Chapter 3

SAT morning. The air in the car was thick with my parents' nervous excitement.

I felt strangely calm.

At the testing center, I saw them. Ms. Evans and Brenda.

Brenda was... not Brenda.

She looked disoriented, her eyes wide and unfocused. She kept trying to rub her head against Ms. Evans's leg, like a cat.

Then she pawed at a lamppost, sniffing it intently.

Ms. Evans hissed, yanking Brenda's arm.

"Brenda! Behave!"

Ms. Evans looked flustered, angry. She shot a furious glance around, as if searching for someone.

Her eyes landed on me.

She clearly thought I was in Brenda' s body, acting out.

She tried to make a subtle gesture, a sharp nod towards the exam hall entrance, her lips mouthing, "Get in there. Do well."

It was meant for the Chloe she believed was trapped in Brenda.

Then, Brenda (Ghost) saw me.

Her-his-eyes lit up with recognition. A small, confused meow-like sound escaped her lips.

Brenda (Ghost) tried to walk towards me, one hand outstretched, her movements jerky and unnatural.

"Chloe?" a garbled sound came out.

Ms. Evans grabbed Brenda (Ghost) forcefully. "What are you doing? Get a grip!"

She practically dragged Brenda (Ghost) towards a different entrance.

To me, Ms. Evans forced a tight smile. "Good luck, Chloe dear. Make us proud."

I nodded, a genuine smile on my face for the first time in what felt like ages.

"I will, Ms. Evans."

I walked into the exam hall, my head held high.

Ready to take my own test, in my own body.

The first part of my plan was working.