Chapter One: A Taste of Freedom

"Puh-lease. Taylor Lautner is so much hotter than Channing Tatum any day," Said my best and really only friend Holly.

I rose my eyebrows in disbelief, "Do you even hear yourself right now?" I said letting out a snort.

"Whatever," She said grumbling to herself about marrying Taylor Lautner one day.

Yeah that dream was going to come true…

We were currently in my room watching The Vow. Call us girly girls, but this was one of my favorite movies ever made. We were tearing up one minute then arguing the next, but that is how we both were, like a pregnant lady on her mood swings.

When the credits started rolling in, I was too consumed in my thoughts until I heard Holly getting up from the floor.

"Where you going?" I asked confusion, evident in my voice.

"Home. I have school tomorrow and trust me I am not looking forward to it." She said putting an emphasis on the not.

"Well at least you are able to go to school!" I exclaimed a little pissed off that she doesn’t like school. "Half the time I am not able to leave this house and if I do leave I have to go with a body guard.” I grumbled crossing my arms over my chest and snuggling back into my blankets.

Holly's expression softened, as she looked at me with pity. Confused? Well let me start from the beginning.

My name is Alice Montclair and my father is the man who runs the country. Yep, that's right folks my dad is The President of the United States. Seven years ago, my dad came home grumbling about work. I was only ten years old but I remember the day very well, how could I forget it was the day my whole life was turned upside down.

Flashback*

"Dad!" I yelled running into my dad's awaiting arms as he walked through the front door. 

He kissed the top of my head. "How was your day, pumpkin?" He asked as I began to ramble about my day. 

I was only ten years old but I was smart enough to know something was off about him. "That's great honey." He said paying no attention. Putting me down and walking into the kitchen where my mother was trying to set up for dinner while trying to calm a wailing Thomas.

My dad set down his briefcase and grabbing Thomas out of my mothers' arms.

"So how was your day?" She asked my dad.

"Terrible," He said, going off about today’s generation and everything that is wrong with the world. “Like if I was President, maybe things would be different and I would pay attention to the little things that matter.”

She sighed holding a now calm Thomas. "Well how about you do something about it, Evan." My mom spoke.

"Maybe I will, elections are coming up and maybe I can run."

"Run for what daddy? A marathon?" I asked, jokingly. 

"Run for President of course." He said proudly. "After all, after this term the President will be stepping down as the Party Leader and I believe I can win." I looked at my father confused, why would he want to run for President? He had a seat in the Democartic Party of the United States, wasn't that enough? 

I was interrupted from my thoughts, when I saw water being sprayed across the table, with my mother's jaw hanging open, as she coughed repeatedly spitting out water, causing Thomas to start howling once again.

End of Flashback*

"I don't really get why you're not allowed to even go to school, like homeschooling really? Even prisoners have more freedom then you." Holly said, in a joking matter. 

"Wow thanks, you really brightened my spirits." I muttered, sarcastically as pulled the blankets off myself, staring at Holly whose eyes suddenly widened. I looked at her curiously, "Whatever your thinking the answer is no."

"Oh come on," She whined. "Trust me you'll like this idea.”

I snorted. "I doubt that."

"Alice Elizabeth Montclair." I winced as she said my full name. "You have no social life, you've never experienced your teenage years. So, what I don't understand is what the heck you’re waiting for! A formal invitation?" She added, sarcastically.

I let out a sigh, "I know am going to regret asking this but, what do you have in mind?"

She squealed dragging me towards my closet, "Well I happen to know that there is this awesome party going on and I saw the cutest outfit in your-"

I ripped my arm out of Holly’s grip, "No, Holly! I can’t go to a party, my dad would kill me. And in case you haven’t noticed but this house is crawling with secret service men!"

She gave me the puppy dog look, "Pwease?" She said, jutting out her bottom lip and batting her eyelashes furiously.

I shook my head, "No. Dad would have my head." I hissed, at her.

"Come on Alice! You aren't getting any younger. Would you rather go and experience it and maybe get caught or would you want to mope around here for the rest of your life wondering about what would happen if you went to your first high school party?"

I thought about what Holly had just said, "I have always wondered how a high school party would be like." I said, honestly.

"Then what are you waiting for?"

I looked back at Holly, slowly a smile made its way on my face. "Let's go and get our party on.” I grinned, as she smiled back at me, chuckling at my sudden change of mind.

*

"I think I look pretty good." I said, staring at my reflection in the mirror.

My brown hair was curled to perfection, bobby pins holding the stray away hairs from my face. While Holly did a smoky eye effect for my makeup. She suggested, I wear a strapless dark blue dress, which I didn’t even know I had. It was fitted the top showing of my curves flowing from the waist, stopping mid-thigh. To finish of the look, I was in a pair of black wedges. I spun myself around, admiring the way I looked in the mirror.

