What in the huh? Does Sarah choose public exhibitions or closed-door assessment?

Public exhibitions

Sarah's face is burning bright red.

"If I do public exhibitions, will the school rules prevent other boys from interfering?" she manages to squeak out.

"Yes," says Mrs. Fletcher simply. "Our rules are quite strict. We do not allow other students to breach each other's personal space, except through activities mandated by faculty, such as this project."

Sarah nods. "Okay. I'll do public exhibitions with Michael," she says. She looks to you with a mixture of sadness and fear, but also hope.

"Very well," says Mrs. Fletcher. "Michael, I hope that you appreciate the trust that Sarah is placing on you. You would do well to respect that. I dare say that you may both enjoy this project if you play your hand right," she says, with a conspiratorial lift of the eyebrow.

You're still none the wiser --- but the description of 'public exhibitions' has quite the intriguing ring to it. "Yes, Mrs. Fletcher."

Mrs. Fletcher nods sagely. "Now, Sarah, you may be excused for five minutes to collect yourself. You may even go to the Faculty Lounge for a cup of coffee if that will help. You may ask Michael to accompany you, if you wish."

Sarah looks to you, searchingly, thinking.