I did my best to catch up on the few classes I had missed, flipping through my textbooks and skimming over notes I had borrowed from classmates. My mind, however, kept drifting back to Mom's overprotectiveness. Since the accident, she had been more cautious than ever, hovering over me like a hawk watching its prey.
I sighed, my gaze wandering to the window as the school parking lot came into view. Thanks to Mom's insistence, Angela had been tasked with keeping a close eye on me, even if I kept telling her I was perfectly fine and capable of handling myself. I had tried to argue my case, explaining that I was more than ready to go on the field trip, but Mom wouldn't hear it. To make matters worse, Angela was now in charge of driving us to and from school until Dr. Cullen gave the all-clear. I huffed in annoyance as I slouched in the passenger seat, crossing my arms over my chest.
"You'll survive two more days without driving," Angela said, not taking her eyes off the road. She didn't need to ask what I was annoyed about; she knew me too well.
"It's not just the driving, Ang, it's everything," I replied, my voice tinged with frustration. "I understand that Mom's just being protective, but I really am fine. It's like she doesn't trust me to take care of myself." I glanced over at her, hoping for some sort of support, but Angela just tightened her grip on the steering wheel, her knuckles turning white. The morning sun was just beginning to peek through the clouds, casting a soft glow over the familiar landscape. The trees lining the street swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling in a soothing rhythm. Normally, the peaceful scenery would calm me, but today it did little to ease my irritation. Angela remained silent, her face a mask of calm, but I knew she was just as frustrated as I was. She hated being the middleman between Mom and me, especially when it came to matters like this.
As we pulled into the school parking lot, Angela finally broke the silence. "Look, I get it. This whole situation sucks, and it's not fair. But you know how Mom gets. She's just worried. Let's just get through these next two days, and hopefully, Dr. Cullen will clear you for normal activities. I promise, it'll be over before you know it." Her voice was calm, but I could hear the underlying tension. She wasn't thrilled about the situation either, but she was trying to make the best of it.
I sighed, feeling a twinge of guilt for taking my frustrations out on her. "I know, Ang. I'm sorry. I just hate feeling like I'm being treated like a child. I wish Mom would understand that I can handle things on my own."
Angela parked the car and turned to face me, her expression softening. "You don't have to apologize. I get it. But try to cut Mom some slack. She's just scared of losing you. We all are." Her eyes were earnest, and I could see the concern etched in her features. Parking the sedan next to Mike's car, I glanced at my sister. Angela was chewing on her bottom lip, a sure sign that she was nervous. I felt my shoulders tense up as a sense of unease settled over me. Something was clearly bothering her, and I wasn't sure I wanted to know what it was.
"What's going on?" I asked, trying to keep my voice casual, though the tightness in my chest betrayed me. Angela avoided my gaze, staring intently at the dashboard. She cleared her throat a few times, stalling. I could tell she was trying to build up the courage to say something she knew I wouldn't like.
Finally, she spoke, her voice low but clear. "Ben might have alluded to wanting to ask you to the dance." She said it quickly, almost in a mumble, like ripping off a bandage. I could tell she was hoping to get the words out and then retreat before I had a chance to react.
My cheeks reddened without my permission, and panic began to creep in. I wasn't interested in Ben—not like that—but the thought of him asking me out was embarrassing. It wasn't about him; it was the idea of dating. I had no experience whatsoever with boys, and the prospect of being asked out felt overwhelming.
My mind raced, and before I could stop myself, I started stammering. "What—wh—why would he do that?" My voice came out higher-pitched than I intended, betraying my discomfort.
Angela quickly interrupted me, her voice laced with apology. "I may have made it seem like you'd want to?" My eyes went wide as the full weight of her words hit me. I could already feel the nuisance of this situation settling in. To be fair, Angela did look genuinely remorseful. She still avoided eye contact, staring down at her hands as if she could avoid the fallout of her confession.
"It was during lunch," she explained, her voice hurried and anxious, "when they announced more information about the school dance. Jess was going on and on about dates, saying she could set you up with someone from the baseball team. I knew you didn't have anyone in mind and that you'd hate the idea of Jess meddling, so I kind of… suggested Ben?" Her voice trailed off, and she finally glanced at me, her expression pleading for understanding.
I held up my hand to stop her, trying to process what she was saying. Angela was just looking out for me, like she always did. She knew me well enough to understand that I would be uncomfortable with Jess's interference. In her own way, she was trying to protect me from the pressure of having to say yes to a random date. It was a classic Angela move—choosing the lesser of two evils. I couldn't be mad at her for that, even if the situation made me want to crawl under a rock.
