It is Tuesday in this story. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

I really, really don't own Twilight. I have a bid in for brunch though, that's a good time of day.

Chapter 15

The thoughts fighting an epic battle in Bella's head had not come to a treaty over the course of the weekend. There was no cease fire, no peace talks, and definitely no white flag waving in the distance. She woke up Monday morning seven minutes before the alarm went off. Everything else in her morning routine went smoothly. That in itself was a little frightening for Bella. If everything went well at home did that mean that school was going to be hell. Well, more hellish than usual.

Charlie came down the stairs on time, appetite in hand and ready for breakfast. He had waited all weekend for Bella to come to him and tell him what had been happening at school. The story of Tyler's tirade and Mike's outing had made it's way to the police station by mid afternoon. Charlie had called the Principal and after a long discussion where the words 'get your head out of your ass a pay attention to all the students, not just the troublemakers and shining stars" never once left Charlie's mouth but ran through his head, they came to a mutual decision. The decision being that the Principal would do exactly what Charlie suggested to the letter and let Bella deal with the situation on her own. Charlie knew his daughter and if the school made a big deal out of this she would not be pleased. He also knew that his daughter was smarter than the Principal a few minutes into the conversation, although he didn't not directly inform the man of this, it was implied. As to the Principal's parentage there was no implication, just conjecture as to their familial relationship.

Charlie knew his daughter could handle anything her classmates gave her. He knew if she needed him she'd come to him. Maybe he just had to wait a little longer. After breakfast he put down his coffee cup and caught his daughter's eye.

"Have a good day, Kid."

By the way he looked at her, she knew he had heard about school. She gave him the same look back. All was right in the Swan house. Bella knew her dad had her back and Charlie knew his daughter had her head screwed on right. Charlie also knew that Mike Newton's driving record was in for a beating, but somehow, he forgot to let his daughter know that little tidbit. Charlie got up and headed to work.

Bella sat in her truck and waited until it was time to go. Today was going to be an all new kind of hell and Bella wasn't sure she was ready for it. Turning the key in the ignition and hearing the roar of the engine calmed her. Arriving at school ruined that calm. The usual people were milling about the parking lot, the looky-loos, the surreptitious smokers and the ever reluctant students. Bella got out of her truck and walked to the door. She could hear the whispers, she could feel their stares but she just soldiered on to her locker to get her stuff for class. A couple of notes fell to the floor when she opened her locker. She stuffed them in her bag for later, they should be good for a laugh.

Bella changed nothing about her routine, she walked to class with her head down as usual, not out of shame but the desire not to engage in meaningless conversation. She sat at her regular desk and read her notes until the teacher started lessons. Most people left her alone, not knowing how to approach her.

Lunch was the big challenge. When she walked into the cafeteria, she nearly walked right back out again. Everyone looked at her when she walked in. Most had expressions on their faces like puppies who have just been caught peeing on the hall rug. A couple still had foul looks for Bella, those actually comforted her, they were a continuation of regular routine.

Bella hefted a sigh and walked to her table, sat down, and pulled out her book. A nice grisly Patricia Cornwell mystery to lose herself in, something about dismembered bodies and gore.

Tyler and Edward walked into the cafeteria late. They had had a meeting with Tyler's math teacher. Tyler surveyed the room trying to decide where to sit. Would it be better to sit with Bella or sit with his other friends? Bella wanted everything to go back to normal, for him to forgive his friends and spend time with them. He made sure everyone could see him as he walked by Bella's table. His voice was louder than ever as he greeted her. She looked up at him and smiled. She watched as he walked to his usual table and sat with his friends.

Bella was so happy that Tyler took her words to heart. He did just what she wanted him to do. She caught Edward's eye. She froze looking at him. What would he want from her now? He just nodded hello. Bella returned the gesture and resumed her reading. Friendly but not friends. Maybe this day wouldn't be hell after all.

Just before the bell rang, Bella looked up one more time before getting her stuff and heading to the library. Again she caught Katie looking at her. Katie did not have the naughty puppy look that everyone else seemed to have. Bella waved at her first. Katie beamed and returned the wave. Bella wasn't ready to have Katie paint her nails or braid her hair but a simple smile and a wave made both of them feel better.

When Bella got to her locker before reading time another note fell out. She tucked it into her bag with the others. She would read them after school. She had no time for this shit now. Tyler, her only school friend, was waiting. Bella smiled to her self. She had a great idea how to show Tyler her appreciation. She jogged to the library to meet him.

AN: Charlie Swan, kicking asses since 2005.