Chapter Six
Bella lingered a moment in her doorway, her gaze remained on the departing yellow Porsche. Soaking in every possible moment of Alice's departure, until she had turned a corner and faded from view. Finally she brought herself back inside and closed the door.
"So Bella, did you girls have a good time?"
Bella jumped at the unexpected voice of Charlie. He was raising himself off the couch with his hands rubbing his lower backside as if he might have fallen asleep on the remote or something. He looked a bit groggy and some of his hair was in disarray.
How long has he been awake? Did he see them kiss each other good night?
She felt her heart pounding hard in her chest.
Although the kisses had been fairly chaste, Bella worried her reaction to it could be read easily enough. She relaxed when she realized that the entranceway should have shielded the view from where Charlie was sleeping only moments ago. He was smiling and didn't seem like he found anything out of the ordinary. She calmed herself and returned the smile.
"Oh...yeah we saw that new horror movie Insidious after we went to a diner for dinner. She just left. I hope we didn't wake you Charlie..."
"Not a problem, I just wanted to be sure you got home safely and by midnight like I asked you to. Guess I fell asleep some time ago."
Bella started to clear away the empty beer cans. "I'm sure these had nothing to do with that", she smiled as she put them in the recycling bin.
Charlie scratched at the stubble on his neck. "I'm a grown man Bella. Besides, can't have pizza without a couple beers. There's a couple slices for you in the fridge if you're hungry."
Bella shook her head. "Not right now, thanks."
"Well I hope the movie wasn't too scary for you. You seem like you haven't been getting enough sleep lately and I don't want you having nightmares."
Bella rolled her eyes. Sometimes Charlie seemed to forget she wasn't a little kid anymore. Besides, kids nowadays are exposed daily to as much violence and gore they could get their hands on, whether its from t.v., the internet or video games. It was enough to desensitize most of them to it before they even reached their teen years.
"Oh it wasn't so bad. How scary can a PG-13 movie be anyway?
"I see. Well you'll be turning eighteen soon, so you'll be able to watch the really scary stuff whenever you like."
"It's not like I haven't seen plenty of those before."
"Yeah I know, I know. Still hard for me to believe my little girl is practically all grown up now is all. Well Bella...I'm glad you're here with me now, it's given us a chance to get to know each other better. I'm also pleased to see you seem to be getting used to your new surroundings, with school and all...and that Alice seems pretty nice."
This seemed the perfect opportunity for Bella to broach the topic about her invitation to Alice. "Yes she is. Would it be okay if she came over for a sleepover tomorrow since it's Saturday?"
"You mean tonight, since its after midnight and officially Saturday morning."
Bella bit her lower lip.
"Yeah..I mean tonight."
"Well I don't see why not. Maybe I'll call Billy and we can go on a fishing trip so you girls can have the house to yourself. I trust you two will behave and not throw any wild parties and invite any boys over while I'm gone?" He shot her a look of warning towards the end.
"No of course we won't, it's just a girls night", Bella fought not to blush.
Satisfied by this answer Charlie smiled and said, "well Bella, then it's okay by me. Just try not to stay up all night."
Bella fought not to seem too excited. She was also relieved, as Charlie's response seem to indicate he didn't sense anything out of the ordinary.
"Okay, thanks Charlie. Well I better go to bed. You should too, sleeping on the couch is bad for your back, so I hear anyway."
"Yeah kiddo, I'm just going to go to hit the hay myself."
After they said their goodnights Bella climbed the stairs feeling elated. She went through her nightly rituals of teeth brushing and changing into her sleepwear, which was basically a loose t-shirt and her underwear, while her body was on auto-pilot. Her mind was swimming with thoughts of Alice. She was so excited, she worried she wouldn't sleep, but wanted to get up at a decent hour so she could fix Charlie a nice breakfast. It was the least she could do since he's been great to her, and nice about letting Alice come over to spend the night. He's been pretty cool about everything, giving her space yet showing enough concern for her well being. She just hoped if things continued with Alice the way she hoped they would that she'd eventually be able to tell him, and he'd be okay with it. Well, time enough to deal with that, if the issue should ever arise, she thought.
