Hi everyone. I have been gone for so long now that I have decided to rewrite all of my stories so that I can gain that connection with them again. Thank you. Also forgive me if I get anything incorrect about high school in America as I am from Australia.
Also I am not proving any information on which characters might or will end up with each other. Though it is very unlikely to be canon couples, but despite that I really hope you guys give this a chance.
Oh and also please do not read this if you are under the ages of 18. This contains strong language, sexual scenes and drug use.
The Cliques
Bella's POV:
My fingernails strummed against the wooden arm rest as I waited impatiently. Principal Greene was meant to return in a few minutes but I was yet to see any sign of him. I had been caught smoking under the bleachers during class time. It was only the first week and I was already in trouble. I can just imagine the frustration in my mother's face already. She had asked me to behave this year but I don't see what the harm was. It wasn't like I was doing drugs on school campus or anything like that.
My attention span was beginning to grow short as Principal fucking Greene took his time in attending to me. I glanced outside to the dark clouds that were ever present over Forks. This town was shit. It was dull and boring; plus it never seemed to stop fucking raining. I could begin to understand why my mother left this town all those years ago. When my mother had me she struggled to stay sane in a small, good for nothing town. So she gave my Dad the ultimatum; us or Forks. With Dad desperate to keep my beautiful and captivating Mom, he followed us. It must have torn him apart inside to leave his hometown, but he always told me it would have killed him even more to lose his family. So, we moved to Phoenix, Arizona and continued living our lives as a family there. My Dad has said that once they moved my Mom became her free-spirited self again. She is always trying new things without ever mastering them. She would drag me along as a way for us to bond but it always bored the fuck out of me. Mom was never consistent with anything she did, but Dad, well, he found a passion in serving his country.
He joined the US Army when I was only 14 years old. It was terrifying to say goodbye to my father and to watch him leave and know that he may never come back. Despite how difficult it was he loved the Army and eventually became Sergeant Swan. Though I am proud to call him my father, the demands of his job limit the time he can come home. It is a rare occasion when he was home, but he always missed the cold of his home, Forks. Two years after he joined, Mom decided to move back to Forks. She came back to a town she had escaped for him; and for me as well I guess. My life was fucked up back then.
And so here we are a year and a half later back in Forks. I'm in the Principal's office about to receive another detention I couldn't care less about. Mom is at home probably joining another club of some sorts and Dad is in Iraq at the moment fighting. He hasn't been home for almost a year and I keep hoping he will return soon.
"What have you done now to land yourself in my office, Isabella?" Principal Greene says tiredly interrupting my train of thoughts. I was here so often that we were becoming acquaintances of sorts. Principal Greene was a 52 years old man who had grey hair but he didn't have much of it, seeing as he was balding at the top of his head; however, he made up for the lack of hair on his head with his bushy grey eyebrows that were begging to be tweezed. He always wore a suit and tie but it was pointless seeing as it was only Forks. Who the fuck was there to impress around here?
"Oh you know the usual. I was smoking crack with the janitor." I said this with a smirk on my lips.
"Very funny, Miss Swan" he said this without a hint of a smile on his lips. "This is the second time you have been in my office today and half the day hasn't even passed yet. It says here that Mrs Stevens caught you smoking cigarettes under the bleachers when you were supposed to be in class." An exasperated sigh escaped his lips before he looked back up at me. "Though I must say this isn't as bad as your usual schemes"
"They aren't schemes! They are just what I like to do for fun" I quickly defended myself before he could continue.
"Call it whatever you like Miss Swan, but I am still giving you two days after school detention." Mr Greene told me. As soon as he said that I knew we were done. So I quickly stood up to leave. I was just at the door ready to turn the handle when he stopped me.
"Don't forget your three days of lunch detention from this morning's incident and remember you will have to pay for the damages" he grumbled at me "and please try to behave yourself, Isabella."
"Yeah, yeah I know already" I mumbled as I walked out the door and slamming it behind me. I walked out of the Administrative Office and started towards my baby to grab another lighter because the fucking bitch called Mrs Stevens confiscated my other one.
