Isabella began driving home from Elena's place just as the sun peeked over the horizon. She tiptoed back into the house and lay awake in bed as the daylight crept its way into her room. Isabella threw the fuzzy comforter over her head in a poor attempt to shield herself from reality. Sadly, the alarm clock by her bed started blaring music. While yawning, she hit the snooze button. The preparations to defeat Hellion had proved already exhausting at the fifth day. Although, that wouldn't prevent her from having a decent breakfast. Isabella got up off the bed and walked downstairs. Her Mom was busy making scrambled eggs when she entered the kitchen.

"It's about time you woke up."

"Hey Mom."

She finished cooking and placed a plate in front of her.

"You have five minutes to eat. School starts soon."

Isabella had forgotten that today was Friday. This meant that her little adventure would be put on pause until later. She rolled her eyes at the thought.

"By the way, Principal Dawson called me. He informed me that you didn't pass in your climate change essay yesterday."

It was bound to reach her sooner or later. I can't tell her that it's not done because I was trying to find someone with magical powers, Isabella thought.

"I didn't turn it in because I forgot to grab it off of the printer. By the time I reached school, it was too late to take the bus back."

"Then how come I didn't see it there when I came back from work?"

"She's not buying it. Let's take a different angle."

"I've done everything you've ever wanted and yet you continue to emphasize my flaws."

"You don't get it."

"By all means: explain."

"Ever since being in critical condition at the hospital, you've been different. I don't know how to describe it. You may think I'm blowing this assignment out of proportion, but I'm just trying to protect you. I even called Miranda's Mom and found out you weren't at her house last Friday."

"You invaded my privacy."

"With good intentions."

"Tell yourself whatever you need to make it okay, but I'm disappointed that you don't trust me."

"I believed that you were a having a sleepover with Miranda when that wasn't true. Who's the real liar here?"

Instead of replying, Isabella went to her room to change for school. Once she put on a red polo and blue skirt, her Mom dropped her off at Bridgeside Academy's entrance. Silence filled the entire car ride.

"I just want you to know that I'm not doing drugs or intentionally slacking off," Isabella exclaimed.

Mom sighed then responded, "It's hard to trust you when I don't know where you are anymore."

"I turned eighteen two months ago. You need to accept that I'm my own person now."

"Maybe."

"If I'm ever in trouble you'll be the first person I call," Isabella smiled reassuringly.

She opened the car door and walked up the stone steps of Bridgeside. At the top, Isabella turned around to see Mom wave before driving away. First period was anatomy. She came through the door to see something unexpected. At two desks near the back of class, sat Dylan talking to a pink-haired girl.

"Dylan interacting with the opposite gender? There's something I never thought I'd see."

Regardless of the surprise, she went over to investigate further.

"Hey Dylan. Who's this?"

"Oh, Isabella. I'd like you to meet Kylie Barnes. She just transferred here from Alderdeen. Kylie, this is Isabella Silvertree, one of my best friends."

"I think you mean your wing-woman," Isabella interrupted, wiggling her eyebrows.

Dylan averted his gaze in embarrassment, hoping Kylie didn't notice.

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, but kept the conversation going, "It's great to meet you! Dylan spoke quite a lot about this school's extra curriculars. I can't wait to join the debate team!"

"Yes, that's an interesting club," Isabella added.

"Well, I'll see you guys later."

With that last remark, she grabbed her teal satchel off the chair and left.

Once Kylie was out of sight, Isabella protested, "Extra curriculars? Really?"

Dylan put his head into his hands and let a deep sigh escape.

"This is why you'll never get the chance to go on your first date. You always mess it up with those rants."

He muttered, "Not so loud. Do you want the whole school to know about my terrible ability to get girls?"

"Whatever. By the looks of it, you should take the entire day to better your technique. Ask Kylie out tomorrow."

"No fair. You push me to make a move, but I don't do that to you. We're in the same boat," Dylan pointed out.

"That wasn't up for debate. I want one of us to be dateable."

"Then why don't you try talking to guys?"

"I've attempted before. These high school boys aren't good enough for me."

"Have it your way, wing-woman," Dylan smiled before moving to a desk in the front of class.

Hours dragged on as Isabella waited patiently for three o'clock to come. Every noise was drowned out except for the faint ticking of the overhead clock. She unsuccessfully twirled a pencil around her fingers to gain back concentration. Finally, the bell rang to single the end of the day.