Chapter Two
A/N: So, I forgot to write a note on my last chapter. I forgot to thank my awesome beta, Alene236. Also, I'd like to thank one of my great friends Sandersonsisters, for reminding me that writing is a huge part of my life! Here is chapter two…Also, in this chapter this is drinking—and its message: Don't drink and dial is very true, just like don't drink and drive. Both are very important to remember.
When I got turned around in the swivel chair, and took a look at the girl staring back at the mirror, I freaked. I didn't know who she was. The short raven black spiky do, was so…different. A wide grin crept across my face, and for the first time in a long time I felt free. I went to touch my new haircut, because truth be it, I couldn't believe it was me. Melanie, the hairdresser, removed the apron that had been covering me. I stood looking at Bella in the lobby. She looked up from the magazine, and her jaw dropped.
"Oh my gosh! Alice! You look so… different!"
"That's sort of the idea," I teased. I paid, and walked out feeling like a new woman. Bella and I got in my car heading to the nearest mall. As I drove, we jammed to bad pop music.
"So, Bella, are you ready for shopping fest 2009?" I asked her. She bit her lip, showing hesitancy on coming with me on this expedition. She slowly shook her head no, and I burst into a fit of laughter.
"Did I ever mention I hate shopping?"
"Are you communist?"
"No."
"Are you an alien?" I asked probing for more information about this girl. There was obviously something not right about her.
"No. I just don't like to shop. I never really have, but the good news is we're shopping for you. I hate shopping for myself. How bad can shopping for you be?"
I internally laughed at her. If she didn't like to shop today was going to be a long hard day. Little did she know, I was shopping not only for me, but for her as well. Bella wasn't going to be wearing those gross Levi' a second longer than she had to. Soon, I would have her decked out in Lucky jeans or something that wasn't bought at J.C. Penny's.
We got out of the car and started into the mall. I made a bee line for Banana Republic, then remembered today was about a new look. No more classics for me! I groaned while we stopped to look at a mall map. Where was I supposed to get clothes from? There were so many places, and I had to decide where my new wardrobe would come from and how to dress Bella. I knew that she wasn't exactly an Abercrombie girl, but she wasn't a Gap girl either. I took a look at the map, and then I checked out Bella. It struck me in the middle of the head, she was going to have a shopping spree at the Buckle. I practically drug her to the store. I immediately started throwing jeans and tops at her. I forced her to try things on, and all I heard was curse words and mumblings from inside the room.
"Come out and show me when you're ready!" I barked. This was my area, and she wasn't going to ruin that. She ended up with four pair of Alice approved jeans, two pair of Lucky and two pair of BKE. I liked 20 tops, and Bella whined that it was way too many clothes. I rolled my eyes and took it to the check-out.
"Alice, I can't afford all of this! What are you doing?"
"Buying my new best friend a gift! Now, shut up, or I will make you go dress shopping too," I smirked knowing that she would quiet because of my threat. I made a mental list of what else we had to get Bella: Shoes, belts, undergarments, and accessories.
By the time I had left the mall with Bella I had only picked up a couple of things for myself. I only bought three pair of Converse.
"Please tell me we're done shopping now!" Bella whined. I smiled knowing very well we were nowhere near done. I had one last store I had to go to, and it wasn't in the mall.
"In your dreams, but no worries! This next store is for my new look."
"Finally we're shopping for you! Please tell me we are going to Wal-Mart to get a broom," She pleaded. It made my smile grow wider. Who did she think I was? I never went to Wal-Mart, and never would. I had to buy a broom somewhere fashionable.
"Please!" I snorted, "I would never step foot in a Wal-Mart. Even if it were the last place on earth, I still wouldn't go in. Let's get real. I'm going to Urban Outfitters, and then for a broom… Do you know anywhere they sell good looking brooms?"
"What's so wrong with Wal-Mart for a broom?"
"Corporate America is ruining us, do you have to ask that question?" I sighed. Did this girl live in a box?
