Melting Point
DelightfulSmiles
Author's note: Thanks for all the reviews and favourites and all that jazz. I'm happy that people are enjoying this story, but I'm sorry to say that Royce will be around for a couple – more like a chunk – of chapters to come; because he is a central character somewhat. I'm going to try to bring out a more human side to him (although humans have their positives and negatives; it's the way of life)…anyway I hope you guys don't hate me for attempting to get you to like the guy xP…although I'll probably fail. Please enjoy!
I don't own Twilight
Raising the Stakes
Royce's POV
I sat in my room starring out onto the forest that lay just outside my bedroom window, the green expanse going as far as the eye could see except for the mountains that peaked over the tree tops. The only time I ever sit and stare out the window was when I needed to think. And right now I definitely needed to think.
For the past few days I've noticed that Rose had been acting different, she was still the sassy beautiful self but sometimes I would find her starring off into the distance, lost in thought. And I wondered whether or not it was me that had her thinking so hard, but I had an inkling that I wasn't.
In fact I almost definitely knew who it was occupying her mind
Emmett McCartney.
I sighed softly pushing a hand through my unusually messy hair. I couldn't help but feel a pang of anger and jealousy because I've noticed how Rose, my girlfriend, has looked every time they set eyes on each other. Although to the untrained eye a person would think that she hated the guy, but her mouth often lacked the tenseness that really revealed just how pissed off she was.
Closing my eyes and leaning back against side of the window seat I began to think about the day I had first set my eyes on Rosalie Lillian Hale.
--
Flashback
It was the first day of freshman year of high school, and although I put up a cool front my stomach kept rolling around making me feel like I was going to hurl. And that just wouldn't be cool, because appearance was everything, one moment of imperfectness and a reputation could be shattered. This is the life of the rich and beautiful
I walked through the front doors and looked around at all the other students milling around, greeting their friends and I could already see the different cliques within the school; who were the popular people – my calling, the losers, the posers and so on and so on. Life never really does change.
Anyone could tell who the freshmen were, we were the ones that looked as if we just jumped out the school's bulletin in our perfect school attire, not lapel out of place, skirt the correct length and no sign of personal accessories to speak of, at least none that were visible
I looked down at the piece of paper in my hand that had my locker number, homeroom and timetable printed on it. Making my way over to my assigned locker I noticed a group of people standing to one side, they just emanated the ease and comfort of freshmen who found their niche in high school.
I admired them; there were two boys and two girls. Both of the guys had blonde hair although one of them had a more bronze look to it, they were both obviously handsome. One girl was puny, but see looked like she belonged in a fairy tale with wings to boot. However, it was the last girl that caught my eye; she was breath-taking, with her golden blonde locks and vibrant violet eyes – a colour I have never seen on another person. This girl also had the beginnings of all the curves in the right places, she was beautiful.
And I wanted to make her mine.
End flashback
--
Lying back against the soft cushions I sighed softly, I was losing the one possession in my life that I remotely cared about, but the question remained was Emmett more to Rose than even I had thought possible? Thinking about the bet I had with Emmett a plan began forming in the back of my mind, trying to twist this situation back into my favour.
Because in the end I always get what I want.
Emmett's POV
Since that kiss Rosalie has been avoiding me like I had the plague and every time I attempted to get close to her she would see me and turn the other way or just walk right pass me. It was like I no longer existed to her, before the kiss at least she would talk to me, even if they were merely insults it was something.
I guess my thought that kissing her would take me closer to the Ice Maiden simply crashed and burned. But the kiss was explosive. The amount of chemistry I felt going into that one simple kiss, how could she be angry at that?
Or perhaps it's because she now knows just how pleasure educing I am, yeah that thought made me feel somewhat better.
Oh who the hell am I kidding?! There is no bloody way that one kiss is going to be our last one. I thought about the bet with King just to hear my phone give a beep signalling I had received a text, looking at the screen I didn't recognise the number and flipping my phone open to read the message I realised it was from the jackass himself;
How about we up the stakes for our little bet?
I stared at the words before grinning and quickly typed in my own little message
Sure. Name the price, because I already know the prize.
A few moments later the device made the sound and I looked at the words that made me freeze:
I win you get the fuck out of Forks.
You win...it's up to you
I stared at the words, but I felt the familiar cocky ego I have kick in and I grinned mischievously
You're on. I win...you break up with Rosalie and give me free pass to her...no trouble what so ever
Sending the message I grinned to myself as I slipped the phone into my back pocket so I could leave and make my way to school.
