A/N I was turned into a newt, but I got better, so on with the story...

Chapter 16

I should have known better. Really. I mean, I knew what it was like to be a disappointment to your parents, to be rejected by them just for being yourself. It hadn't been all that long since I dealt with my own mother (who remains stubbornly against me, yet somehow continues to nag through my father). So I couldn't feel anything but angry at myself for spending the whole evening creating an elaborate role play scenario in our hotel suite. Because when Alice slunk into our room, head bowed and sniffling heavily, I knew I'd been stupid to think she would be in the mood to play naughty babysitter.

Dropping the two bags she was carrying, she didn't even look up before crumbling to the floor on her knees, face in hands. Her sobs were quiet, but wracked her small body to a frightening extent, and it took about two seconds for me to move and take her into my arms.

"Oh Alice, honey, I'm so sorry."I whispered fighting back my own tears as I gently cradled her head to my chest, rocking her gently. I didn't know what to say, so I just held her, letting her release all the sadness, frustration, and anger she felt. I couldn't relate to her situation completely, as my parents had both been loving and supportive for most of my life. If what Esme told me was true, Alice had always been neglected and criticized, raised mainly by non-English speaking nannies or left to her own devices. When her parents were around, they spared a glance only to belittle her or impart their aspirations on her.

We sat on the floor, quiet but for the occasional sniffles and sobs, for a long time, too long for my back apparently, as sharp pains began to shoot up to the left of my spine. Alice seemed to have become numb, somewhere in the last few minutes, her eyes staring out blankly and unresponsive as I stroked her hair. She remained so when I stood us both up, walking us towards the bed. Alice, moved fluidly, allowing me to sit her down and kneel at her feet, to undo the laces of her shoes. Her stony expression was marred only by the still evident tracks of her tears. She continued to stare straight ahead as I moved on, pulling off her socks, gently.

"Baby?" I asked softly, looking up from my position on the floor. I was going to ask if she wanted to talk about it, but her body language answered that question well enough already, instead, I took her hands in mine, rubbing a thumb across them in an effort to soothe her ache. Glassy blue eyes stared down at me, as if just realizing I was there. "Let's get you ready for bed, okay?"

She remained silent, but raised her arms in the air, allowing me to lift off her top and remove her bra. Next she lifted her hips, so I could remove her jeans, and soon she was left only in lace boy shorts. She curled up on her side and pulled the sheet over herself. I frowned down at the small girl in front of me. I wanted so badly to take away her pain, but I couldn't. And not for the first time, I wondered if she would have been better off never having met me.

"Bella." Her soft whisper called me out of my thoughts.

"I'll be right there sweetie. Let me just get the lights." I assured her, quickly moving back towards the door to flip the switch. Taking my queue from Alice, I stripped down to my panties, but grabbed an old t-shirt from the drawer to throw on before sweeping into the bed behind my heartbroken girl. Our bodies automatically moved together until we were perfectly spooned and I laid my head on her shoulder, kissing her ear and neck softly. One arm wrapped around her waist, my hand gently caressing her firm stomach. The other arm had snuck between her neck and the mattress, and curled up against her chest, holding her to me protectively.

A half hour later, I was lost in my concern for Alice once more and hadn't realized that my fingers had unconsciously begun to play with her breast, massaging and pulling on the nipple. Alice's soft mewing and slight squirming was what eventually tuned me into my actions and I pulled away, ashamed. Poor Alice had just left her family, and here I was practically molesting my fragile lover. She needed someone to hold her, not rub one out.

"No, don't stop. Please, don't stop." Alice whispered so quietly I almost didn't hear. I was slightly torn when she placed my hand back on her breast. On the one hand, I felt slightly perverted, like I was taking advantage of her, but on the other hand, I could understand. She wanted to feel loved. So, I didn't resist when after a while she slowly guided my lower hand down into her panties.

My movements were gentle and loving as I went between petting her with long slow strokes and rubbing circles over her clit. No words were exchanged besides Alice's quiet pleas for me to continue, though even those were unnecessary. With my body firmly attached to her back, I felt every tremor, every moan, and every sigh. I could feel her muscles contract around my fingers when they would occasionally venture inside. Her chest rose and fell against my hand, heart beating a fast rhythm beneath. My body was so in tune with hers that my own core throbbed sympathetically and consequently, I felt a little jolt whenever she pushed back into my lap.

