Perfect

“WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS WRONG WITH ME CLAIRE, LIKE AM I MENTAL?” I yelled fuming, turning around to face her. “No Isabella, but it may not have been the smartest idea.” She offered quietly.

“THERE WE HAVE IT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, ISABELLA ROSLEIN MARIE EVANS NEEDS TO BE SENT TO A MENTAL INSTITUTION BECAUSE SHE OPENS HER MOUTH AND BLABS ABOUT HER PAST LIFE TO ANYONE SHE THINKS THAT CARES!”

“Maybe it’s not that big of a deal to him and he’ll forget about it by tomorrow?”

“I highly doubt that Claire, he’s not the type of person to just forget something like that. Knowing him he’ll try to use it against me or something.” I groaned loudly, flopping down onto the bed beside Claire. I closed my eyes and counted to ten before I blew my top for the second time. We sat in silence for a while just going over what had happened the previous night. I barely even knew since I had been so incredibly drunk but Claire had explained details on the ride home.

From what she had told me, basically a big brawl happened between Northside and Southside all because of the raging hormones of an animalistic, teenage boy, how wonderful. The though of almost getting raped again and then a fight breaking out because of that was too much. Oh and then there’s the wonderful heroic save performed by Cameron himself. He would probably deny it if I were to say anything but who was I to care. I sound oddly sarcastic but if someone were to come up and touch me today I would most likely jump ten feet into the air. What’s causing me to forget about the hormonal ass that tried to drag me off to mate with me in bed, was the fact that I had spilled my feelings to Cameron, while I was a tad bit drunk and a touch hysterical. Note the continuing sarcasm.

Now usually I wouldn’t be the type to care but this boy was known for ruining lives; although what would happen to baffle me the most is that he comforted me after word vomit came out of my mouth. Turning around I found Claire looking directly at me, a quizzical look plastered on her face. “You do know what I’m thinking right C?”

“Well I just can’t seem to understand why he’d do that?”

“You tell me Claire; I am no genius on the species that is male.”

“So he just hugged you and left? That’s it?” She asked me, recapping what had happened last night. Nodding my head at her, I watched as she got lost deep in thought. Not even I could understand why, or even what had made Cameron decide to embrace me in a hug after I’d finished my little speech. Maybe it was pity; I guess that’s what I’ll have to sum it up too anyway. Claire was lost deep in space when I waved my hand in front of her face to grab her attention. “Man all I can think of is pity, especially after all he’s done to you. Maybe he just feels guilty for putting you through more shit.”

“To be honest, I was thinking the same thing and I don’t want it. Especially from him. I get enough of it from other people, so I don’t need it from him too and if I see him trying to give me any of his pity or apologise for his guiltiness, I’ll just shove it right back in his face.”

A small smile appeared on Claire’s face and she shook her head lightly, “You’ve got some issues girl.”

“No need to tell me something I already know Claire. We’ve discussed this.”

Her smile grew wider and she started laughing and due to her infectious laughter, I had to join in. I had to get up and hold my stomach after a while since I started to wheeze which only caused an uproar from Claire’s end. I had no idea what this girl was doing, she was rolling about on the bed like she was on fire or something. Tears had started to spring in my eyes at her antics and I realised quickly that it’d been a long time since I’d been able to laugh wholeheartedly and actually enjoy myself with my absolute and utmost best friend. The laughing died down a little too quick and Claire could tell I was lost deep in thought all of a sudden, “What are you thinking about sis?”

“How I haven’t been able to laugh like that in a long time; I’m so lucky to have you C.”

“I think I’m lucky to have you B.” I advanced towards her where she was sitting on the bed and wrapped her in a tight hug. She reacted by putting her arms around my waist and bringing me in closer. I loved her like she was my own flesh and bone. Claire was a part of my family and that was never going to change. Untangling myself from within her arms I stood up and walked towards the door, “Since school is tomorrow and I need to have a semi full stomach, even though I don’t feel particularly hungry; I’m going to eat. You coming?”

“Of course man, who says no to food!” I giggle at her and open the door to the hallway finding myself at the top of the stairs quickly. The smell emanating from the kitchen is one of Pete’s famous spaghetti bolognaise dishes and my mouth was watering. Turning around to Claire I grinned, “We’re in for a feast my lady.” She giggled at me and we raced down the stairs towards the kitchen. “Goodness me, I thought I could hear two very loud elephants stampeding towards the kitchen.” Claire and I chuckled at his terminology and watched as he came around the corner with two big steaming plated piles of spaghetti. The tomato sauce and cheese was already sitting on the bench ready for us to put on our food as toppings. I readied myself for the battle I was about to have with my stomach on how much I could actually eat tonight. Like I said, I wasn’t hungry before but who was I kidding.

It didn’t take Claire and I long to devour the contents of what was placed on our plate and I’m sure my stomach was ready to explode but I savoured the flavour left over in my mouth. “Best tasting pasta yet Pete!”