Holly completely transformed me, and I doubted anyone would recognize me now. I turned to Holly pulling her in for a tight hug, "Thank you so much." I whispered.

"No problem." She said, glancing at herself in the mirror once more. "So, how are we sneaking out of here?"

"I guess we can try the back door,” I suggested. “It’s the one that goes through the kitchen and out the back, where the garden is.” She nodded her head, at my plan.

Holly was in a pair of black ripped skinny jeans and a white off the shoulder top, pairing the whole outfit with some bracelets and a pair of lace up boots. I lent Holly basically the whole outfit, considering she was my cousin and basically my blood we shared clothes all the time.

"Ready?" She asked, I nodded my head. I was beyond nervous. "You're nervous aren't you?"  She asked, reading my thoughts.

I nodded my head, to her question. I looked down at my fingers fumbling with them, “You have nothing to be afraid of, I will be right there.” She said, softly. "And besides, if you are worried about anyone finding out who you are. Don't. Because everyone is too drunk to notice anything." 

“Thanks,” I said, grateful to have a cousin like Holly.

"Ready to go, now? We have to get home by midnight." She said, looking at her wristwatch.

I nodded, walking over to my door pulling it open. As soon as I opened my door, I quickly slammed it shut, noticing a bodyguard patrolling the hallways. “We have to figure out another way out. Or we can't go." 

"What about the window?" Holly suggested, pointing to the window.

"Are you insane? We are two floors up!" I said, incredulously.

"Well do you have a better idea?" She said, smugly. When I didn’t answer she spoke. “I thought so," She said, in victory.

We walked over to my window, Holly pulling up the window and proceeding to climb out. There was a tree by my window, so we were lucky, or else we would have to go past all the body guards walking up and down the hallway.

Holly continued to climb down the tree, I watched as she made it safely to the ground below. I looked down at her, I was a bit hesitant to climb the tree, especially in heels. Holly was flaring her arms at me, motioning for me to come down. I ran over to my closet switching my heels in exchange for a pair of converse. I then ran back to the widow, climbing out.

Once I made it safely to the ground below. We walked over to Holly’s car, which was parked on the east side of the driveway. I was thankful that she didn’t park it inside.  

I turned to Holly, as I pulled the door open to the passenger seat climbing in, "I hope you realize you just ruined the outfit." Her eyes looking down at my black converse in distaste.

I rolled my eyes, ignoring her. “How are we going to pass through the gates?"

“Just sink down in your seat,” She said, starting up her car. “There’s a blanket at the back, grab it and cover yourself. They know it's only me so they will have to let me through." Pressing on the gas causing the car to jolt forward.

"Hello. How's your afternoon going?" I heard, Holly ask one of the guards.

"Good. Thanks for asking, now where you headed?" The guard, replied.

"Home," She simply, said. 

"Well okay then, I'll just open up the gates."

I held my breath, silently praying that he will let us through. I felt the car lurch forward, "Thanks!" Holly yelled.

A waited a few seconds, then pulled off the blanket I had over me. "Oh my god!" I said, breathlessly, as we pulled away from the gates. "I cannot believe I just did that! I snuck out!"

"Wow, Alice. I never thought I would ever see a goody two shoes like yourself living on the wild side." She said, proudly, "How does it feel having a taste of freedom?"

I smiled, never in a million years, would I have ever thought that I would sneak out of a house that had one of the high tech advanced security in the country. "Holls, how are high school parties like?" I asked, curiously.

"Loud, crazy and tons of fun." She replied, indicating the turn signal and turning left. 

I nodded my head, keeping quiet and staring at the window as the scenery passed by in a blur. Ten minutes later I heard a faint beat of music, that’s when I knew that we were getting closer to the party. I felt nervous jitters run through my body. Thoughts consumed my brain as I began to panic.

Holly parked the car looking at me in confusion, "Don't worry, no one will recognize you, Alice. And if they do, leave it to me I'll have their heads." I nodded, my head at my cousin’s threat, managing to give her a small smile, even though I knew that Holly would not be able to live up to it.

We got out of the car as we made our way towards the party. I saw a few people passed out on the lawn, it was a typical high school party.

They are probably drunk out of their minds.

Holly pushed open the door, of the front house. It was a nice house, you could definitely tell that the host of this party was rich. Britney Spears and Will.I.Am- Scream and Shout, was blasting through the speakers. I winced at the scene displayed before me, teenagers grinding on each other, as the stench of sweat and alcohol filled my nostrils.

"Let's go dance!" Holly yelled, over the music.