The resulting orgasm probably didn't make our top ten, but it still had Alice shivering in my arms and tiny whimpers escaping her lips. She turned her head capturing my mouth in a loving kiss, which I eagerly returned. Our night hadn't been the wild and fiercely passionate one I'd planned, but it didn't matter. As far as I was concerned, showing Alice how much I cherished her through slow, gentle lovemaking was just as perfect. Another advantage was that it tired Alice out, so she quickly fell asleep in my arms, and I followed shortly after, burying my nose in her hair.

The next morning I woke early and ran out to pick up Alice's favorite bagels and strawberry cream cheese. When I got back she was sitting up in our bed watching the television. She'd thrown on a long shirt, and still had the covers pulled up to her waist.

"Morning." I called hesitantly not sure what kind of mood she'd be in this morning. I relaxed when she turned and gave me a small smile.

"Morning. Bagels?" She asked, with forced enthusiasm. I could tell it was fake because her eyes didn't sparkle like they normally did. Never the less, I nodded, taking a spot on the bed next to her and setting up our breakfast.

We had both finished the first half of our bagels before I got up the nerve to finally ask her about what happened the night before.

"Alice?" I said, placing one hand on her knee to get her attention, while muting the t.v. with the other. When she stopped eating and turned to face me, I decided to just spit it out. "Do you want to talk about what happened, honey?"

"No." She stated stubbornly, proving herself to be every bit the teenager she was and I rolled my eyes, while crossing my arms.

"I think it would be good to get it off your chest. It might make you feel better."

"I doubt it." She cut me off, causing me to glare at her, which she returned. Finally, I sighed, relenting. If she didn't want to tell me what happened, she didn't have to.

"Fine, Alice. Just know that if you do want to talk to me, I'm here, okay." With that I stood from the bed and made my way towards the bathroom.

"There's nothing to tell Bella. I told them I was leaving and why; they basically called me an idiot and said that I would be no daughter of theirs if I continued to act like this; then I left. End of story." Alice said, just as I was opening the bathroom door. Her voice broke slightly at the end, though she tried to cover it. When I finally lifted my head and looked over at her, she was in the same place, but had pulled her knees up with her chin resting on them.

Silently, I made my way back to the bed and sat on the edge, cupping her face with my hand. "Your parents were probably just shocked, baby. I'm sure they didn't mean those things." I tried to comfort her, but the lie was obvious even to my ears. I'd only met her mother once, but if she treated her own daughter that poorly in front of other people, I couldn't imagine how she'd be in private.

"They're not my parents." Alice growled, viciously wiping a stray tear from her cheek and lifting her head into a more formidable stance. "A real parent earns that title. They never did." She said, her voice steely. She was silent for a moment, but I could almost feel the negative energy coming off her before she whispered, "I hate them," glaring intensely at the wall in front of her as if they were standing there mocking her. Her whole body shook, and she gripped the sheets in her fists, leaning forwards. "I HATE THEM!" She screamed it this time, before falling back into my waiting arms, clutching at my shirt desperately.

There were no tears. I think she was all cried out. Either that, or she refused to give them the satisfaction. I comforted her trembling body the best I could, rubbing circles into her back, whispering how much I loved her and that they didn't deserve her as their daughter.

"Bella?" She finally murmured into my shoulder.

"Yeah, sweetie?"

"Why doesn't my mother like me?" She asked. Her voice was weary, but it lacked the seething anger I'd heard before, and for that I was grateful. But how do I answer that question?

A thought came to me then and I smiled, kissing her hair sweetly and squeezing her tighter in my arms. "I don't know what you mean, baby. Esme loves you." I said, not sure whether I'd made the right choice in my answer. Alice stilled in my arms briefly before turning her face up to mine and giving me a short peck on the lips.

"You're right. Esme's the only mom who really matters." She said, a small smile coming to her face at the thought of our shared mother. That line of thought was quickly banished from my mind. "I miss her." Alice continued, looking up at me. It was true, we'd both been so busy with school, work, and each other that our other relationships had been neglected. Besides a few calls now and then, we were pretty much left alone. I guess Rose and Esme thought we needed some time to settle in together.

"Why don't we go visit today?" I had meetings scheduled in the afternoon, but they could be moved. Alice's needed this, and I certainly wouldn't mind catching up with my girls as well.

"What about school?" Alice asked, happiness already leaking into her eyes, solidifying my decision. After all, she was graduating in less than a week, how much more could she really learn?

"Blow it off." I said, smirking at her surprise.

