Esme POV
„Esme, please let me explain my behavior." Alice, of course. I knew she wasn't a troublemaker like Emmett and I kind of figured out there was a logical explanation behind her outburst, obviously caused by a vision. But, I had to treat her like I would every other kid in this class if they were in her position. So I sighed and gave in "Go on, Alice." She looked relieved. "Well, I had a vision. A pretty bad one." So I was right. "What did you see?" "I saw Bella and Carlisle in Home Economics. And Lauren. Lauren was attacking and threatening Bella while Carlisle was out of the serving room." I gasped. She did what?! No, no, not my baby girl! She has been through so much already she doesn't need an extra package. "Is Bella alright?" I asked frantically. "Yeah, Carlisle walked in on them and sent Lauren to the principle. Bella is really shaken up, but luckily she is physically fine. She is with Carlisle right now since she didn't feel like going to lunch and seeing as Edward is out hunting, Carlisle takes care of her." Thank God, she was okay. "Alright Alice. I'm sorry I was yelling at you, but I had to treat you like all the others when they get into a situation like this." "It's quite alright, Mum. I know you would get into trouble if you didn't do that." Alice smiled brightly at me and left for lunch. I might as well check on Bella and Carlisle.
Lauren POV
I knocked at the principle's office. Great. Now I will have to give up my lunch break because of this spoiled brat. "Come in" Here we go. I mean, not that I was scared or anything. I didn't care if he suspended or expelled me. "Mr. Greene, Mr. Cullen sent me here to have a talk with you." "And why would that be, Lauren?" "Because some spoi- I mean Bella provoked me and I snapped and almost did her physical harm. Mr. Cullen wouldn't listen to me, he just saw that someone was after his precious little Bella and sent me in here to be punished." The principle looked at me, with his eyebrows raised. "Lauren, is there any particular reason why I don't believe you? I know you don't like Bella and I have received several reports about your behavior towards her. So, tell me, why would you want to make her look bad in front of the principle and a teacher, even if you know it was your fault?" That truly hit home. I sat there dumbfounded; several minutes went by before I was able to talk again. "Well, sir, you see, Bella is the girlfriend of Mr. Cullen's son Edward. So they are pretty close and I believe he is biased and so are you because of his polite attitude. But I can tell, his kids get better grades then the rest." Lauren, watch your mouth. I think you are just jealous, because they always had better grades and were top of their classes. From what I heard, you always harassed Bella when you had the chance to. This is bullying, young lady. Severe bullying. And you will have to face the consequences." Now I'm scared…..
Carlisle POV
Bella was still clearly shaken up, but the crying had subsided at least. I still could tell that Bella wasn't ready to face the others during lunch, so I offered to stay with her. Every teacher had an office in here, so we went to the office that was currently mine, so she could calm down in peace, without being questioned and pestered by everyone. Currently, Bella was slightly dozing off on the couch inside my office. I had to smile at that. Finally she found enough peace.
Lauren POV
"Since you are not able to tell the story properly, I think I should call Mr. Cullen and Bella in." Perfect. This was the ultimate opportunity to make her look bad in front of someone who-for the moment at least, but hopefully not long anymore-seemed to care about her. This should be good. "Ms. Cope, could you please send Mr. Cullen and Bella in my office?" "Sure thing" Mr. Greene sat down again. And we waited in silence.
Bella POV
I was back in Home Economics. With Lauren, and she jumped at me, this time twice as hard. I screamed and called for Carlisle, but he never came. I was alone, alone in the world with that horrid person. What did I do to deserve this? I started crying.
"Bella, sweetheart, wake up, it's just a dream. Please, baby, come back to me." I recognized the voice instantly. Carlisle. My eyes flew open and I gasped for air, while I was shaking violently. He just held me and tried to soothe me and bring me to calm down. After a while, my breathing started to even out, and I was only slightly shaking. "Bella, I know you probably are not in the emotional state to do that right now, but the principle requested us in his office to talk about the incident." Oh, no. I would have to face Lauren again! I panicked. "Whoa, sweetheart, shh, everything is going to be just fine. I will be there with you all the time." He whispered to me as I clung to him tightly and sent him a pleading look. "Please, Carlisle. I don't want to see her right now. Please don't make me." I could feel the tears brim in my eyes and trickling down my cheeks. Carlisle looked at me apologetically. "Oh, baby, believe me, I don't want to let you ever come near her again, either. But it's the principle asking and him and me are going to be in the room also." "Alright, let's go then" He smiled and helped me up and we walked towards the main office together, him still keeping his arm protectively around my shoulders.
Principle POV
I heard a knock at my door and it opened to reveal Mr. Cullen and Bella, who looked rather uncomfortable. "Please, come I and sit down." They quietly closed the door behind them and took the seats far apart from Lauren. Bella shot her a wary glance. Lauren just glared back, which made Bella flinch and Carlisle to glare right back at Lauren. I cleared my throat, before things could escalate. "Well, Lauren here told me that Bella provoked her into going at her, but I don't quite believe that is true. Would you please tell me your version of the story, which I assume is the correct one?" Lauren snorted quietly. I decided not to comment on her behavior, since I had other appointments scheduled for today. "I can assure you, I never said anything wrong to Lauren. I think she was just mad because Mr. Cullen made her aware of her rude behavior, so she wanted payback." Bella said in a small voice and with her eyes wide. I thought that much. Bella is not a person to provoke people. She is far to shy for that. "Alright, Mr. Cullen. Could you please tell me in detail what happened?" "Of course, Mr. Greene. Short after I left the serving room, I heard Lauren talking in there in a quiet voice and wanted to check if everything was alright. When I entered the room, Lauren was holding Bella to the ground and had her hand over her mouth so Bella couldn't scream. I didn't fully understand what she said to her though, but I can imagine it weren't nice things. I sent her here immediately." Wow. I never experienced something like this before. I glared at Lauren. "Lauren, I believe I have just decided on a proper punishment for you. You will be suspended from classes for two weeks, instead you have to help our caretaker and cleaning personnel." Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Bella's hand got to her mouth to stifle her giggle. Lauren looked like her jaw was about to hit the floor. "You may go now, all of you" Mr. Cullen and Bella left, smiling politely at me, while Bella whispered a little "Thank you" in my direction. I smiled back at her to tell her not to worry about it. Lauren left my office with a sour expression. Serves her right.