomes clear when Lucy casually hands the card over: straight A+ grades, with a heart-topped doodle of Mike's face alongside them. "'''S-SHUTTUP!!'''" Daisy stammers, beet red.<ref name=":c29p2">{{Cite chapter|url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p2}}</ref> Her perfect marks speak for themselves, though, and the study plan begins. Lucy isn't quite done stirring, mind you. When she starts filling an oblivious Mike in on the doodle, a crazed, blushing Daisy rushes over and punches her square in the face.<ref name=":c29p2" />


Daisy, ever the eager beaver, volunteers to tutor Tess. Initially skeptical a student two years younger could even handle her classes, Tess asks to see Daisy's report card. Daisy begins to sweat. The reason is quickly revealed after Lucy casually grabs it and hands it to Tess - it features a doodle of Mike's face alongside her A+ grades. "S-SHUTTUP!!" Daisy stammers, beet red.<ref name="comicpage-c29p2">{{Cite web | url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p2 | title=Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 2}}</ref> Despite the embarrassing revelation (which eventually earns Lucy a punch in the face), Daisy's perfect grades speak for themselves, and the study plan begins!
[[File:c29_p3_panel9.png|alt=Mike says "She bakes you treats, never raises her voice, and is endlessly patient even in your worst moments".|thumb|Daisy's tutoring service is rather different when you're Mikie.]]
Over at [[Daisy's house]], Daisy channels her inner drill sergeant in an intense montage, rapping rulers and barking orders. No subject is safe from her relentless coaching, from the "Lebensraum" of Nazi Germany to the multiplicity of math. She even makes Tess jog, Rocky-style, while quizzing her on U.S. presidents.<ref name=":c29p3">{{Cite chapter|url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p3}}</ref> Back at lunch, though, the goodwill takes a knock. Mike dreamily raves to Tess about what a sweet, patient tutor Daisy is, and Tess, who has been dragged through the coals, rounds on her tutor for the favoritism. Daisy sees nothing unfair about it, since "Mikie" only needed a little English revision while Tess needed five whole classes re-taught, leaving no time to be nice.<ref name=":c29p3" />


Daisy channels her inner drill sergeant in an intense montage, rapping rulers and barking orders. No subject is safe from her relentless coaching, from the "Lebensraum" of Nazi Germany to the multiplicity of math. She even makes Tess jog, "Rocky"-style, while quizzing her on U.S. presidents.<ref name="comicpage-c29p3">{{Cite web | url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p3 | title=Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 3}}</ref> The fruits of their labor are evident when Tess thanks Daisy before the big exam, acknowledging all her hard work.
Meanwhile, the boys face their own challenges. Mike and David's math teacher, despairing of ever getting his class to calculus, swears he'll hunt them all down if even one of them drops to "Algeom", the dreaded remedial class. [[David]] scoffs, since it's not like anyone uses math in real life. "What do you wanna be, then, David?" the teacher asks. David stares vacantly. "An astronaut." Mike ends up physically holding the enraged teacher back.<ref name=":c29p4">{{Cite chapter|url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p4}}</ref>


Meanwhile, the boys face their own challenges. Mike and David's math teacher threatens to hunt them down if they drop to "Algeom", the dreaded remedial class. David scoffs at the importance of math, much to the teacher's chagrin. "What do you wanna be, then, David?" the teacher asks. David's vacant stare says it all: "An astronaut." <ref name="comicpage-c29p4">{{Cite web | url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p4 | title=Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 4}}</ref> .
Midterm day goes swimmingly for exactly one of them. Daisy sends Tess into the exam room with a pep talk and a high five.<ref name=":c29p4" /> Once the booklet is open, Tess is stunned to realize she knows all of it, and the questions are even easier than Daisy's practice tests.<ref name=":c29p5">{{Cite chapter|url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p5}}</ref> One room over, Daisy opens her own booklet and freezes: "I.. I forgot to study for my '''own''' exam!!" The only science her over-tutored brain can produce is chemistry, and she drifts weeping into a black void of chemistry terms.<ref name=":c29p5" /> After the exam, an ecstatic Tess runs off to thank her tutor. A frazzled, frizz-furred Daisy looms up behind her and chokes her with a low "'''You ruined me..'''", while Lucy snickers.<ref name=":c29p5" />
 
