Chapter 2 The Queen of Hearts

A/N: I do not own any of these characters.

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RPOV

Seriously? Seriously? I'd been back at school for only a month, settling into my double suite as a single, I had even finally determined who I would be this year and now that was all over. No more 'head of class,' no more second bedroom closet or absolute-freedom-to-be-myself-in-private and how dare I even think of letting a friend in now. I'd just have to settle with being Queen … again. Not that I'd ever relinquish that title externally, but can't a girl want more?

I guess not.

Bella was coming. My sweet, controversial cousin in all her never-ending brown hair, doe eyed, feisty glory. I'm guessing she'll bring her brain, along with her rocker vintage clothing, to totally push me out of the school valedictorian race. I may still reign supreme in the junior class, but Bella's genius wouldn't remain confined to her meager sophomore status. God, and if she'd only realize how smart and beautiful she was I could shove her down a couple notches. But she has always been clueless.

I know she loved her mom, but Bella had always spent her time growing up with Jasper – all of her time. You'd think that since we were born together Jasper would end up being my best friend, out of any other girls at least, but no; Bella and Jasper were the two peas in a pod. And I got it; they just fit. Staying on the outskirts, doing their own thing, while I was always so streamline. But Aunt Renee understood that my conventional appearance and interests didn't really define me. She was MY best friend. And then she died.

Since my mother won't be wining any awards for her parenting – or for anything not having to do with society, Botox or cocktails - losing Renee left me without a mom or a best friend. So I'd decided I was done. Friends were over rated. I began studying and shopping and evolved into what many would consider perfect - long blonde hair, satin skin, big blue eyes and a tight figure with exquisite breasts and a delicious ass. Men drool, women hate. Ultimately, friendship with either sex became impossible.

After my metamorphosis – aka puberty - I was thankful to be rid of any need for friends. After all, Bella moved to Forks to live with Uncle Charlie so I got Jasper back. Jasper, however, couldn't stay away, and after ninth grade our parents agreed to send us to an elite boarding school in Seattle, Washington – Fremont Park Preparatory. The American upper crust's Northwestern answer to a perfectly coiffed and preened progeny.

The Hale's defined themselves as "upper crust", therefore, money had simply never been an issue. Which brings be back to… Why the hell can't Jasper just buy his own damn car? I was in desperate need of a shopping fix, apparently less so now however since my dream closet was being put on permanent hiatus. Honestly, I can hear the call of 5th and Pine even on this side of town.

In Seattle, the closest thing to Chanel you'll get is Nordstrom. On the weekends I needed a more substantial shopping high, I had no other options but to fly down to LA or over to New York. Washington State was sickeningly full to the brim of comfy casual/granola, Birkenstock footed outdoorsmen. I'll let my Christian Louboutin's explain that I don't do comfy casual.

But this wasn't just another credit card free for all - there was also Alice.

Alice Brandon.

If there was anyone in this idiot riddled institution that could be my friend it would be her.

And I had no idea why.

Maybe it's because the first time I spoke to her she acted like we'd already met - been there, done that. Initially I was overwhelmed by the creep factor, but she sort of sucked me in after that. I never dropped the Queen Bee façade, but it was like she didn't see it. Ultimately, the shopping invitation never registered with my brain, rather it'd come out on instinct.

Flashback

"Rosalie, what are your plans this weekend?" Jessica driveled, being closely tailed by Lauren.

"We could spend a day at Hotel 1000. I'd love a facial," was Lauren's hurried contribution.

The courtyard was full of students making their way to Friday's final session. Everyone acknowledged Rosalie in some fashion. Many just smiled, while others dared to wave. The most ridiculous of all were of course the cling ons. Jessica, Lauren and Irina were annoying at best, delusional at worst.

"Oh my god, a facial sounds divine. Should we take your car Rose---alie?," fumbled Jessica, barely remembering how unwelcome nicknames were. She'd hardly recovered from last week's incident when she mistakenly referred to Rosalie as "girlfriend."

Rosalie, lifting a perfectly sculpted eyebrow towards Jessica, continued on briskly, not stopping to return more than a half smile acknowledgement towards the comical Eric and baby faced Mike.

"I haven't ever been to Hotel 1000…" Irina ventured, encouraging the other girls to continue prattling on with adjectives, falling slightly farther behind the determined Rosalie, when everyone came to an abrupt halt.

"Oh, Rosalie, I'm sorry I wasn't watching were I was going. I just received a letter from my best friend. God he is such an idiot ... has barely been there three months and already they're sending him home. But I am just so excited for him to be back at Fremont." And she was excited; Alice was practically vibrating with enthusiasm. Rosalie regained her balance and smoothed her blazer, but Alice wasn't finished.