She finally settled into bed and tried to relax and fall asleep. Images of Alice floated in her mind's eye. Her beautiful porcelin face, the way she smiled and how her eyes lighted up when she kissed her cheek. The smoothness and coolness of her skin as her lips kissed her were her last thoughts as she drifted into sleep...
She felt a part of her shift from herself and the lightest part of her start to rise from her body, above her sleeping form. She rose higher and suddenly noticed that she was floating above her house, and could see the surrounding neighborhood, and felt herself moving higher still, where she could see the town down below. Soon she felt the sensation of flying through the night air accompanied by a sense of exhilaration and freedom. There was an intangible recognition of how natural this all felt, and reaching out for something long lost and forgotten.
She now found herself soaring above the treeline of dense forests. Gradually a clearing came into view, a meadow near a flowing stream that meandered past the thicket line of the forest. She wanted a closer look at this hauntingly beautiful place. With this thought she found herself descend and in a moment she was standing in the meadow and moved herself closer to the flowing water.
A sense of peace and tranquility flowed through this place and enveloped her entire being. She looked up at the night sky and saw a full moon hanging above. It seemed unusually large and luminous, as if guiding itself purposefully closer and brighter to illuminate this magical setting. Bella basked in the magical moon beam, it felt as if the moon revealed its most glorious side for her alone.
She felt a cool breeze and suddenly sensed she was not alone. Through the forest thicket she saw a form emerge. As it drew itself out into the meadow it appeared to be the figure of a person, with the body and movement distinctly female. She moved with feline-like grace, in a manner that was more gliding than walking towards her. It was a beautiful young woman. Even before Bella could make out distinct features she could tell she was so. This Orphic visitor wore an unmistakable aura of something mysteriously, breathtakingly beautiful.
Bella grew increasingly curious and fascinated as the woman drew nearer. She had very pale skin, that seemed to radiate in the moonlight. Her dark hair dropped beautifully down to her breasts. Her height was shorter than Bella, with a lithe body and more womanly curves. The woman wore a light ethereal nightgown. The fabric looked lighter than air, somewhat silky looking and transparent. It was cut in a low v-neck and seem to hang as if only by strings of silk over her pale shoulders. It did nothing to disguise her body. She could see the woman's full breasts and the pinkness of her nipples, the well toned muscles of her arms, legs and abdomen...Bella was all to aware of all of how this woman seemed to exude an air of sexuality with her presence as she moved increasingly closer. What captivated her the most were her eyes. They were sizable and perfectly shaped. Beautifully tilted ever so slightly towards the center of her face. She couldn't make out exactly what color they were, as they seemed to shift from gray to hazel..then to a strange golden hue. There was something about this graceful and lovely creature that seemed not quite human to Bella. It felt like she was being visited by a mythical being you'd find in the realm of a fantasy novel...more like a sensuous, seductive pixie than human.
The visitor stood in front of Bella smiling sweetly towards her as her eyes glowed in the moonlight. She looked deep into Bella's eyes. It felt to her like this woman used her gaze to reach someplace deep within, as if she could see into her soul. It made her feel naked and exposed. It was unsettling and stimulating at the same time, and she felt herself shiver. Bella found herself unable to speak.
The pixie-like woman slowly reached a hand out to cup Bella's face and softly spoke one word...
"Forever..."
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Bella awoke a little past eight in the morning. Her first thoughts were of seeing Alice again, which motivated her to get up, shower and dress quickly before heading downstairs. She went into the kitchen to make breakfast for Charlie who just awoke himself and was now shaving in the bathroom. She started to prepare a huge breakfast. Blueberry pancakes, with some eggs and bacon. Charlie was pleasantly surprised, as they usually just ate cold cereal or toast with coffee.
"Morning Bella - you really went all out this morning, you didn't have to go through all this trouble."
"It's no trouble Charlie. We can at least share a large breakfast occasionally on the weekends."
He smiled and they both ate in relative silence, which they felt comfortable with and was often the norm whenever they shared meals together. Charlie had called his friend who lived on the reservation while he drank his coffee and got ready leave. They made plans to take in some fishing. He was going to spend the night at Billy's house before returning the following day.
"Well Bella have fun with your friend. I trust you'll both be on your best behavior while I'm gone."
