C3 Chapter Three

I blow out forcefully, trying to move a strand of hair that's loose from my ponytail. Carrying the bag of footballs is probably the most exercise I've done in a year.

"Speed it up Winters!" Mrs Hollins yells, her irritating voice floating through the air. I roll my eyes knowing that she can't see me from the distance between us.

"Speed it up Winters! Do this Winters!" I mutter to myself, mimicking Mrs Hollins. I give up attempting to carry the bag and instead throw it down onto the ground before dragging it from the handle. I'm not exactly the tallest or strongest girl in my gym class.

I drag the bag until it's next to Mrs Hollins and take my place back in line. She begins to lecture the girls on a football tournament so I zone out, ignoring her. My thoughts turn back to Mystery Boy and I turn slightly, peeking at the boys class who are practicing across the field from us.

From this distance, I can't make out anything beside their hair colour. More than half of the boys running around have dark hair - fail. I sigh heavily, giving up and turning back around to face Mrs Hollins who's low key glaring at me from the side.

"Winters! You're on Beatrice's team," she yells over to me and I immediately feel my lungs tighten and my breathing shallow out. I remain rooted to the spot, looking like a deer caught in the headlights.

"Winters, move now!" Coach Hollins yells over at me, blowing her whistle in order to snap me out of my little daze. I immediately scurry over to Beatrice's team who are all glaring at me. If looks could kill, I'd be buried 6 feet under right now.

Beatrice's hand lurches out, gripping onto my elbow tightly and I stop, frozen to the spot. The skin contact with her makes my stomach turn with nausea. She leans in until I can feel her hot breath fanning against my ear as she speaks.

"Stay out of my way, mute."

Her tone is threatening, low and vicious.

My eyes widen and I nod, letting her know I understand. Beatrice releases my elbow and I cradle it to my chest before scurrying away from her. I stand behind the group, out of sight. The familiar feeling of my lungs tightening fills my chest and I close my eyes, forcing myself to calm down. I can't have a panic attack . . .

Not now. Not here.

I don't understand why Beatrice and her friends are giving me such a hard time for simply bumping into them. That's the sad thing about bullies, they don't need an excuse. They prey on the vulnerable, the timid and I'm unfortunately one of the easiest targets.

I glance up to find Beatrice and her friend glaring at me from under their long lashes. Beatrice's eyes spark with humour as she notices the fear in my eyes. I take a step back and she lets out a choked laugh before raising her finger and sliding it across her throat. Her friend watches me recoil from them in horror and begins to fall around laughing, kneeled over at my reaction.

I feel my stomach tighten in multiple knots and the one piece of toast I ate threatens to find it's way back up. I turn away from them, tears pricking the back of my eyes. I hate showing my vulnerability to people like Beatrice but I can't help it. I want to be strong but how does one stand up-to someone like Beatrice Walden?

An idea springs to mind and I quickly clutch my stomach, trying my best to act like I'm in excruciating pain. I limp over to Coach Hollins, my face scrunched up in false pain.

"Mrs Hollins? I don't feel so good," I groan, squeezing my eyes shut and wishing she'd give me a free period or send me to the nurse.

"What's wrong Winters?" Coach Hollins sighs, I open my eyes, giving her my best pained expression.

"I feel sick, really sick." I respond quietly which isn't a total lie thanks to Beatrice and her friends. Coach Hollins observes me carefully, her eyes drifting up and down my body.

"You seem fine to me."

"I really don't feel good Coach," I groan louder, clutching my stomach tightly. I take a slight peek at her expression but she doesn't look convinced at all.

This is it Bella. . . desperate times lead to desperate measures.

"I get really bad period pain. If I don't lie down, I end up bleeding everywhere. It's like a crime scene from a horror movie." I exaggerate. A look of horror flashes over her face and she actually takes a step away from me as if my period is contagious. I mentally roll my eyes at her . . . Why is a period freaking her out so much?

"Oh, I really don't feel good." I emphasise, kneeling over. Mrs Hollins finally holds her hand up, eyeing me warily.

"Alright fine, pack up and go home Winters."

A grimace flashes across her face and she turns and walks over to the class. I mentally fist bump the air and can't help my lips from tugging up into a victorious smile.

Great acting skills Bella, the period card is actually genius.

As I'm walking off the pitch, my eyes connect with Beatrice's cold stare. I feel goosebumps scatter across my arms and I shudder from the icy look that flashes through them. She doesn't break the stare so in an act of bravery, I lift my arm up and give her a little wave. Her face flashes with surprise and before she can retaliate, I turn around and walk straight off the pitch.

That's 1 point for Bella.