"It has seemed like forever since I've been through those gates, well anywhere interesting at least. And, well, he owes me! As soon as he's back he is my official chauffeur." The happiness didn't seem to end. Nor did the conversation.

"So, how are you? You look great, especially those platform tapper toe maryjane slingbacks. Let me guess, the Rolando Boucles, right? I've had my eye on those in mastic. I was just a little concerned about the suede in our weather … oh, I'm sorry. I'm prattling on."

"Actually, no Alice, you weren't prattling." Rosalie sighed. "And you're correct, they are the Rolando Boucles. You have a good eye."

"Are you kidding? No Christian Louboutin crosses my path unappreciated." Alice responded with a glint in her eye. "Oh, that's the three minute bell." By that time, the courtyard had mostly cleared out. Besides the five ladies there were only a couple late stragglers.

Rosalie turned to continue walking towards class, but changed her mind.

"Alice?"

"Yes, Rose?" An audible gasp rang out from the cling ons and an energy of anticipation awaited the inevitable verbal lashing Rosalie customarily heaped upon any offender - name, personal space or otherwise.

"Let's shop this weekend. I'll drive." Instead of Rosalie's customary retaliation, only the crashing of jaws across the brick pathway could be heard.

"Absolutely! That sounds brilliant. Nordstrom and Barneys. I'll come by your suite at ten on Saturday?" By this time the remaining girls had collected themselves enough to remind Rosalie about the spa.

"I'm out on Hotel 1000. Alice and I have plans."

And with that, Rosalie continued to class.

"Later, Pixie."

"Love you, Rose."

End Flashback

Alice was truly a force of fashion nature. Her enthusiasm for life and friends was electric, contagious even. It was as if she was so busy being herself she had no time to recognize the persona I was projecting. She cut the shit. With her I was actually myself. Thank god.

Finally.

Quick as a drum roll, a succession of knocking woke me from my revere. Shit.

I eased the door open, not wanting to hasten the disappointment that was inevitable. Of course there stood Alice all perky and glossy and tiny, although her four-inch heals added somewhat to her nonexistent height. Maybe now she cleared 5'2" … maybe.

"Morning, Rose." Alice immediately went in for a hug. You would never know it is ten am on a weekend looking at this ball of buzz.

"Hey Alice, I should have called." I couldn't keep the remorse from my voice. Remorse for my douche bag brother stealing Red on my weekend, for not calling, for not fucking being able to be her friend – anyone's friend.

At that moment my cell chimed. Him, my thoughts sneered.

"Jasper, don't you think you've been a big enough dick without adding annoying jack ass to the list?" I answered unwelcomingly.

"Good morning to you too, Sister. I was only calling to see if you'd be around in oh ten seconds … I need your keys. Can't seem to find mine."

"This is rich. You're putting me on. You've never misplaced your keys before, and today of all days …" As my sentence trailed off, passing through my cell Jasper rounded the hallway corner.

"Rose, god, I didn't plan this. I'm doing this for Bella." Jasper's mind caught up with his body as his eyes bugged right out of his head suddenly rendering him mute.

"Jasper Hale, I don't think I've ever heard you say one solitary word. That was at least a sentence, if not two. I must know you better than the majority of the school with that verbose display. Obviously introductions are in order; I'm Alice Brandon."

They shook hands silently. Jasper's breathing was labored, his eyes still quite unnaturally large, and an increasing accumulation of sweat rested on his brow. Alice's smile was warm and nonthreatening, but laced with the sweetest of longing. And she hasn't even been my friend twelve second before she wasn't mine any longer. I refused to be hurt and chose anger instead. I don't need you people.

"Sorry Alice, my brother has difficulty with normal social interaction. Unless he's with Bella. You know Jasper, you two really are like an old married couple. Here are the keys." I threw my set hard toward his chest which he easily swiped midair. "Don't mind us stranded girls. Go run along and tend to your lover."

Looking pissed and torn, Jasper turned to depart. With one fleeting look he disappeared around the corner.

"Lover?" Alice asked, eyes wide and fiery.

"Sorry about shopping. Blame Jasper." Alice's blazing intensity only heightened with each passing second. Always the gossip whore, Jessica chose that moment to pass by, down the same hallway Jasper just used as an exit. Friend Rule Number One: Share.

"My incestuous cousin is coming to Fremont."

One protected heart for the price of three.

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A/N: Alright, so I'm just finding my rhythm here. Let me know what you like, what you don't and I'll appreciate every word. Thanks for reading!