Trapped

Two

Normal, that's all I ever wanted to be. I was already popular, simply because I lucked out. My brother was Emmett McCarty – Fork's High School's legendary quarterback. He made history when he was voted Captain of the Spartans Football Team his freshman year. Three years later, he's a senior and he's still the Captain. Sure, people were jealous, but it was hard to hate him once you got t know the big teddy bear.

Then there was Rosalie Hale, Homecoming Queen Material, the blonde bombshell that all the boys – and Heidi Dea – wanted. She was the long time girlfriend of my brother. Yes, she was a bitch, but with good reason. Everyone in her life had completely checked out, her entire family. They cared more about their careers than her welfare. Neglect turned her into an "Ice Princess" as they call her, but once she started dating Emmett, I realized that she was really a sweetheart. She loved unconditionally as long as you could prove yourself worthy.

Jasper Hale was Rosalie's brother. He was gorgeous and he had a completely soothing presence. All of the girls had a crush on him, but he didn't let that get to his head. He was the only relative Rosalie still cared about. I met him while I was waiting for Emmett to finish up with football practice. He was relieved to finally meet a girl that wasn't trying to get into his pants. We hit it off instantly.

Maria Whitlock – Jasper's girlfriend. I didn't like her. I eventually realized that Jasper was in love with her so I reached out and made an effort to connect with her. It seemed important to him that we get along. Even after I reached out, I found out that she wasn't that bad, but I just couldn't bring myself to care for her the way I cared for Rosalie. Rosalie was my sister. Maria was my best friend's girlfriend.

Then there was Edward Cullen, also on the football team. Sure he was a handsome boy, but his ego was too large for me. He hit on every girl that walked by. Emmett, Jasper and Rosalie had to punch him in the face a few times just so he could get the hint that I wasn't interested. Even then, he still hit on me from time to time.

Last but not least – that's Maria's place – there was Tanya Denali, Edward Cullen's most recent girlfriend. They seemed to work for each other. So far, they've been dating for two months, a record for Edward. As long as she could keep him in check, she was fine by me. Still, she was no Rosalie.

And then there was me, Alice McCarty, the final piece to our close-knit group. I was a fashion-maniac. As long as I had a decent surface and something to create with, I was sketching clothing designs. I had to change my house key twice because I had worn out the metal. Our lunch table, full of carved-in designs was explanation enough. I was energetic but valued my privacy and a socialite but very conserved. I had many friends, but none of them really knew me. Only Emmett, Jasper and Rosalie knew me, and they loved me for who I was. I'd never taken them for granted.

I just never knew how much I would need them my junior year at Forks High.

"Alice" a woman whispered.

"Alice, get up. We're going to be late."

I groaned and rolled away from the woman.

"Alice McCarty, don't make me get Emmett on you" she threatened.

I groaned louder and turned to glare at the woman.

"Rosalie, don't you have your own house?"

She smirked at me and ripped the sheets off of my pajama covered body, ignoring my question entirely. I didn't blame her. Her parents were never home. She and Jasper always stayed over here since my parents were away almost as much as hers. Of course while she and Jasper each had their own room, it was no shock that she wasn't sleeping in hers.

"Come on, we've got hot-pockets for breakfast. Hurry up and get ready" she smiled and headed for the door.

"Don't want to be late for the first day of school, now do we?" I mocked. She laughed as she walked down the hallway and I headed into my bathroom to quickly freshen up.

The three of them were sitting in the kitchen chatting happily when I found them. I gave each of them a quick kiss on the cheek and grabbed my hot pocket.

"Morning" I said cheerfully before taking a bite.

They all looked at me with incredulous expressions.

"Don't look at me like that" I smiled. "You should realize that I'm naturally energetic by now."

Rosalie rolled her eyes.

"I don't need coffee like you weaklings." I laughed and headed for the door.

As usual, Rosalie rode to school in Emmett's Jeep while Jasper chased me into his truck. I liked having him around. He was like a second brother to me.

I don't know what I was expecting when I got to school. Living in Forks was always the same, the same people, the same routine each and every day. We hadn't had a new kid in years. Everybody knew each other already.

I walked through the halls waving at familiar faces and responding to a few kids screaming, "Hi Alice". I was relieved by the time lunch rolled around and I entered the cafeteria.

James waved at me, Victoria glared at me, Jane smiled at me and Tyler…

Tyler Crowley assaulted me with his usual pleading.

"Alice! Hi!" I tried my best to hide the flinch that came with being near him.

"Tyler…" I greeted, forcing a smile onto my face.

"What's up? Are you excited about the new year?"

"Sure" I nodded, desperately searching for help.

"Cool. Hey, I was wondering, since it's a new year and all, you want to go out with me sometime?"

I looked at him and felt bad for having to crush his sad, undeveloped, pre-pubescent feelings.

"Um…Tyler" I started, grateful when Jasper came up behind me.

"Alice" he greeted, smirking. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and hugged me to him.

"I need your help with something" he said and directed me towards our lunch table. I followed his lead without so much as a glance back in Tyler's direction.

"Thank you" I breathed in relief. He chuckled and took his seat next to Maria.

"No problem, but now you owe me" he grinned.

I rolled my eyes. "Like hell I do," I chuckled.

Edward sauntered up to our table and took a seat between me and Tanya, his arms resting on the backs of both of our chairs. He moved his arm away from me when Rosalie glared at him. I smiled my thanks.

"So, how was your first day" Rosalie asked the table. Everyone gave the same generic answer. "Fine", "Cool", "Alright", because everybody knew that back to school in Forks came with no surprises. I was wrong, however when Emmett spoke up.

"I heard that we're getting a new kid tomorrow" he said and everyone turned their attention to him. "I heard Mrs. Cope talking about it in the main office. I didn't get a name but she was definitely making arrangements for a new student" he smiled, happy to share his gossip. I swear he was such a girl sometimes.

I can't say I wasn't excited though.

Rosalie caught my expression and smirked. "Maybe the new kid could get a rise out of Alice" she grinned while Emmett laughed.

"I don't think anyone in Forks can get a rise out of Ali" he sent me a mocking look.

I shrugged. "Look, just because none of these dorks hold any interest for me doesn't mean there's something wrong with me." I smiled.

Edward frowned and looked at me. "I'm a dork?" he asked, really looking hurt.

"No Edward, you're not a dork." He smiled. "You're mentally challenged and loving a retard is hard work" I smirked. Rosalie laughed out loud and gave me a high five as Edward frowned. I could see Tanya silently laughing on his other side.

"That's cold, Alice" he said sadly.

"Oh grow a pair" Rosalie chuckled, rolling her eyes.

The table adopted trivial conversation as we ate our lunches. When the bell rang, I headed off to English. I wandered the hallways and finally came to the correct room, sitting in the seat Mr. Banner assigned to me.

Once he'd taken attendance, I realized that nobody was sitting to my left, a desk by the window, and my thoughts wandered to the new kid.

What was his name? What did he look like? Is he cute? Will he like me?

I didn't want to be the odd one out anymore.

I wanted to meet the new kid.

Author's Note:

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