All He Needed Was A Friend

Chapter 1: Classroom Punishments

***POV Beatrix***

I looked up at the ceiling in my room. It had been three days since I met Tom. He was nice and it seemed official that we were friends or at least, I considered him my best and only friend. I pulled out my locket and glanced down at the coat of arms depicted on it. The coat of arms had a red and gold background theme on a shield that had a lion on it. I remember my mom giving this to me and telling me to stay safe. She had seemed so sad those days... I never knew why. I missed her and her smile that would always show off her dimples. I wonder if she still owns that small herb shop or if she moved... Mom never visited like she promised, but it didn't matter she was still out there, just somewhere else. I heard a knock on my door and opened it. It was the same lady that had showed me in, I think I remember Tom calling her "Mrs. Cole."

"Miss Arthur today who will be joining our first grade class," she said. "If you would follow me." Mrs. Cole began to walk down the hallway and I followed her to a small classroom where other children were talking excitedly about some new television in the living room. "Children!" Mrs. Cole called. "This is Beatrix. She will be joining us from now on." I saw a lot of the girls turn and look at me murmuring. The boys seemed to care less except for one, Tom. I smiled at him and grabbed a seat next to him towards the window.

"Hi Tom," I said smiling.

Tom looked over and said, "Hi." He then turned back to his book.

"What are you reading today?" I asked opening my own book on biology.

"I'm reading about tectonic plates," Tom answered. "What about you?"

"Biology," I answered. "Want to meet in my room today?" Tom nodded and glanced around my shoulder. That's when I noticed Billy and a group of boys heading our way.

"Well what do we have here?" Billy asked. "The freak and his little 'friend.' You know Beatrix you shouldn't hang around with him."

"Yea, come hang around with us," Another boy said grabbing me by the arm. I glared at them and pulled away.

"Leave me alone," I said sitting back down. That's when Billy leaned down, pushed me down on the ground, and grabbed my book.

"Well what do we have here boys?" Billy laughed. "Another stupid book and you all know what we do with those." Billy walked over to the fountain and was about to throw my book in when he suddenly hit the wall. I turned around and saw Tom clenching and unclenching his hands and boy, if looks could kill, Billy would be dead.

"Leave her alone," Tom whispered, but the scene had already caught the attention of both the girls and other boys in the room. Mrs. Cole walked back into the room and screamed.

"What in the world is going on here?!" she exclaimed.

"It was Tom, Mrs. Cole," Billy groaned. "Beatrix dropped her book and I was going to hand it to her, but then Tom just pushed me into the wall for no reason."

Mrs. Cole turned to Tom and began to say, "Tom no dinner for you again and..."

I cut her off, "Mrs. Cole, it wasn't Tom's fault I accidentally bumped into him and he crashed into Billy. It was my fault." Mrs. Cole looked at me and considered what I said.

"Very well then," she began, "No lunch or supper for you today, Miss Arthur, and I trust that will make you more observant." I heard some of the other kids start to snicker as I sat down and class began.

***POV Tom***

I looked at Beatrix in awe. No one had ever helped, especially to go as far as to take my punishment as their own. I sat down and turned my head to the board glancing at Beatrix from the corner of my eye. Why had she helped me? She hadn't done anything... I looked down at my hands. I had gotten so mad just seeing them tease her and all because she sat next to me... It isn't fair.  What did we ever do to them? They just.... it's not fair...

"What do we call a person who studies living things?" Mrs. Cole asked. I raised my hand and saw Beatrix had also raised hers. We were the only two. I smirked to myself. I guess I'm not the only smart one anymore.

"Miss Arthur?" Mrs. Cole called.

"The answer is a Biologist," Beatrix answered. She was smart and... kind, yes kind was the word. She might be the only one here like that though. Beatrix the Kind; I liked that title. It fit her. Beatrix noticed me looking at her and smiled. I smiled a little back, but only enough for her to see.

Soon enough class ended and all the kids filed out heading to lunch. I heard Beatrix's stomach growl as we exited the classroom. As soon as we were alone, I asked, "Why did you do that?"

"Do what?" she answered.

"You said it was you when it was me," I responded holding her gaze.

Beatrix stopped and gave me a funny look. "Are you joking? You helped me so of course, I would help you. Plus we're friends and friends help one another." I looked at her bewildered. friends.... Beatrix is my friend. I nodded my head at her and we continued to the mess hall in silence. I never had a friend before.... Beatrix had gone to save us a seat at a table in the back. I never really had to steal a lot before so I probably couldn't get a hold of another bowl like Beatrix did, but a second piece of bread would work. When the lunch lady turned around, I quickly grabbed a second piece of bread and joined Beatrix.

"Here," I said handing her the bread. She smiled at me and took it.

"Thanks," she said.

"What are friends for?" I replied. She smiled again and I decided I would do whatever it took to make her smile.

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Author's Note

Sorry for the short chapter. I just thought I would keep the story going since I have to study for a couple tests. As always if you have any questions or comments for me just leave me a message and I'll be sure to get back to you. (:

Oh and thank you a_complicated_life for your kind comment on this story. It's very much appreciated.