Coward

Chapter Ten

I bolt up right, my head between my legs and gasping for breath. I'm in my own bed, my blankets thrown onto the floor. My phone is ringing so I reach over and pick it up. The caller ID shows a very embarrassing picture of Mason.

"Hello?" I ask.

"Belle, I've rung you like three times already. Are you okay?" His voice is laced with concern.

I furrow my eyebrows, "yeah I'm fine. Um, why?"

"Nothing, just that you weren't at Dans when I came back to check on you."

"Oh, yeah that reminds me accually. Do you know what happened to my clothes? Cause I have no idea what happened."

"I'll explain later," he says quickly.

"Okay fine, do you know what day it is today?"

"Tuesday?"

"Shit, really? That means we have school." I make a sound of disgust but then sigh. "Look I'm sorry I can't talk anymore but I've got to get ready. I'll see you at school?"

"Yeah," he says and murmmers a good bye before I hang up. I get up and streach then set out in search of something to wear.

I get dressed and put my hair up into a messy bun and I jump down stairs. My landing isn't perfect but I don't fall over so that's a start. I look around the small interor and frown. Mum's not here.

I walk into the kitchen area and pick up a note on the counter.

Florence,

I've got to go and sort some stuff out in the city. I'll be back sometime in the next few weeks but you can use my card for food and stuff. If you hear from Bret tell him he'll have his rent soon.

I can't fucking believe this bullshit! Oh wait yes I can. I sigh and leave the house through one of the windows. I walk towards my car, I'm wearing light blue jeans and a black knitted jersey. I open my car door and holding my toast in my teeth as I throw my bag and folder onto the passenger seat. I twist the keys in the ignition and head off to school.

**************

By the time I walk into class I've already missed first period. My classes go by in a blur and I don't see any of the guys during interval. So I spent my time lying out on the field under a tree. My next period was art. I smile at the thought, I love art.

So when the ball rang I quickly slipped on my bag and made my way back towards the school buildings.

I enter the art room and look over to my now occupied seat. I sigh and look around at the rest of my class. I decide to take a seat next to the window so I can look outside for inspiration.

I place my things under the desk and murmer a quick greeting to the boy who sits to my left. "Hey," I give him a friendly smile.

He smiles back and then turns back towards his painting. I look over his shoulder to see a monochromatic painting of an older lady. I turn away to retreive my art pack and set up my stuff.

After countless minutes of silence between us and only soft whispers from the others in my class I look at the picture again. The old women is smiling, she reminds me of someone. "Is that lady someone to you?" I ask.

He puts his paintbrush down and looks at me for a while before answereing. His grey eyes narrow, "why do you want to know?"

I ignore his hostility and smile at him gently before returning back to my work. "I was just wondering." When he doesn't answer I continue, "she looks familar thats all."