I groaned, massaging both sides of my temples, trying to ease the tension building in my head.
"I'm sorry," she said softly. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down.
"I get it, Ang. You weren't doing it out of spite." I managed a smile, though it felt forced. Angela's smile, however, was genuine, filled with relief. She leaned over and pecked me on the cheek before getting out of the car. I sat for a moment, trying to collect myself before facing the day. The bitter cold seeped into the car, and I shivered. It felt colder than before, almost as if the weather sensed my mood and decided to match it.
I wrapped my coat tighter around myself and stepped out into the icy morning. The school building loomed ahead, and I braced myself for whatever awkwardness lay in store. I glanced over at Ang, who was huddled with Jessica and a few other girls, talking amongst themselves and laughing. Their heads were bent close together, forming a tight-knit circle that seemed impenetrable. I felt a small pang of jealousy at the sight. They all looked so carefree, wrapped up in their conversation.
"Hey," a voice said from behind me.
I flinched at the sudden contact, my heart skipping a beat in surprise. Turning around quickly, I found Bella standing there with a mischievous grin on her face. Her hair was pulled back into a sloppy bun, a few strands escaping to frame her face, but somehow it still looked effortlessly good. Her brown eyes gleamed with laughter, clearly amused at having startled me.
I scrunched my nose at her, a mock scowl on my face. "You did that on purpose," I accused, trying to sound annoyed, though I couldn't help but smile a little. Bella gave a small, apologetic shrug, still laughing softly.
"I was waving at you, and you were clearly lost in your own head," she said. "So, I just came over. I didn't think I'd actually scare you." She emphasized the last part with a playful smirk.
I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest. "You did not scare me. You surprised me, yes—but you did not scare me," I corrected her, trying to sound indignant. Bella chuckled as we started walking toward the school together, the cold morning air making our breath visible in little puffs.
"What's on your mind?" Bella asked, her tone casual but curious.
I groaned in response, the thought of the upcoming school dance and the awkwardness it would surely bring weighing heavily on my mind. I could already feel the anxiety bubbling up inside me.
"Ben's going to ask me to the dance," I mumbled, opening my locker and shoving a few books inside to lighten my bag.
Bella's eyes widened slightly in surprise, her expression shifting from curiosity to concern. She cleared her throat, shifting her weight from one foot to the other as if unsure how to proceed. "Do you like Ben?" she asked, trying to sound casual, but there was a hint of genuine interest in her voice. I realized too late that I was making a face, and Bella's lips curved into a smirk. "I'll take that as a no," she teased.
I licked my lips, trying to find the right words to explain. "We all grew up together," I said finally. "It's weird to start looking at anyone in a romantic way. And no offense to Ben, but I'm not into him like that." Bella nodded thoughtfully, and we found an empty table outside. We settled down, choosing a spot far enough away from the main crowd so we wouldn't be overheard, but still close enough to be seen.
"You don't picture yourself having a boyfriend anytime soon?" Bella asked, raising an eyebrow. There was something almost too casual about the way she asked, like she was trying to gauge my reaction.
I shot her a knowing look. "Are we really going to sit here and pretend to care about my love life, or should we talk about yours?" Bella's cheeks turned pink, and she quickly looked away, a sure sign that I'd hit a nerve. I couldn't help but smile to myself, feeling a small sense of victory. "I have no idea what you're insinuating," Bella murmured, her lips pursed in defiance. I chuckled, leaning in closer. "Come on, you're so hung up on whatever Edward and his family are hiding. It makes me wonder if you might secretly have a crush on him." I whispered the last part, glancing around to make sure no one was listening.
Bella's pale complexion turned a deeper shade of pink, confirming my suspicion. She didn't deny it or acknowledge it, just blushed furiously. Instead, she quickly changed the subject. "So, about today's field trip," she said, clearly eager to move on from the topic of Edward. "Do you know which bus you'll be on?" I shrugged, my fingers idly picking at a small splinter on the table's edge.
"Not really sure," I admitted. Ang had mentioned it last night and again this morning, but I hadn't paid much attention. The details had gone in one ear and out the other. I internally groaned at my own idiocy, wishing I'd listened more carefully. "I usually ride with Angela, since we both get car sick on long rides."
