Chapter Three

After a brief discussion with Esme reminding her about the importance of vampire discretion - which entailed self control regarding their blood lust and not revealing their true vampire nature to the human, Alice went upstairs and finally had some alone time in her bedroom. She took off her shoes and with a graceful half twirl plopped herself on her bed. Although vampires didn't usually require sleep, one could fall into a deep meditative state that very nearly resembled sleep. Alice enjoyed having a bed to give into that time whenever she felt the need to relax.

Even though she knew Edward was going to throw a hissy fit once she asked Bella out, she felt that she made the right decision. It seemed necessary for her to get in between Bella and her brother as quickly as possible. It was visible to Alice that Bella was a sensitive soul, and must have perceived in some way the creepy eyes of an uninvited vampire upon her, which disturbed her peaceful slumber.

Alice wanted to protect Bella. She also wanted Bella. There was a potential for her desire to protect to clash with her vampire nature to seduce, conquer and consume. That was typically the way of the vampire.

The Cullens were a rare exception, they subsisted off the blood of animals. Although they've learned to control their craving for human blood, the hunger was still there. There was a part of her that craved Bella's blood more than anything.

Alice decided that she needed to feed. She swept herself off her bed, crossed her room and slipped out of her window to the ground below, before dashing off into the forest.

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It was just after seven in the evening when Alice returned home, and a vision she had earlier prompted her to pick up her phone and start texting Bella. She had seen that there were times during the next day when the sun would peek out at the most inopportune time for vampires, so it was going to be a day off school for the Cullens.

Bella was in her room reading Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream for her English literature class, when her phone alerted her to a text message. She was elated when she saw it was from Alice.

Hi Bella! - R U awake?

Bella responded immediately.

Hi Alice! Yes I am.

So what R U doing?

Reading in bed. U?

I'm TOY ;)

Bella furrowed her brow. She's TOY? "What does she mean?" She typed... Huh?

Thinking Of You - silly! ;p

Bella was glad Alice couldn't see her right now. She was sure she was blushing as she smiled at her phone.

Oh! Good thoughts I hope ;)

Of course - lookng fwd 2 r d8 2morow :) But I won't B at schl 2morow - w'r taking a fmly day

There were a few more texts to decide on a casual dinner and movie, as well at the time and her address where Alice would pick her up. After the final text, Bella closed her phone. She spent an hour or so trying to do some homework, but found it hard to concentrate. When her eyes started to feel too heavy she finally shut her books and decided to try to get to bed early. She felt anxious and excited about her date with Alice, and didn't want to look any worse than she has been recently.

Her last thoughts before drifting to sleep were of Alice...sweet Alice...

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Alice arrived at six at Bella's house. She was dressed in tight fitting black dress pants, an elegant looking v-neck white blouse with loose fitting sleeves, and a black vest. She managed to look stylish, without being overly flashy.

After some deliberation Bella decided to wear her best pair of jeans, and a black button-down shirt as she thought it fitted her nicely.

She was nervous as she heard the light knocking on the door, her hands trembled a little as she walked over. She took a deep breath before she opened it.

"Hi Bella! Alice smiled sweetly as she stood at her porch.

Bella returned the smile, "Hi Alice! Wow...you look great..but you know..uh..you always do. Oh...please come in."

Alice tilted her head and grinned.

"Why thank you Bella."

Alice stepped inside and Bella introduced her to Charlie, her dad.

"Hello Alice, it's nice to meet a new friend of Bella's", he spoke to her cordially though his voice had a naturally gruff, masculine tone.

"Nice to meet you too Mr. Swan", replied Alice as she returned his friendly smile.

"Oh...you can call me Charlie. Even Bella does. He gave a little chuckle. After a few minutes of small talk Charlie decided he liked Alice, her sweet and charming nature accomplishing what usually took a lot longer for anyone else. She didn't seem like the typical teen girl, somewhere during the conversation he had forgotten that he was talking with someone supposedly much younger and less mature than himself.

"Well don't be a stranger Alice", he said as he went into the kitchen to grab a beer before he settled in for a night of football in front of the television.