Rosalie's POV
"I have a bad feeling...like something is going to happen to you this year" Alice said frowning lightly
I rolled my eyes, Alice has been saying this to me for the last few days, and every time I asked what would happen she replied that she didn't know.
"How am I supposed to protect myself if I don't know what I'm up against" I stated raising an eyebrow
Alice stared intently into my face, her eyebrows knitted together in concern
"Rose please...I just want you to be careful" she answered placing a small hand on my arm.
Sighing I nodded my head as I picked up my bag, slipping it onto my shoulder. I waited as she got her own and we walked into the school building and there on the school notice board was a big sign.
Senior Annual Three Day Camp is coming.
In two months the senior class will be heading off to the School's campground
For fun, games and one of the last memories of High School.
For any information please contact: Angela Webber or Eric Yorkie
I stood there reading the notice, this was one of the biggest events of Senior Year; almost as big as Prom. It was three days of non-stop partying, not that the teachers knew or at least were paid enough not to say anything.
I looked over at Alice who was now grinning, her excitement almost tangible
"Oh I can't wait" she cooed
I nodded in my assent; it was one of the things I looked forward to, ever since my freshmen year.
"Hey babe" I heard Royce whisper into my ear as he wrapped his arms around me, for some reason the gesture didn't give me the warmth it once did. The intensity felt like something a friend would have, not your boyfriend of over three years.
This caused me to frown lightly but when I saw Alice's questioning look I quickly morphed my face into a soft grin as I tilted my head so I could see Royce, leaning back lightly so he was supporting a bit of my weight
"Hey there Royce...how many times have I told you not to call me 'babe' it's a disgusting thing, and makes me feel like I'm a pig" I stated rolling my eyes, but my smile softened the statement causing him to chuckle lightly
"Yes but 'babe' also means that you are one fine looking woman...and I have to appreciate you whenever I see you" he stated lightly.
'Why can't he be this sweet always? Whenever his friends are around he becomes a totally different person' I thought
"Okay yes now that we've established how good looking Rose is...can we please move on?" Alice stated impatiently
"It's not like I'm telling you to hang around Cullen" he said contemptuously
"Why can't you two ever play nice?" I asked rolling my eyes, having grown bored with the two's obvious dislike in sophomore year, which was when I finally gave up trying to get them to like each other
"Because Rose dear, Cullen can't seem to mind her own business, even when it's not wanted...especially then actually" Royce replied
"No...what he means is that he's too much of an asshole to get off his 'I'm too good for you' podium that he created for himself" Alice retorted glaring at him
I gave a sigh shaking my head as I disentangled myself from Royce's arms, turning my head I spotted Edward and Jasper heading our way, but to my shock and annoyance McCartney was also with them. I felt my eyes narrow as I gritted my teeth as the memory of our kiss flew to my mind.
"I'll see you guys later" I told the two of arguers with a nod of my head before I spun on my heel and walked off in the direction of my lockers.
I heard the sound of running feet and tensed for I just knew it was him, the bane of my existence. But I ignored him as I finally reached my locker and turned my combination waiting to hear the click signalling it being opened, it didn't come.
I frowned as I tried again. Nothing. What the hell?!
I tried one more time feeling my patience quickly extinguishing, but it didn't show to the rest of the world because I was Rosalie Hale, Forks Grammar's Ice Queen.
"It looks like you're having trouble" his voice said covered in amusement
I just ignored the statement and him, and I will ignore him as long as possible, but there was a voice at the back of my head laughing and nagging that sooner or later Emmett McCartney is going to be someone important in my life. As if! How could someone so insignificant mean anything to me?! From looking at the state of his uniform, not to mention his sister's, they just screamed hand out, and most likely were here on scholarships.
Definitely not the type either my parents would want me to get involved with. How wrong I was I would soon enough find out.
"Okay...I get the feeling that perhaps you aren't so thrilled that we kissed" the meat head stated, and it was that comment that made me snap and turn so fast that he took a step back
"Are you bloody serious? Aren't so thrilled?" I snapped as I attempted to impersonate him
I watched as a grin appeared on his face
"Ah I got you to talk to me" he said
If it wasn't for my emotional capability to control myself I knew I would've attempted to scratch his eyeballs out.
"You're an idiot" I hissed at him, aware of the people around us and not wanting them to see me venting
He noticed my restraint and chuckled. He chuckled! I felt my eye start twitching lightly, how could one human being be so damn annoying?!
"Seeing as I am in pretty much all the advanced classes, I doubt anyone would label me as an idiot" he replied that stupid, adorable smile still on his face.