Bella's nose twitched, her face contorting in a mixture of curiosity and disgust. "How does that work if both of you get sick?" she asked, clearly puzzled. I smiled, finding her reaction amusing.
"We don't puke, if that's what you're thinking. We just get queasy. But we come to field trips prepared, you know." I nudged her with my elbow, pulling out a few tablets of motion sickness meds from my bag. Mom had made sure to press them into our hands before we left this morning.
"See?" Bella's expression didn't change, the disgust still evident on her face. I couldn't help but laugh at her openness, grateful for her honesty. She was so easy to read, and I appreciated that about her. I tucked the tablets back into my bag, glancing around as more students began to fill the quad, claiming tables and chatting excitedly about the day's trip.
"There you guys are!" a familiar voice called out, cutting through the hum of conversation in the quad. Bella and I turned our heads in unison, searching for the source. Mike was standing a few feet away, waving his arms wildly to catch our attention, his enthusiasm as bright as the winter morning sun. My sister, Angela, stood in front of him, her expression a mix of amusement and mild exasperation.
"The teachers are gathering all of us before the bell to drop off our stuff in class," Mike announced, gesturing for us to hurry. He bounced on the balls of his feet, as if he could hardly wait to get moving. Without hesitation, Bella and I scrambled to our feet, falling in step behind him and Angela as we made our way toward the building. The air was brisk, carrying the scent of pine and the promise of snow. I could feel the cold biting at my cheeks and ears, but the movement kept me warm.
As we rushed down the corridor, Mike rambled on about the field trip, his voice a constant stream of chatter. Every few sentences, he stole quick glances at Bella, clearly thinking she wouldn't notice. But she did, and it was obvious from the tight grip she had on her bag that his attention made her uncomfortable. When Mike offered to carry her bag, Bella's knuckles whitened, and she pulled it closer to her body. Her jaw was set in a firm line, her eyes narrowed slightly in discomfort. I swallowed my annoyance, resisting the urge to tell Mike to back off. Out of all of Angela's guy friends, Mike wasn't the worst, but he could be dense. Watching the way his cheeks turned a faint shade of red from Bella's rejection, I realized how eager he was to please, how desperate to find his place among us. I also knew that if Jessica got wind of Mike's interest in Bella, she'd throw a fit. Jess was possessive of Mike in the way only a high school girl could be—fiercely, irrationally.
I decided to intervene, cutting through Mike's endless chatter with a blunt, "I'm pretty sure you're no longer needed." My voice came out sharper than I'd intended, and I winced inwardly, knowing I'd hurt Mike's feelings. His face fell, the bright enthusiasm dimming in his eyes. Angela shot me a disapproving look and pinched my side, making me yelp in surprise.
"You don't need to be so rude," she scolded, her voice low but firm. I rubbed my side, shooting her a glare. Angela, ever the peacemaker, turned to Mike with a sympathetic smile, trying to ease the tension I'd created. "If it wasn't for Mike, you two would have missed everything and probably would have been stuck at school," she said, her tone overly gracious. I rolled my eyes at her exaggeration. We would have been fine without Mike's help, though I wasn't about to admit it out loud. Mike's eyes brightened at Angela's praise, his shoulders straightening a little. He looked like a puppy that had just been given a treat, eager to please and desperate for approval.
"It wasn't rude, just a fact," I muttered, trying to justify my behavior. "He could go to where the buses are and make sure they don't leave without us," I added quickly, hoping to send Mike on his way without further argument. Angela raised an eyebrow, seeing right through my excuse. She knew me too well to be fooled by my attempt at diplomacy.
Mike, however, seemed relieved to have a clear task. "I-I... I don't mind heading to the buses and making sure they know you guys are coming," he stammered, ruffling his sandy blonde hair nervously. He was clearly trying to avoid our bickering and do something helpful. I smirked at Angela, who shot me a look of mild irritation. I elbowed her lightly, causing her to blink rapidly in surprise.
"You should do that," I said to Mike, cutting Angela off before she could say anything to make him stay. He hesitated for a moment, glancing at Bella with a hopeful smile, before nodding and turning toward the buses. We watched as he weaved his tall, lanky figure through the crowd, his head bobbing above the sea of students. Once I was sure Mike wouldn't change his mind and come back, I let out a sigh of relief. Bella walked on my right, Angela on my left, as we headed to our respective classes. I could feel the tension easing from Bella's shoulders now that Mike was gone. She gave me a grateful smile, and I returned it, feeling a small sense of accomplishment.
