A/N I actually had some time to work on this, so I got another chapter out. Enjoy...

Oh, and just a disclaimer. I don't own any of the characters in this story or the lines from the Tempest (Scene II, if you're curious).

Chapter 2

"Bella, would you be a dear and hand me those shears?" Esme asked from her place kneeling in a flower bed. I gave them to her, retaking my place on the grass next to her. "Thanks. Now what's this I hear about going to see Alice in a play? Edward called this morning to tell me he bought tickets from a cute little girl the other day, and if I remember correctly, wasn't that the same day you and Alice usually meet?" She asked raising an eyebrow curiously at me before turning back to her gardening.

I sighed, but launched into the story just as I had with Rose. I loved and trusted Esme deeply, more than my own mother, and therefore respected her opinion.

"Hmm, well that is a predicament, isn't it?" She said, not looking at me but concentrating on uprooting a deep weed. "It would seem our little Alice has taken a special liking to you, my dear. I can't say I'm terribly surprised. You're just the type of girl she needs in her life."

"What do you mean?" I asked, causing Esme to sigh again and lean back to sit down across from me in the grass.

"Bella, do you know how Alice got into this whole thing?" I shook my head. Alice and I never really discussed it much. I still didn't feel very comfortable asking her about her personal life and she never brought it up.

"I suppose it was sort of my fault." Esme continued and I stared at her, truthfully a little shocked at her confession. "You know how I used to substitute teach?" I nodded, starting to put things together in my head. "I met Alice at Adams and she just seemed so lost. I felt for her. Her mother never was the most maternal person, so I guess I felt some need to mother her myself a little."

I could see that. Esme was naturally loving and kind. I'm not sure how that led to Alice sleeping with every woman at the club though, which is more or less what I told her.

"Yes, well, that is a bit more complicated. Alice and I have a rather strange relationship. Once she had some support, her personality really started to shine and the confusion she was feeling about her desires began to clear. One night, while Carlisle was away on business and her parents were out at another gala, I invited her to spend the night, so she wasn't alone. One thing led to another and we ended up expanding our relationship a little."

"But how did she start going with all the other girls?" I asked, still unclear about how it got so out of hand.

"The simple answer is that Alice needed more love and attention than I could provide alone. She was visiting with me one day, helping me with my garden when Tanya came to discuss our charity project. I left for a few moments to grab some documents for her and they must have spoken while I was away. As you are no doubt aware, Tanya isn't known for keeping things to herself. Before I knew it, Alice was familiar with several of the ladies at the club." Esme shrugged and I couldn't help but feel a little upset.

"And that doesn't bother you? It's like she's filling the void of love from her mother by sleeping with older women. I mean, why didn't you stop her or something?" I stated a little harsher than I meant to. Esme just watched me, as if considering something, and it allowed enough time for my guilt to sink in. "I'm sorry Esme, I didn't mean to snap at you." I said, dropping my head into my hands. I looked up when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"It's fine, dear. You care about her, as do I. You're right, actually. I probably should have tried to rein her in a little or something, but it seems to make her happy. The ladies take good care of her and provide some semblance of love, even if it is only imaginary. Alice needs that. Plus, I'm sure you know just as I do that trying to control Alice is like trying to catch the wind. I'm afraid the better understanding of herself came with a confidence and independence that is not easily subdued."

We sat in silence for a while, both contemplating the girl we had an urge to protect and cherish. I was at a loss. I didn't know what I wanted. I wanted to mother her, like Esme, but at the same time she turned me on so easily and I loved it. The two feelings conflicted and it left me back at square one.

"Do you think this is too formal for a high school play?" Edward asked me while we both got ready for Alice's opening night. I still couldn't believe I was going to watch my lover perform while sitting next to my husband. The whole situation was perverse and agonizing, yet somehow amusing, as well.

I looked up from buckling my shoe to see Edward fixing a tie around his dark emerald dress shirt. He always dressed nicely. In fact, I was sad to say that my husband had infinitely more style than myself. I'd simply grabbed a black dress from my closet and threw it on with black shoes. I was ready in ten minutes. Edward took an hour, even though he would look gorgeous in anything.