Bella went and hugged him, surprising Charlie some, as they weren't used to showing much affection, at least not in the obvious manner. He smiled and patted his daughter's back before releasing the hug.
"We will be. Tell Billy I said hi, and have some fun yourself."
He left and Bella ran upstairs to find her phone to call Alice. Bella pressed call on Alice's cell number and was surprised to not even hear one full ring when she heard Alice's sweet voice.
"Hi Bella!"
God I love the sound of her voice...
Bella mentally shook herself and tried to focus on speaking.
"H-hi Alice. How's it going?"
"Very well, thank you. And how are you this fine day? Sleep well?"
"Ye..yeah actually. I've been sleeping better the past couple days", Bella smiled as she spoke.
"I'm so glad to hear that."
"Thanks..um..I talked with Charlie..and he said um..it's okay for you to come and stay over tonight...if you still want to."
"Absolutely. Would it be okay if I came over after I have dinner with my family, say around seven tonight?"
"Yeah that sounds great. We can watch movies and make popcorn."
"I can bring a few movies over if you'd like."
"Sure, maybe some scary ones if you have them."
"Of course, I have lots of them. As long as you don't mind getting really scared."
"What movies do you have in mind?"
"I'll surprise you."
Bella let out a light laugh. "Okay you do that."
"So I'll see you tonight."
"Okay, see you later."
Both girls said their goodbyes. Bella decided to spend most of the day tidying the house. Charlie wasn't the tidiest person, and Bella usually didn't do a whole lot of housework during the week. She also need to make a trip to the grocery store and pick up some drinks and snacks in case Alice wanted something. So there was plenty to occupy her time until Alice came.
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At half past six Alice went downstairs with an extra spring in her step and a happy smile on her face. Her good mood nearly spoiled when she found Rosalie blocking her way at the foot of the stairs. The taller blonde stood with her arms crossed and a slight frown on her perfect porcelain face. Alice didn't need to rely on her visions to know this was a sign of some type of oncoming lecture.
"You're going to see her again aren't you?"
"Who?", Alice asked smiling sweetly.
"You know damn well who I'm talking about, so stop the innocent act."
"Her name is Bella as you well know. And if it's any of your business - which it isn't by the way - the answer to your question is yes. I'm going to visit her tonight."
"Another date so soon? Isn't there some kind of rule about waiting a few days after the first date to even call?"
"Well that's a silly rule, and I see no need to even play those kind of dating games."
"I just don't want to see you rushing into anything. This is a human teenage girl we're talking about. They're usually not the brightest creatures, but how long will it be before she notices all the things that make you different from her? Like the fact that you never eat around her?"
Alice sighed. It wasn't as if these questions never occurred to her. Why couldn't she just be allowed to enjoy the time she had with Bella for now?
"I told her I was meeting her after dinner. I've already explained to Bella about my dietary restrictions, and I'm more than capable of handling myself around her Rose."
Rosalie's eyes glanced down to see the duffel bag Alice had slung over her shoulder. "Alice...you're not planning on spending the whole night with her are you?"
Alice bit her lip. She considered different answers or not answering at all, but decided to just be truthful.
"Bella invited me over for a sleepover."
Rosalie narrowed her eyes as she stared down at her little sister. "Oh please tell me you are joking. One date and that..that human girl is already trying to get you into bed with her?"
Alice feigned a look of shock on her face. "Why do you have to put it that way? Bella's not that kind of girl anyway. She's shy and sweet."
"Yeah it's always the quiet ones you gotta watch out for."
Alice giggled as she danced around her and went out the door.
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Bella greeted Alice with a huge smile and opened the door to let her in. Alice stepped lightly in with an equally big smile and spun around to look at Bella.
The taller girl felt a blush cross her cheeks as she noticed Alice's sleepover duffel slung across the smaller girl's shoulder.
I can't believe I'm going to spend the whole night alone with her...
"Charlie's gone for the rest of the day so we have the house to ourselves." Why did I feel the need to announce that right now?
This news didn't surprise Alice. She had already seen that they'd have the entire evening together by themselves. She noticed the blush on Bella's cheeks which grew redder after telling her this.
"Oh okay, well it's a good thing I forgot my portable dvd player. I noticed you didn't have a television in your room."
