Almost Demon (The Sigil Cycle) Read Online Free

reasons I didn’t want to show up on the football field ever again and try to be normal again. I just couldn’t.
    “Like I said, I’ll think about it. I have to check what days I’m going to be at the library.”
    “Why do you insist on working for free?”
    “It’s better than sitting in an empty house,” I said.
    “Yeah, but I told you that I’d come hang out. Plus, I’m sure Senator Harris would love to pay you to make his coffee.” 
    “Sorry, Charlotte, but a paycheck cannot make spending time with your Dad any more enticing," I said, patting her on the back. 
    We both laughed and it seemed for a moment that everything just might go back to normal.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    C HAPTER T HREE

     
     
    “Charlotte!” I called out, waving out the passenger side window of Mimi’s Prius. There was no room to park the car in the large circular driveway in front of her palatial home. There were cars parked everywhere, even on the lawn. She was waiting near the wrought-iron gate at the front of the property, wearing something that could only be referred to as a frock.
    “What are you wearing?” Jenny called out.
    After smoothing her hand on the crisp cotton of her dress, Charlotte pushed off the wall and approached the car, walking gracefully in heeled sandals over gravel. 
    “I’m sorry, guys. I can’t come.”
    “Why?” I asked. “I thought you cleared it with your parents already.”
    “Last minute fund raiser. Dutiful daughter must attend.” Her voice cracked from the sarcasm and I could only guess what was going on between her parents at home to have gotten her this upset. Charlotte never wanted to be the reason that they were at each other’s throats. I kept telling her she might as well be, that would mean she was at least living life the way she wanted to.
    “Are you sure?” I asked, reaching out to tug the hem of her bright cornflower blue skirt. 
    “I’m just trying to get through the summer. As soon as school starts, they won’t even notice when I’m out of the house. You know how it is. Don’t worry, go have fun without me. We’ll catch up later. My flight isn’t until ten.”
     
    “Will you be joining us today, Miss Pope?”
    “Uh, sorry?” I turned to face Mr. Flynn and was immediately struck by how attractive he was, and confused at how I hadn’t noticed it earlier. 
    Must have been distracted .
    “AP English. Will you be joining?” He had one hand on the doorknob and motioned me in with the other. I don’t recall actually walking to my seat but there I was, in the front row again. 
    “Tick tock,” Mr. Flynn said, glancing at the clock and tapping the white board a few times. “We are here to wax poetic about Shakespeare and Chaucer and let’s throw an American in there for good show, Fitzgerald.” 
    As he passed out the syllabus, I scanned the reading list and groaned. My entire course load had been scheduled at the end of last year under the expectation that I would have Brian helping me. So much for plans.
    “Excuse me.” 
    The temporary bedlam in the classroom drowned out my voice. Now would be the perfect time to sneak out . I gathered my things, my intentions fully focused on trying to get out of this advanced English class and into something better suited for me. 
    Mr. Flynn stopped me mid-stride and blocked my exit. 
    “I think I’m in the wrong class,” I whispered, pleading with my eyes.
    He stared back unwavering and replied, “That is where you’re wrong, Miss Pope. I am pretty confident that I saw your name on the roll.”
    “Oh don’t worry, Mr. Flynn, nobody would mind if Gemma wasn’t here.” Allison’s voice carried across the room. “Or if she fell off the face of the planet.” 
    I resisted the urge to respond amidst the half-concealed giggles and mumbles that followed her comment. “Well, you see, I just don’t think I’ll be needing the credits so I’ll just go settle it with the office.”
    “One day. Just give