After an appreciative glance over his muscled body I smiled up at him. "Lose the tie, I think." He smirked and pulled the tie off, throwing it on the bed. "Perfect." I said standing up into his arms and pulling him in for a kiss.

"And you look beautiful, as usual." He breathed, pulling away after a moment and glancing down between us at my dress. I didn't realize until after I'd put on my outfit that it was a little more adventurous than I would usually wear. The bottom of the dress flared out but only reached to just above my knee. Coupled with the plunging neckline and open back, it definitely showed more skin than I would typically display in public. "We better go. The show starts in thirty minutes."

The ride to the high school was quiet, besides a soft jazz in the background. I was lost in my thoughts until I realized we stopped and Edward reached passed me into the back seat, pulling out a bouquet of flowers.

"Edward…?"

"I thought it would be nice. My mom said Alice's family was out of town, so I figured we could bring her some flowers in their place." He said, with a happy smile. "I didn't know mom knew the Brandons, but I'm not surprised. She and Mrs. Brandon are the same age." I was speechless. Could my husband be any sweeter?

"That was very thoughtful." I said, reaching up to peck him on the cheek as we got out of the car.

Ten minutes later we were in our seats, lights dimmed, and the curtain rose. I had taken a course on Shakespeare in college and loved it. The Tempest was my favorite of the pieces we studied due to how many different ways the characters can be read and portrayed. It only took a few lines before I forgot about my situation and got absorbed in the play.

Well I was, until the boy playing Prospero called out:

Come away, servant, come. I am ready now.
Approach, my Ariel, come.

Out danced Alice, dressed like a cross between a fairy and sin incarnate. She twirled around the stage acting out her lines flawlessly. I saw her eyes light up as she described doing Prospero's bidding consuming the ship in flames, yet sparing its sailors.

She was light and witty, but something about her hinted at a darker side, hidden beneath the playful exterior.

Ariel, thy charge
Exactly is perform'd: but there's more work.

I flinched when Alice froze at Prospero's words. A quiet rage was bubbling behind her eyes and I feared she may actually set Prospero on fire before spitting on the ashes. It was scary how quickly her demeanor changed.

Is there more toil? Since thou dost give me pains,
Let me remember thee what thou hast promised,
Which is not yet perform'd me.

Alice spoke in controlled fury, as if the physical act of keeping herself from killing was causing her pain. I always felt for the character of Ariel, but watching Alice perform the part gave me a new appreciation. I felt a connection there and was tempted to join Alice on stage to help get rid of her slave driver.

Dost thou forget
From what a torment I did free thee?

The teenage Prospero asked, a touch of arrogance in his dominating voice. Alice recoiled slightly, but still held on to the bitter rage as she spit out the negative response through gritted teeth. Alice seemed to shrink slightly as Prospero became more commanding and threatening and I wanted to go hug the small girl as she sank to the ground utterly defeated.

The play went along and I was astounded at how well everyone acted, especially Alice. She was amazing! The only one I could have done without was the girl playing Miranda who had an air of self-importance and a nasally voice. No, I didn't care for her at all. But Alice! Oh, she was just… I wanted to gush about her to everyone, but I couldn't, and that thought made me frown.

"She's really a great actor huh?" Edward leaned over to say while we continued our standing ovation at the end of the show. I nearly laughed. He had no idea just how good she was.

We waited in the hallway for Alice to appear, Esme and Rosalie speaking quietly to each other and throwing me odd glances while Edward and Emmett discussed the play with Carlisle and I. Finally the doors opened and a little ball of energy flew towards us, her spiky black hair in a mess on top of her head, stage makeup still in place.

Her eyes flashed to mine as she came barreling towards us, but just when I thought she was going to tackle me to the ground, she made a quick turn and hugged Esme tightly. My heart gave a slight pull at the rejection, but I shook it off, smiling at the scene as Alice made her way around to everyone receiving hugs. When she got to Edward she paused, staring at the flowers he held out to her.