"Yeah we can watch the t.v. down here. Do you um want anything to drink? I also have some snacks if you want to eat something while we watch the movies."
"I'll take a bottle of water. I just ate so I'm not hungry. But you go ahead and have whatever you want." Alice took a seat on the couch as Bella nodded and went to get some water and a soda for herself from the kitchen.
She came back and handed the bottled water to Alice who set it down on the coffee table. She sat down next to her and sipped on her Dr. Pepper.
"So...do you want to see what movies I brought with me?" Alice smiled at Bella's nervousness as she noticed the slight shaking of her hands while she drank her soda.
"Yeah, what did you bring?", Bella put her soda down and turned and looked at her.
Alice unzipped her bag and brought out about a dozen DVDs out of her duffel bag.
"Oh wow...I don't think we'll have time to watch everything." Bella looked at the assortment of movies.
"Yeah...I know. Just thought I'd give you enough to choose from."
Alice brought out something else that she picked up at the local grocers on her way over. It was a bag of Hershey's chocolate kisses with almonds. She spent several minutes perusing the candy aisle and when she focused on this particular candy she saw it brought out the most favorable response from Bella.
"Wow...Alice these are my favorite. How did you know?", Bella grinned.
"Oh I have my ways", Alice smiled a bit mischievously.
"That you do, Alice." Bella smiled warmly at her and for several seconds they said nothing as they looked into each others eyes.
Alice thought Bella never looked more beautiful as she did just then.
She has the most lovely eyes, with that sexy heavy lidded look..isn't that what people refer to as 'bedroom eyes'?
Alice broke eye contact as she reached for her water.
Stop those type of thoughts! Now's not the time for my mind to wander in that kind of direction... She mentally berated herself.
"You're so sweet Alice, thanks."
"It's nothing Bella, I'm glad you like them."
"Alice...", Bella paused as if hesitating.
"Yes...?" Alice looked at her questioningly, with a slight knowing smile forming on the corner of her lips.
"I was wondering...I mean there's something I wanted to ask you."
"Mmhmm...?"
"Well..um..what made you ask me out the other day in the parking lot in the first place?"
"Because I wanted to", Alice immediately responded.
"Yeah..I-I'm glad you did..but I mean..um..how did you know...you know...that I'd even be interested? And why me?"
"Well...maybe because I just had a feeling you probably would say yes...call it intuition, sensing another kindred spirit...or an efficient gaydar if you want." Alice smiled in amusement.
Bella nodded and smiled back. "Oh...so then you are..."
"Gay?"
Bella nodded.
"Yes Bella, and it's okay to say it. It's not a bad word you know." Alice giggled.
"Yeah I know that.." Bella grabbed her drink distractedly.
"And even if I weren't...you know...I couldn't help but be attracted to you Bella", Alice spoke sincerely.
Bella blushed and ran a hand to the back of her neck. Her wide smile showing how pleased she was with Alice's statement.
"I-I feel the same way about you Alice."
"That makes me happy to hear. So...do you want to pick out a movie now?" Alice grinned.
Bella chose to watch the original version of The Haunting, since she remembered Alice said it was her favorite horror movie. After she made some popcorn and brought it back in a bowl she settled down sitting a little closer to Alice than she was before and they began to watch the movie.
It was one of those bloodless horror films, done in black and white. The kind of story where a lot of the scares were psychological, and the suspense was often triggered by loud and scary sound effects.
"I'm surprised I've never seen this one before", Bella commented during the movie. It's kinda interesting."
"Yes, it's a somewhat unusual ghost story", Alice was pleased that she wasn't bored with it.
During one of the scenes where the characters Nell and Theo were huddled together in bed shivering in terror at the loud pounding of the bedroom door, Bella thought that she wouldn't mind it if Alice put her arm around her as well. She shifted a little in her seat.
Maybe it would be okay if I put an arm around her?
As the scene passed she continued thinking about it. At least she wasn't going to go for that fake yawn and stretch move she decided. That would be embarrassingly obvious...
Alice decided to make it easier for the fidgeting girl. She scooted closer to her, leaning gently against Bella, giving her unspoken permission. Bella turned and looked at her, and seeing Alice's smile, slowly put her arm around the smaller girl.