My baby is a black 2010 RCR Series 3 Chevy Camaro. She was a muscle car and didn't really fit in among the other piece of shit cars but I loved her. Yes, that's right I call my car a she because she is my baby. No one fucking touched Christine. Dad bought me it for my seventeenth birthday as a consolation prize for missing my last two birthdays. Not that I am complaining. She was perfect. It was a dream come true when I woke to find her in the driveway with a ribbon and small card on the hood. The card instructed me to go to the kitchen, which I quickly did once I recognised my dad's handwriting. Sure enough, there he was standing with my mom smiling and in his uniform. I have never ran so quickly to him. Whenever he is around I become a fucking child again and just jump into his arms; becoming held in a comforting and safe embrace.
I was startled once again out of my thoughts when the bell rand signalling the start of lunch. Everyone began to quickly rush out of their classes to go and meet up with all of their friends. If they have any friends, I thought to myself as I saw the outcast, Alice Brandon.
Alice Brandon was born and raised in Forks. I doubt she has ever even left the borders of Forks. She didn't look like your typical outcast. She is always wearing up to date fashion, unlike me who had a limited range of clothes that all looked the same. She is nice and enthusiastic, but yet she is an outcast to the whole of the student body. She doesn't quite fit in with any of the cliques. She could never be friends with me and my friends, also known as the Rebels. She is not one to break the law or rebel a little against authority. She has never joined the Drama Club despite the fact that she could talk with you endlessly if you let her. She doesn't fit in with the cheerleaders or any popular crowd, which I never understood because she could if she wanted to. Trust me; she was beautiful with her short black hair that was flicked in all different directions, and her big eyes that seemed to sparkle when she looked at you. She could fit in anywhere, but yet she didn't. I honestly don't know why but I do know that she was the only one who didn't stare at me like I was a freak show on my first day. We could have been friends if I let it but we went our different ways.
I quickly grab my lighter from my car before heading to lunch. I glance around the cafeteria in search of my friends. I spotted Brandon sitting shyly on the window seat in the corner nibbling at her lunch from a brown paper bag. She must have felt my gaze on her because she looked up at me. She appeared shocked that it was me staring but I just gave her a quick nod before stepping into line for food. I saw her give me a slight smile and nod in return before returning to her lunch. A smirk began to flirt onto the corner of my lips as I ordered my lunch. It consisted of fries, pizza and a bottle of water. I may be small but I liked my food.
With Alice I think there was an understanding between us. We didn't so much as speak to each other but we respected each other. I respected her for staying true to who she is and she respected me because… well… I have no idea. There wasn't much for little Brandon to respect about me really, other than my deep loyalty to my friends.
I paid for my lunch and walked over to my table where all my friends were sitting. I slapped my tray down onto the table and slid into my seat as they all looked up at me. I gave them all a quick glare before turning to devour my food. They ignored me and returned to their conversation. They were used to my pissy moods.
"So there is a big party at Emmett's house next Friday night. His parents are out of town and it's an open invitation, you all in?" Irina asked as she explained the details to us all. I didn't even know if I could be bothered going, but what harm could it be?
"Do you even have to ask me if I'm going?" Kate said with a small laugh when she answered her sister.
"Well, I'll only go if Carmen is going?" Eleazer said smiling at his long term girlfriend of three years but begging with his eyes for her to go to the party.
"I'm going to go, baby" Carmen reassured him with a slight smirk on her lips. Eleazer quickly kissed it off her lips though when he heard her say that.
"I'm definitely going. Have I ever said no to free booze?" Garrett joked with everyone.
"Are you coming, Bella?" Carmen asked me once the laughter died down. I looked up quickly trying to swallow the food I had in my mouth. I looked around at all my friends.
"I don't know. I mean, it is Emmett's house" I told them. Just as I said this Emmett and his friends burst out into loud obnoxious laughter. I remember a couple of months ago he was out with a sports injury and it was like his whole group of friend was lost. They didn't know what to do without him. They couldn't do anything without questioning what would've Emmett done or what would've he thought if we did this? It was completely fucking pathetic. Emmett McCarthy is the star wide receiver and a typical jock. He gets mediocre grades and all the girls want to be with him and all the guys want to be him. It's ridiculous because once our senior year is over he will be nothing out of this school. Sure he will get a football scholarship and continue to play but he won't be number one guy in the school anymore. I don't know if he is a nice guy and I honestly couldn't care less if he was. I haven't spoken two words to him and I don't plan on starting to talk to him now.