As Tess begins her exam, she's shocked to realize "I.. know all of this!!" Daisy's rigorous practice tests have prepared her well. Tess thinks triumphantly, "I never thought I could be THIS sure of myself!" But in a tragic twist, Daisy suddenly realizes "I forgot to study for my OWN exam!!" Overwhelmed by despair, Daisy's mind goes blank, filled only with basic chemistry terms as her hopes fade away.<ref name="comicpage-c29p5">{{Cite web | url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p5 | title=Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 5}}</ref> After the exam, Tess seeks out her tutor, eager to thank her... but a seething, frazzled Daisy strangles her before she can get a word out.
 
== Critical moments ==
* Mike's honor roll achievement sparks joy and resentment among his friends.<ref name="comicpage-c29p1">{{Cite web | url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p1 | title=Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 1}}</ref>
* Tess's poor grades leave her dreading midterms, until Daisy enthusiastically offers to tutor her.<ref name="comicpage-c29ps1-2">{{Cite web | url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p1 | title=Chapter 29: Midterm Time, pages 1-2}}</ref>
* Daisy's intense coaching methods clash with her gentle approach to Mike, exposing her favoritism and leaving Tess feeling slighted.<ref name="comicpage-c29p3">{{Cite web | url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p3 | title=Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 3}}</ref>
* Tess is elated to find the exam easier than expected thanks to Daisy's rigorous preparation, while Daisy realizes she neglected her own studies in the process.<ref name="comicpage-c29p5">{{Cite web | url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p5 | title=Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 5}}</ref>
 
== Story themes ==
 
* '''The Perils of Young Love''': Daisy's not-so-secret affection for Mike is highlighted as her lovingly doodled report card is exposed.<ref name="comicpage-c29p2">{{Cite web | url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p2 | title=Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 2}}</ref> Her mortified reaction speaks volumes about the vulnerability of wearing your heart on your sleeve (or in this case, on your report card).
[[File:Daisy’s tutoring service is rather different when you’re Mikie..png|alt=Mike says “She bakes you treats, never raises her voice, and is endlessly patient even in your worst moments”.|thumb|Daisy’s tutoring service is rather different when you’re Mikie.]]
* '''Daisy's Double Standards:''' Daisy's no-nonsense approach to tutoring Tess is juxtaposed with her patient, gentle treatment of her crush Mike. This double standard in teaching styles leads to friction between Daisy and Tess, who feels pushed beyond her limits. Tess is incensed when Daisy explains why: “I literally needed to reteach you five classes so I had no time to be nice."<ref name="comicpage-c29p3" />
* '''The Price of Prioritizing Others:''' Daisy's all-consuming focus on helping Tess succeed academically comes at a steep personal cost. By neglecting her own exam preparation, Daisy sets herself up for a rude awakening when faced with questions she can't answer.<ref name="comicpage-c29p5" />