I nodded, my head as I grabbed Holly’s hand as we squeezed our way through the packed bodies and towards the dance floor. Or what was left of it, the song quickly changed as I moved to the beat of the unknown song that was playing.

After a couple of more songs and a lot more dances, I had to say I was enjoying myself. "I am just going to go get a drink." I yelled, over the music to Holly.

However, I doubted she was even paying attention to me, she was too busy making flirty eyes at the guy across the room.

I rolled my eyes and made my way towards the bar. Once I was seated the boy, who was serving people came up to me. 

I couldn't recognize all of his facial feaures do to the poor lighting in the room, but right away I could tell he was handsome. With brown hair that was matted to his forehead, probably due to sweat. 

"So what is a pretty lady like you doing all alone?" He asked, in a flirty tone. I chuckled at the boy, but did not respond. "Well then what can I get you?" He asked again, yet I still didn't answer him. He tilted his head to examine me, propping his head on to his hands as he leaned on the table, searching my eyes for some sort of response. "Not much of a talker, are you?"

I shook my head and smiled. "I'll just get a glass of water, please."

He raised his eyebrows and moved away from me, humor evident in his eyes. "So she speaks!" He said, throwing his hands in the air.

I let out a few chuckles, I have never been a person to socialize with the opposite gender so I was a tad nervous. "The name's James, Ben James."

I held my hand out for him to shake, "Clair, Ali Clair." I blurted out, saying the first thing that came to mind. I gave him a small smile, shaking his hand. We stared at each other for a few seconds, before bursting into fits of chuckles. 

Once we sobered up, he spoke up again. He smiled at me tilting his head and examining my face. "What?" I said, nervously, as I rubbed my face hoping there wasn't anything on it.  He kept staring as I looked away hoping he wouldn't recognize me.

"You're not from here, are you?" I shook my head, "Who are you here with? A boyfriend, perhaps?"

"No, I am here with Holly Richards. Do you know her?" I questioned.

Ben’s eyes seemed to have suddenly darkened, his eyes narrowing and jaw clenching. "No. I do not know her, sorry." He said, forcing a smile on his face.

I gave him a small smile, "I'll grab your glass of water." He muttered, turning around to grab my water.

I made a mental note to question Holly about Ben later on, he seemed to know her by the way he reacted. 

Ben returned shortly, placing my water on the counter. I thanked him hopping off the stool I was previously sitting on and walking out of the bar area to search for Holly. Squeezing my way through all the dancing bodies, clutching the cup of water in my hand trying not to let it spill. I reached the spot that I previously left Holly to go and grab a drink, but the only difference was that Holly was no longer there.  

I took a deep breath, trying not to panic.

Okay, don't panic Alice.

I took a sip of my water trying to calm my nerves, it was probably best if I go and search for her rather than wait here all alone. I walked down the hall where it led to all the downstairs rooms. I opened each one of them, but most of them were occupied if you know what I mean.

"Come on, Holly. Where did you go?" I muttered, heading towards the stairs, ignoring all the couples making out.

Once I reached the top I looked down both sides of the hallway, it looked to be about six rooms. The first three rooms I checked were empty. I continued walking down the hall as I noticed a couple making out at the end of the hall, I felt puke rising up in my mouth. I saw enough, kissing and grinding to last me a lifetime.

I glanced at the couple one more time, the girl had light brown hair. The same color as Holly, she also had the same clothes Holly was wearing earlier today. And that’s when I realized that was Holly.

"Holly!" I screamed, running over to her and the boy she was previously making out with. Holly pulled away from the boy, as she looked down the hall in search of the person who just called her name.

"Alice?" She called out, her eyes widening. "Oh my lord, I am so sorry I left you." She said, hugging me, "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" She asked, worried.

I shook my head, "No I am fine, Holls. Besides the fact that you left me alone. I am fine, I just think it is time to go. It's passed midnight." I said, pulling out the phone from my dress and showing her the time on my phone.

The person who she was making out with a couple of minutes ago, let out a groan. "Really, Holly?" Don’t be a party pooper, just stay for a couple of minutes and I promise to show you a good time." The person said, smirking swaying back and forth he seemed drunk and confused out of his mind. 

I rolled my eyes at Holly's taste in guys, she then turned to me, smiling sheepishly. "I'll be in the car," I mumbled, grabbing the keys out of her hand walking down the hall. I stopped in my tracks when I realized something, I turned back to Holly and the guy, “You have three minutes!" I yelled, out to Holly, who was already making out with the drunken guy.

I rolled my eyes, as I walked towards the stairs, I didn't want to watch my own cousin lip lock with some stranger I doubt she even knew. Once I made it safely downstairs I began to push through sweaty bodies as I tried to make it to the front door. Once I made it outside safely, I walked towards Holly’s car, ignoring the people who were still passed out on the lawn, and others who were outside giggling to each other.

