Bella's Hunt

FIFTY-THREE

Monday morning comes around faster than I wish it did. On Saturday, it started to snow which meant Lydia could force me into more Winter outfits she found on tumblr. But since she had to be early to school today for a last minute study session, she won't be dressing me today which is a giant relief.

Exams are coming up this Thursday and Friday, then we have our winter break for two weeks. Then next Wednesday is the Ascendant ball, then Tuesday is Christmas. Which I will be spending at my father's with Cam. My mom said that since we'll be away, she's going to go stay with her mother, which is only an hour long drive from Westview.

Before school, I get dressed in a black sweater, dark jeans, my combat boots, and a black beanie. I walk into the ensuite to brush my hair when I get a phone call. Since I'm already in the bathroom, I let my phone ring since I don't think it's important.

I place the beanie on my head and walk back into my room. I grab my phone to see I have a missed call from Chris, who's been non-stop calling me all weekend. Ever since the party, I haven't talked to him. And I don't want to.

I grab my bag before walking downstairs. My mom is sitting at the counter, like always, and Cam is nowhere in sight. I quickly grab a water bottle and head out of the kitchen.

"Lydia's not here?" Mom calls and I stop.

"No. She's already at school." I state, not looking at her.

I haven't been talking to my mom all weekend either. I've been keeping to myself mainly... she hasn't tried talking to me either. She's obviously afraid that I'm going to snap or something. But I'm not.

"Is her studying going well?"

"Um... I don't know." I squeeze my eyes shut. I just want to go to school. "Bye." I walk off and she doesn't protest. I close the front door behind me and turn to the thick snow at the bottom of the steps. Snow was still falling, heavily might I add. I groan softly before running through the snow and to my car.

When I get to school, I head for my locker and find Lydia already there. Unlike Friday night, she's not a complete mess. Her hair is tied up in a messy bun, which only she could ever pull off. She is wearing a maroon sweater and black jeans.

She leans off my locker with a giant smile, but I don't return it. "Good morning."

"Morning," I mumble while punching in my combination.

"We have something very important to talk about." She states authoritatively.

I look up at her with wide eyes, "Oh my, God. You're not pregnant are you?" I ask in horror.

"Jesus, no." She shakes her head instantly and I sigh in relief. "I'm talking about The Ascendant Ball."

I roll my eyes at her before glancing back into my locker for my textbook. "Have you already got yourself a date?" Lydia asks.

"Nope. I don't even want to go."

"But, Bella! This will be our first time going since we never got to go before." She stomps her foot like an angry child.

"Yeah, so what? You always drag me to the school dances. Is that not enough for you?"

"No, actually it's not." She deadpans. "We both need dates to the ball."

"Why can't you just be my date?" I raise a brow at her. "We always go to school dances as each other's dates."

"This is different, Bella."

"It's just another stupid dance." I shrug before slamming my locker. "But fine. If you're forcing me to ask someone, then you have to ask Blake."

Her eyes widen as her cheeks turn pink. "B-But, Bella-"