"Come on, Bella, it's free booze and we are all going to be there" Garrett reasons with me. I sigh reluctantly and just nod my head as an answer.
"We will have so much fun, I promise! I can't wait." Carmen squeals excitedly. Before she could go on about the party the ball rang signalling the end of lunch. I sighed quietly with gratitude and stated to walk away but quickly stopped and turned around.
"I'll see you all in class. I just have to go run to my car real quick… to… do something real quick!" I shouted back to them to try and cover why I wouldn't be in class. I wanted to avoid Carmen's excitement until it started to die down. I could hear Garrett laughing at me as I walked away.
I went outside and made my way over to my car and got in to have a joint. None of the teachers would check in the cars and besides I had Study Hall next. I wasn't like it was a big deal if I was late. I slowly inhaled the sweet taste of marijuana and I could feel my body slowly relax with each drag. Once I finished I got out of my car and popped a piece of gum in my mouth while spraying some perfume on myself, before heading into the school halls. I arrived out the front of where Study Hall is held and pushed the doors open. I walked over to my group of friends and slumped into the chair.
"Hey, Bella! We were just talking about what we are going to wear to the party." Carmen spoke excitedly while I groaned.
"Oh great" I said in an obvious fake cheerful voice with a huge fake smile. Carmen glared at me quickly but she didn't say anything else to me and continued talking excitedly to Irina and Kate. I rolled my eyes at them and turned to the boys.
They were talking about some new game or something like that. Deciding I didn't want to be involved in either of their conversations I looked around the room.
I was surprised to see a range of all the different cliques. There were the Jocks which happen to include Emmett at one table. They were all talking and laughing loudly like they wanted everyone to know they were in the room. It wasn't like anyone couldn't not fucking notice them with how loud they were.
Then there were the Cheerleaders with the Queen Bee of the school sitting in the middle, Rosalie Hale. Rosalie was that girl that all the boys and even some of the girls wanted to date and the one that made girls green with envy. She had natural long blonde hair that flowed down her back and whatever little sunlight there was in Forks always manages to catch it and make it look like a goddamn supermodel. She had the hourglass figure that made the boys drool and legs that could go for fucking days. It was her eyes though that stood out to me the most. They spoke a language that no one could ever frickin' understand. They were a strange violet colour but it wasn't just the colour that stunned me. It was the story behind them that was begging to be told. Little Miss Fuckin' Perfect had a secret and I just couldn't figure out what. All I know is that there must be pain and heartache in there, but who didn't have any?
Other than the Jocks and Cheerleaders, Forks High had its very own band of Players. They went around and broke girls hearts by screwing them; both emotionally and physically. The biggest player of them all was Edward Cullen, who is currently flirting with Lauren Mallory. He moved here two years ago and no one knows much of his past but with a charm like that it wasn't like anyone really cared. Everyone loved him; well almost everyone. He has a new girl hanging off his arm each day and yet the girls crawl back for more. He was cocky and arrogant. He had every right though because he was stunning. He had a strange bronze coloured hair that always seemed to look like he either just rolled out of bed or had sex. I am going to say the latter. His eyes were his secret weapon though and I could understand why. They were the brightest shade of emerald green I have ever seen. One look into them along with his signature smile and you had no chance.
No school was complete though without the Stoners of the school, who always look like they have no idea what is going on. The leader of the group was Jasper Whitlock. I don't know whether or not that's because he is the school drug dealer or if it was because he just emitted an aura of control and strength. His presence demanded respect. I don't know much about Jasper or who his family is. It's like no one knows of him outside the walls of Forks High. When you first see him you wouldn't think he was on drugs but if you looked closer you would see the signs. From afar he looks like a broody teenage boy, but if you were to look into his eyes you would see that they are bloodshot and his pupils so dilated that you can never seem to take time to appreciate his gorgeous blue eyes. His wavy blonde hair came to the nape of his neck and it would cover his eyes at times; obstructing your view of his eyes even more. He isn't overly skinny as one would expect, but rather has a lean muscle that can been seen through the outline of his clothes. He had a scar running from the right of his hair line down to his eyebrow. If it was anyone else it wouldn't have looked so appealing, but with Jasper it just added to his bad boy image. No one knows the actual truth of how he got it. He just came back to school one day with it and the rumours started.
