Eye Of A Newt (Part 1)

Chapter 2 - Billie Gradyson <3 (Tatum's BFF!)

I arrived at school late, as usual.
I was in for a treat. Mrs Myers (our form tutor), was off for a few months due to unfortunate cancer.
When you have a substitute teacher, you can do anything you want. Prank them, call them names, and they can't do anything about it!
That's what I thought.
We had Mr Ledingson, who BTW is the meanest teacher who teaches Year 11.
he's pretty strict when it comes to being late and forgetting homework. Which I had done both in 2 seconds.
I forgot my reading journal, and I was 3 minutes late.
"Tatum Sunshine!" He mocked, empathizing on my last name.
Some people laughed, some sniggered, and a few even slightly cheered.  
"May I ask why you are late?" He questioned. I felt like I was in prison being interviewed.
"I got up late." I muttered, hanging my head slightly.
This wasn't exactly a LIE. I HAD got up late.
Last week.
"Do you think that is a reasonable excuse? You are exactly 4 minutes and 38 seconds late." He boomed, standing up.
I decided to be brave. Nobody had dared answered back to Mr Ledingson.
Except me.
"Well, half that time I've been standing here talking to you." I answered.
How could I have been so stupid?
"Are you being insolent, Miss Sunshine?" He asked, shocked.
"No, sir. Certainly not." I stammered, quivering in my boots.
He gestured for me to sit down, my eyes scanned the room until they met the sight I was looking for.
It was Billie! :)
Billie Gradyson has been my best friend since second grade.
Well, she's given herself this title even though I know she's my ONLY friend.
Billie has to be the prettiest girl I've ever seen.
Her deep green eyes sparkle in the light and her peachy pale skin works perfectly with her hair.
Sometimes, at sleep-overs, I put my head next to hers and pretend I have her beautiful hair, and not my lank, brown curls.
She waved quickly over to me, and once I was near her, she dragged me into the seat next to her.
"Hey, what's up?" I asked, shoving my satchel under the desk.  
"Seriously? Why did you answer back to Mr Led'?" She questioned, pulling at my jacket.
"I don't know..." I whisper, and then suddenly the bell rings.
"Forget it." She said. "We'll talk about my prom dress on the way to gym class!"
I cringe.
"What is it?" She panicked as we both rose from our seats.
"I forgot my gym kit!"