The best part of Belle's school day was World Geography. She didn't quite know why, maybe it was because it was so easy, though easy classes had never been much fun for her. In fact World Geo was her only non accelerated class, and the students in said World Geography class were the kind of people who usually drove her nuts.

Belle glanced up at the clock, 10 minutes left. The lights were off in the classroom and the students were supposed to be watching the video about southeast Asia, however most of them were talking. Mr. Cooley, the tall, bald, world geography teacher who wore hipster glasses and black turtlenecks to school had given up for the day and was entering grades into the grade book. Mr. Cooley was one of Belle's favorite teachers.

"Pst! Madison!" The blonde girl in front of her turned her head quickly.

"Uh...what?"

"Were you sleeping?"

"...no" Madison was Belle's only friend in the class. They had known each other in eighth grade and had been in the same gym class. Thanks to a few similar friends and ideas the two got along very well, though they didn't talk much outside of class. Belle turned back to the clock, three minutes to go, some of the others had noticed and were packing up their bags. Belle and Madison followed suite.

"So what are you doing this weekend?" Madison asked.

"Oh I don't know, most likely read. I'm almost finished with my book and I can't wait to read the next one!"

"What is it?"

"Clockwork Angel, Cassandra Clare. I didn't think I would like it but it is so good!" Belle had alway been an avid reader. She had read all of C.S. Lewis' books in first grade, Percy Jackson in second, and had re-read Harry Potter seven times by fourth. The two chatted for awhile as they walked out of school and then went their separate ways.

Belle walked down the steps at the back of the school and then through the big glass doors. Her bike was locked up along with Tod and Arthur's skateboards. Belle was lucky to live where she did. The weather was always nice enough to bike home, since her father could barely afford his car let only one for her. Belle liked to bike anyways. She pulled on a windbreaker over her black and white striped sweater, with her dark jeans, flats, and thin red scarf around her neck, she felt like she was true French girl.

Belle had been born with France in her head. Her mother's father had been born in Paris and every spring her mom used to go there. Belle didn't remember many of the stories about France, but she did remember the way her mother's face light up when she talked about it.

"Someday I will bring you all over France, you will love it my darling!"

Belle's mother had passed away when she was in third grade. That summer her father had moved from their small town in northern Maine to the much larger Walterville, where her grandmama lived. The three of them moved into her small town home and tried to pretend they were all going to be alright. Belle made friends with a few girls who had been in her new class and life seemed to move on.

Taking off on her bike Belle felt the wind rush through her shoulder-length brown hair. She had recently gotten bangs and couldn't decide if she loved them or hated them. As she biked through the back sidewalks her mind wandered. Mainly about what books to read or if she should try to write something when she got home. Writing after all, was her second favorite thing to do besides reading and singing.

Her father wasn't home yet (not a big surprise there he worked very late) so Belle sat down at the small kitchen table and did her homework quickly. Other Freshman complained about how much homework they had everyday but Belle honestly didn't see much of a difference from last year. After she finished her geometry homework she preheated the oven and started chopping bell peppers. It wasn't until around 7 o'clock that her father finally got home.

"Belle! Belle look at the letter we got!" He bursted in very excitedly, Belle took the fancy cream colored envelope in her hands. In fancy gold cursive her name and address was written. She opened the letter and began to read aloud.

"Dear Miss Belle de Ravin, it is our greatest pleasure to inform you that you have been accepted to attained Walt Academy for your sophomore year. All funds will be payed if you chose to accept this offer. Please reply back within one month of receiving this letter! Oh my goodness! I forgot I even applied Papa I got in!" she laughed in happiness her father twirled her around.

"This could be your chance Belle!"

"Oh I'm so excited! I can't wait for school next year!"