Chapter 1

I was fresh out of college majoring in Biology, and I received an offer to teach AP Bio and Math 2 for tenth graders at the high school. Immeaditly when I entered the school to set up my class room, all of the teachers gave me the cold shoulder. There was a few that did help me learn the odds and ends of the place; they even invited me to lunch every once I a while. Barry Frost, ninth grade social studies, was the first to introduce himself formally to me.

The night before the first day of school, all of the faculty members went to the dirty robber to say goodbye to summer and hello to a new school year. I couldn't help but be ecstatic that the year was starting, but I also felt kind of nervous because it was my first year and I didn't want to screw anything up. Barry and I were sitting at the bar. He was drinking a beer, and I settled for my usual wine.

"You know there is nothing to be nervous about. If you give off fear and nervousness they will eat you alive." Barry finally said.

"Is it that obvious?" He chuckled and shook his head.

"It couldn't be more obvious, and the kids will thrive off of that. Trust me there are some really rude and disrespectful kids at this school like at every school, but you will find that most of the kids that act out are just showing off to their friends."

"I keep hearing about this girl… I think her name is Jane…something I can't remeber."

"You mean Jane Rizzoli?" He asked.

"Yes that's her name. Who is she? I have heard some really good things about her, and other not so good. I have her in my AP Bio class and my Calc 2 class."

"I think you got very lucky. I had her in my Class last year, and she was amazing. She's the captain of every girl's sport team at the school, but when she gets herself into rough situations like fights and stuff. I think you are one lucky person because you have her for two classes."

"I am glad to hear that. I know at least one of my students won't be there just to socialize and mess with me."

"I do think that she might need help in calculus 1 because she nearly lost her ineligibility for failing that course, but she made it up in summer school. I hope she doesn't get in as many fights as she did last year." He looked down and sighed, "It seemed like every day she got beat up, and I couldn't do anything to help her besides report it to the principle."

"Oh why would she get beaten up?" I asked.

"A lot of girls were jealous because she is the ultimate athlete, so they would get their boyfriends to beat her up, but she didn't quit."

"Wow, I… don't even know what to say." I was speechless.

His voice got quiet, "Just be there as much as you can. All of the teachers wish they could do something, but they just won't."

"Wow, It's getting pretty late I think I should be getting home, so I am not exhausted tomorrow."

I pulled out my wallet to pay for my bill, but Barry quickly put his credit card down. "It is on me. You can pay next time."

I shook my head, "Sounds like a plan." I walked out of the bar and drove home in silent thoughts about this mystery girl, Jane Rizzoli, who I have never even met.

I got home to the warm welcome of bass, my tortoise. I fed him some of his favorite strawberries. I finally went to bed, my head filled with thoughts about tomorrow.

The bell finally rang. It was so loud in my class I could even think straight. All of my pleas for them to be quiet didn't work. It was like they were mocking me. All of a sudden, a tall, well-built figured stormed into the room. The class got silent as fast as the speed of light.

The girl walked over to my desk and gave me a note, "Sorry I'm late Ms. Isles, but I got caught up in study hall. I see you are very stressed out. Don't you worry I will be sure they are quiet. Just teach us well."

Before I could reply to the girl, I suddenly woke up. I looked at the clock and saw it was already 6 o'clock, and I needed to be there by seven. I was in such a hurry that I didn't notice bass, and I tripped over him and landed flat on my face. Great going to have a swollen cheek for the first day of school, I thought. I got up and saw Bass looking up at me with the 'I'm sorry' look. "It's ok. I know you didn't mean to trip me." He continued across the floor.

I wore a black and white stripped dress and a pair of heels for the first day. I tried covering up my cheek, which was now a slight shade of purple, with my make up the best I could.

I finally pulled into the school parking lot. I was nervous, but I tried to shake it off best I could. When I got down to my classroom, I opened the door. I can just imagine in about forty minutes it will be filled with students. There was a knock at my door. Kids this early, wow I thought. When I opened the door, a tall, athletic brunette was standing in front of me.

"Hello, I am Jane Rizzoli, and you must be Ms. Isles, the AP Bio teacher." There is Jane. Wow exactly how I pictured her. Say something stupid.

"Yes… um… hello I believe I have you for Bio and calc 2."

"Yes it appears that way. I am so glad to meet you. I came by early because I was wondering if I could get me information on tutoring for Calc because I really cannot be failing it again. I have to be there for the team. Anytime you can do it I am available." Her voice was deep, but with a softer tone to it.

"I can do it in the morning like around this time, or after school either is fine with me. I will help you the best I can." Don''t make yourself sound like you don't have a life outside of this place.

"Ok, thank you. The team is relying on me this year, so I have to be there."

"Might I ask for what sport." I already knew, but it would be better to hear it from her.

"Actually sports would be the proper term." She said, "I am the captain of the softball, volleyball, basketball, and girls track team. I have to be able to play."

"I couldn't even imagine how busy you are playing four sports."

"Trust me it keeps me busy. Before I came here I ran three mile for track, but that was an easy run today." Wow, Barry wasn't kidding with the ultimate athlete.

"Well whenever you want to start let me know." I glanced over at the clock. It was 7:20.

"Well I better get going. Coach is probably looking all over for me, but I will see you later." She walked out of the room. Finally I can breathe again. What is the girl doing to me? I am normally so calm and collected.

"Oh and don't be nervous about today. It is going to be ok." She said peeking her head back into the classroom.

Damn.