“I’m glad Asher included you on his team. He’s a smart kid.” She leaned forward, steepling her fingers. “What sorts of things are you focusing on?”
“Physics stuff in general. I didn’t get to do much of that at my last school, so I’m learning something new every day. I think I’m finally getting the hang of it, though it feels a bit like studying a foreign language.”
“I can imagine. It’s always hard to be thrown into a new situation, but you seem to be doing well. I’m impressed. How about your classmates? Are you making friends?”
I stared at the slick glass desk for what felt like a full minute before finally answering. “I’m not sure if I’d say that. They’ve all known each other for so long, and everyone has the same sort of background and experiences. It’s tough to find something in common.” I shrugged. “Not to mention I don’t exactly feel qualified to be in the same room as most of them.”
“Oh, Lexie.” She shook her head, her voice kind and gentle. “You do belong here. I know you’re still struggling, but trust me. You’d be bored to death at Branston Academy.”
I froze, then remembered Dad must have told her about Grant’s attack. “How do you know?”
“I’ll let you in on a little secret. I used to work there myself. Your dad and I were coworkers actually. When things got bad, we both decided to leave. It wasn’t easy. Branston doesn’t let go of anything if they can help it.” The smile faded from her face.
“I wasn’t sure at first, but I like QT. And from what Dad said, I’m better off here. But I still wonder, especially on the days where I feel like a failure.”
“You do fit in here, Lexie. I promise. It’s just going to take some time. And I’m always here if you need me.” She turned to her computer. “Now, I want to hear all about your part of the experiment and if you guys are discovering anything interesting with the verification process.”
I blinked rapidly and then spent the next ten minutes walking a fine line between honesty and omission. She was very interested to learn about the simulation Zella, Max, and Amy were working on and that our verification project was right on track. Nothing unusual to report as of yet.
I felt very scientific and professional when she nodded and said, “It sounds like your team is making great progress. I’m pleased. Keep up the good work.”
“Thanks, Dr. Danvers.” I tugged my bag from beneath the chair. “I appreciate you taking the time out of your schedule to meet with me.”
“Any time, Lexie. And I’d love to be kept in the loop if you discover anything unusual.”
There it was. I twisted my fingers together, surprised it had taken her that long to say it. “Of course. You’ll be the first to know.”
“Excellent. Now, I really need to get to a meeting in Division Seven. If you’ll excuse me?” She was already gathering up her tablet, so I nodded and scurried down the hall to the main door, waving to Marilyn as I left.
Outside, I rounded the corner before sinking back against the wall and wiping my sweating palms on my pants. I still couldn’t tell if I’d been reading more into our meeting than was there, but whatever the truth was, I needed to stop worrying about it. If Danvers had suspected something was wrong, she would have said something.
“Hey, you okay?” Zella stood at the end of the hallway. “You look pale.”
I straightened, forced myself back into friendly-Lexie mode. “I’m fine. I just had a meeting with Danvers.”
Zella’s eyes widened. “Really? What for?”
“She’s been really nice. Wants to make sure I’m fitting in I guess.” I shrugged and started toward the elevators. “I think she feels sorry for me.”
Zella followed, hitching her backpack up her shoulder. “QT is pretty different from what you’re used to?”
“Um, yeah. Just a little.” I pressed the elevator call button, and Zella frowned at me.
“I just don’t get it. I mean, if you’re that smart, wouldn’t you have tested out of regular public school? Wouldn’t they have sent you here a long time ago?”
I froze. I’d been wondering how long it would take for someone else to ask that question. And I still didn’t have a good answer. So I shrugged, trying to play it off. “Public school was easy; I didn’t have to work at it. And my dad wasn’t exactly around to keep an eye on me. I’d still be there if I hadn’t been stupid and scored too high on a test last year.” The best lies always had a hint of truth.
She shoved her hands into her pockets and shook her head. “It just doesn’t seem possible.”
I glared at her. “Oh my god, Zella, give it a rest. You don’t think I’m smart enough to be here? That’s fine. But I’m sick and tired of hearing it. Danvers obviously believes I belong here. And Asher does, too.”
“Asher’s only interested in you because you’re new. Like everyone else.”
“Well, it’s been a month. If they were going to get tired of me by now, don’t you think it would have happened?” I crossed my arms. “You know what, Zella? I don’t care what you think of me, but we have to work together on this project, which means we have to get along.”
“I don’t have to do anything,” she snapped. “Especially when I haven’t seen one reason why you should still be here.”
“No? How about what Asher and I discovered this weekend? Have you heard about that yet?”
The elevator doors slid open, and I stomped into the car. She followed me inside but didn’t respond.
“Guess not then. Well, I’m sure he’ll tell you. Eventually.” I crossed my arms, watching the lights on the panel as we descended toward Asher’s office.
Zella huffed, and I resisted glaring at her again. I still had no idea what her problem was. It just didn’t make sense. What had I done to piss her off so badly?
I fled the elevator, not bothering to wait for her, and pressed my thumb to the scanner, barely waiting for the beep to shove open the door.
Max and Amy were already waiting for us, and Max tilted his head to study me. “Everything all right?”
Zella threw herself into a chair, still glaring. I ignored her and gave Max my friendliest smile. “Just fine.”
“Hey, Lexie. Zella.” Amy had her feet up on Asher’s desk and was playing with a strand of her hair. “Did you see Asher anywhere? He’s late as usual.”