"Oh God...why can't you just leave me alone?" I questioned him as I turned back to my locker and attempted to open it once more
"Because I don't want to" he replied simply causing me to look up into his face
"It's not like I'm giving you the attention that other girls so clearly want to give to you" I replied as I finally got my locker to open, I felt relief wash over me because I knew the sooner I got my books the sooner I could be away from Emmett McCartney, and the sooner I can become the cool, beautiful Rosalie Hale the school knew so well.
"But it's your attention that I want" McCartney stated calmly causing me to freeze and wonder how could one person be so open in what they wanted. And for some reason I appreciated it, it was like a deep breath of fresh air; away from all the bullshit and fake-ness that everyone seemed to be spouting all the time
"Oh please, I've heard all about your escapades with Lauren" I replied tartly, and I had the stupid girl just wouldn't stop gushing about how big he is and how pro he was in all areas of providing sexual pleasure.
"Just because I have my eyes set on the prize does not mean I have to change my ways" he replied.
'That sentence has to be one of the most stupidest I've ever heard' I thought as I stared at him in disbelief.
I shook my head as I slammed my locker door shut and began to walk away, knowing that he would be following me. It felt like that's all he did these days, that and fuck Lauren.
I had no idea why the thought of him sleeping with anyone would make me angry, it's not like I care about what he does.
"Referring to me as a 'prize' does not help you in any way...therefore get the hell away from me" I snapped at him before smiling coldly and stamping on his foot with the heel of my shoe.
Emmett's POV
"Just because I have my eyes on the prize does not mean I have to change my ways" I said.
I watched as her face went blank, from what I couldn't be sure; what I knew was that I was getting under her skin just like how I planned
"Referring to me as a 'prize' does not help you in any way...therefore get the hell away from me" she said
I frowned lightly as I saw a smile stretch across her face, it made her look even more flawless than she already did; but there was a coldness to it that made me feel like I should be worried for myself.
The stabbing pain that emanated from my foot told me that I was right in being concerned. I hopped around as I tried to get over the fact that the girl I wanted practically impaled her heel into my foot.
"God damn that hurts!" I growled as I continued to hop around
I heard a giggle come from behind me, causing my to whirl around to tell the person off but when I saw that it was Bella and I sighed softly
"What do you want Bells?" I asked as I tried to keep my mind from trailing to the throbbing pain in my foot
"I think you should leave Rosalie alone...she hasn't done anything to you" she answered looking me straight in the eyes. I had a feeling that she knew a lot more than I gave her credit for.
"Bells...you wouldn't understand so just leave it" I replied not wanting to get any further into the topic
She rolled her eyes
"Emmett do you really think I have no idea on what's going through your head? Most of the time it's either school, myself or girls" she stated frowning at me
I shook my head
"Emmett McCartney-Swan tell me what the hell is going on" she finally snapped her chocolate brown eyes revealing just how frustrated and annoyed she was
Sighing softly I grabbed her arm and hobbled over to a corner where no one was sitting or standing
"I made a bet -" I started but my sister interrupted me
"Oh God Emmett you didn't!" she exclaimed looking up at me
"...I made a bet that I could get Rosalie with me by the end of the year" I finished off as I combed a hand through my hair.
I watched the disappointment filter into my sister's eyes
"You've done some stupid things Em but this has to be one of the stupidest you've ever done" she said shaking her head
"It's not like me fooling around with a girl is something new" I said in my defence frowning, wondering why Bella seemed so adamant on telling me I was an idiot
"No it's not...but I like it here Emmett...and I feel like I finally found a school where I can just be..." she said
I sighed softly thinking about how awkward school back in Florida was for Bella, and how she seemed somewhat at home here in Forks
"Why Bella? It's nothing but I bunch of rich snobs that go around thinking the worst thing in life is being seen as a loser or heaven forbid a broken nail" I replied thinking that that statement pretty much summed up the majority of the school's population
"Not everyone is like that Emmett...I've met some really nice people...like Alice, Jasper, a few people from some of my classes...and Edward" her face going red as she said the last name.
'I think I know why she likes it so much here no' I thought smiling lightly
"Does my little sister have a crush?" I asked jabbing her lightly in the arm
I watched as her face brightened even more
"That's not the point Emmett! Rosalie doesn't deserve this sort of thing...hell no girl does!" she exclaimed quietly
I looked at her frowning
"From where I stand Rosalie Hale doesn't seem any less snobby or arrogant than the rest of the school...I think she needs to be taken down a peg or two" I said looking away.
