I checked my watch. 2:55 PM. Only have to endure five more minutes of boring Biology. I reminded myself. Little did I know within that five minutes our teacher, Mr. Webber, announced to the class about our Biology project – a research on the Central Dogma in genetics. Ugghh.. Another boring topic.
Shortly after that moment my mind changed its focus – from our biology lesson to the fact that when I get home my dad is definitely going to ground me since I left the dishwasher on before leaving school. I was not paying any attention to the project at all. Back to focus, I told myself. I stopped daydreaming and just when I did, Mr. Webber announced the partners for our project.
"…..Isabella Swan and Edward Cullen."
What? What? I could not believe it. My partner was Edward. Oh, terrific. Why should it be Edward of all the students in the class? Edward – perfectly mysterious however sort of a snob… Snap out of it Bella, I told myself again.
After a few moments, the bell finally rang. Joy, freedom! I was happy of the thought that biology was over and forgot about the project. I went out of the room and walked through the hallway going to my locker. I dumped a few books inside and as I was about to close it, Edward appeared.
"Ummm… Hi, Bella," Edward spoke shyly but gently.
"Hi, Edward," I replied awkwardly.
A minute passed in silence before he finally spoke again.
"So, about our project, when do you want to get started?" The way he spoke seemed as if he was concerned for his grade.
"Uhh, anytime you want." I spoke back, trying to ignore him and went on fixing and arranging the things inside my locker.
"Okay then, what about tomorrow? We could perhaps discuss it during our free period."
"Okay, sure…"
"See you then."
And that was the end of our brief conversation with Edward. I shut my locker door close and rushed to my car after. I had to get home before my dad finds out about the dishwasher. Such problems, I thought.
I reached home early, thinking my father would not be home yet. However, I was mistaken. Charlie was unusually home early today. Oh no. Big, big trouble. I tried to creep into the house as cautiously as possible but to no avail Charlie saw me, stopped me and told me to go inside the living room. We had to talk. Okay, I'm sure to be grounded this time. With no choice, I walked into the living room as Charlie was waiting for me.
"Okay, young lady, you know what I found out today? How and why is it that when I came home the dishwasher was opened? Did you even have any idea how it could have flood the whole place?"
"Dad, I can explain." I said anxiously, waiting for his reply.
"I do hope you have a good explanation as to what has happened." Charlie replied.
"Well, you see, I was about to wash the dishes when I realized I was completely late for school. I rushed and I forgot I left the water running. I'm really sorry."
"But that does not mean you should leave the house just like that. Next time, Bella, next time. Since your explanation does not quite convince me, you are grounded for one week. No going out with friends."
Inside me, I felt the urge to complain but after an intent look at my father, I decided not to aggravate the situation and the length of time I was going to be grounded.
I simply replied, "Yes, dad. I'm sorry. It won't happen again."
After the talk, I went up to my room and began doing some homework. Seeing my biology book, I dreaded the fact that I was partners with Edward on this project Mr. Webber assigned us. I thought and thought of ways to possibly switch partners with someone else and ignore him but then it occurred to me that we already had plans on discussing the topic. No way to escape now, I thought.
Unless, I pretended to be sick or I could probably cancel the appointment because I had something better and more important to do. Bombarded with so much homework, I did not get a chance to chat with my friends and readily fell asleep on my desk.