The Goddess Test Read Free

which was a brick building that looked more like a large barn than a school. There were hardly enough students to bother building one in the first place, let alone keep it running. Enrolling had been my mother’s idea; after I’d missed my senior year to take care of her, she was determined to make sure I graduated.
    I drove my car into the parking lot two minutes after the first bell rang. Mom had gotten sick that morning, and I didn’t trust the nurse, a round, matronly woman named Sofia, to take care of her properly. Not that there was anything particularly menacing about her, but I’d spent most of the past four years caring for my mother, and as far as I was concerned, no one else could do it right. I’d nearly skipped to stay home with her, but my mother had insisted I go. As difficult as the day had been so far, I was certain it was about to get worse.
    At least I wasn’t alone in the walk of shame through the parking lot. Halfway to the building, I noticed a boy following me. He couldn’t have been old enough to drive, and his white-blond hair stuck out almost as much as his overgrown ears did. Judging from his cheery expression, he couldn’t have cared less that he was late.
    He dashed forward to reach the front door before I did, and much to my surprise, he held it open for me. I couldn’t think of a single guy at my old school who would’ve done that.
    “After you, mademoiselle .”
    Mademoiselle? I stared at the ground to avoid giving him an odd look. No use in being rude the first day.
    “Thanks,” I mumbled, stepping inside and walking faster. He was taller than me though, and he caught up in no time. Much to my horror, instead of passing me, he slowed so we were walking together.
    “Do I know you?”
    Oh, God. Did he expect me to answer? Luckily, he didn’t seem to, as he didn’t give me a chance to respond.
    “I don’t know you.”
    Brilliant observation, Einstein.
    “I should know you.”
    Right outside the office, he swung around, placing himself between me and the entrance. Sticking out a hand, he looked at me expectantly.
    “I’m James,” he said, and I finally got a good look at his face. Still boyish, but maybe he was older than I thought. His features were hardened, more mature than I’d expected. “James MacDuffy. Laugh, and I’ll be forced to hate you.”
    Seeing no other choice, I forced a small smile and took his hand. “Kate Winters.”
    He stared at me for longer than was strictly necessary, a goofy grin on his face. As the seconds ticked by, I stood there, shifting uncomfortably from one foot to the other, and finally I cleared my throat.
    “Er—could you maybe…?”
    “What? Oh.” James dropped my hand and opened the door, once again holding it open for me. “After you, Kate Winters.”
    I stepped inside, drawing my messenger bag closer. Insidethe office was a woman dressed head to toe in blue, with sleek auburn hair I’d have given my right foot to have.
    “Hi, I’m—”
    “—Kate Winters,” interrupted James, falling into place next to me. “I don’t know her.”
    The receptionist managed to simultaneously sigh and laugh. “What is it this time, James?”
    “Flat tire.” He grinned. “Changed it myself.”
    She scribbled on a pink pad of paper, then tore off the sheet and handed it to him. “You walk.”
    “Do I?” His grin widened. “Y’know, Irene, if you keep doubting me like this, I’m going to start thinking you don’t like me anymore. Same time tomorrow?”
    She chuckled, and finally James disappeared. I refused to watch him go, instead staring down at an announcement taped to the counter. Apparently Picture Day was in three weeks.
    “Katherine Winters,” said the woman—Irene—once the office door closed. “We’ve been expecting you.”
    She busied herself looking through a file, and I stood there awkwardly, wishing there was something to say. I wasn’t much of a talker, but I could at least carry on a conversation. Sometimes.