Being sick was awful, but it did have one advantage; no school. I didn't even get homework which was awesome at the time, but now I'm really far behind. So now I'm dreading going back to school.

Mum dropped me off in the morning, just like any other. I walked into my class and got a few funny looks. I slumped down in my seat, and got out my books. To my surprise, I wasn't too far behind. I did some math while waiting for the teacher while most of the class scrambled around the room and talked loudly.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, lunchtime arrived. I sat at my usual table, once again wishing Amy was with me. She went to a different school. After a few moments I grabbed my sandwich from my bag. As I was munching away, someone sat beside me. I didn't recognise the boy, perhaps he was new, I though, as he lifted a pile of books onto the table. He had blond hair, and brown eyes, underneath a pair of black rimmed glasses.

"D'you mind if I sit here?" he asked.

I shook my head for my mouth was full of food.

I finished my lunch and realised there was a towering pile of books belonging to the boy next to me. That reminded me that I was behind of everybody else. I grabbed my books from my bag and groaned in frustration. I hated school.

"D'you need a hand with anything?" said the boy next to me.

"I'm alright thanks," I said,

"You sure?"

"Yeah ok why not," I said , giving in, "but only if you're sure because, you know, it is school."

"Well I'm kinda obsessed with books. Some would also say I'm a math geek." he said, his checks flushing.

"I'm Bella by the way, and you?"

"Nigel, nice to meet you," he answered.

We spent the rest of free period doing school work. Nigel continued to sit at my table most days, which was very convenient since he continued to help out with my work. Within a week I had caught up with the rest of the class.

One day, as we were eating lunch together, the 'popular group' came around. I became intensely interested in my spaghetti as they neared our table. They were now standing at our table, the one who was obviously the 'leader' in front. I made a mental note to never get in their way. They looked like a pack of hungry wolves, just waiting for the right moment to pounce.

"So," said the 'leader', "names Brenda, right?"

"It's actually Bella," I grumbled in a bitter voice, hoping she would get the feeling I wanted her to scram, and do so.

She dissapointed me and said, "Well, nice name. Anyways, the point is, me and some of my friends are heading to a fun park this afternoon, my dad's paying for all the tickets and he doesn't care how many I get, so you can come."

It sounded more like a statement I was meant to follow willingly instead of an invite. I took another bite of my spaghetti before replying.

"I'm sure you would have more fun without me thanks. It'll save your dad som money, too." I said, rather coldly.

She stood, gaping at me, as if I'd declined some sort of special invitation to meet the queen. She seemed to overcome her confusion fast enough though.

"Well, here are the tickets," she said, handing me a couple, "you know, in case you change your mind and decide to come. And just curious, why don't you want to come? They just opened a few new rides and they're meant to be awesome."

I glared at her. She new exactly why.

"Your not, scared, are you?" she continued.

Now I was downright giving her a death glare.

"Your scared aren't you?! Ha, I cant believe it! Your scared!" she said in an amused sort of way.

"So?!" I found myself yelling, "so what? What do you care?"

"Well, it's kind of childish, isn't it. To be scare of roller coasters?!" she said, even more amused.

Despite my efforts to stand up to her I felt hot tears sting my eyes and before I knew it I found myself grabbing my bag and running away. Running home.

724 words.