I didn't believe a single one of them.
I let me eyes wander across the room thinking about how different we all are, but yet so alike. We all stuck to our cliques and never strayed from them. It was then that I noticed a small figure sitting in the corner of the room sketching in a notepad. It was Alice Brandon. She was so invisible in this school I almost didn't even notice. I guess she was the only one who was different from us; the one that didn't belong. It's probably what made her an outcast.
I was pulled from my thoughts by an announcement being made by my personal acquaintance, Mr Greene.
"Good afternoon, everyone! I would just like to ask for all the seniors to please begin to make their way to the auditorium. Thank you!" Mr Greene's voice boomed over the speakers.
Everyone in the room slowly stood up all talking about what could possibly be happening. They were all hoping that something actually exciting might happen in this town. My friends and I all started to walk towards the auditorium laughing at Kate's expense. She had been caught having sex with some guy by her parents.
"Don't laugh! It wasn't funny. Alex couldn't have gotten his pants up fast enough. It didn't help that my dad was threatening to blow his head off and call the cops" Kate attempted to make us understand and stop laughing but she only made us evolve into another fit of laughter.
"Was he even worth the trouble?" I asked in between laughs.
"Yes! I was so close. God, did he make me scream!" Kate said with a hint of lust and humour in her eyes as she thought about the previous events.
"Maybe you should try to be quieter next time, Kate" Eleazer laughed loudly.
"Yeah, we all know you can be loud" Garrett said seriously. Kate and Garrett have been friends with benefits for a while, but there aren't any serious feelings there. At least not yet but I was patiently waiting for the day one of them would grow a pair and realise they were perfect for each other.
"Oh, I just know how much you love when I scream" Kate purred in Garrett's ear loud enough for us all to hear. She trailed her noise down his next and I could see she slightly nipped at his ear with her teeth. Garrett was obviously quite turned on by Kate at the moment because I could see the bulge through his jeans.
"Hey Garrett, it's rude to point" I smirk, as Eleazer and Carman laugh harder as we try to find seats in the auditorium.
"Oh don't you like it when I point, Bella? Maybe I should come a little closer so you can get a better view" he replied in a cocky tone. His words just widen my smirk even more as I walk up to him. I press my body against him and slowly lean up towards his face. I didn't care if I was attracting an audience with Carmen, Eleazer, Irina and Kate laughing. People could think whatever they like.
"You would like that, wouldn't you?" I whispered seductively in her ear. His eyes snapped to my face quickly knowing that I was being a tease. I laugh at his expression before pulling his face down and pecking him on the cheek. He glared at me and opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by Mr Greene starting his announcement at the front of the room.
"As you all know Challenge Day is coming up. I have noticed there are many different cliques here at Forks High. It disappoints me that you aren't grown enough to step outside of your comfort zone and make friends with someone not within your clique. So I have decided to call in the show from MTV, If You Really Knew Me" excited whispers break out across the room. I can hear Kate and Carmen gush about how cool it would be to be on TV. I just rolled my eyes at their antics with a smile on my face and leaned my head against Garrett's shoulder.
"Now as it is the end of the week, I am going to hand out some forms I will need both you and your parents or guardian to sign. It is to allow the show permission to film and for you all to be on it. This will be held in the Gym next Tuesday. So, I will need all forms handed in by Monday. I know it is all short notice but there were a few changes that had to be made and the only time that is available that we can do it is then. Now if you could please as you leave grab a form that is at the door. You're dismissed" Principal Greene droned on. I quickly stood from my seat as I said bye to everyone before I left for the weekend. I grabbed my form notice and made my way to my car.