"Okay if not Wal-Mart how about Target?" She suggested. I sighed in frustration. I was going through stores trying to figure out where the heck I was going to find a broom. Pottery Barn didn't have them, nor did IKEA. I frowned slightly losing the internal battle. I began wondering if I would have to go to a super-store. I shivered at the thought. I could break my rules now could I? I tried to remember where Rose got the Swiffer. Maybe they had brooms at that store.
"Maybe I should call Rose, seriously Bella, I can't buy it from a store that sells clothes, food, and office supplies. Who does that?"
"I do all the time."
"No offense, but that's sort of tacky don't you think?"
"It's a broom! Not anything important!"
"If it's not in a mall, it's not worth it. I would consider getting it from a free standing establishment, but it can't be a superstore," I emphasized superstore with a disgust. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Bella role her eyes, but that was the end of that conversation. Maybe today wasn't the day to purchase a broom.
Around seven we pulled back into the parking lot of the apartments. Bella and I were worn out from a fantastic day shopping. I bought almost everything at Urban Outfitters; it was definitely the new Alice style. I started to unload all the bags from the car separating Bella's and mine.
"Alice, are you sure you don't want me to pay you back?" Bella meekly asked. Was she serious? Her car probably wouldn't pay for all the clothes I bought her today.
"No, it's a gift Bella. All the payment I need is for you to shut the trunk. I can't get it with all of these bags."
We walked into the building and up the two flights of steps. I swore from behind I heard Bella breathing hard. So, I decided to make a little joke, "Shopping is my favorite competitive sport, and honestly Bella, you're going to have to try harder next time. Are you seriously out of breath?" I smirked at my own comment. I heard her grumbling, but she didn't talk back. Bella was truly something else, completely different than Rose and I.
I grabbed for the doorknob, but the door swung open. Rosalie was standing there tapping her foot. She looked like an angry mother with a kid past curfew. When Rose saw me, and by that I mean actually looked at me her jaw dropped to the floor.
"Alice Cullen! What did you do?"
"I cut my hair, and went shopping, what does it look like?" I retorted. She had no right to ask me that with such shock and a bit of disdain.
"Wow, what brought this on, Alice?" She asked in a softer tone. I grinned like a fool back at her, and shrugged my shoulders. I made my way into the apartment setting down my bags in the living room. Bella stood in the hall witnessing Rose's reaction to the situation.
"Okay, well that's interesting. You've never really did something so, how do I say this nicely?"
"Listen Rose, I felt like a change. I wanted to be different for a while. Is that so wrong?"
"I don't mean to be mean Alice, it's just. I've known you so long, and now you're like a different person. It's edgier. It's interesting. I like it," She lied. I was trying to think quickly. I had to get Rose off the subject of my new change.
"Want to go out, GNO tonight?" I asked Rosalie and Bella, whom was still standing in the hallway.
"Sounds great, Ali," Rose replied. I shot her a look for calling me Ali, it was my one pet peeve. Rose automatically started towards her room looking for the perfect outfit. It wasn't like she had to try hard, she looked like a freaking supermodel every second. I turned to Bella expecting an answer, and she pursed her lips.
"I don't know, maybe it isn't the best idea," She started.
"Puh-LEASE! You're coming with us. You're one of the girls now, and that means you come to girls night out. On the plus side, you have a lot of new clothes to wear."
"Okay, I'll go change. What time are we leaving?"
"In an hour, so hurry up!" I exclaimed practically jumped up and down. I was bouncing on the heels of my feet. I hadn't gone out in weeks and missed feeling so awesome. There was something about going out. It made me feel confident and popular. I felt like for a second while I was with Rose that I was on top of the world. Everyone in our group was on top of the world. That's how I always felt, and then the alcohol consumption just heightened that feeling.
I hauled my new clothes in my room and looked for something to wear. I dug through the bags looking for that dress I bought earlier. It was a summer red, and it was definitely made for the club. The dress official name was Cheap Monday Lauren Tube Dress, and I felt like it would be perfect. I didn't have to take much time doing my hair or dressing, so I tried to get creative with my make-up. After 45 minutes, I slipped on a pair of black pumps, and grabbed my clutch.