"Like I said, rude," Angela muttered, nudging me with her shoulder as we reached the classroom doors. Her tone was playful, but I could tell she was still annoyed.
"Like I said, it was just stating a fact," I replied, smirking at her. Angela rolled her eyes but didn't bother to argue. She knew better than to try to change my mind once it was made up. As we parted ways, Angela and Bella headed into their shared class, and I slipped into mine.
Quickly placing my belongings on my assigned seat, I felt a knot tightening in my stomach. My fingers began to tingle automatically from the cold, a familiar sensation that spread like wildfire through my hands. I frowned and rubbed my palms together, trying to generate some warmth. "The cold is getting worse," I murmured to myself, glancing around the room.
It was then I noticed Alice standing by the huge windows that overlooked the campus below. I hadn't realized she was there before, her presence so quiet and unassuming. The sunlight streamed in behind her, casting a soft glow around her figure. Her pixie-like haircut was styled neatly, each strand perfectly in place, and she wore a blue jacket over a white top that made her look effortlessly stylish. Of course, she looked good. They always did. But it wasn't her appearance that made jealousy prickle my skin. It was the way she stood there, so calm and unfazed by the cold that had me shivering. Her skin seemed immune to the chill that had settled into the room, and she looked almost serene as she spoke in low tones to her brother, Edward, who definitely wasn't supposed to be in this class. I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. How did they manage to look so put together all the time? Even when I tried my best, I still looked like I'd barely rolled out of bed most days.
Not wanting to appear like I was eavesdropping, I quickly averted my gaze back to my backpack, fumbling with the zipper as I pulled out what I needed for the bus ride. The murmur of their conversation was a soft hum in the background, almost drowned out by the chatter of other students filing into the room. My fingers stilled when I heard Alice's voice closer than before.
"Hello, El," she greeted, her voice light and airy. I groaned inwardly. What were the chances I could pretend I didn't hear her and just leave? I stared at my backpack, my back tensing up under the weight of their gazes. I clenched my hands into fists before releasing them, forcing myself to relax. 'Be nice,' I reminded myself, even though every nerve in my body was telling me to do otherwise.
"Hey," I greeted them, my voice a bit stiff as I turned to face them. I gave a small, awkward wave. Edward stood beside Alice, his expression polite but unreadable. He smiled at me, a small smile that showed a hint of a dimple on his cheek. He wore a light gray collared coat over a dark gray thermal. It didn't seem like much to keep him warm, but who was I to judge? They all seemed impervious to the cold anyway.
"We were talking about the bus arrangements," Alice explained, her eyes bright with interest as if she had caught me looking at Edward for too long. Edward remained silent, but he frowned slightly at his sister's words, clearly not pleased with the topic.
"Oh," I said, unsure of what else to add. The silence stretched awkwardly between us, saved only by Edward's sudden interjection.
"Do you mind if we switch buses?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes watching me closely. I blinked, surprised by the request.
"I thought I was already assigned to your bus?" I replied, my confusion evident. Back when Angela and I shared classes, we'd always ended up on the same bus. I had stupidly assumed this year would be no different. Edward shook his head, smiling politely. I groaned, turning back to my backpack to finish rummaging through it, trying to mask my irritation. I could hear them shuffling behind me, their movements soft but distinct. Someone—Edward, probably—cleared his throat, the sound grating against my nerves. I could feel his impatience, waiting for my response, and it only made me want to drag this out longer.
I turned my head slightly, rolling my eyes at him before zipping my bag shut with a final tug. "What's wrong with your bus?" I asked, not bothering to hide my suspicion. There had to be a reason he wanted to switch, and if it involved a smelly bus or some other inconvenience, I wasn't about to agree. Edward's lips twitched, amusement dancing in his eyes. He looked like he was holding back laughter, which only made me frown more. 'What was so funny?' I thought back to a conversation Bella and I had about Edward's 'hot' doctor dad and whether he experimented on his adoptive kids, making them immune to things like cold and human emotions. I had brushed Bella off, but now I wasn't so sure. Maybe she was onto something.
I was jolted out of my thoughts when Edward coughed loudly, a deliberate sound meant to get my attention. He turned away, hiding his face, but I caught a glimpse of his dimple, and it irritated me how much he seemed to be enjoying this. "Nothing's wrong," Alice answered, stepping closer to me. Her voice was soothing, as if trying to calm a skittish animal. "He just feels uncomfortable—he gets anxious sitting with people he doesn't know well." My eyes widened in surprise. Social anxiety? From Edward Cullen, of all people? I filed the information away, intrigued despite myself.
