It was an accurate statement, Bette truly was the star in that class, but Shane’s motive wasn’t to showcase Bette’s many talents and every person at the table knew her true intentions. Nobody argued as Tina grabbed her stuff and moved to Bette’s side.

Bette couldn’t help but smile brightly at Shane and mouth “thank you”. Shane acknowledged the fact that Bette had forgiven her lunchtime comments and felt ever more pleased at her intervention.

As Dana, Shane and Alice huddled together over their half-completed projects, Bette turned her focus fully to Tina.

“Hello again” She said, beaming at Tina.

The short hairs at the back of Tina’s neck stood on end as her thigh brushed against Bette’s. She had purposely pushed the stool closer to Bette as she sat down and it hadn’t gone unnoticed by Bette who regained some of the confidence she’d lost after Tina’s earlier departure.

They lesson progressed with Bette and Tina casually ignoring the rest of the world as they talked about the Art project and made plans to meet up after school at a café nearby. As Bette finished describing the location of the café, they both heard an indignant clearing of the throat. Momentarily surprised that anyone else inhabited the same planet let alone the same table, Bette and Tina raised their heads at the noise.

“Yes, Alice?” Bette asked, trying to mask her surprise.

“If this is a little Art trip, did you not think to ask the rest of your group? Or have we been replaced all of a sudden?” She feigned anger but her mouth twitched at the corners, clarifying Tina’s suspicions that she was joking.

“Well of course you’re invited,” Tina said before Bette could open her mouth, “Isn’t that right Bette?”

Bette nodded, not particularly wanting to share the attention of Tina but complying nonetheless.

“Right, so 6:30 at the café, is that alright?” Tina continued.

The three girls nodded as Bette tried to conceal a smile. She and Tina had arranged to meet at half five not half past six. She decided not to mention it, wondering idly if Tina had merely forgotten or if she’d given them the wrong time intentionally. Her questions were answered as Tina winked in a manner not unlike that of Mr Arden’s and Bette whispered as the bell rang out.

“See you at 5:30, Tina”

Tina grinned widely; glad that Bette had grasped her objective, pulled out her timetable and shot Bette a goodbye glance before shooting off to her next lesson.

A whole hour alone with Bette Porter; She could hardly contain her excitement.