“I always make my best for you Princess. Now how was this boisterous party last night?” Claire stopped slurping and gave me a look as if to say, ‘don’t say a word’; but I can’t lie to Pete. He’s like my second dad. “Well it wasn’t too bad at the start but it didn’t end up going to plan.”

“And why would that be Princess?” Looking towards Claire, she had resumed eating but the interest plastered on her face showed me that she was listening. If she didn’t have a forkful of food in her mouth, then I’m sure she would have told me to shut my mouth again but she was totally leaving me alone for this conversation. She warned me once and she wasn’t the type to do it again.

“Um, well.” I trailed off. Pete looked at me expectantly and that’s when I decided to formulate a lie in my head. “We just got a little bit too drunk that’s all.” I spoke a little bit too fast and Pete must have caught onto it because he studied my face skeptically, “Well you guys have to be careful out at those parties okay.”

“We will be Pete don’t worry!”

“I’ll always worry Princess.” He said coming to me and embracing me in a warm hug. His cinnamon scent washed over me and I could feel myself wanting to vomit up the lies I just told. Pete always made me feel like I was at home and he never failed to ensure I was happy.

“I also have something to tell you.” He said stepping back and placing his hands on my shoulders. “What would that be Pete?” I asked in curiosity. I could just imagine Claire’s ears perking up in total and utter interest. Such an eavesdropper.

“I finally found someone to watch over you at school. Someone other than the principal.”

“YOU WHAT?”

“We spoke about this yesterday but I had too Isabella. If you ever come home to me all bruised up like that again then there will be more than just one looking out for you; and it will be your own men going in.” Taking some deep breaths, I tried to calm my erratic heart, “How did you find someone you could trust?”

“It took a while but I also had the help of Claire.” My head whipped in her direction just as hers snapped back towards her food. I studied her for a second before being able to formulate an actual working sentence in my head, “Who is it?” At my sharp and blunt question her eyebrows raised, “No one you wouldn’t have picked yourself.”

“Just tell me who?”

“I’m sorry Bella but that’s up to either him or Pete to tell you; and that’s at his request.”

“I can’t believe this.” I exclaimed, walking out of the kitchen and back up the stairs into my room. I appreciated what both of them were doing for me but neither of them knew what they were up against and hell, this kid probably didn’t either. I didn’t want someone else to put their life at risk for me, I already had a hundred people doing that for me daily and I wasn’t about to start asking high school students to do it for me as well. Why would someone even accept this job, it’s dangerous. A princess makes enemies. I’ve already got one psychopath coming after me and I didn’t want to add someone into the mixture of that. One thought lingered on my mind, who?

Claire had knocked on my door multiple times throughout the night trying to apologise for not consulting me. To be honest, I didn’t blame her because she didn’t have a choice. She should still be telling me who it is though and she could’ve told me straight after they’d discussed it, what was happening. I had my questions answered pretty quickly though when she broke into my room with a butter knife. “You know when the doors locked Claire, that means you’re not meant to come in?”

“I was just practicing how to break in if I ever needed too. Neat huh?” She said pointing to the knife and the door handle.

“Yeah, if you want to be classed as criminal breaking into people’s homes and rooms just because they won’t let you in.”

“Well, that’s just the creative person I am hey.” I cocked my eyebrow at her and a smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. She was a nut case, but I loved her. “I know you’re about to explode with questions because I could hear the ticking behind the door so come on. Spit them all out at once.”

“I’m assuming you couldn’t tell me because you were sworn not too?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Can I trust this person that you’ve picked?”

“I think you can. You’ve recently become friends with him and he cares about you and anything to do with you, so it only seemed fitting.”

“Thanks for the clue C.”

“Shit, that’s it. No more questions; or clues!” A hearty laugh came from deep within me and I smiled at her, “Just can’t keep anything from me now can we?”

“Oh shush. Don’t tell Pete that I gave away hints or he’ll skin me and cook me up for tea.”

“Let’s not go that far Claire.” I giggled. “Well I am not, exaggerating. That man has a temper when he wants to have one.”

“Okay okay, it’s like 11 pm we need to be off to bed because of school tomorrow. Not that I really want to go now. So many bad things are just waiting to happen.”

“Well what did I say last time Bella? I’ll stick by you through thin and thick. This is the thick side of things and I am not going anywhere.” I dragged her towards me and hugged her tightly, “You know you’re the best thing to ever happen to me?”

“Yeah, I know.” Giggling at her, I got up and walked towards the shower, while she left my room to go do her own wash routine before bed. It didn’t take me long to shower, brush my teeth and in a matter of no time crawl right into bed. My wet hair was keeping me cool on the muggy, hot night. Sighing contently, I rolled over onto my side and prayed for some good sleep. I closed my eyes, giggling as a picture of Claire and I holding up wine glasses popped into my head; cheers to a good sleep.

Well, no good sleep came to me and honestly, when does it ever. I’d woken up screaming again and Claire had to shake my shoulders, calling my name out to bring me back into the world of the living. Whoever was up there in my head was surely getting sued for the DreamWorks productions, well more like NightmareWorks.