"Okay", Alice giggled.

Alice turned to Bella.

"So...you ready to go?"

"Yeah", Bella smiled and was pleased that Alice gave her father such a good first impression.

Both girls left the house and walked towards Alice's Porsche. Alice surprised her by opening the car door for her, smiling as she slid inside and sat in the luxurious leather seat before Alice closed the door. A short moment later Alice was inside sitting at her side, and reached behind her seat appearing with a single long stemmed red rose in her hand.

"I wanted to give you this earlier, but didn't know if I should...in front of your father I mean..." Alice smiled shyly as Bella took the rose in her own hand.

"Oh Alice...that is so sweet..." Bella felt warm all over from the gesture. "It's beautiful."

"A beautiful flower for a beautiful lady" responded Alice.

Bella gave an embarrassed small snort. "I'm hardly a beautiful lady."

"You are quite beautiful...surely you see this? If not I will remind you until you believe the truth."

"Well...thank you.." Bella smiled down at the flower in her lap as she quietly spoke.

"You're quite welcome Bella", Alice gently smiled as she started the car before quickly backing it out of the driveway.

It didn't take long to see that Alice was a speed demon. Her driving was so fast, yet felt so smooth and precise. It was as if driver immersed with vehicle as they travelled together. It made Bella's trips in her Chevy feel like riding a monster-sized, lumbering junk heap in comparison.

Bella was exhilarated and a little scared at the same time. It briefly crossed her mind that it might not look good for the Chief of Police if his daughter was caught riding with speed demon, not to mention the trouble it might cause the little speedster.

"Alice...you do realize that Charlie is a cop right?"

"Yeah...and? Alice smirked as she glanced at Bella out of the corner of her eyes.

"Well...maybe it would be a good idea to slow down a little..."

"So you're not a fast girl, is that what you're telling me?" Alice spoke teasingly.

"Ha...well not usually.."

"Oh...but sometimes you are?

"No! I'm not saying that...just um..I've never..oh never mind" Bella brushed her hand through her hair as she turned to look out her side window in an attempt to hide her blush. Alice laughed lightly as her right hand reached over and patted Bella just above her knee..her fingers lightly stroking her lap as she lifted them to return to the steering wheel.

A small enough gesture, but Bella felt tingles where Alice's slender fingers had been reverberate all the way up and down her leg and her breath quickened. She wondered how the smallest touch from the delicate girl could have such astounding effect on her. She turned her head slightly to look at Alice's profile, marveling at her beauty. She wondered how she got lucky enough to actually be on a date with such an amazing girl.

Alice couldn't help but smile to herself as she detected Bella's increased heart rate and respiration. She decreased her driving speed, reminding herself she had to be more careful around humans. They were so fragile and scared easily. She also wanted to slow down and enjoy her time being with Bella.

They arrived at a cafe a block away from the largest movie theater in Port Angeles. Bella ordered a cheeseburger with extra pickles and a side of french fries. When she asked Alice why she had nothing but water Alice smiled and told her she was on a special diet and wasn't really hungry. The trim vampire had an amused expression as she watched Bella drench her burger with ketchup. Then reminded herself not to stare conspicuously as Bella ate, as it tended to make humans uncomfortable to watch them eat. She casually glanced away, took a small sip of water since she had managed to do so before without harmful side effects.

Alice spoke a little about her adoptive parents, how Carlisle was a doctor, and what a wonderful mother Esme was, telling her a little about her family without mentioning one particular brother. She shifted the conversation to avoid that topic, and asked Bella how she came to be in Forks. Bella told her about leaving her mother and her step-dad in Phoenix. She said how she liked living with Charlie, and getting to know him all over again.

The conversation found its way into more casual topics, mostly about movies and what their favorites were, each one having a different favorite for each genre. Alice was surprised to find that Bella's favorite was Evil Dead.

"That is your favorite horror film?" Alice grinned in surprise.

"Yeahh...what's wrong with that?" Bella responded.

