Chapter 3
Bella decided that she would try talking to Mr Berty after chemistry. She had about 10 minutes between classes, so she rushed to her locker first after the bell rang and grabbed her physics binder. Than she half jogged back to the office.
Thankfully, Mr Berty was alone in his office this time around. He was looking over some paperwork with a slight frown. Bella stood at the door and knocked quietly to announce her presence. He glanced up, and nodded his head in greeting when he realized who it was.
"Isabella, what brings you down here today?" He inquired, and immediately went back to the document he was still holding. Bella cleared her throat, revealing the slightest amount of nerves.
"Hello, Mr Berty. I'm here on behalf of the student council to get your approval on an event we're hoping to plan this year." The principal didn't look up.
"And what might that event be?" He asked absentmindedly, still immersed in his paperwork.
"A winter dance."
At this Mr Berty's eyebrows rose, and a look of surprise colored his face. "I haven't heard that in two years."
"Yes, well, we'd really like to do it this year. We think the whole school would really enjoy it. The students are excited at the prospect of it." Bella put forward her most convincing expression.
"This year is already providing to be almost too exciting, considering the events of today. Not much happens at this school. I usually like it that way."
So it was a no. Bella tried to hide her disappointing, and immediately began to picture the conversation she would have with Angela when she delivered the bad news. Angela would be so disappointed.
"But I think the school could use a little bit of fun, and we haven't had a classic dance in a long time. And no two girls are more fit for the job. I'd like see what you come up." He smiled, nodding his head in approval.
Bella couldn't contain the smile of relief that broke her face. "Thank you Mr Berty. We really appreciate your support."
"Of course. Now run along to class. I couldn't handle another misbehaving student." Berty said wryly, and Bella turned to leave.
"And let Banner know that I haven't forgotten last time, and I'll meet him on the dance floor."
…
The rest of the day passed on without consequence. The chatter didn't die down about the fight. Bella took her usual spot next to Angela in physics, and told her the good news. They went immediately into planning mode.
"Okay, so we have to decide on location and date. I think we'll make sub committees next meeting, but we have to make a list of all the major things we have to nail down before we move on to the smaller details. Where, when, the theme, the food...Gosh, I'm so excited!" Bella cheered on with her until Mr Poulter, who had taught grade eleven and twelve physics since 1989 at Forks High, shushed down the class and began his lecture.
"Oh, I completely forgot to ask. How was study date with Benjamin?" Bella asked Angela as they walked to their lockers after physics. It was the end of the day, and usually they grabbed their things together and then Bella drove Angela home.
"Oh my god, B, he asked if he could walk me home after school today to pay me back for helping him." Bella's eyes widened.
"No way? Do you think he'll make his move?" This was too exciting. Angela nodded vigorously, her face splitting in the biggest smile. They both giggled together.
"Maybe we'll go on a detour, and I'll let him by me ice cream at Spoons on the way." Angela said.
"That sounds like a plan. You have to tell me all about it." Bella cried.
"Of course! I'll call you when I get home." Angela turned to see Ben waiting for her at her locker. Bella whispered a hushed 'oh my god' under her breath, waved frantically at her best friend, and walked to her own locker.
After she grabbed her things, she walked off to the library to return some novels she'd picked up last week. As always, the library was a trap for her, and she walked out fifteen minutes later with a lazy smile and three new books under her hallways were empty, and only a few students lingered in the halls or scurried away. As she passed the English corridor on her way to the student parking lot, she figured she'd stop by Mr Banner's classroom and let him know about the dance. He was the teacher in charge of the council, and all important news and decisions were ran past him.
She turned the corner to his classroom, and ran directly into him. They collided into each other.
"Mr Banner-" Bella started, pulling herself back.
"Bella, sorry. I'm kind of in a rush. Did you see Brown on his way out at all?" he asked quickly, looking more than a little panicked.
"Yes, I just saw him leave." She replied breathlessly. Mr Banner swore under his breath.
"Berty asked me to supervise detention today, but my kid's sitter just called in sick at the last second. I don't know who to call. I have to go drop her off at her grandma's." The english teacher said frantically. His wife died of cancer three years ago and he was single dad, raising a seven year old. Bella's heart crumbled in pity.
"I'm so sorry to hear that. If there's anyway I can help…" Bella didn't mean much when she said that. It was one of those things that people said for the sake of saying it, even if they had no intention of backing up their words, and prayed no one would take them up on it. Bella was apparently shit outta luck that day.
"Yes, I need you to do something for me. Edward Cullen's in my classroom, and he needs to stay till four. I just need you to be there and make sure he doesn't leave. I shouldn't be more than twenty minutes, I swear." His eyes were desperate, and maybe it was selfish, but Bella really needed a great recommendation letter for college applications, and this seemed like a good opportunity. And she felt for her favourite teacher. There were other reasons too, though she refused to admit them…
Mr Banner was already rushing the second she nodded, and walked backwards out the corridor. "Thank you, Bella. I won't forget this." He yelled.
"What if he tries to leave?" Bella asked worriedly. He'd already turned the corner however, and she heard his voice shout.
"He won't." And then she heard the front doors open, and close almost immediately. She sighed, and trailed towards Banner's classroom. What had she just agreed to?
The next chapter will be up very soon, I promise. I'm trying to upload as quickly as I can before I become actually busy. Next chapter will be a good one.
Leave me reviews. I love knowing what you think.
-ashley
