A/N: O.K, so this is going to be my first serious story that I have posted on FF, because even though I'm used to doing (or trying to do) comedy, I do like a bit of variety. I hope you like it. I solemnly swear that there will be at least one chapter every two weeks. XD
Second Chances.
Prologue
I should have stopped him. I know that now, looking back on my old life. But I didn't know then, did I?
Chapter one
Bella swung my bedroom door open and peered into the gloom. I was always tucked away, back then, folded on my computer chair like a piece of clothing. I didn't even notice she was standing in the doorway. Even though it was three o'clock in the afternoon, I had the curtains on my window drawn tight, so as not to let any daylight in at all. The only light in the whole room came from the beam from the open door and my computer screen. That bloody computer. I'd have smashed it up there and then if I had known exactly what was to happen to me because of the person on the other side of it.
' Alice,' Bella said, moving cautiously across the blue carpeted floor. As she felt her way along the wall in the darkness she felt the light switch and turned it on. I winced at the sudden light and swivelled the chair round from my desk.
'Oh, shit, Bella! You scared the crap outta me! What did you do that for?' I yelled.
'Allie, you've been in here all day. It's Saturday, why don't you go shopping or something? Get some fresh air in you.' She cleared some of the magazines and empty crisp packets off my bed and sat down, folding her arms to show that she had no intention of leaving. 'And why do you like it so dark? Are you turning into a vampire or something?' She giggled at that, but I just scowled. I didn't have time for her stupid jokes - all I really had time for anymore was Jasper. He was way to immature for me anyway…I should have known.
'I'm fourteen. I'm old enough to decide what to do with my weekends!' I turned back round to the computer, adamant that I had heard enough and would not be told what to do. Bella sighed.
'Yeah, well I'm seventeen. I think I know a little more than you do about what's good for you or not,' She mumbled as she walked out into the hall.
About half an hour later, Bella was sitting in the living room sipping coke through a straw and watching 'The Jeremy Kyle show' on TV when Mum came in through front door. Dumping her supermarket bags in the hall, she went in the living room and sat down next to Bells.
'Bella, dear,' she cooed, putting on her best 'concerned mother' voice, 'I'm very worried about Alice. She's hardly left her room for a week! The only time she ever gets out is to go too school…She's even been eager to go there! She used to hate school!' Mum began to fiddle with her long black hair, which is what she always does when she's worried about something.
'Esme, there's nothing wrong with Allie. She's just going through a little computer-nerd phase. That's all.'
'Don't call me Esme! I'm Mum to you. Your not an adult yet, young lady. Anyway, I hope your right for once.' she forced a chuckle.
'Yeah…Unlike you.' I muttered under my breath.
'I heard that.' Mum snapped with a clear look of contempt on her face.
One Week Before…
When I walked into registration that first day, the day it all changed, I saw him looking at me. Not in the usual way, though - he had a look of…contemplation, for lack of a better word. Slouched in his seat, looking relaxed and innocent, but intrigued none the less. Not being one to wallow in the fine detail of things, I ignored him, flouncing past in my pixie - like fashion when I felt a sudden sensation of utter calm flood through me, like all the troubles of the world bearing down on my shoulders could do me no harm. I felt safe.