== Character dynamics ==
== Character dynamics ==
 
* '''Tess and Daisy:''' Before this chapter the two barely knew each other, and Tess's opinion of the "brainiac" skipped into her junior math class was not exactly glowing.<ref name=":c21p5">{{Cite chapter|url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c21/p5}}</ref> Daisy confidently asserts her academic capability anyway, even taking a jab at Tess's "messy" notes.<ref name=":c29p2" /> Her strict, demanding approach contrasts with her gentle treatment of Mike, a fact that Tess calls out as unfair.<ref name=":c29p3" /> All the same, Tess genuinely appreciates Daisy's dedication, and by exam morning there's real warmth between them, sealed with a thank-you and a high five.<ref name=":c29p4" /> Hopefully the strangulation in the final panel doesn't leave a mark.
* '''Tess and Daisy:''' Tess and Daisy's relationship takes center stage as Daisy offers to tutor the struggling Tess. Despite Tess' initial skepticism about a freshman helping her, Daisy arrogantly asserts her academic capability, even taking a jab at Tess' "messy" notes.<ref name="comicpage-c29p2" /> As the tutoring begins, Daisy's strict and demanding approach contrasts with her gentle treatment of Mike - a fact that Tess calls out as unfair.<ref name="comicpage-c29p3" /> However, Tess does genuinely appreciate Daisy's dedication, and their bond strengthens as Tess' confidence grows leading up to the midterms. Hopefully the strangulation in the final panel doesn't leave a mark.
* '''Daisy and Mike:''' The heart-topped doodle on Daisy's report card says plenty about her feelings,<ref name=":c29p2" /> and she would sooner punch Lucy in the face than let Mike hear about it. Mike remains blissfully oblivious, praising Daisy to Tess as "the sweetest tutor ever".<ref name=":c29p3" /> Apparently, she even bakes him treats!
* '''Daisy and Mike:''' Daisy's affection for Mike is revealed when her report card doodle of him is discovered.<ref name="comicpage-c29p2">{{Cite web | url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p2 | title=Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 2}}</ref> Her violent reaction to Lucy nearly exposing this secret highlights the depth of her embarrassment and desire to keep her feelings hidden. Later, Mike's unknowing praise of Daisy as "the sweetest tutor ever" showcases his obliviousness to her affections.<ref name="comicpage-c29p3">{{Cite web | url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p3 | title=Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 3}}</ref> Apparently, she even bakes him treats!
* '''Mike, Paulo and [[Abbey]]:''' When Mike shares his honor roll status, Paulo dismisses it with a curt "Loser", while Abbey warmly congratulates him.<ref name=":c29p1" /> Abbey even calls out Paulo's intolerance, asking "He gets on your nerves no matter what, doesn't he?"<ref name=":c29p1" />
[[File:Chapter29-page01-panel02.png|alt=Paulo gruffly says “What is he doing NOW?” at a floating Mike. Abbey scowls: “He gets on your nerves no matter what, doesn’t he?”|thumb|The boys squabble.]]
* '''Daisy and Lucy:''' Lucy spends the chapter treating Daisy's secrets as public property, from handing Tess the report card to very nearly telling Mike about the doodle. For that, Daisy punches her in the face — the first time anyone in the friend group has ever hit Lucy.<ref name=":c29p2" /> There are no hard feelings, if the ending is anything to go by. Lucy is back to snickering "Pff." at Daisy's misfortune by the last page.<ref name=":c29p5" />
* '''Mike, Paulo and [[Abbey]]:''' The trio's dynamics are on full display as they react to Mike's academic achievement. When Mike excitedly shares his honor roll status, Paulo dismisses it with a curt "Loser", while Abbey warmly congratulates him.<ref name="comicpage-c29p1" /> This contrast highlights Paulo's disdain for Mike's quirks and Abbey's more supportive nature as a friend. Abbey even calls out Paulo's intolerance, saying "He gets on your nerves no matter what, doesn't he?" - a direct challenge to Paulo's unreasonable irritation with Mike.
* '''Daisy and Lucy''': When an elated Tess rushes to thank Daisy after acing her midterms, Daisy is shockingly furious, going so far as to choke Tess while declaring "You ruined me...<ref name="comicpage-c29p5">{{Cite web | url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p5 | title=Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 5}}</ref> Lucy just snickers "Pff." at Daisy's meltdown, amused by her friend's self-sabotaging over-helpfulness. It's a pretty typical display of Lucy's often unsympathetic, snarky attitude towards Daisy's tribulations.


