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.

appears on my face that eventually widens into a grin

Bella Winters is in town.

*****

me, causing me to jump up in my seat. I throw an apologetic look to the person next to me

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

unlock my phone underneath the desk and read the texts quickly —

What the hell Bella? Where are

could have at least told me you'd rather walk

Hello? You're actually impossible.

feel guilty, knowing I should have let him know I was walking to school. I quickly lock my phone, deciding to reply back to

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

my eyes glued to the desk in front of me. I feel my cheeks heat up in embarrassment and I quickly stuff my phone back inside my pocket. The

been teaching me for the last year or anything. .

hand over the phone please."