He knew she cared. He knew that everyone cared. But he was sick to death of it. It wasn't as if he didn't care about school or learning or his classes. Anyone who was in class with him - which included T.J. and Lizzie, could see he did his work. In class. He was decent with practicals, too. He just didn't test well and he didn't always put his best work into essays. But that didn't mean he didn't know the information. 

"Why would I ask for help if I don't need it?" he snapped back, slipping off the table himself as she closed the distance. He glowered down at her as she glowered up at him. "And you now you went and ruined a perfectly good bowl of melted ice cream!" he added. 

"And if anyone is stubborn, it's you! So, before you go calling the kettle black, take a good look in the mirror!" he added, entirely forgetting, for the moment, that mirrors and T.J. didn't mix anymore. At least, he forgot until after he'd said the words. Instantly, his eyes went wide. "Ah, T.J.," he said, putting up his hands in surrender, "you know what I meant."