"Bella! You're a bad influence!" She giggled, twisting so she was straddling my lap.

"I think you have that backwards, sweetheart." I said, laughing at the shock on her face.

"Me?" She asked playfully, putting a hand to her chest in mock outrage.

"Yes, you." I countered, leaning forward so I was lying above her on the bed.

"Hmm," Alice sighed, nuzzling against me as I started to kiss her neck, hands already wandering up the loose shirt she wore. "I'm just the innocent little babysitter." She purred, licking my ear, "You're the older woman trying to corrupt me."

So she had noticed my set up when she came in! I moaned as she bit down on my jaw before pulling me back by my hair for a thorough kiss. Innocent babysitter my ass!

"Baby, you'll never be innocent." I groaned, not even realizing Alice had flipped us until I found myself looking up at her. Her thigh fell between my legs and began to work expertly against my already heated core.

"Oh, so I was the naughty babysitter?" She asked, roughly grabbing my breasts with her hands, as I nodded, moaning loudly at the same time. "Good." She stated, leaning down so her mouth was just next to my ear, hot breath caressing the skin sinfully. "I love being naughty." She whispered, licking the curve of my ear once more. I whimpered, feeling the gush between my legs at her words. She played my body so easily, it was almost embarrassing, but I was far beyond caring.

"Why don't we visit this afternoon, I'm going to be busy this morning." She said wickedly before winking at me and sliding her body slowly down between my legs.

As luck would have it, Rosalie was already planning to visit Esme that afternoon, and with Edward back to work and his own house, it was just a matter of shooing Carlisle away for a while. Alice and I were both bouncing in our seats like children on Christmas Eve as we drove to the house for our long overdue visit. As soon as we pulled into the driveway, Esme and Rose streaked out of the house and to the car, which I hastily parked so we could greet them.

Rose threw her arms around me, pulling me to her tightly and I watched over her shoulder as Esme did the same with Alice. After we'd switched and chattered over each other for a while, Rose began pulling me towards the house.

"I completely forgot about Jasper!"

Despite my confusion, I decided I'd let Esme and Alice have a few minutes to talk alone and followed my best friend into the house. She sprinted over to a laptop set up on the coffee table, and I could hear Jasper's voice coming through the speakers.

"…ten minutes! I have to work you know!" As the siblings continued to bicker I made my way over to the couch and took a seat, finding Jasper's face on the screen. "There she is! Hey Bells!"

"Jazz! Hi!" I answered excitedly, reaching forward to hold the screen in my hands. "You look amazing!" I said taking in his appearance. He'd obviously been getting some sun and sleep.

"Gee, thanks, Bells. Should I warn Alice that you're tempted by my body?" He said with a wink, and I rolled my eyes. "Speaking of which, how are things going with you two?" My mind immediately returned to our morning together and I guess my expression gave me away, because both Rose and Jasper laughed. "That good, huh?"

"She's great." I said, smiling and ignoring their smirking faces. "The gallery is going to be done soon. Do you think you can get time off for the opening?" I asked, snatching the chance to change subjects. Jasper's eyes lit up and he grinned. I'd been keeping him updated in emails about all the construction and artists. He was really proud of me, as were Rose and Esme. I'd finally given my dream a chance.

"When will it be?" He asked, pulling a small black book into the screen, which turned out to be his calendar.

"Four weeks from Saturday." I said hopefully as he flipped the page to find the date. I waited anxiously, until he finally looked up with a cheeky smile and I knew he'd been messing with me.

"Of course I'll be there! I wouldn't miss it from the world." He said, before turning his head to someone off screen. "Okay. I'll be right there." He grumbled before turning back to Rose and I. "Sorry, Bells, I have to go, but I'll give you a call later this week. Okay?" I nodded, trying to stop from frowning.

"Love you, Jazz, be safe." I said, forcing a smile to my face.

"Love you too Bells, say Hi to Alice for me. Talk to you later Rose, love ya." He said, waiting for Rose to return the sentiments before signing off.

"Who was that?" A curious voice asked from the doorway, and I turned to see Alice coming in with Esme's arm wrapped around her shoulder.

"Jasper, he says hi, by the way." She pouted, crossing her arms.

"Aww, I wish I could have seen him. I've heard so much about him." I laughed and held out my arms, which she happily skipped to, falling into my lap.

"Next time, baby. He's going to come to the opening, so you'll get to meet him then!" I said, not bothering to hide my excitement. Alice bounced happily on my lap and leant in to kiss me.

