Chapter Four

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ISABELLE
My eyelids fluttered open, as the sunlight shimmered from the blinking Windows. I buried my faces deeper into my pillow, to block out the disturbing sunlight. In less than seconds after I almost drifted into another peaceful slumber, my door gently cracked open, and Mom came in through, dressed in full work clothes, which reminded me I had school.
"Isabelle, wake up. You slept over your alarm... Again." Mom sighed, obviously irritated. I sighed, longing for another hour of sleep, but I knew I had to get up or I would miss the bus.
I groaned and reluctantly hoisted myself out of the bed, as my Mom made her way out.
I threw on my uniform and made sure I had all the necessary books for certain subjects we had today, before I made my way downstairs for breakfast.
My eyes were blinded momentarily by the bright sunlight streaming from the window. I noticed a plate of pancakes on the table for me and a small note that had a smiley face plastered all over it.
Smiling to myself, I picked up the plate and took a bit of the sweet pancakes, draped with sweet maple syrup. I chewed, vowing I would never take food for granted ever again.
As I finished the last piece, I heard a loud BEEP!
It was the bus pulling up on our driveway. I sighed and made my way outside, inhaling the air around me. The bus doors slid open and I walked inside, scanning the seats available. Which was next to Tristan.
Great.
I walked cautiously trying to avoid students' legs' trying to trip me up. I plopped down next to Tristan who shot me one of his million dollar smirks.
I sighed. This was going to be a very long ride.
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RACHEL
I quickly grabbed my bag from the counter, not bothering to finish my breakfast: eggs and bacon. I rushed out the door and entered the bus, knowing that I had kept the driver waiting for more than he planned to. I looked around and noticed that the bus was so full and no seats were available. Unless one of the girls scooted aver and got squashed with the person next to them.
Tristan caught my eye, because Isabelle was pushing him to scoot over, making room for me. I walked over to her, grinning profusely and sat down next to Isabelle, her hips squashing against mine. I resisted the urge to laugh at the sight of Tristan; he was squashed against the wall, with Isabelle nearly sitting on his leg.
"Oh don't worry about me," Tristan sarcastically said. Isabelle and I chuckled at him.
The bus lurched forward, thrusting Isabelle on Tristan.
"Gosh, how much do you weigh? Get your ass out of my face!" Tristan mumbled, pushing Isabelle on me. I heard her shriek with laughter before my laughter died out with Isabelle on top of me.
So, long story short, this was our ride to school.
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TRISTAN
I got off the bus, actually glad that I was not Isabelle's cushion anymore, but I can't  deny that it hadn't made me blush.
Once she was off the bus with Rachel, I asked for her number, experiencing her endless teasing, but in the end, I got her number.
I slowly made my way to my first class; Geography. Suddenly, a fresh thought surfaced my mind. And it was dad. How did he get back from work drunk? Who drove him? Why did he drink? What happened? My stomach churned and twisted into knots, thinking of what happened.
We need to invest more.
His words rang in my head until I reached the classroom. What if he gets fired?
No he won't. Because the company needs him.
A voice rang in my head. Giving me hope. But only so little.
I sat down on my regular seat, waiting patiently for the teacher to come, but I was still thinking hard.
I know I shouldn't think a lot about it, but this dad was different from Dad.
Sure he grieves over things, but he never drank.
As far as I'm concerned, we're not allowed to.
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ISABELLE
My hair covered my face as I worked on my English essay. Our teacher was sitting at her desk, reading through her teaching plans.
Our job was to write about how Global Warming affected the universe and our country, although I don't see how this links with English. I suppose she was desperate to get silence.
My thoughts were scattered all over the place. My hand rested on my cheek as I pondered over what to write next.
My eyes wandered all over the classroom, and my gaze landed on Tristan, who was scribbling like a madman, making a creation. I took the time to notice all his features: Wood-brown hair, honey brown eyes, and faint freckles which seemed to make him look seven years younger. I took this chance to admire his handsomeness.
But soon, the door burst open, and a very tired Principal marched in like he had to escape a hurricane.
The students' attention averted to the more interesting scene that's better than their plain papers - which I guarantee that most of theirs were blank.
His caramel coloured eyes explored the room until his eyes landed on mine.
"Isabelle Johnson?" He asked, huskily. I nodded slowly.
When the principal came to our classes, it was never good.
I was interested in what he wanted to say. I mean, I needed to know why he was looking for me specifically.
"It's your mother. She's had an accident. And... I need you in my office." He whispered so only I could hear. But I don't see why he tried anyway. Half the class turned to look at me. I could feel Tristan's stare down my neck.
I was so wrong. Knowing no news was better than knowing this.
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