"Oh nothing...just a little surprised. It's so silly in some ways, more of a campy version of horror, but it's an amusing film to watch. I'm just a little surprised you even know about it...didn't it come out in the nineteen eighties?"

"Yeah...the first one came out in eighty one. There were a lot of great horror movies from the eighties...so what's your favorite scary movie?"

"Hm...I suppose it would be...The Haunting...the original sixty three one. It's a classic, they just don't make them like they used to. Now it's all about sex and special effects."

Bella giggled at this. She never met anybody who talked liked this, at least no one her own age. Alice was certainly odd, no doubt about that. But she found that she rather liked this oddness about her, she was certainly interesting.

When Bella had finished eating Alice paid the tab, reminding Bella when she started to protest, that she had been the one to ask her out, and she was happy to do so. They left and walked to the theater since it wasn't far from them.

Alice let Bella pick the movie, which turned out to be a horror movie which seemed fitting after their earlier conversation. The movie was something called Insidious, which fortunately had been out long enough so that the theater wasn't overcrowded. As they sat in the darkened movie theater Alice found being so close to Bella too distracting to pay it much attention. She stalled her breathing in order not to be overwhelmed by the girl's delicious scent. She'd look sideways and steal glances at her every so often, and once caught Bella doing the same. They both laughed a little, and Alice couldn't help reaching her hand over to take Bella's.

"You have cold hands", Bella whispered.

"I'm sorry." Alice blinked, she momentarily forgot about the temperature differences between vampire and humans. She started to gently pull hers away, only to have Bella hold onto it.

"No..it's okay, it feels...nice", she gave the smaller girl a reassuring smile.

For a brief moment they gazed at each other instead of the movie screen. Bella took in the delicate beauty of the smaller girl's face. Even in the darkness of the theater she seemed to radiate and captivate her. Her eyes dropped to Alice's ruby lips. They looked so soft and inviting. She had an overwhelming desire to touch them with her own and imagined what it would feel like. Without realizing it her body began leaning ever so slightly closer...suddenly she jumped, startled by a few screams from the audience. Apparently they were reacting to a scary scene from the movie and Bella remembered where she was. Alice giggled and gently stroked the startled girl's arm with her other hand, then leaned slightly against her as she turned her face back to the screen. Bella took a sip from her soda and tried to refocus on the movie. As the movie started to become scarier she'd jump slightly and tightened her hold on Alice's hand.

So cute how easily scared she is over a silly horror film...

Alice enjoyed watching and feeling Bella's reaction whenever a scene frightened her, feeling her body jerk slightly and seeing her eyes widen, and when she opened her mouth in an 'O' shape at the climactic ending she couldn't help but laugh.

They stayed until the credits finished rolling, when Alice remarked how she liked to wait for the movie to really be over before leaving. It wasn't long before they were alone in the theater, as everyone else left while the credits still rolled. Really it was just a way to prolong her close proximity to the beautiful brunette at her side. The film officially finished and the theater lights came on, and Bella turned to Alice.

"Why were you laughing...weren't you even a little bit scared by it?" Bella said in mock annoyance.

"Oh...it was more fun watching you get so scared. You are so cute." Alice giggled as Bella turned and rolled her eyes, who was secretly pleased by the compliment.

Bella was startled when she suddenly felt soft, cool lips kiss her cheek. She turned and looked at Alice who wore a playful expression. The smaller girl rose up and took her hand and held it as they left the theater. Bella felt tingles on her cheek where Alice's lips had all too briefly touched. Had she not been taken by surprise she would have returned the kiss, she thought. They made their way quietly to the yellow Porsche and Alice released her hand to be able to open the door for her and let her inside.

Alice drove much slower than she was used to, making it more of a leisurely trip. She wanted to prolong her time with Bella. They talked a little more about mundane things and Alice was glad to notice that the human girl began to feel a little more comfortable in her presence.

Alice turned on her stereo and started a Chris Isaac CD. The song Can't Do A Thing To Stop Me played, the music and voice of the singer was soothing and sultry at the same time.

Once they arrived Alice parked the car in their driveway and looked at Bella.