"Aww, you guys are adorable…" Rosalie said, and I turned to her, waiting for it. "Sickening, but adorable." She finished, with a smirk. Esme slapped her arm, but couldn't hide her chuckles as she sat down in an adjacent chair. For a few minutes no one seemed willing to start the conversation, but eventually Esme took the lead.

"Bella, you remember that nice girl you hired as your cook? Gemma, I think it was?" I nodded, suddenly feeling very guilty that I hadn't thought how my leaving Edward would affect her. Would he still keep her around, or let her go, since he's away so often.

"Of course! How is she?" I asked, leaning forward in anticipation. If Edward had fired her, maybe I could find a job for her at the gallery or something. It really wouldn't be fair if she had to leave so soon after taking the job. Surprisingly it was Rose that answered me, her and Esme sharing a smile.

"Well she quit after you left." My face must have been a sight because Rose quickly assured me everything had worked out. "Actually, it was perfect timing. I need some more help around the house, especially in the upcoming months and after. So she's going to come work for me." I frowned in confusion, trying to understand why Rosalie was practically glowing with happiness and beaming at me. Surely she couldn't be this happy just to have a new cook.

"Oh my Gosh! Rose that's so wonderful!" Alice suddenly shrieked, jumping from my lap and grabbing Rosalie in a tight hug. Alice continued, chattering quietly into my best friend's ear and I turned my confusion to Esme, who rolled her eyes at me and made a rocking motion with her arms, as if she were holding a…oh.

"God! I'm such an idiot." I said, slapping my forehead and looking over to see Rose and Alice watching me in amusement. Rosalie had tears in her eyes, but was still grinning widely, and motioned for me to join their hug. I wrapped my arms around both women. "Oh Rose! A baby! Congratulations!" I softly squealed into her ear, and barely heard her breathy response.

"Finally."

It didn't take long for Esme to join our pile on the couch, and soon we were all giggling and talking about baby shopping. I couldn't believe it. After so long, my best friend was finally going to be a mom! She'd talked about having kids since she was barely out of infancy herself. We were still that way a couple hours later when Emmett arrived to pick up his wife.

"Well hello, ladies! What's all this giddiness about?" He asked, but the sparkle in his eyes and huge smile on his face made me think he already knew.

"Babies!" Alice squealed, before anyone else could answer, and Emmett's grin grew even wider.

"Congratulations, Papa Bear." I said, getting up to hug my brother in law.

"Oh you meant Rosie! And here I thought Alice had finally knocked you up, Bells!" Emmett joked, and I slapped his shoulder, ignoring the chuckles behind me.

"Nope, but we're still working on it, aren't we sweetie?" Alice said seriously, sauntering up behind me and wrapping her arms around my waist once Emmett let me go. I blushed brilliantly, as shivers rest through my body.

"Oh yes, Alice tells me you've become quite the little vixen between the sheets, Bella." Esme laughed, deepening the rouge on my cheeks. Alice giggled.

"Mommy!" She scolded, half-heartedly. Despite my embarrassment, I couldn't help smiling at the loving look Esme sent her. I decided I shouldn't be the only one embarrassed, so steeling myself I turned to Alice with a smirk.

"Baby, I told you not to call me that outside of the bedroom." I couldn't help but laugh when everyone but Alice's jaw fell open in shock. My lover just met my eyes with a heated gaze, making me gulp. So much for having the upper hand! Taking advantage of the silence, Alice stood on tiptoe and pulled my head down to hers.

"I didn't know you were into that?" She purred, kissing my neck softly. "We're going to have some fun later." I groaned, forehead falling onto her shoulder while she continued laying kisses up and down my neck. My hands quickly moved to her hips pulling her closer to me, but our passion was cut short when a cough reminded me of our audience.

"Damn, Bells!" Emmett breathed, watching us from where he stood behind Rose, who was smiling at us somewhat lewdly. After they finished gawking at us, we finally managed to settle back into a fairly innocent conversation of catch up, until the small touches and teasing Alice constantly had me squirming under culminated in our hasty departure.

A/N In my attempt to hurry and get this out, I might have missed a few errors, but hopefully I got most of the major ones. Anyway, I know it leaves off kind of lamely, but I have the next chapter outlined and I'm hoping it'll be posted within a week. However, my sister is getting married this weekend and I'm maid of honor, so bear with me if it takes slightly longer than that.

Please review! Thanks!