His Heartwarming Secret

The conversation between Jedd and I whirls round and round in my thoughts all night. I don't sleep much but when I finally manage to nod off, the sun begins to rise, peeping through my curtains.

I finish lacing up my converse and stand off my bed, stretching. A dull aching pain flares up in my sides and I wince, placing my hand over it. I walk over to my mirror and gingerly lift my hoody, examining the tender area. A light bruise is beginning to form, looking alien against my pale skin.

Now I'm tired, grumpy and in pain.

Great start to the day Bella.

I reach for my backpack before heading out of my room quietly. The plan is to leave the house before Dad and Jedd wake up. I don't want to be interrogated further and an awkward car ride with Jedd is the last thing I need today.

I tip-toe down the stairs, avoiding the creaky ones that will alert Jedd of my presence. I reach the bottom of the stairs and turn to walk towards the kitchen to grab some breakfast. A shadowy figure moves on the other side of the glass door and I immediately duck, mimicking something out of a action movie. Abort Mission Bella!

I crawl the opposite way, heading straight for the front door instead. Opening the door without making noise is a difficult task however after a minute or two of fumbling with the locks, it springs open. I let out a sigh of relief before darting outside into the crisp morning air.

concrete floor. A small smile appears on my face that eventually widens into a grin as I realise

James Bond, Bella Winters is

*****

causing me to jump up in my

out of my pocket and glance at the screen. Three unread texts from Jedd and two missed calls. I physically wince knowing that he's mad at me for ditching him this morning. Whenever Jedd is mad at me, he lets me know why and then will proceed to ignore me for days, weeks even until I whole heartedly apologise.

my phone underneath the desk and read the texts quickly —

the hell Bella? Where are

You could have at least told me

Hello? You're actually impossible.

him know I was walking to school. I quickly lock my

causing me to snap my head up in her direction. She's staring straight at me, her eyebrow raised

say quietly, my eyes glued to the desk in front of me. I feel my cheeks heat up in embarrassment and

you've been teaching me for

"Miss Winters, hand over the