CHAPTER 12 - THIS TOWN ISN'T BIG ENOUGH FOR THE TWO OF US
Remember The Name - Fort Minor
This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill
Fifteen percent concentrated power of will
Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain
And a hundred percent reason to remember the name!
A/N: Get ready for a cowboy showdown.
Trigonometry had me spending an hour, crushing the wood of the desk in my hands as I listened in on Jessica whispering to anyone who was willing to listen. Spreading all kinds of horrible rumours about me which would probably be streaming through the school tomorrow.
Mr. Jefferson's alerted hawk eyes ceased the whispers in Government class but not the not-so-discreet glimpses I received from every single person in the room. Even Mr. Jefferson would narrow his eyes at me indicating that my words had probably gotten to the staff room too.
Oh the simple joys of high school.
None of the two hours had prepared me for third period of World History.
Even as I'd arrived early to the lesson, I was still agitated. My leg was bouncing and the urge to return to my horrible habit of biting my nails was growing stronger. Instead, I distracted myself by drumming them on the table wanting to abide by my mother's rules.
As the second hand closed in on the beginning of this lesson, I'd given up and was now gnawing on the nail of my thumb. My eyes following the movement of the second hand and feeling the heavy suspense thicken.
"Ms. Marie" I was brought out of my trance and blinked so I could focus on her stern expression. Her grey pulled back in a tight bun – not a strand out of place.
My eyes widened as I looked up at her, "Hm?"
The crease on her forehead grew more prominent and her eyebrows furrowed as she crossed her arms over her chest. Taking a few steps closer to my desk, she asked, "Are you alright?" she bowed her head down to look at me through the thick rimmed glasses.
Sighing deeply, I contemplated over telling her everything but decided against it as I answered, "I'm fine" my hands were fisted and gripping my skirt.
"There have been rumours-" she began in a dreary tone as she peered down at me. An unvoiced question playing in her dark grey eyes.
I looked up sharply before answering curtly, "Just that. Rumours"
"I know first days can be hard so if-" she began but I wasn't in the mood.
Before I knew it, my mouth formed the one word laced with my power, "Don't" following my order; she turned back into sorting out the files on her desk while humming an unknown tune.
After I'd done it, was when I felt guilty about compelling her. She had only been trying to help me but I just couldn't deal with that right now.
People had begun to enter but were sidetracked by the new order of the tables so I was forgotten for a few moments.
Mrs. Morgan had planned something different for the lesson as she had organised the desks into two separate rows that were now facing each other. Her desk was still located at the front, placed between the two rows in front of the whiteboard.
"I thought we'd have a team quiz" her announcement triggered a chorus of groans.
Angela then arrived, followed by Lauren. Both caught my eye and both held two contrasting expressions.
Angela pushed away from the crowd, ignoring Lauren as she caught my eye before waving and walking towards me and taking a seat next to me. "Ready for some fun?" her words dripped with sarcasm as she nudged my side. I smirked and leaned in to her slightly.
"Hold on. Hold on" her palms were lifted as she tried to calm the class, "I thought of a good prize this time" she added emotionlessly.
"It's not a school pen again is it?" someone voiced and me and Angela giggled at this.
Mrs. Morgan found no humour in this as her lips were in a grim line as she answered, "No…" she sighed though her features remained the same. I've decided whichever team wins, doesn't have to do the term essay"
This time, everyone broke out in an excited roar while I remained expressionless.
It was right then that they entered - the blonde one named Jasper with his arm wrapped around the petite girl that I remembered to be Alice.
Seeing them again defined the reality of this messy situation.
Golden eyes blazed as they met mine but I diverted my glance quickly to Mrs. Morgan.
She'd drawn up a table – first column was TEAM A and the second was TEAM B. "Surname A to L on the left" she ordered, "Surname M to Z on the right" and everyone began to move to our rows. Luckily, I had Angela with me and we were already seated in the right row.
Looking to the other side, I locked eyes with Jasper, his jaw became clenched and I worried my shield had wavered but realized it was simply paranoia. Next to him, Alice was leaning her head on his shoulder but looking up at him then she followed his gaze to me and I hurriedly looked down to the table.
This would be boring but at least, the students would be distracted by the idea of winning that they would ignore me and I would just blend into the background.
"Team A can start" Mrs. Morgan gestured to the other team and I couldn't help but look back up and was met with Jasper's smug smirk when kissing Alice's inner wrist.
He was confident about this.
Maybe I can make more of an effort.
"Let's start of easy" the teacher gave a half hearted chuckle as she read out the question from her sheet, "Team A" I noted how calm and composed both Cullens were as she continued, "When was theAmerican War of Independence?"
"1775 to 1783" Jasper answered with a confidence in his voice.
Mrs. Morgan grew slightly flustered as she nodded then cleared her throat to move on to the next question, "Team B. American Civil War?"
Angela coughed to gain attention before timidly raising her hand and answering quietly, "1861 to 1865?" she still sounded unsure but I smiled in reassurance.
The teacher gave another curt node before scanning the page for the next question and reading it out, "Team A, War of the Austrian Succession?"
"1740-1748" this time it had been Alice's tinkling voice that had answered. Looking over, I caught how the humans in their team were impressed but also cautious – not wanting to be too close.
"Team B. The Boer War?"