"For me?" She asked, shocked. Edward nodded at my side, smiling.

"I heard your parents couldn't make it, but a performance like that deserves some flowers!" He said, letting her take the bouquet and cradle it in her arms as she reached up with one arm to hug my husband around the neck.

"Thanks Mr. Cullen!" She said quietly, going into shy Alice mode. Finally, I was the only one left and Alice turned to me, a glint in her eyes that I normally only saw in the bedroom.

"Thanks for coming." She breathed in my ear as she hugged me tightly. I held her around the waist, reveling in her delicious scent swimming around me. I guess maybe our hug was a little too long because a moment later I heard Carlisle clearing his throat.

"Alice, we were all going out to dinner tonight. We'd love it if the star of the play joined us."

"Oh my gosh! Really?" Everyone laughed at her innocent enthusiasm. Although, I was laughing more at the thought of Alice being innocent. A great actor indeed. "Sure! Just let me grab my bag from my locker." She said, turning to go back down the hall.

"Bella, go and help her. She's so little, I worry about her carrying all those books." Esme said, smiling sweetly at me. Rosalie was hiding a giggle beside her and I glared at the two of them before turning and following in the direction Alice went.

Just as I turned the corner out of view of my family a tiny body jumped onto me, forcing me backwards into a row of lockers. "Alice!" I shrieked quietly, alarmed at the sudden assault, and in public no less. Okay, so the hallway was deserted, but what if someone walked by?!

"Shhh, Bella." Alice giggled before attacking my lips, forcing her tongue into my mouth. Her little legs wrapped around my waist, her hands fisting in my hair as I moved my hands to her bottom to help hold her up. The girl probably only weighs ninety pounds at most. When we broke apart, she had the cutest pout on her face as she looked down at me. "You never called."

I carefully eased her back down to the floor, but didn't let her go.

"I didn't know which days you were free." I said lamely. Truthfully, I had been torturing myself over the whole issue. Then there was the added problem of Edward being around constantly lately.

"I'm always free for you Bella." She whispered, before turning away and bouncing a few feet down, opening a locker and pulling out her bag. I didn't know how to respond. It reminded me of what Rose said about Alice only kissing me. Did she feel something more for me? More than the other ladies? "Come on, Bella. They're waiting." She said, taking my hand and pulling me back towards the now empty hallway. I guess they had gone to get the cars.

Unlike the ride to the school, our trip to the restaurant was filled with Edward and Alice's conversation. They seemed to get along pretty well; maybe I should ask her about Edward watching.

We had decided beforehand to eat at Carmella's, a small seafood restaurant that was known for its exclusivity. Carlisle went to school with the owner, so we always got a private room whenever we wanted. Everyone else had already arrived and sat around the long table, Carlisle at one head with Esme, Rosalie and Emmett all sitting on one side together. Edward took the other end of the table so he could speak with Emmett, which left Alice and I the other side to ourselves. Somehow, I felt as though this had been set up, especially after I noticed Rosalie and Esme had placed their purses on the extra chair on our side. Alice and Edward seemed oblivious and settled into their seats and easy conversation.

"So, how long have you been acting, Alice?" Carlisle asked, engaging her in conversation as we looked over the menu.

"Since freshmen year. I don't count the nativity plays I did for church when I was younger. They only cast me as Mary because it was my actual name." Alice said, wrinkling her nose.

"I didn't know your name was Mary?" I said, turning to her in surprise.

"Alice is my middle name, but I prefer it." She said simply.

"Somehow I have a hard time imagining you as the Virgin Mary." Emmett added, smirking widely until Rose elbowed him in the ribs. It didn't seem to bother Alice in the slightest however, she just winked at him and continued looking at her menu.

It was quiet for a moment as we all tried to make our final selections.

"What are you going to get?" Alice's voice suddenly cut into my thoughts and I turned to see her smiling innocently at me. She seemed so young right now, it was almost easy to forget that she was the same girl who could make me scream in pleasure.

"I was thinking about the grilled salmon." I told her and I noticed Edward and Esme had been listening as well and nodded thoughtfully.