I licked my lips, weighing the pros and cons in my mind. "I don't mind," I decided, my voice calm as I nodded, trying to appear nonchalant. I gave Alice a reassuring smile, and she beamed back at me, her entire face lighting up with gratitude. Without warning, she stepped forward and enveloped me in a quick, tight hug. I could feel my body stiffen, every muscle tensing up as a strange sense of warning prickled through me. Her embrace was light and brief, but it left me feeling off-kilter, like I had stepped into something I didn't fully understand. Alice pulled back, her golden eyes shimmering with happiness, a look of triumph flashing briefly across her face.
"I told you she'd agre—" Alice started to say, but she was cut off by a sharp look from Edward. His eyes, which had been focused on the floor, snapped up to meet hers, a silent message passing between them. Whatever it was, it made Alice stop mid-sentence, her lips pressing together in a tight line. I wasn't oblivious; I could tell there was more to this request than they were letting on. But honestly, I didn't care enough to pry. Everyone assumed because Angela and I were identical, we thought and acted the same. What they didn't realize was that our similarities ended at our looks. Angela was the selfless one, always willing to bend over backward to help others, even if it meant being a pushover. I, on the other hand, had no problem looking out for myself.
"You just owe me one, Edward," I said, my voice cool as I smirked over Alice's shoulder at him. My words hung in the air between us, clear and unmistakable. Edward's eyes, dark and deep, shifted to mine, and for a moment, they seemed to bore into me, trying to gauge my intentions. I held his gaze, refusing to be intimidated by the intensity that often made others shrink back. I wasn't Angela, and I wasn't about to play the shy, quiet twin. He seemed to understand that, a flicker of acknowledgment crossing his features before he nodded silently.
Satisfied with the arrangement, I gave a small nod and turned away, feeling the weight of their eyes on my back as I moved. I had nothing else to add to the conversation, nor did I want to. The air in the classroom felt stifling, too heavy with unspoken words and secrets I wasn't privy to. I made my way to the door, eager to put some distance between myself and the Cullens.
The sky outside was a muted gray, heavy clouds threatening to spill over with rain. I pulled my jacket tighter around myself as I headed toward the buses, my breath coming out in small puffs of mist in the chilly morning air. The crisp scent of wet leaves and earth filled my lungs, grounding me as I pushed thoughts of Edward and Alice to the back of my mind. As I approached the buses, I saw clusters of students gathered, their excited chatter filling the space. I spotted Angela near the front, talking animatedly with a group of girls. Her eyes met mine, and she waved me over, her smile bright and welcoming. I felt my tension ease a little, the familiar sight of my sister a balm to my frayed nerves. I joined her, the noise of the crowd a welcome distraction from the strange encounter I had just left behind.
—-
The hum of chatter filled the bus, creating a comfortable buzz that hummed in the background as we made our way to the greenhouse near Forks Community College. The air was filled with a mixture of excitement and the low murmur of conversations. I was relieved to have ended up on the same bus as Angela. Sitting next to her was a blessing; her familiar presence was a welcome comfort compared to the prospect of sitting next to someone random—or worse, someone I'd been avoiding.
Goosebumps prickled my arms at the thought of sitting next to Ben. I had seen him earlier in the crowd while we waited to board the buses, and a wave of dread had washed over me. His eyes had brightened when he spotted me, but I was quick to look away, pretending not to notice. As fate would have it, though, Edward's smooth talking had persuaded the teachers into letting us switch buses, sparing me from an awkward encounter. I was pretty sure Edward had his reasons for the switch, but at the moment, I didn't care what they were. I was just grateful. I could still picture Ben's face in the crowd, looking disappointed when he realized I wasn't going to be on the same bus as him and the rest of our class. But his sullen look had quickly vanished once he remembered that our groups would merge for the entire field trip.
My stomach twisted at the thought. Word had gotten out among Angela's friends that Ben was planning something during the trip—something involving me. I sighed, the anticipation of what was to come weighing heavily on my mind. I didn't have a plan for how to handle Ben's impending question, and the idea of facing him was making me uneasy.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Angela's voice broke through my mental fog, pulling me back to the present. I glanced at her, giving a weak smile.
"Just thinking about this field trip," I replied, trying to sound casual. "And how I'd rather not get lost in a sea of plants." Angela laughed softly, nudging me with her elbow.
