His Heartwarming Secret

I snap my head up, meeting Beatrice's burning gaze. She appears amused yet it's so clear in her eyes that she's lying intentionally to snitch on me. I feel my throat tighten, my breathing becoming restricted. The rest of the class are now glancing between Beatrice and I, waiting for the explosion to happen.

Will I stand up for myself or will Beatrice win as she usually does?

"Is Beatrice telling the truth?" The teacher sighs, her hand still outstretched ready for my phone. Beatrice is challenging me with her narrow beady eyes, waiting to see whether I'll stick up for myself or not. I tear my eyes away from her, squaring my shoulders up bravely. I won't let her win.

"No I wasn't texting, I'm aware of the rules. I was checking the time, I swear."

I can practically see Beatrice seeping with anger from the corner of my eyes but I will myself to keep my back turned on her. The teacher glances between Beatrice and I one last time before she sighs and drops her hand.

"Very well but if I catch a glimpse of it again, I will confiscate it Bella."

knows my name now . . . I slump back in my chair in relief, grateful to have

*****

books and putting them inside my bag. As usual I wait a little longer before leaving the classroom so the students can disappear out of the corridors. The second I step outside, I'm surrounded by three

towers over me and her two friends stand on either side of me, keeping me trapped. From the look on Beatrice's face,

you glaring at me all day." She hisses, closing the

a problem with you. Can't you just leave me alone?" I whisper, hating the way my voice became so mouse-like around her. Her lips curl up into a sneer and

"Who the hell do you think you're

a locker. I have nowhere to go. Being confined in small spaces limits the amount of oxygen filling

with her, my voice trembling. I don't want to have a panic attack in front of Beatrice and her friends, not here. Beatrice scoffs, her

teases, holding her nose and wafting the air in front of her. Multiple students pass us and choose not to help despite seeing the terrified expression plastered across

floor. My hands begin to tremble by my side and

always shop in the boys section?" Beatrice asks me, giggling at her own joke. Her friends on either side of me burst into laughter on cue and I feel fresh tears prick the back of my eyes. I bite the inside of my cheek,