DeadLocked

Chapter 1- Birthday wishes

Chapter 1

Birthday Wishes

With the sun vanishing under the horizon, I let myself breathe again. Everyone was inside already, laughing and enjoying the party without me. But feeling a little claustrophobic I needed to get outside and away from everyone. After slapping my cheeks a few times I turned around and opened the balcony door, letting myself in again. My older sister was the first to see me come in again. She happily walked towards me and put a hand on my head. "How ya feelin birthday girl?" Viola beamed with excitement. I cringed a little at the words, but smiled anyways. "Better, I just needed some fresh air..." I trailed off, seeing my childhood best friend beckoning me over to the couch. I left Viola's side and walked to her, seeing her smirk at me. "Natasha what the heck do you want?" I teased, giving Nat a little flick to the nose. "Just wanted to talk, you've been acting strange all day." She pulled me down onto the couch and returned the poke. "Is something bugging you?"
"No.." I rubbed the back of my head, swishing the words around in my head for a moment before speaking again. "Just tired! I haven't hung out with this many people in awhile...it gives me headaches." I laughed, seeing her smirk fade into a look of suspicion. "Whatever you say Brooke." She rolled her eyes, before looking back at my other friends who were all talking and laughing among themselves. I wrung my hands together, almost afraid to talk to any of my other friends. Luckily I didn't have to, because Alice skipped her way across the room and handed me a tiny box. "Happy birthday Brooke!" she giggled, watching as I gently took the gift from her. "Heh..thanks Alice." I smiled a little, trying to relax myself as I opened it. Inside was a ring. The gemstone was blue and reflected the light from the lamp beside me. The ring itself was gold, and had many beautiful designs carved into the metal. I was taken back, this was gorgeous! "Alice...this is..." I couldn't speak, how did she get this? "Its beautiful right? I picked it out just for you! I knew you'd like it!!" She squealed, jumping in place before looking back at me. "I-I love it but...how expensive was this? I don't know how I feel about people spending so much on me..."
"Oh hush, it was just an antique I found in my grandmas store. She said it'd be a great present for you and just gave it to me! So I wont take no for an answer." She crossed her arms, her cold minty eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. I laughed nervously, and slipped the ring on my finger, watching it sparkle as I tilted my hand back and forth. I looked up to thank her, but she had moved on to talk to the others.

The evening progressed, and I opened all my presents which I didn't deserve. One close friend, Finn, got me something special that he knew I'd wanted for awhile. He gave it to me in private, and I thanked him from the bottom of my heart, before putting on my secret present, and slipping my sweater back on. When we returned to the living room we noticed everyone migrating to the basement, where we intended to sleep that night. A wave of relief washed over me as I knew I'd feel a lot better now that everyone was settling down. We walked downstairs and opened the door to our spare room, a perfect layout for everyone to sleep. We set up our sleeping bags and I instantly felt drowsy as I snuggled down. I was a heavy sleeper, so everyone wished me happy birthday and goodnight, as I let sleep consume me.

I was awoken by a soft giggling, and a finger poking my cheek. Slowly opening my eyes, I adjusted quickly to the darkness and noticed a figure sitting over me. "..W...what?"
"Good morning sleepy head." Alice. I sat up and looked at her with a puzzled expression. "Alice...fuck what time is it?" I asked, and finally noticed how she just...stared at me. Not blinking, just staring at me with a creepy smile. "Its the middle of the night. Two-forty seven to be exact." She spoke like a robot, her smile growing wider with every word she spoke. I felt stuck, like her gaze was holding me from moving even an inch. Silence loomed between us for a few moments before she grabbed me by the shoulder, and started to stand. Her grip was powerful, and almost yanked me off the ground onto my feet. She pulled her hand away, and turned to walk towards another sleeping body. I let out a slight wince in pain, as I looked at my shoulder, seeing a red mark. Now I could only watch as she woke the rest of my friends, Tobi being the last. Alice wasn't as friendly with her. She used the same harsh manner to wake her and pull her up as she did to me. I looked over at Tobi, seeing her rub her eyes and try to adjust to the darkness. Alice made another stride towards me, stopping just before our noses touched. "Outside."
"What?" I asked, puzzled at her odd behavior. "Lets go outside. Now." Her robotic monotone voice slipped, and sensed a sliver of evil behind those smiling lips. Feeling a little helpless I started to laugh, trying to ease myself and the others around me. "A-alright! A little midnight stroll won't hurt anyone right?" I looked around and from what I could see, some didn't realize the danger Alice was imposing on us, while Tobi, Natasha and a few others understood my fear. I watched the brunette's eyes glow in delight, and her voice returned to normal. "Then follow me!" she cheered, leading the way out of the room, and leaving the rest of us to follow.