CHAPTER 5

I don't understand why Beatrice and her friends are giving me such a hard time for simply bumping into them. That's the sad thing about bullies, they don't need an excuse. They prey on the vulnerable, the timid and I'm unfortunately one of the easiest targets.
I glance up to find Beatrice and her friend glaring at me from under their long lashes. Beatrice's eyes spark with humour as she notices the fear in my eyes. I take a step back and she lets out a choked laugh before raising her finger and sliding it across her throat. Her friend watches me recoil from them in horror and begins to fall around laughing, kneeled over at my reaction.
I feel my stomach tighten in multiple knots and the one piece of toast I ate threatens to find it's way back up. I turn away from them, tears pricking the back of my eyes. I hate showing my vulnerability to people like Beatrice but I can't help it. I want to be strong but how does one stand up-to someone like Beatrice Walden?
An idea springs to mind and I quickly clutch my stomach, trying my best to act like I'm in excruciating pain. I limp over to Coach Hollins, my face scrunched up in false pain.
"Mrs Hollins? I don't feel so good," I groan, squeezing my eyes shut and wishing she'd give me a free period or send me to the nurse.
"What's wrong Winters?" Coach Hollins sighs, I open my eyes, giving her my best pained expression.
"I feel sick, really sick." I respond quietly which isn't a total lie thanks to Beatrice and her friends. Coach Hollins observes me carefully, her eyes drifting up and down my body.
"You seem fine to me."
"I really don't feel good Coach," I groan louder, clutching my stomach tightly. I take a slight peek at her expression but she doesn't look convinced at all.
This is it Bella. . . desperate times lead to desperate measures.
"I get really bad period pain. If I don't lie down, I end up bleeding everywhere. It's like a crime scene from a horror movie." I exaggerate. A look of horror flashes over her face and she actually takes a step away from me as if my period is contagious. I mentally roll my eyes at her . . . Why is a period freaking her out so much?
"Oh, I really don't feel good." I emphasise, kneeling over. Mrs Hollins finally holds her hand up, eyeing me warily.
"Alright fine, pack up and go home Winters."
A grimace flashes across her face and she turns and walks over to the class. I mentally fist bump the air and can't help my lips from tugging up into a victorious smile.
Great acting skills Bella, the period card is actually genius.
As I'm walking off the pitch, my eyes connect with Beatrice's cold stare. I feel goosebumps scatter across my arms and I shudder from the icy look that flashes through them. She doesn't break the stare so in an act of bravery, I lift my arm up and give her a little wave. Her face flashes with surprise and before she can retaliate, I turn around and walk straight off the pitch.
That's 1 point for Bella.