I waited for Rose in the living room, and when she came out, she honestly looked like a goddess. She wore a champagne colored tube mini-dress. It was made of nylon and spandex, I assumed it was from American Apparel. Over the dress she wore a brown short-sleeved blazer with puffed sleeves. She wore brown patten leather Anne Klein shoes, and I felt so jealous she could look so sexy. I was always plain next to her, even though I loved going out with her, I felt inadequate.
"Wow, Rose, you look great," I complimented my friend. She flashed me a smile.
"Ready to get Bella?"
"Yep," I replied.
We opened the door and walked the short distance across the hall. Rose pounded on the door, and it slowly opened. Emmett was standing on the other side. His eyes immediately skimmed over Rosalie, and he got a shit-eating grin on his face. Then, I saw it register in his head that Rose was going out in public like that.
"No, you're not going out looking like that," He boomed. A smile formed on my lips, while Rose frowned.
"You have no right to tell me what I can or cannot wear. Even if you were my boyfriend, you wouldn't have a say!" Rose stomped her foot annoyed by Emmett's comment.
"Rose, baby, I want you to be my girlfriend, and I don't want you going out like that because I care about you. Remember earlier," He started. A blush crept across Rose's face, something I rarely witnessed.
"What happened earlier?" I asked perking up.
"Nothing you need to concern yourself with Alice," She snapped. My eyes grew big, wondering what in the world could have happened when Bella and I went out.
"Whoa, short-fry, you look different," Emmett commented changing the subject.
"Short-fry?" I challenged him. He turned back to Rose. He couldn't keep his eyes off of her. I wasn't sure he even heard me challenge him. I felt annoyed to be left out.
"Rosie, babe, why go out like that? I am looking out for your safety. What guys think when they see you in that dress, and drinking it's not good. I don't want you to be taken advantage of. I know we're not exclusive, but I am dating you. Please?" He gave her the sad puppy face. It made me want to vomit. I looked around Emmett, and Bella was approaching. She was wearing a pair of jeans I bought her, and a black tank top. It was subtle sexy, and in a weird way I was jealous of her too. She looked almost as good as Rosalie.
"Bella, you look hot!" I exclaimed. She turned a bright red, and I laughed.
"Thanks," She whispered obviously embarrassed.
"What is wrong with you girls? Don't any of you know how to dress appropriately?" Emmett asked seeing Bella for the first time.
"It's not your concern Emmett, come on girls let's go," Rose started down the steps. I smiled at her authority, and it totally stumped Emmett. As we walked way he was still gaping at Rose. I internally sighed at them. Why couldn't that be me?
We got to the bar, and naturally I was the only one carded. It was one of the biggest disadvantages of being short and small. Bouncers never really believed you were that old and looked at the I.D. for like twenty minutes.
"What can I get you three fine ladies tonight?" The bartender asked us.
"Nothing for me, thanks," Bella said.
"Three Margaritas on the rocks please," Rose ordered, "And Bella, you're drinking with us tonight. That's why we took a cab tonight."
"I'm not really such a big drinker," Bella admitted.
"Tonight, you will be," Rose assured her.
After getting our drinks Bella drank hers quickly, in hopes that she would be able to convince herself to drink more. Rose kept ordering rounds, after round two, I was starting to feel it. I am a light-weight, and knew that if I went past round three, it would be bad. So what did I do? Round FOUR! Bella and Rose went to the dance floor, and were having a blast. I however, was pouting at the table. That's when I made the executive decision to call Edward.
Normally, Rose didn't let me drink and dial, but Rose wasn't anywhere near.
It rang three times, and then a voice finally picked up.
"Hello?" The voice said. It wasn't Edward, and that's all I really knew.
"Hi, um, this is Alice. Who is this?" I tried my best to sound sober.