== Trivia & observations ==
== Trivia & observations ==
 
* Veronica says the whole chapter began with a reader complaining that Tess was "too perfect", pointing to her generous tip to the carollers in [[Feline Festivities]].<ref name=":c28p9">{{Cite chapter|url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c28/p9}}</ref><ref name=":c29p1" /> The idea that Tess is unimpressive at school snowballed from there.<ref name=":c29p1" />
* Mike reveals he made the honor roll for the first time.<ref name="comicpage-c29p1" />
* "Lebensraum", which Daisy drills into Tess mid-meditation, is a real Nazi-era concept meaning "living space", used to justify German territorial expansion.<ref name=":c29p3" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebensraum |title=Lebensraum |website=Wikipedia |access-date=2024-06-03}}</ref>
* This chapter marks the first time Tess and Daisy have a major interaction.
* Tess jogging in a tracksuit while being drilled on U.S. presidents is a clear shout-out to Rocky's iconic training montage.<ref name=":c29p3" /><ref>{{cite web | title=Training Montage - Rocky |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1tza4BxVfA |website=youtube.com |language=en |format=video}}</ref>
* The term "Lebensraum" that Daisy quizzes Tess on is a reference to a key concept in Nazi ideology during World War II, meaning "living space". It was used to justify German territorial expansion.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebensraum |title=Lebensraum |website=Wikipedia |access-date=2024-06-03}}</ref>
* Veronica has said "Algeom" is based on a real remedial class at her own high school, for students who couldn't get into regular Algebra.<ref name=":c29p4" />
* Tess jogging in a tracksuit while being drilled on U.S. Presidents is a clear shout-out to Rocky's iconic training montage.<ref>{{cite web | title=Training Montage - Rocky |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1tza4BxVfA |website=youtube.com |language=en |format=video}}</ref>
* Daisy's fur frizzing up under stress is her "half Selkirk Rex gene" at work, per Veronica, who promises the trait will be back ("Rain and stress — Daisy's worst enemies").<ref name=":c29p5" /> Her curls previously frizzed up in the rain in [[Helping Hands]].<ref name=":c8p5">{{Cite chapter|url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c8/p5}}</ref>
* The Math Teacher's threat to hunt down any student who drops to "Algeom" is a reference to a remedial math class in Taeshi's real high school, for those who couldn't handle regular Algebra.
* Daisy's lovestruck doodle has a mirror in [[Unfulfilled Fantasy]], where Mike doodles [[Sandy]] on his own schoolwork.<ref name=":c29p2" /><ref name=":c17p4">{{Cite chapter|url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c17/p4}}</ref>
* David's aspiration to be an astronaut is played for laughs given his dismissive attitude towards math education. In reality, astronauts require extensive knowledge of mathematics, physics, and engineering.
* On Tumblr, Veronica has named Midterm Time as a chapter that captures "Daisy's unintentional bluntness.. she says what she thinks a lot of the time".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bittersweetcandybowl.tumblr.com/post/816089535791431680/i-too-have-heard-that-you-like-hearing-peoples |website=Tumblr |date=2026-05-08}}</ref>
* Daisy's violent outburst in choking Tess and screaming "You ruined me.." after the midterm is shockingly out of character for the normally sweet Daisy.<ref name="comicpage-c29p5">{{Cite web | url=https://www.bittersweetcandybowl.com/c29/p5 | title=Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 5}}</ref> It's a rare glimpse of her unhinged side that will pop up again in later chapters.


== Related chapters ==
== Related chapters ==
 
* '''[[Feline Festivities]]''': The chapter immediately before this one, in which Tess tips the Christmas carollers fifty dollars. Lucy witnessed that tip, and she clearly still has it in mind when she advises slipping the teacher a fifty.
* '''[[Enter High School]]''': Mike and Lucy's differing class placements and the group's reactions to Daisy being a "smart" freshman set the stage for the academic pressures and dynamics at play in "Midterm Time". Tess is also shown rolling her eyes in response to "Mr. Noodles'" impassioned speech about the HSPA and SATs.
* '''[[Enter High School]]''': The math teacher makes his debut there, vowing to get every one of his students into calculus. It's also where Daisy is skipped into Tess's junior-year math class, which she brings up when offering to tutor.
* '''[[The Burden of Parenthood]]''': We see Daisy's academic prowess on display here too, as she easily grasps concepts for the baby assignment that leave Tess and others struggling. Her eagerness to tutor and impress Mike also mirrors her efforts in Chapter 29.
* '''[[Bonding]]''': Daisy remembers this chapter's tutoring in a flashback, ruler smack and all, noting that Tess "passed those midterms.. eventually!"
* '''[[Safe Boundaries]]''': Years down the line, Daisy tutors Tess through another round of midterms, and Tess once again thanks her for all the help.