This time, silence was followed, even Angela didn't know. A crease had formed on her forehead as she tried to think. Some were doing what she was doing while others remained bored, hoping that the rest of us would pull them through. Rolling my eyes, I stretched up in my seat and answered, "1899 to 1902"
Chancing a fleeting look at Jasper and Alice, I caught their surprise and felt this morning's fire return.
Angela grinned at me in a way to say 'well done' and I actually felt proud of myself even though it all was too simple.
"English Civil War?"
"1642 to 1646" Jasper called out with poise and self-assurance.
"Seven Years War"
"1756 to 1763" I answered, this time I sounded bolder. When the teacher added a point to our team, I gained a few ecstatic cheers from my team and another hi-five from Angela.
"Six-Day War"
"1967" Someone else on the other team answered before Jasper or Alice could.
"Shang dynasty?"
"1700 to 1028 B.C" I grinned, enjoying the humming feeling that buzzed through me. It had been quite a while since I'd been in the competitive mood.
This continued on for 10 minutes to the point that we both had 16 points and as each question was answered, I grew more and more competitive as the feelings that I used to revel in returned. I slowly began to feel like my old self.
"Korean war?"
I was now sat up straight in my chair and even stared directly at Jasper when I responded, "1950 to 1953".
Morgan's lips lifted a little as she said, "Trick question now…" her smirk quickly dropped before she asked, "What is the estimate number of those serving?"
"10,000" someone of their team shouted and I fought my victorious smile.
Mrs. Morgan wasn't amused by this as she frowned and sharply scolded the boy, "That was wrong Simon. Question goes to Team B"
The rest of my team erupted knowing that they had a chance of winning but froze when Mrs. Morgan repeated the question.
Everyone seemed confused.
Glancing at Jasper and Alice, I caught their composed expressions but could detect Jasper's aggravation in a small crease on his forehead.
"Time is running out" Mrs. Morgan reminded us and I turned to the others wanting to give them a chance but they all still looked perplexed. Some of them were looking at me with hopeful glances.
Angela looked like she wanted to say something but closed her mouth in fear of being wrong so I intervened, "5, 764, 143"
"That's…" Mrs. Morgan adjusted her glasses and confusion crossed her features as she added in surprise, "…the exact number" she answered and gaping expressions were turned to me apart from Jasper and Alice who grew more suspicious.
The mistake, then dawned to me and I bit my lip before quickly fabricating a believable answer, "I'm good with numbers"
"Just like Jasper here" the teacher informed me, her eyes still trained on me then switched to Jasper. "Do you know the number of battle deaths?" she questioned.
"33, 651" again the answer slipped out subconsciously and I clenched my fists, knowing that I was unintentionally drawing in more attention to myself.
Mrs. Morgan grew fascinated as she placed a hand on her hip and asked me again, "Wounded?"
"103,284", Jasper had filled in for me and I turned to glare at him but quickly composed myself before he caught my expression.
Thankfully the teacher realised we were running out of time so she carried on with the rest of the questions on her sheet of paper, "Spanish-American War?"
"1898" someone else answered and Angela turned to me an impressed grin which I looked away with a shrug of my shoulders.
"Estimated numbers serving in the Persian Gulf war?", was the next question.
Just as Alice parted her lips to answer, someone on the other team beat her to it, "Is it around 460,000?" called the blonde girl that was sat next to Lauren.
"467, 539" I whispered in correction but realised that Jasper had done the same thing so I looked up in surprise and met his curious eyes.
"Good Amber. Very good estimate"
I locked eyes with both Cullens but kept my expression composed as I hitched an eyebrow pretending to be confused.
"Mexican War?" Mrs. Morgan continued.
Both, me and Jasper jumped to give our answers, "78,718"
Mrs. Morgan set down the piece of paper as she placed a hand on her hip and announced, "I think both teams won this", Both teams relaxed and the suspense that had filled the room dissipated. "None will do the assignment" the cheers filled the silence as we all began to gather our bags.
"Ready for English?" Angela stood next to me as she grinned happy with the outcome. Her brown satchel rested on her shoulder.
I returned the grin, "As I'll ever be"
A/N: Who enjoyed the little battle? Thought Bella should have some fun.
I am so excited to say that Guardian has reached 50! REVIEWS! (Cure applause). Thank you all for this – huge achievement for me and to say thank you. I have another chapter lined up.
Valentine Rain – My first reviewer and my 50th reviewer. A HUGE thank you from me. Sorry about the length. I hope these next two make up for it.
Pongu – Welcome! Thank you so much for your comment. Made me smile. I was self-conscious about actually going along and posting this so I'm really glad you're enjoying.
sujari6 – Bella is just trying to stay out of other people's drama but also speak her mind., Thank you for reviewing. Always great to hear from you.
InLoveJA – And the student becomes the master. Just kidding – still learning. Very grateful for your help. Thank you for your compliments. I did go back to fix that error so I have added the rest – sorry for that. Always a pleasure to hear what you're thinking.
Twilight Rocker – Lauren is beyond annoying but we'll always face those kind of people. Yes your review made sense and hope you enjoyed this chapter. More on the next one. As for what the Cullens know…*tap nose*
Holidai – I thought Bella would apologise because she doesn't really want to create more drama but also there are things about Bella that are still hidden and when you find out, you'll realise that she needed to do what she did. Thank you for giving this story a chance and for reviewing it. I always appreciate criticism but appreciate the compliments more so thank you.
A/N: Please keep reviewing…Mean a lot to me to know what you're all thinking.