Odd Girl In by Jo Whittemore Read Free Book Online Page A

back the notebook. “That tends to freak people out.”
    She laughed. “Thanks, Alexis. And if you wouldn’t mind …” Emily bowed her head.
    â€œThis conversation never happened,” I said. “Not that anybody would ever believe that I’d given love advice.”
    â€œGood.” Now the usual bounce returned to both Emily’s step and ponytail. “Hey, so you looked kind of sick when you left my stepmom’s office yesterday. Are you okay?”
    I shrugged. “Aside from the night terrors and vomiting? Yes.”
    â€œAlexis!”
    â€œI’m kidding. But are the classes always so intense?” Emily squinted thoughtfully. “If by intense, you mean fabulous and awesome—”
    â€œI don’t.”
    She acted as if she didn’t hear me. “Then yes. Tonight’s will be just as intense. My stepmom is very passionate about what she does.”
    I nodded. “Like a cult leader.”
    Emily frowned. “That’s not funny.”
    â€œSorry,” I said.
    We reached the school and I hesitated at the entrance. To sign up for clubs, I’d have to visit the counselor’s office. Ms.Dorf had been waiting there to talk family issues since I’d started junior high.
    â€œHey!” I said brightly to Emily. “You know what would be fun? Going to the counselor’s office together.”
    Ms. Dorf couldn’t possibly expect me to discuss personal issues in front of someone else. I linked my arm through Emily’s the way I’d seen girls do with friends.
    â€œUm, okay,” she said. “But why?”
    â€œI’m joining some clubs. You know, to work on my ‘social skills.’” I put the words in air quotes.
    Oddly enough, that seemed genuinely exciting to her. Emily beamed and jerked me into a fast walk. “Which clubs?”
    I shrugged. “Whichever ones meet today.”
    She slowed a little to look at me. “You’re joking.”
    â€œIf I had a choice, I wouldn’t be doing this at all,” I said. “But apparently going to Chloe’s party isn’t enough of a social effort. Not even if I braid everyone’s hair.”
    â€œYou’re going to the slumber party?” Emily clutched my arm, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
    I was kind of afraid to say yes in case she dismembered me in her excitement, but when I didn’t respond, she almost pulled my arm out of its socket anyway.
    â€œAre you?” she asked.
    â€œOw! Yes!”
    Emily squealed and threw her arms around me. “We’re going to have so much fun at Chloe’s!”
    I patted her shoulder. “If she has firecrackers and an old toilet, we’ll certainly try.”
    Emily freed herself and knocked on the door to the counselor’s office.
    Ms. Dorf poked her head out. “Hello, Emily!” She turned to me with confusion. “And Alexis. What a nice surprise! Are you here to …” She paused. “What can I do for you?”
    â€œI’m not here to talk about my mom, first of all,” I said. “She’s not a part of my life anymore.”
    Ms. Dorf smiled gently. “Oh, I think your mom’s a bigger part of your life than you realize.”
    I shook my head. “Whatever. I’m here for extracurriculars. Can you help me?”
    â€œOf course.” Ms. Dorf pulled the door open.
    While Emily and I sat, Ms. Dorf grabbed a list of school clubs off her desk. “I have to say, I’m pleased to finally see you taking an interest in social activities, Alexis. What are you considering?”
    â€œHow about …” I closed my eyes and stabbed randomly at the paper. When I pulled back my finger to reveal my selection, I said, “French club.”
    Ms. Dorf looked slightly less pleased. “I really hope you don’t make all of your decisions that way.”
    â€œNo, usually there’s a dartboard