Because I didn't believe what I just said, Rosalie Hale seems like my kind of woman. She was smart, gorgeous and totally capable of putting up with my nature as seen a few moments ago when she decided to stab a heel into my foot.
"Emmett! Edward says that people just need to look beyond her appearance, she's just guarded" Bella tried to convince me causing a snort to escape my nose
"Oh please...Edward is probably just trying to get into your pants like that Newton idiot" I said rolling my eyes. But thinking about Edward's warning I knew that he wouldn't stuff around with a girl, like I would.
Maybe I'm the true asshole.
"Emmett please!" Bella begged her eyes wide with worry
I shook my head
"Mind your own business Bells...this doesn't have anything to do with you" I replied as I turned and walked away.
--
When Bella and I got home after school, she still hadn't said a single word to me since that argument, even in the car where we would always spend our time talking about our day and how much homework we had gotten
"Bella" I tried but she just walked right past me. I watched as she disappeared up the stairs before banging my head against the wall
"Emmett darling are you alright?" I heard my mother's concerned voice ask me
"Sure I am ma...nothing to worry about" I said pulling my head away from the wall to give her a reassuring smile, which I knew just by the look on her face she didn't believe.
"I'll see you at dinner...gotta do some homework" I said quickly as I ran up the stairs and into my room.
That night I laid in bed thinking about Bella's cold shoulder she was giving to me. That and of course Rosalie, thinking about just how perfect she was, not to mention her life filled with the perfect group of friends, perfect school record, probably even a perfect family as well, not having to deal with any drama or divorce or any type of negativity at all.
That was the last thing I thought about before I fell asleep.
Rose's POV
"Honestly Rose, why did you pick Shop? It's not like it's going to be of any use to you in the future" my mother chided me
I looked up at her, into her crystal blue eyes that always seemed so cold and distant; she wasn't really the warm and nurturing mother. Sure she cared about what I did but that was only because she was worried about the family's image, like my father.
"Because I wanted to mother" I responded looking away from her
That was another thing, I wasn't allowed to call my parents 'mummy' or 'daddy', no it was always 'mother' or 'father', it all just seemed so impersonal.
"But what would the ladies at the Club think? My daughter doing Shop of all things? Why can't you just be on the Debate team or something more proper?" she asked
I sat still in my chair not quite believing what I had just heard, I slowly looked up into her face once more, and the familiar pain I felt shot through my body, straight into my heart
"Mother...I've been in the Debate team since my freshman year" I responded numbly not quite taking in the fact that my own mother had no idea what's been happening in my life
"Oh...well how about the Chess team?" she suggested not at all seeming like she was embarrassed by her obvious obliviousness to my life
I gritted my teeth fighting the urge to retort at her
"I already have a full ciriculum and I didn't see a problem in doing something I wanted to do...now if you excuse me I'll be in my room" I said standing up and walking away from the dinner table.
Once I was in the safe haven that is my bedroom I sat on my king sized bed starring at the full length mirror before me. I stared into the reflection of to everyone else had everything life could offer, but to me looked sad and empty.
Sure there were things in life that I was happy for, like my friends and school – a place and the people who accept me, even though one still didn't truly understand who I was. Because to the students I was the Ice Queen and to the faculty I was the 'perfect' student.
I laid back against my pillow and pulled out my phone entering a familiar number
"Hello?" a chirpy Alice responded on the other line
"Alice..." I started but my voice broke
"Rose what's wrong" her voice coated in concern
"I don't know...my mother...she didn't even know I was on the debate team!" I exclaimed staring up at the ceiling wondering how I could be so unhappy with my life. Okay maybe not with life, but with my family.
"Oh honey...do you want to come over?" she asked, knowing me well enough that all I wanted was to get out of this place
"Sure...I'll just pack a bag and I'll be over in thirty" I responded
"Okay, see you soon...and remember Rose myself, Jasper and Edward are always here for you" she reassured me making me smile
"Thanks Al...I needed that" I said before clicking the 'End' button.
And once again I found myself leaving the building that put up the front of being my 'home' when the only place I felt like I could be myself was when I was with my best friends. Hell sometimes even when I'm with Royce I didn't feel like I was myself.
How messed up could I get?
--
Author's note: okay well this was pretty much a chapter for explaining Rose and more of her history. And just letting you all know this upcoming camp is going to be huge...for all characters concerned. Please R&R, it's really sad to see that my hit counter is over 100 and I only get like 3 reviews, so please review! They motivate me to update faster. Sorry for any mistakes.