"This is Jasper. Edward left his phone at home tonight. He's on a date," Jasper's voice informed me. I smile at my luck of Jasper picking up Edward's phone.
"A date? How did that happen? My prude brother on a date?" I asked. Jasper chuckled on the other end, "Are you lying to me?" I asked.
"No, Alice I'm not lying. She's not that good looking, and the date wasn't his idea. Does that make more sense?"
"Mmmm… Sure. It's nice to finally talk to you Jasper."
"Back at you m'darlin'," He laughed.
"You sound just as hot as you look," I blurted out. This is why Rose doesn't let me dial drunk, I say dumb things. Even to my brother, I say bad things. I often criticize him for his prudish ways.
"Thank you, now my question for you Alice, and how many drinks have you had tonight?"
"Four margaritas! I love tequila!" I giggled into the phone. Jasper had a quick laugh with me. I smiled at the thought of Jasper and his laugh. His laugh would make me weak at the knees if I were standing. Considering my alcohol consumption, I assumed that I wouldn't be standing at all.
"I'm assuming you're out with Rose, and she just kept the rounds coming?"
"BINGO!" I yelled. The people at the table next to me looked at me like I was crazy, but I didn't care. I thought about getting up, but I wasn't sure if I could. I felt like my legs were made of Jell-o.
"Only my sister! So, did you have an important message for Edward that I should take down? Or were you just drinking and dialing?"
"Drinking and dialing, please don't hang up though. Rose and Bella are dancing and left me all alone. I don't want to be alone right now," I started to whine. I didn't want to whine, but I had no chance.
"I would never leave you Alice. I know how important you are to Edward and Rose, so I would never try to leave you," He sounded so sincere, it almost made my heart break into a million pieces. It was so perfect.
"Rose is in love with the boy across the hall," I blurted again.
"I heard from Edward. Is she serious? Do I need to meet him? Is he a good guy?"
"No, they're just dating. What were the other questions I forgot after being serious."
"It doesn't matter. I was just being a good brother, I suppose."
"Jasper, I'm really jealous! I want what she has!" I started to whine again.
He chuckled, "Alice, it's all about timing. I'm sure you will find someone perfect for you."
"Like you?" I questioned.
"If I ever had the chance to meet you, get to know you, maybe. Who knows, we could be sole-mates. I wouldn't worry about it Alice."
"I am worrying about it. I want to fall in love, preferably with you," I kept the word-vomit coming. I didn't know why, but I couldn't stop. Stupid alcohol, stupid Rose leaving me alone with my cell phone!
"Alice, I'm flattered. I wish you weren't half way across the country right now," He admitted.
"Do you think I'm pretty?" I almost wanted to cry if he said no. I felt like it was the longest pause in the world, but in reality I am positive he replied promptly.
"You are more than pretty." I swear I could feel the smile in his voice. My heart started to flip-flop, and I couldn't help but sigh.
"Jasper, who's on the phone?" I heard in the background. I frowned knowing it was Edward.
"It's your sister, she's drunk dialing you. Do you want to speak to her?" Jasper asked. I wanted to cry and whine like a baby, because he might be leaving me.
"I'm sorry you had to talk to her Jazz," Edward apologized taking the phone, "Alice, how much have you had to drink?"
"A lot of tequila!" I replied.
"What do you want squirt?"
"How was your date? Did you get some action? You know, I think that would really help your stress levels," I said being quite serious.
"Did you call just to annoy me?"
"Rose and Bella left me in the booth alone, and I don't want to be alone,"
"Okay, fine. I'll talk to you as long as you don't rag on me, and bother me about dating."
"That's not going to happen. Why don't you put Jasper back on?" I pleaded. He laughed, and started to say something. That's when I saw Rose, she and Bella were walking towards me, and I was on my phone. When Rose saw my phone, she broke into a sprint grabbing for my phone.
"Sorry," She said looking at my screen, "Edward, I won't let her drunk dial you again," she finished. She hit the end call button, and I felt sad. That was the end of me talking to Jasper.