I could hear all the whispers about Challenge Day and what people expected to happen. I was just bored and couldn't wait for it to be over. I didn't like talking about myself; especially to people I didn't even fuckin' like. It would only lead to me becoming vulnerable to complete strangers. I had fought to get out of the deep and dark depressive hole; I don't want to have to revisit it. I quickly got into Christine and turned my music up loudly to drown out my thoughts. I speed out of the school parking lot desperate to escape the memories of the past. All I knew was that Challenge Day was going to create a huge shit storm.
I arrive home and saw my mom's car in the driveway. I smile realising that she must be home early. I get out of the car quickly and rush inside to get away for the cold.
"Mom, I'm home!" I call out as I walk through the doors.
"I'm in the kitchen, honey!" I heard her voice call out. I make my way to the kitchen and I could smell something burning. She was trying to cook again. I glance through the doorway and I spot her trying to save something that probably once looked like spaghetti sauce. I laugh quietly at her and walk over so that I can take over. She smiles gratefully at me and steps away from the stove knowing the she would just cause another disaster in the kitchen. I threw out the food in the pan because it couldn't be saved. I got everything out to start to make it all again.
"Can you sign that form on the table?" I ask her while I turned the stove to the right heat and start to cook the spaghetti.
"Sure. What's it for?" Mum asks me as she looks for a pen among her mess.
"We have Challenge Day on Tuesday and the school has decided to bring in the TV show If You Really Knew Me" I explain as I begin making the bolognaise sauce.
"Does that mean you'll be on TV then?" She asked me curiously as she smiles victoriously when she found a pen and was able to sign her name.
"Maybe, but I'm not sure. Fuck I hope not" I am starting to rethink even going to this stupid thing now.
"Watch your language!" Mom scolds me "What is this TV show about anyway?" She asks curiously wanting to know my hesitation; obviously forgetting about my language quickly. She finishes signing her name and filling out the details and puts down the pen so that she can give me her full attention.
"It's where you sit in a group with people you barely even know and spill all your deep and darkest secrets and fears. It supposed to make us feel like we aren't the only ones who feel like that and blah, blah, blah" I tell her with sarcasm heavily coating my words.
"Oh come on, Bella. Maybe it will be good for you… and you could make some new friends?" She trying to hint at me that she wishes I would stop hanging out my friends, but I ignore her not so subtle hints.
"No, Mom. All I am going to do is listen to a bunch of people's so called sob stories that I don't even care about." I say bluntly.
"Bella, don't be like that. You just have to give these people a chance." She pressures. I roll my eyes and turn back to pasta sauce I am making.
"Can you set the table?" I ask making it obvious that I don't want to talk about it anymore. I can tell that this would lead to an argument and I am just too tired to be bothered with it. She was really the only stable and reliable parent in my life and I think I might be close to losing that. We have been fighting a lot more lately. I think she might finally be getting sick of me. I don't know but I don't want to risk being sent away to boarding school. I might hate Forks but it was slowly becoming my home and I had amazing friends here. I meet her eyes and she gives me a pleading look. I could just imagine what she was trying to say. She wanted me to stop complaining and just try. I roll my eyes are her but I still answer her silent question.
"Okay, I will try but that is all you're going to get. I'll sit there and listen… and I'll play nice, even though I don't want to I might add… But I'm not going to sit there and tell them every little thing about me" I clearly state. I don't want her to think I'm doing this willingly but that I was willing to compromise.
"That's all I ask of you. I'm sure you'll love it and make friends with people." Mom was simply excited to have me agree to something.
"I'm not making any promises though, Mom" I remind her. I don't want her getting her hopes up that I will miraculously change in the span of a day. I wasn't going to change my friends or my behaviour. It's who I am and a TV show isn't going to change that.
"I guess that's the best I'm going to get" she sighed as I nodded my head agreement. With the discussion over she began to set the table.
We worked in silence for the rest of the night. I cooked the spaghetti while Mom set the table for the two of us. It was quite while we ate. The only thing that could be heard was the sound of our forks scrapping the sides of our bowls and the loud howling of the wind outside.
So what did you guys think? I have been working on this for a while now. I apologise if there is some stuff that isn't correct about the American high school system. I am from Australia and we do things a bit different here. I have never actually experienced what it is like to have extreme cliques. So if you guys could send or comment anything that you think I am doing wrong, I would love it!