Free Odd Girl In by Jo Whittemore Page A

doesn’t have a fear of the front of the room, and frankly, I’m offended that you’d try and stump me with triskaidekaphobia. Nobody is afraid of snack crackers, Triscuits or otherwise.”
    Parker opened his mouth but then clamped it shut and nodded.
    Ms. Success continued. “Alexis, I’m disappointed that you didn’t try harder to get to know your classmates, especially since you’re struggling with social skills.”
    I stared at my hands. “Sorry, Ms. Success.”
    â€œWork on it.” She moved on to my brothers. “Nick, I didn’t hear you participate once in class. Did you even read the chapters?”
    â€œI, uh.” He stuttered for a moment, then said, “I didn’t have time.”
    Ms. Success didn’t look remotely sympathetic. “Set a schedule and find some time for reading, okay?”
    â€œYes, ma’am.”
    â€œAnd Parker,” she said, “I’m lethal with a high heel. If you interrupt me during class again, I’m not above decapitating you with a Jimmy Choo.”
    Parker nodded. “Yes, Ms. Success.”
    â€œThose things being said”—she faced us and allowed herself a small smile—“I was impressed with your over-the-top entrance. You rolled with the punches and became the Energetic Evins. You were also supportive of each other, which, I understand from your father, doesn’t happen a lot.” She flashed us a thumbs-up. “Keep up the good work.”
    We grabbed our things and headed for the exit. Assoon as we reached open air, Parker gave an all-over body shudder.
    â€œThat woman is intense . I think my hair’s standing more on end than usual.”
    â€œAnd where am I supposed to find more time?” asked Nick, yawning. “I can barely stay awake for school as it is.”
    I snapped my fingers. “I know just the thing. Wait here!”
    I hurried back into the building and went down the hall to the faculty lounge. I checked to make sure the coast was clear, then I poured a cup of coffee and walked toward the exit as fast as the sloshing liquid allowed.
    Just outside Ms. Success’s office door, I heard voices. Emily was talking to her stepmother.
    â€œI’m not sure if he’s doing it out of pity, but it’s a start,” said Emily. “I mean, he notices me now.”
    I pressed my back against the hallway wall. She was talking about Trevor. With Ms. Success. I never would have imagined the two of them in a conversation like that .
    â€œIf he was smart, he would have noticed you the whole time,” said Ms. Success.
    â€œHe is smart,” said Emily. “ I’m just …” She paused and made an exasperated sound.
    Ms. Success answered with a clucking tongue. “The next words out of your mouth better be positive ones. Nobody insults my kiddo.”
    I stared into the coffee cup I was holding and bit my bottom lip. Emily and Ms. Success were having a mother-daughter moment. I’d always wondered what those were like. Now I kind of wished I’d gotten to know firsthand.
    When I walked past the office, they were too busy laughing together to even notice me.

Chapter 7
    O f course the teamwork project wasn’t just as simple as meeting at Emily’s house. I was required to arrive half an hour before Trevor so Emily could go over the ground rules with me.
    â€œLet me do most of the talking,” she said. “And if I say something funny, laugh heartily.”
    â€œLaugh heartily ?” I repeated. “As in, clutch my belly like Santa Claus?”
    â€œNo, do this …” She slapped her thigh and demonstrated an over-the-top laugh that almost looked painful.
    â€œI’ve never laughed that hard,” I said. “Even when Nick brushed his teeth with bodywash.”
    Emily groaned in aggravation and wandered into the kitchen.
    â€œYou know Trevor isn’t expecting you to be a comedian,” I