Tossing and turning for the rest of the early morning was what I was subjected to after I’d ordered Claire to go back to bed and get some sleep. I’d had to beg her not to go and wake up Pete or he’d be upset. Pete had already questioned me about what had happened that night and the fact that I’d lied to him so smoothly had honestly hurt me. What had I become.

A sharp pang in my right temple caused me to groan and pull my fingers up to massage it in circular motions. I was thinking about everything way too deeply. Looking towards the clock, the time indicated that I only had an hour until I had to get up and 2 hours until I was to face the school doors and find out what I wanted most.

Claire came bursting into my room way too early, not that I minded since all I was doing was staring at the ceiling, “Claire there was still 10 minutes before you had to wake up. What in the world are you doing?”

“Couldn’t sleep.” She said shrugging her shoulders. Looking at her tired face I sighed in defeat, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault Isabella, stop thinking that it is. It was a bad night for all of us. It’s just something we’ll have to get used to.”

“Okay.”

“Look go get yourself washed up and we’ll leave for school in 30 minutes. I know you want to do some snooping.” She said in a detective like voice with a wiggle of her eyebrows. I laughed at her always able to make me smile. “You’re not wrong there.”

Within 30 minutes, I’d showered, covered the horrid bags under my contact green eyes, almost and gotten dressed. My brown hair extensions were in two braids leading into a messy bun and I was ready to do some detective work. Claire met up with me at the stairs, gave me a once over and nodded, continuing to lead the way down to the car. Pete gave us lunch as we passed, “Have a good day at school girls.”

“Thanks Pete.” We yelled simultaneously, giggling as we both skipped to the car. The drive wasn’t long until I was in front of the place I dreaded most. I love learning and I like being at school but teachers and students including the popular group, get on my nerves. Parking down the road as usual Michael helped me out of the car. My peach play suit blew in what was left of the light summer breeze. Only a couple of weeks of being here and a slight chill was already beginning to peak its way through.

“Belle I know you’re stalling, come on.”

“Oh alright, I’m coming.” Claire pulled my arm and I trudged along beside her not wanting to know about the circumstances of the party. Obviously Cameron would still be mad at me for slapping him across the face but why hug me then. “You know Claire, because I decided to blab what if Cameron decides to dig into my past and look for things? He can’t know who I am.”

“Well we’ll just have to wait and find out won’t we, because for now we just have to get through the day.”

One whole week. It’d been one whole week and Cameron Jay King hadn’t looked, glanced or even passed in my direction if he could avoid it. “I thought he was out to destroy me, not be a pussy and ignore me.”

“Well,” Claire started as she grabbed her books from her locker for fourth period Tuesday class after lunch, “it could be because he finally realised he has a heart.”

“Oh golly gosh Claire, I didn’t even know he had one until that night.” A laugh came from Claire’s direction and I laughed with her. It didn’t bother me that Cameron wasn’t making an effort to annoy me. It was just frustrating that I didn’t know why he hugged me that night. Claire and I still have it summed down to pity, but I do want to know. If it’s sympathy then I’m blown away.

“Let’s go grab your things and get to lunch.” We walked about two feet towards my locker and I put in the combination opening the door to get my books for my free period... Well, my mistake for not looking up.

A plastic bucket fell onto the floor as cold water seeped into the white bodysuit I was wearing making it’s way down into my high waisted black shorts. “Oh no.”

“Oh yes.” A deep voice rumbled behind me mixed with the sounds of bellowing laughter.

I flipped my soaking hair to the side making sure to be careful with it so the wig didn’t fall off and I glared the source of my problem. “What was your plan Cameron, ignore me for a week so I’d think you’d forgotten me and then come out of the blue with some amazing plan to piss me off.”

“Oh wow Bella that was exactly it, I’m so proud of you.” Cameron said grabbing my chin and giving it a little shake. Slapping his hand away I scowled at him. “At least this prank didn’t land me in a hospital or coma.” His smile turned cold and his hands returned to his sides.

“You know I didn’t mean for that to happen Bella.” He sighed in defeat, “I know Cameron but it did, now I need to go clean myself up thanks to you. Such a pain.” His smile returned lightly to his face. “Sorry honey, but now we’re even.”

“It’s honey now is it?” I said with a smirk.

“Um.”

“Okay, bye boys.” Grabbing Claire’s hand I dragged her down the hall towards the bathroom. “Did we just have a normal conversation with Cameron Bella?”

“I believe we did Claire.”

“But why, what has he got to gain from evening the playing field and then being nice.” I shrugged pulling clothes out of my bag and changing out of my wet ones. “I don’t think it’ll be as easy as that Claire. I saw that pitiful look in his eyes I got from everyone,” gulping roughly I continued, “after the first time.”

“Then don’t give him the satisfaction of being nice, just play his little game and turn the tables some more.”

“Claire you shouldn’t encourage this kind of stuff.”

“I know but I like the idea of plotting against the school’s bad boy.”

“So do I.”