== References ==
== References ==
 
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}{{BCB chapters}}
{{BCB chapters}}
[[Category:Chapters]]
[[Category:Chapters]]
[[Category:Volume One]]
[[Category:Volume One]]
[[Category:Omnibus 1]]
[[Category:Omnibus 1]]

Revision as of 09:50, 19 July 2026

Midterm Time
Chapter29 of 127 (list of chapters)
PublishedJanuary 12, 2007 (2007-01-12)
Page count5
Major charactersMike, Daisy, Tess
Minor charactersLucy, Paulo, David, Abbey, Math Teacher
LocationsRoseville High School, Daisy's house
Collected inVolume One, Omnibus 1
Chapter navigation
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Midterms loom at Roseville High, and stress levels are through the roof! Daisy takes it upon herself to whip Tess into academic shape, but her tough-love tutoring is a far cry from the gentle treatment her beloved "Mikie" gets. Will Daisy's efforts pay off, or will this be one test she can't ace?

Synopsis

The pressure is on as exam time approaches for the Roseville gang. Mike floats into the cafeteria, riding high on his report card and ready to gloat. "You'd be dancing too if you got HONOR ROLL!" he proclaims, much to Paulo's annoyance.[1] Tess looks glum, prompting Daisy to tactlessly ask "It's not because of your poor grades, is it?" Tess's reaction makes it pretty clear. Lucy suggests Tess just bribe her teachers, advice that Tess finds appalling.[1]

Daisy, ever the eager beaver, volunteers to tutor Tess. Skeptical that a student two years younger could even handle her classes, Tess asks to see Daisy's report card. Daisy begins to sweat. The reason becomes clear when Lucy casually hands the card over: straight A+ grades, with a heart-topped doodle of Mike's face alongside them. "S-SHUTTUP!!" Daisy stammers, beet red.[2] Her perfect marks speak for themselves, though, and the study plan begins. Lucy isn't quite done stirring, mind you. When she starts filling an oblivious Mike in on the doodle, a crazed, blushing Daisy rushes over and punches her square in the face.[2]

Mike says "She bakes you treats, never raises her voice, and is endlessly patient even in your worst moments".
Daisy's tutoring service is rather different when you're Mikie.

Over at Daisy's house, Daisy channels her inner drill sergeant in an intense montage, rapping rulers and barking orders. No subject is safe from her relentless coaching, from the "Lebensraum" of Nazi Germany to the multiplicity of math. She even makes Tess jog, Rocky-style, while quizzing her on U.S. presidents.[3] Back at lunch, though, the goodwill takes a knock. Mike dreamily raves to Tess about what a sweet, patient tutor Daisy is, and Tess, who has been dragged through the coals, rounds on her tutor for the favoritism. Daisy sees nothing unfair about it, since "Mikie" only needed a little English revision while Tess needed five whole classes re-taught, leaving no time to be nice.[3]

Meanwhile, the boys face their own challenges. Mike and David's math teacher, despairing of ever getting his class to calculus, swears he'll hunt them all down if even one of them drops to "Algeom", the dreaded remedial class. David scoffs, since it's not like anyone uses math in real life. "What do you wanna be, then, David?" the teacher asks. David stares vacantly. "An astronaut." Mike ends up physically holding the enraged teacher back.[4]

Midterm day goes swimmingly for exactly one of them. Daisy sends Tess into the exam room with a pep talk and a high five.[4] Once the booklet is open, Tess is stunned to realize she knows all of it, and the questions are even easier than Daisy's practice tests.[5] One room over, Daisy opens her own booklet and freezes: "I.. I forgot to study for my own exam!!" The only science her over-tutored brain can produce is chemistry, and she drifts weeping into a black void of chemistry terms.[5] After the exam, an ecstatic Tess runs off to thank her tutor. A frazzled, frizz-furred Daisy looms up behind her and chokes her with a low "You ruined me..", while Lucy snickers.[5]