"Fish, huh?" Alice asked, "I was considering oysters myself, actually." She said smiling and setting down her menu. She placed her hands in her lap just as the waitress came to take our orders.

"Your portrayal of Ariel was different then most I've seen." Carlisle said, pulling Alice back into conversation. "Darker, I'd say." He added.

"Yeah, well, a lot of people make the character into a happy to please little fairy, who just whines about having to work. That's just not how I saw her." Alice said and I jumped a little as I felt a small warm hand on my thigh. "Ariel isn't even a girl, necessarily, but that's how the director wanted it. I just tried to give her a little more attitude. You know, make her a little feistier." She continued, giving my thigh a squeeze at the end. I placed my hand over hers, trying to silently warn her off of doing something dangerous. I glanced at Edward, but he was still discussing business with Emmett.

"Well I thought you played the part brilliantly. It was very believable. At one point I actually thought you might kill the boy playing Prospero." Esme jumped into the conversation. Unconcerned with my attempt to stop her, Alice moved her hand higher up my leg, causing my dress to ride up, and she now teased my inner thigh.

"That's not too far off actually. The guy playing him, Mike Newton, asks me out constantly, even though he already has a girlfriend. I don't know how many times I have to tell him I'm not interested. But it was easy to be angry and frustrated with him." Alice explained, and turned to me quickly smiling when I gasped. She extended her pinky finger so it just barely brushed against my panties. I cleared my throat, trying to cover up my slip and the boys ignored it, but Rosalie was smirking at me and Esme was smiling. Those two were trouble.

I could feel my panties dampening and I started to get concerned, but everyone seemed absorbed in other conversations, including Alice who was pretending like I didn't exist, yet had moved so that now her whole hand was rubbing me. God help me! I had to bite my lip to stifle a small moan.

"Okay, here we are…" I was saved by the waitress returning behind me with our food and causing Alice to withdraw her eager fingers.

"Mmm, I love oysters!" Alice said excitedly as her plate was placed in front of her. Emmett laughed.

"Did you know those are an aphrodisiac?" He said, pointing with his fork at the half shells on Alice's plate. She beamed at him and nodded.

"Of course! But that's not why I got them. I just love the way they feel on my tongue." She stated, picking up a shell and letting her tongue lick it out. Rose snorted into her glass at the display. Alice winked at me discreetly before repeating the procedure. I watched, enthralled by the little pink tongue poking out between her lips and I whimpered quietly, gushing into my panties.

"I, uh, gotta go." I stated less than elegantly, as I jumped up from the table and practically ran to the bathroom. The two stall room was mercifully empty as I stood in front of the sink, trying to catch my breath and calm down.

"Bella?" A small voice asked from the doorway and I turned to see my own personal demon standing there, an innocent smile plastered on her face. "Are you okay? Esme asked me to come check on you." She said, closing the door behind her and moving towards me. "You look awfully flushed. Maybe you have a fever, let me see." Alice said, stopping just as her body pushed mine into the sink behind me. Her hand reached down and pulled up my dress, slipping into my panties and she smirked. "Oh yes, you're very hot." She purred as I stood frozen. I was torn between letting her have me and running from the room screaming.

"Shh, Bella. Don't think about it. Just let me make you feel better." She said, smiling before leaning in so we were cheek to cheek. "I know you want it." She whispered in my ear, trailing kisses down my neck.

"Alice, we can't…" I tried to say, but my resistance quickly fell when she slipped two small fingers into me, forcing a muffled moan from my mouth as I buried my head in her neck. I was already so turned on that it barely took any time before I crashed over the edge, holding onto the sink behind me for dear life. Alice pulled her hand back, sucking each finger into her mouth and moaning at the taste.

"Mmmm, so much better than oysters." She purred, as I valiantly tried to catch my breath.

"Alice…we can't…my family's here." I stuttered.

"You're right, we better get back out there, huh?" She said, pulling me by the arm and dragging me back to my seat before I could formulate a more articulate scolding for her in my head.

A/N I know the stopping place is random, sorry.