"This feels nice", Bella whispered.
"Yes, it does", Alice leaned her head on Bella's shoulder.
They continued watching the movie in silence for a while. Then Bella spoke, "hm..you know that dark haired woman.."
"Theo played by Claire Bloom?"
"Uh..yeah...well it almost looks like her character is um..."
"Is what...?", Alice responded teasingly.
"Well...you know..."
"Uh...no..I don't know...say it?"
"Well like she might be a little into that other woman."
"You mean like maybe she's gay or something?", Alice gasped.
Bella laughed. "Yeah something like that."
"Well you might be right there, back then they didn't make characters like that obvious. It might be implied, but never made obvious."
"Ohh.."
Alice giggled, snuggling closer to Bella.
The movie finished and Bella excused herself to go to the bathroom, although she hated to break their closeness. When she returned back to the living room Alice looked up at her and smiled.
"Since it's starting to get late do you mind if I change into my pajamas?"
"Oh...su-sure...go right ahead. Do you want to change in my bedroom or do you need to use the bathroom?" Bella struggled to keep her voice from cracking.
"I'll use the bathroom. Be back in a jiffy." Alice bounced lightly up the stairs taking her bag with her.
Bella was wearing her gray sweatpants and one of her favorite light blue t-shirts. She wondered if she required any changing herself or if it was okay just to keep on what she had the rest of the evening. She decided she may as well keep on what she had, it was comfortable.
Alice came downstairs wearing a red silk pajama set with elegant black embroidery along the v-neck and on the bottom cuffs of the pants which ended above her knees. It wasn't the sexiest lingerie she owned by far, but she decided to go with something a little more conservative for their first night together. She bounced back down the stairs and tried to keep from laughing at the way Bella's eyes ogled her as she came to join her back on the couch.
"Do you like my pj's or is there something else you're looking at?", Alice asked with a sly smile.
Bella grinned as she took a moment to gather her wits. "You look...amazing." It wasn't the first word she thought of, but she didn't want to seem too lecherous. Hot...sexy...utterly fuckable...lots of words came to mind as she struggled not to ogle Alice's cleavage..delicious, she thought.
"Thanks", Alice giggled. "So are you up for another movie or are you tired now?"
"I'm not tired yet. Why don't you pick something this time?"
Alice picked the movie Scream, since it was also a comedy and nothing too scary. No reason to give the girl any nightmares.
They resumed their previous position with Alice leaning against Bella and the taller girl's arm around her shoulder. The silky texture felt so smooth and amazing to Bella, she couldn't help lightly stroking her fingers along her arm. The sleeves ending just past Alice's elbow.
Alice started to lose herself in the sensation. She felt so warm and comfortable snuggled against Bella it took all her concentration not to start purring.
After the movie ended Alice decided it was time for Bella to go to sleep. "Well we probably should get some sleep now."
"Yeah", Bella felt that nervous feeling started to hit her again. She turned off the t.v. and looked at Alice.
"I hope you don't mind sharing my bed...I know it's um kinda small."
"Well I don't take up much space anyway", Alice tried to give a reassuring smile.
"Yeah tha..that's true. You're pixie sized." Bella giggled.
"Well I'll try not to take offense at that."
"No...I mean I like how short..I like your size."
Alice smiled. "All right then, let's go to bed." It wasn't said suggestively but after saying it she had to admit she was starting to feel a little nervous herself.
"I'll just go to the bathroom and brush my teeth first."
They climbed the stairs and Bella sat on her bed nervously for a few minutes for Alice to finish. When she came back she stood up. "Well make yourself comfortable, I'll be back in a bit", then went to the bathroom to use the toilet one last time and brush her teeth.
She came back in to see Alice was under the covers. She wasn't asleep yet and just laid on her side with her elbow bent and head perched in her hand.
"So what side do you prefer sleeping on?", she asked.
Bella turned off the light. "Oh it doesn't matter I'll just come on this side." She slid into the side closest to her and both girls laid back on their backs side to side.
"I'm glad you came over tonight", Bella whispered.
"Me too", Alice whispered back.
Bella closed her eyes. She forced herself to relax and eventually fell asleep.