Bella wasn't sure if she was meant to say good night and let Alice leave. Alice wasn't sure herself what to do, although she had anticipated that it would be the end of their evening together.

Bella finally spoke. "Um, would you like to come in for a little while...I mean it's not really late, Charlie is probably asleep or watching t.v., but you're welcome to come in..and uh...yeah.."

Alice couldn't bring herself to turn down Bella's invitation. She was just so cute when she was acting shy and nervous.

"Well maybe for a few minutes...I'll come in and we can talk a while in your bedroom...if you're not too tired?"

Alice surprised herself a little as she was planning on saying goodnight and not lingering for too long around Bella just yet. She wasn't sure how well she'd be able to control some of her urges if left alone in a room with her. She also wasn't ready to leave her and wanted to stay in her company for a while longer before saying goodnight.

Bella was pleased at Alice's response then they got out of the car and went inside the house. Charlie had fallen asleep on the couch, snoring loudly as the sports channel played on the television. Several beer cans lay empty on the coffee table.

Bella made the silence sign by a finger to her lips and motioned Alice into the kitchen where she found a slender glass to put her rose in, filling it with water. Alice accepted her offer for a small bottle of water, figuring a small sip wouldn't hurt anything and it was a human thing to do.

Bella took Alice upstairs to her bedroom and after quietly closing the door she placed her rose on her desk. It held up surprisingly well given the few hours it sat in Alice's car.

Since the easiest place to sit for both of them was on the bed they found themselves sitting side by side. For a moment it was quiet and neither spoke.

"I had such a good time tonight Alice. Thank you for asking me out." Bella finally spoke, a slight quiver in her voice.

"It was my pleasure, believe me...thank you for going out with me", Alice softly replied and slowly placed her hand over Bella's.

Bella interlaced their fingers and smiled. She wanted so badly to kiss Alice, but since they were both sitting on her bed, was too nervous to start something that may lead to...she forcefully shut out those thoughts. It made her too excited and nervous to even think about. She was too scared to even look directly at Alice, as it affected her too strongly.

"Would you like to spend some more time together this weekend? Say tomorrow night, maybe I can come over...if you'd like...", suggested Alice.

"You mean like a sleepover?" Bella blurted out before the implications of it hit her, and she felt her face flush feeling more than a little embarrassed.

"Well...I wasn't thinking quite that...but...would you like that?" Alice smiled a little mischievously.

"Umm...well yeah...I would actually...if that's something you'd like to do too..."

"Hmmm..."

Alice pondered whether it was such a good idea. If there wasn't for the intensity of the attraction between them, it would have been easier to say yes. She could see how spending an entire night with Bella would bring about too many temptations. Maybe she was just over-thinking things, and would be able to be close to her and maintain her self control. It would be nice to be able to lay beside her as she slept, and keep vigil so that no outside intruder would interfere with her getting a peaceful nights sleep.

She had almost forgotten about Edward, and realized she was enjoying herself too much with Bella to even give her pesky brother a thought.

"Well if Charlie is okay with it then sure...that sounds like it'll be fun. Just give me a call tomorrow after you've talked with him and let me know." Alice spoke in a lighthearted and perky manner. Though she felt more nervous about it then she let on.

Bella turned and smiled broadly at Alice. For a moment she was terrified that she said something to scare Alice off and was relieved that it seems she hadn't.

"Yes, I'll ask him, but I'm sure he'll be okay with it. He seems to like you."

"Good, I'm glad. Well...it's now past midnight and I should get going and let you get some sleep."

Bella nodded and rose with Alice slowly from the bed and walked with her down stairs to the door. As they stepped outside Alice turned quickly and gave Bella a kiss on her cheek.

"Goodnight Bella." Alice smiled at Bella's surprised expression.

This time Bella wasn't going to let another opportunity pass her by. She quickly leaned down and kissed Alice on the cheek, which earned her a delighted expression on Alice's face.

"Good...goodnight Alice.."

Bella felt enchanted as she watched Alice step away lightly - and with the grace of a fairy queen - walk to her car, slip in and drive off into the night.