Character dynamics

  • Tess and Daisy: Before this chapter the two barely knew each other, and Tess's opinion of the "brainiac" skipped into her junior math class was not exactly glowing.[6] Daisy confidently asserts her academic capability anyway, even taking a jab at Tess's "messy" notes.[2] Her strict, demanding approach contrasts with her gentle treatment of Mike, a fact that Tess calls out as unfair.[3] All the same, Tess genuinely appreciates Daisy's dedication, and by exam morning there's real warmth between them, sealed with a thank-you and a high five.[4] Hopefully the strangulation in the final panel doesn't leave a mark.
  • Daisy and Mike: The heart-topped doodle on Daisy's report card says plenty about her feelings,[2] and she would sooner punch Lucy in the face than let Mike hear about it. Mike remains blissfully oblivious, praising Daisy to Tess as "the sweetest tutor ever".[3] Apparently, she even bakes him treats!
  • Mike, Paulo and Abbey: When Mike shares his honor roll status, Paulo dismisses it with a curt "Loser", while Abbey warmly congratulates him.[1] Abbey even calls out Paulo's intolerance, asking "He gets on your nerves no matter what, doesn't he?"[1]
  • Daisy and Lucy: Lucy spends the chapter treating Daisy's secrets as public property, from handing Tess the report card to very nearly telling Mike about the doodle. For that, Daisy punches her in the face — the first time anyone in the friend group has ever hit Lucy.[2] There are no hard feelings, if the ending is anything to go by. Lucy is back to snickering "Pff." at Daisy's misfortune by the last page.[5]

Trivia & observations

  • Veronica says the whole chapter began with a reader complaining that Tess was "too perfect", pointing to her generous tip to the carollers in Feline Festivities.[7][1] The idea that Tess is unimpressive at school snowballed from there.[1]
  • "Lebensraum", which Daisy drills into Tess mid-meditation, is a real Nazi-era concept meaning "living space", used to justify German territorial expansion.[3][8]
  • Tess jogging in a tracksuit while being drilled on U.S. presidents is a clear shout-out to Rocky's iconic training montage.[3][9]
  • Veronica has said "Algeom" is based on a real remedial class at her own high school, for students who couldn't get into regular Algebra.[4]
  • Daisy's fur frizzing up under stress is her "half Selkirk Rex gene" at work, per Veronica, who promises the trait will be back ("Rain and stress — Daisy's worst enemies").[5] Her curls previously frizzed up in the rain in Helping Hands.[10]
  • Daisy's lovestruck doodle has a mirror in Unfulfilled Fantasy, where Mike doodles Sandy on his own schoolwork.[2][11]
  • On Tumblr, Veronica has named Midterm Time as a chapter that captures "Daisy's unintentional bluntness.. she says what she thinks a lot of the time".[12]

Related chapters

  • Feline Festivities: The chapter immediately before this one, in which Tess tips the Christmas carollers fifty dollars. Lucy witnessed that tip, and she clearly still has it in mind when she advises slipping the teacher a fifty.
  • Enter High School: The math teacher makes his debut there, vowing to get every one of his students into calculus. It's also where Daisy is skipped into Tess's junior-year math class, which she brings up when offering to tutor.
  • Bonding: Daisy remembers this chapter's tutoring in a flashback, ruler smack and all, noting that Tess "passed those midterms.. eventually!"
  • Safe Boundaries: Years down the line, Daisy tutors Tess through another round of midterms, and Tess once again thanks her for all the help.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 1
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 2
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 3
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 4
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Chapter 29: Midterm Time, page 5
  6. ↑ Chapter 21: Enter High School, page 5
  7. ↑ Chapter 28: Feline Festivities, page 9
  8. ↑ "Lebensraum". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
  9. ↑ "Training Montage - Rocky" (video). youtube.com.
  10. ↑ Chapter 8: Helping Hands, page 5
  11. ↑ Chapter 17: Unfulfilled Fantasy, page 4
  12. ↑ Tumblr. 2026-05-08 https://bittersweetcandybowl.tumblr.com/post/816089535791431680/i-too-have-heard-that-you-like-hearing-peoples. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
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