Tony POV

Steeping out of the stuffy locker room the crispy cool air nips at my sweaty face, I begin making my way towards last Bella's class.

I'm worried about her. She'd been ok before lunch, but something happened when she left the cafeteria in order to avoid Mike. Because when I found her minutes later she was ghostly pale. She seemed scared but wouldn't divulge any reason as to why.

I'm in the middle of the hallway when the bell rings, casually leaning against the wall across the room, I wait for Bella. Student after student leave the classroom, but no sign of her.

Don't panic. Maybe she's just taking a bit longer to pack her backpack. I go to open the door but bump into Angela.

"Angie! Is Bella still in there by any chance?" I ponder.

Angela looks back into the room and shakes her head, "Uh no, she must have left through the back door."

Crap.

I told her not to leave!

"Tony! Wait, is she feeling ok? She was so quiet and serious the during both of our classes, she wouldn't tell me why," Angela voices her worries.

"I'm not sure, Angie. She's been like this since lunch." I offer. She shakes her head, "I hope she's fine. Tell her to call me, please."

I nod before making my way outside. I'm tense, where could she have gone that couldn't wait?

The parking lot is filled with chattering students, most leaning against their cars. I look in the direction I parked Bella's truck but it's not there anymore. Yet I can still hear the unmistakable rattle of metal, that's when I see it creeping towards the exit.

Cursing under my breath, I sprint to my car, but groan at the sight of no other than Lauren fucking Mallory impatiently waiting by my car. A wide grin replaces the frown on her makeup caked face; she's a naturally pretty girl but the makeup she applies does her no favors.

I look back at BUDT, sadly it has succeeded in its journey as it's turning into the Main Street.

"Tony!" She waves as if I hadn't noticed her, "Hurry up silly. I need to talk to you."

Faltering slightly I continue forward, once I'm within touching distance she pulls me closer by my shirt. This is why I need my Bells, she protects me from being assaulted.

"Why have you been ignoring me baby?"

She drags her square acrylic nails down my chest, the amount of discomfort running through my veins is high but I don't think she notices.

"Lauren we've been over this, I'm with Bella."

She huffs but doesn't back away an inch. "And I've told you, I'm better than her. I don't know what you see in her, she's so... plain," she boasts, no shame whatsoever.

I pry her hands off my shirt and move her aside, "I'm with Bella. I love her. I won't repeat myself again!"

Her nose flares in annoyance as she speaks through gritted teeth, "Fine! But we could be the best couple in this town. You'll regret rejecting me Tony!"

She stomps away like a petulant child, sighing I get into my car and throw my belongings in the back seat.

Why oh why!? Why me?! All I want is to leave this hidebound town with my best friend and lover by my side. But right now my best friend, my fake girlfriend, and everything else is having a hard day. And it's my job to figure out why.

I rev the engine of my Boss 429 and people move out of the way. I catch Lauren's glare as I head out of the parking lot, her arms crossed over her chest but frankly I could care less. What is so hard for these people to understand that we simply don't want to date them no matter how much they insist?

My first stop is Bella's house yet as I near, BUDT is nowhere to be seen. Parking in front of the Swan Residence, I decide to stay put, she has to come home eventually, right?

Settling into my seat, I close my eyes and think about the day, what event could've possibly changed her mood so fast?

Maybe it was her hatred for Monday's? No, she was happy this morning. As happy as a Monday hating person can be.

Did I miss something? Was she upset about something? Was my creepy advanced knowledge of the new kids upsetting to her? My antics had never bothered her before.

I groan in frustration, was it Mike? That douchebag always put her in a bad mood.

What was it?!

~•~•~•~

Twenty minutes later, the ever tall-tale of BUDT can be heard. I wait until Bella drives into the driveway and parks, once she steps out, she heads around the truck and opens the passenger door.

Mia appears in her arms and Bella sets her down, Mia patiently waits as Bella pulls both her backpack and Mia's bag from the cab.

She steps back letting both Cj and Daisy jump out of the cab of the truck before slamming the door shut. I notice her distress so I get out of my car and make my way to help her. She looks up and her cheeks redden, "Don't start chastising me."

"You ditched me, Swan," I sigh dramatically, placing a hand over my heart I continue, "I'm hurt. I'm deeply hurt, you abandoned me and I was harassed."

I take hold of the heavy bag and wait as she draws her bottom lip in between her teeth before speaking, "I'm sorry T. I just had to get out of school..."

Her sentence drifts off, shaking her head she takes a deep breath, "I know I promised to stay but I couldn't. I- I- I feel like I'm going insane."

When she looks up, her eyes are brimmed with tears, her expression is simply heartbreaking. I make to hold her but Mia notices first and rushes to hug Bella's leg. Bella smiles as she caresses Mia's hair.

"Bell! Don't cry!" Mia exclaims, her little arms release her leg as she turns to me.

"Did you make her cwy?!"

A serious scowl on her tiny face, hands on hips and all. I want to laugh but know it won't go well, if she's anything like her sister she'll dislike the fact that someone is laughing at her in such an angry state.

"No sweetheart," Bella says catching Mia's attention, "Tony is just trying to help me."

Mia huffs but doesn't say anything else. With that Bella wipes her tears away before suggesting we go inside.

Mia and the dogs go rush ahead, pulling Bella into my side we follow them towards the front door.

This is my present to you guys. It might be a little late and kinda short but it's filled with love. I'll try to update before New Years Eve so until then please enjoy!