"It's just a greenhouse, Ellie. We'll stick together, and you'll be fine. Plus, it's better than being stuck in a classroom, right?" I nodded, my smile becoming a bit more genuine.
"Yeah, you're right. A day out of school is a day out of school, even if it's spent looking at plants." She grinned, turning to look out the window as the scenery of Forks blurred past. I watched her for a moment, feeling a bit more at ease. Angela had a way of making everything seem less daunting. But even her optimism couldn't fully shake the unease settling in my chest. As the bus continued to rumble down the road, I found myself glancing over at the other students, their faces a blur of animated expressions. Some were talking animatedly, while others were lost in their own worlds, earbuds in, eyes closed. I envied them a little—the ease with which they could just exist, not overthinking every little thing.
"Hey," Angela said suddenly, turning back to me. "If Ben asks you out, just be honest with him. He's a good guy, but he'll understand if you're not interested. You don't have to say yes just to make him happy."
I blinked, surprised by her insight. "How did you know?" She shrugged, a knowing smile on her face.
"I'm your sister, I know you. Besides, you kept avoiding his eyes like he had some disease."
I sighed, leaning back against the seat. "I just… I don't want to hurt his feelings. He's nice, but I'm just not into him like that."
"Then don't lead him on," Angela advised gently. "It's better to be honest now than to have him think there's a chance when there isn't."
I nodded, her words making sense. It wasn't going to be easy, but she was right. I had to be honest, even if it meant an awkward conversation with Ben. As the bus pulled into the parking lot of the greenhouse, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I could do this. I had to.
Angela nudged me, pointing at the greenhouses lined up neatly in a row. Their glass walls were fogged over, obscuring any view of the inside. A mixture of condensation and the misty Forks air clung to the glass, making them appear like eerie, clouded domes.
I furrowed my brows at the sight. 'I should have just stayed at home,' I thought miserably as Mr. Banner announced our arrival at the greenhouse. His voice, enthusiastic and booming, echoed through the bus as he outlined our activities for the day.
Once the buses parked side by side, a few teachers stood at the front, ensuring everyone got off safely. Mr. Banner's hand gripped my arm firmly as I almost stumbled off the last step, too eager to escape the confines of the bus.
"Watch yourself, Ang—" he started, but was quickly corrected.
"It's Eleanor," we said in unison. Angela stood behind him, her hand raised slightly as if to catch my fall. I glanced up, annoyed, as Mr. Banner blinked in confusion. He looked between us, realization dawning on his face. I could see a faint blush creeping across his tanned cheeks, which were littered with dark speckled freckles. He adjusted his glasses nervously, trying to cover his embarrassment.
"Ah, I'm sorry," he muttered, patting Angela's head lightly before turning to help the last of the students. Angela shot me a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Hooking her arm through mine, she gently dragged me away from the crowd. "Don't look so upset," she whispered, trying to suppress a laugh. "I'm pretty sure he wasn't paying attention to who he was helping. Just be happy you didn't damage your head more," she added with a smirk as we joined the rest of our group. Her eyes scanned the students around us, subtly checking for anyone else we might know. "Any more injuries and you might never get away from your mom," Angela teased, her tone light. She was joking, of course, but the mere thought of my mom controlling every aspect of my life for the next few weeks made my stomach turn. I could practically hear my mom's voice in my head, nagging me about resting and being careful. The image of her anxious face filled my mind, making me sigh inwardly.
"Don't remind me," I muttered, shaking my head slightly. I decided to keep my thoughts to myself, focusing instead on the teachers as they went over our itinerary for the day and the necessary safety precautions. Mr. Banner's voice droned on about staying together, not touching any of the plants without permission, and the importance of reporting any accidents immediately.
Angela gave me a playful nudge, trying to lighten my mood. "Hey, it's not so bad. I hear they've got some pretty interesting stuff in there. Maybe we'll see some carnivorous plants. That's always cool, right?" I couldn't help but crack a small smile at her optimism.
"Yeah, maybe. As long as they don't try to eat us."
Angela laughed, the sound light and throaty, cutting through the hum of chatter around us. "If they do, I'm sure Mr. Banner will protect us with his mighty plant knowledge."
"Or confuse them with his inability to remember students' names," I added, grinning. We shared a quiet laugh, the tension easing between us as we listened to the teachers. Despite my initial reluctance, I had to admit that Angela had a point. Maybe this field trip wouldn't be so bad after all. With any luck, the day would pass quickly.