Penname: javamomma0921
Derivative Fiction
Rating: M
Disclaimer: All copyrights, trademarked items, or recognizable characters, plots, etc. mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. No copying or reproduction of this work is permitted without their express written authorization.
Prompt: Sing
Just Alice
Alice POV
Smoke hung in the dim whiskey hall and stale liquor breath filled the air. The curtain was still drawn but I could hear them breathing out there, the masses of drunken, sex-starved men waiting for the curtain to rise and see the new jazz singer unveiled. I glanced down at myself and ran a hand over my sequined costume, pursing my lips.
It fit fine, clinging in all of the right places to accentuate my every curve. But the lace was cheap. The fabric smelled sour and stale, as though it had been worn by hordes of sweat-soaked women before me. I wrinkled my nose in distaste. None of the smells in this place were right; they set my body and mind on edge.
Most of my uneasiness stemmed from the thrumming heartbeats that pulsed faster and harder as the band leader built their anticipation to a frenzy. I could almost taste the thick blood that ran through their meaty bodies. I could taste the smell of it on my tongue and imagine the coppery smoothness sliding down my throat, finally quenching the never-ending burn. No! I screamed at myself. You're meant for more than that. You've seen it. I beat the bloodlust back down again and felt myself regain control. I sighed. It was so difficult to be a deviant vampire with a knack for seeing the future.
I had seen them all, my family. I smiled, thinking about that particular vision again. I knew what was waiting for me: the husband who I would find in twenty years and the family who would come soon after. I knew this was all waiting for me; I just needed to be patient. In the mean time, I had distractions to keep me occupied. This little job was just one of them.
If I was being honest, the job was a test for my control. I knew my future with the blond-haired vampire and his family was certain and that once there, I would only drink from animals. I had that vision when I first awoke alone and unsure of what I was. I didn't have to adopt this gentler lifestyle now; my future with the other vampires was nearly thirty years in the future. I could do what I wanted in the meantime.
The smell of human blood nearly undid me that first time I smelled someone close to me. I made the decision then to walk away. It was the most difficult thing I ever did, but after I did I knew it would only get easier for me. I fought against the bloodlust, never letting it rule me. And when I was ready, I made sure to be around humans as much as possible to desensitize myself to their aroma. As long as none of them were bleeding, my control was impeccable. Flowing blood made things more…difficult. Hasty exits were necessary at times, but I had never killed a human.
This was the hardest test I had given myself. I stood on the stage of the underground speakeasy, the stale air pushing the hot scent of human male at me. They were sweaty and packed together, their bodies brushing against each other in order to get closer to the stage. I heard the music swelling and knew the curtain would be rising soon.
I pulled the black netting low on my face, covering my eyes and nose. Only my bright red lips and bright white teeth were fully visible. It was enough. They would be stunned into silence when they saw me. The pearls were wound around my neck and dripping between my breasts. The green satin dress covered in stiff black lace only reached the top of my shoulders, allowing the whiteness of my skin to contrast with the jewel-toned dress. I had picked out perfectly matched high heeled shoes to go with the ensemble. It was perfect. I straightened my shoulders and pulled the microphone closer to my lips. The curtain made it's slow assent and every male in the room held their breath.
"Hello, boys," I breathed. "My name's Alice."
A brave soul in the back stepped forward and called out to me.
"What's the rest of your name, beautiful?"
I stared for a second, knowing that my face was going blank in front of them. I heard my future name: Cullen. Alice Cullen. But that wasn't me yet. And I was no longer Mary Alice Brandon either.
"I'm just Alice, sugar," I breathed, coming back to reality. "Take me or leave me."
"Oh, I think we'll take you," he said.
The music rose and my song began. I was Alice the temptress tonight. Alice the singer. I was every man's fantasy, but also their worst nightmare. I opened my mouth and let the music pour out, filling the room. I thought about my future again, wishing that it wouldn't take so damn long to get here. For now, this would have to do. Simple distractions to pass the time until forever could begin.
A/N: Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a singular affection for Edward. It's almost ridiculous, actually. What you might now know is that I love Alice. I think she is possibly one of the most misunderstood women in the saga. She is so much more than just a shopping partner, and she that's what she is so often reduced to. I thought this might be fun opportunity to explore her character a bit more. Despite the fact that I love her so, I very rarely write her. Time to think outside the box, right? Challenge myself, right? Let me know how I did. I rated this M mostly for safety. I have no idea where Alice's story might go, so I wanted to be safe. Enjoy! And please review. I'd love to hear what you think! ~Jen