I opened Holly’s car pulling open the door and buckling myself in the passenger's seat. Besides all the grinding, making out and watching Holly make out with some random stranger. It was a pretty fun party, but I did kind of feel guilty for sneaking out.

A few minutes later the car door opened to reveal a frazzle looking Holly. "What's wrong?"

She let out a forced laugh as she shook her head. "Nothing's wrong, don’t worry about it."

I looked at her curiously but nevertheless dropped it. I really had no more strength to fight with Holly. I just sat quietly in the car, the only sound of the radio that was filling the silence.

Once we pulled up my street, I turned to Holly, "So what's the plan this time?" I said, speaking the first time during the entire car ride.

"Well I guess, I can just say I forgot something and they will let me through. Just cover yourself with the blanket again," I nodded, and did what I was told, as I felt the car move forward towards the gates.

"Hi." I heard Holly speak.

"Um, hello? May I help you?" The guard said, unsure.

"Yes, can you just do me a favor and open up these gates. I kind of forgot something in my cousin Alice's room and my mother told me I had to go back and get it." She said, in a pouty voice.

"Well I am sorry Miss, but no one is allowed back through the gates. Especially at this time," The guard replied, he obviously wasn't the same guard as before.

I muttered a few curse words. How does Holly expect me to get back into my own house, now? 

"Please. How about we kind of talk this through, after all she is my cousin and the President is my uncle. You wouldn't want me to tell him that a guard won't let me in? Would you?"

"Um, of course not, Miss." The guard said, his voice sounding scared. "I'll open the gates up right now.”

If Holly could get through, we definitely needed to tighten up security around here.

I felt the car stop once more, as I uncovered myself from under the blanket. "Thanks cuz," I said, to Holly unbuckling my seatbelt and hopping out of the car.

She smirked. "No problem,” She said, before as I closed the door. I walked over towards the tree that led up to my room as I noticed as her car began to back away from the driveway making her way towards the gate for the third time today.

I began to climb the tree that led to my room, knowing that Holly was probably already out of the gates and heading home by now. I pulled open my window as I pushed myself inside, thanking God that I didn’t fall as I climbed up the tree.

I shut my window turning around to find my parents sitting on my bed. Worry and disappointment etched on their faces, once they realized my presence my dad stood up from my bed, he looked tired.

Well how could he not be, he must have been worried sick. "Alice, Where were you?" He asked, rather calmly.

I looked at my mom her expression looked neutral, "I went out with Holly." I said, quietly looking down at my feet.

"Without any guards or notifying you mother and I?" My dad questioned. "What were you thinking Alice? Anything could have happened out there."

"Alice, we are both very disappointed in you." My mother said softly. "What in the right mind would give you the idea to sneak out in the first place?" 

I walked over to my bed where my parents were sitting, looking my parents in the eye. "I never have any freedom it is always school, going out to boring dinners, traveling to places I don’t want to go and do things I don’t like doing, so I asked Holly to take me out." I said, lying in order to protect Holly from my dad's wrath. "All I want to do is be able to go to school have friends and enjoy my teenage years, but it seems like I can't do that because your my father and I know you think that you're protecting me but you’re not." I said, softly.

My father jumped from my bed, slammed his hand down on my desk. "I am just doing what's best for you!" He roared.

"Best for me or for you?" I asked, chuckling in disbelief. Normally I would never talk to my father like this but if I did not say what was on my mind now I never would later on.

"You know what. What is this really all about? School? Because if that’s what you want, that is what you will get.”  

I looked at my dad in confusion, "What are you talking about?"

"I am talking about you sneaking out. You think I am holding you hostage, so starting Monday I am enrolling you in Holly's school," My dad stated, looking at my mother in approval. 

I smiled, "Really?" I squealed. He nodded his head, his expression blank. "Thank you, daddy." I said, rushing over to give him a hug. I then did the same to my mom, "I am sorry for sneaking out, it won't happen again. I promise." I promised.

"Good to hear that, well goodnight." He said, walking out my room.

A few seconds later, he stuck his head back in. "Oh, I forgot to mention one little detail." He said, chuckling to himself. "You're grounded," With that he left my room with mom following in tow.

*****

Hello Lovelies,

This is the first chapter! And I really do hope you enjoy it! I want to thank all of you for the sweet comments they honestly make my day. I hope this chapter wasn't too rushed...

Please remember: Vote, Comment, Share and Fan!

Picture on the side of Alice Montclair played as Nina Dobrev 

This is dedicated to @potato_llama33444

Thanks,

xoxo_mysteriousgirl