Chapter 07.03

Once everyone had a copy, Karen wrote the remaining time on the board and quietly sat down next to Jenny, pulling out a book to read. I stayed low over my desk, scribbling my name on the paper and starting the test.

People began whispering and pulling out books. Karen rolled her eyes, set her book down, and stepped up onto the podium. Jenny just smiled and kept reading.

“Of course, you’re free to use any materials and talk quietly,” Karen said, waiting for the laughter to die down. ”But as you all know from last year”—her tone carried a hint of sarcasm—”Dr. Wenword uses this test to tailor your exam content. If today’s test goes better than your actual knowledge, it’ll only make things harder for you. If it goes too poorly, your place here might be reconsidered.”

Everyone quickly put their things away and got to work.

The test was simple—much easier than the transfer exam—so I answered everything without much trouble. On the last page, there were bonus questions. I was pretty sure they weren’t meant to be bonuses for me.

One of the final essay questions on the bonus page was: “When is it appropriate to consume alcohol?”

I nearly laughed out loud—but that would’ve caught Jenny’s attention.

I glanced at her with a smile, but she was completely absorbed in her book. Occasionally, one of the girls would get up and update the time on the board. Every time that happened, several of the guys stopped writing just to stare at them.

We were about halfway through the test when Karen exchanged a few quiet words with Jenny, stood up, updated the time on the board, and quietly left the room with a folder in hand. My girlfriend kept reading.

I had finished long ago, but I couldn’t turn in my test until everyone else did. I was lying over the desk, trying not to be noticeable.When time was up, Jenny stood and cleared her throat.

“Time’s up,” Jenny said aloud. I was still lying low. ”Please bring your tests to the desk.”

Students began standing and placing their papers on the desk before heading out of the room.

“Dave,” I called as he got up. ”Could you hand mine in too?”

“Sure,” he said. I slipped my test under his and crawled back under the desk. I started sneaking out, crouching between the rows of seats toward the exit, while my roommates stared at me in confusion.

“I’m going down to talk to her,” Tom said confidently and headed toward Jenny’s desk.

He made a show of walking up to her and started chatting. I used the distraction to stand up and slip out with the crowd. Dave dropped off both our tests on Jenny’s desk.

I waited in the hallway, pressed against a column, until Jenny came out of the classroom and headed toward one of the exits. It was my lunch break, so I went to the cafeteria and joined my roommates.

“Thanks for the cap,” I said, handing it back to Dave.

“I talked to Mandy,” Tom said proudly.

“Who’s Mandy?” I asked. The others were listening too.

“Oh, right,” he said smugly. ”You guys don’t know. She’s his granddaughter—Mandy Wenword.” I nearly burst out laughing.

“That’s her name?” I asked.

“Yeah,” Tom nodded. ”When I met her at the gym last year, I didn’t know her last name—just Mandy.”

“Got it,” I replied with a straight face.

I finished eating and headed to my next lecture. I didn’t see Uncle Steve or Jenny again that day.