Of Dolls and Women

[Rachel Kells]

Rachel was in the middle of going shopping at the mall. Her mother had sent money for her to buy a new swimsuit because she had grown out of her old one. Flipping her hair over her shoulder Rachel looked between her three favorites, a blue one piece halter top swimsuit with ruffles on the bottom, a two piece blue and purple polka dotted bikini, and a simple black two piece tankini set. Rachel wasn't sure what to choose and was really at a lost. She supposed she had to try them on but she normally had her mom there to help her. That wasn't happening right now. Her mom was busy. That much Rachel understood at least.

Turning to look at the other shoppers around her Rachel's smile widened as she saw someone very pretty and very much taller then she was. This wasn't completely unexpected, after all the twelve year old was fairly small, even for her age. Biting her lip Rachel looked up at the much older lady and nodded her head. She would ask for some help, after all someone so beautiful must know what would look good and what would not look good on her. To Rachel the lady seemed to carry herself with grace, much like the princesses in the movies. Was this lady a princess?

Rachel game a small curtsy to the pretty lady and smiled up at her. "Excuse me miss, May I ask for your opinion?" Grinning from ear to ear Rachel averted her eyes and slowly looked up at the pretty lady. "Please Miss, I figured someone as beautiful as you would know if I looked good in something or not." Rachel looked up at her with puppy dog eyes and a smile. "I'm sorry if I am bothering you." Rachel put her hands behind her back and stood straight. Rachel was many things if not polite.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice had been randomly searching through dresses and what not for some time now and was just about to leave when someone begged for her attention. The voice was small and very polite which tugged at Alice's attention some more. Turning to face the voice, Alice was greeted with a most polite young girl. She gave Alice a curtsy, something rarely seen these days and addressed her so elegantly.

Leaning over, Alice smile sweetly to the young girl, "Well, seeing that I have been shown such gracious manners, how could I not help you out?," Alice said with a sweet ring in her voice. Something about the girl just drew Alice in and for a moment Alice wondered if this was how others felt around her when she used her ability. Alice didn't have any siblings and while being an only child, she sort of had this ability to form an sibling like bond with others. This was how she chose her so called 'family' members and while she knew nothing of this child, nothing at all.

Standing back up, Alice cleared her throat, "So what does a small doll like you need of someone like me?"

[Rachel Kells]

In truth Rachel didn't know what to pick. She just knew her mom would be sad if she didn't buy a swimsuit and she also knew that she wasn't the best person to pick out her own clothes. That was how she ended up with fairy wings and flower crowns instead of backpacks and sneakers. Mom was putting an awful lot of trust in her and she didn't want to let her down.

Looking up at the pretty lady Rachel gave a smile, that seemed to fill her face as the pretty lady said that she would help. At this moment Rachel was holding the three swimsuits behind her in her hands and nervously clutched them. "Thank you pretty lady!" Rachel grinned as the lady bent down to talk to her on her level and tilted her head looking at her. "I really appreciate it and you have a really really pretty voice." Rachel wondered if the lady liked to sing, she looked like she should be singing a ballad or a tragic song about lost love or something.

Rachel grinned and looked up at the lady as she stood back up straightening out "Well..." Rachel shuffled her feet then promptly presented the three different bathing suits to the pretty lady. "I need help choosing." Letting her eyes flick up to the lady Rachel smiled, and tilted her head the other way. "You are dressed really well so I thought you would be able to help.." Rachel looked down before continuing. "Mom's too busy and I don't really have anyone else I can ask." She bit her lip before looking up at the lady one more time with pleading eyes. "I would really appreciate it."

[Alice Halifax]

Alice couldn't help but feel a stronger connection to the little girl as she told Alice her mother did not have the time for her. Alice could relate well to that as her own mother often passed Alice off to the house help. So, with a serious look Alice put forth for the girl's sake, she looked the swimsuits over slowly, putting them against the persona of the girl before her. The first two were far too child like for the girl, even though she seemed rather young. There was just something about her looks that suggested the third swimsuit as best. "I do believe the tankini suits you best little doll," Alice said sweetly, her voice still ringing a bit as she spoke, perhaps a side effect of her ability leaking out in her speech.

Alice's emotion played some part in her use of her ability and seeing such a sweet and lady like young girl stirred up old memories of her own life back home. "I'm glad to help you because I know what it's like to have a mother with no time for her own daughter," she said, her voice showing something more dark to it, however this was quickly countered by a smile from Alice. "Tell you what, how about we get you that tankini and then we get some ice cream afterwards?, " she asked this time actively using her ability on the little girl, after all, Alice wanted to know more about this young young woman in front of her.

[Rachel Kells]

Rachel watched as the pretty lady scrutinized the choices that she had. She liked the fun patterns on the two, but the simpleness of the black was also very pretty. She really had no clue on which one to choose and was super grateful for this lady. Biting her lip hesitantly Rachel looked towards the older lady and smiled. "Thank you miss." Rachel nodded and stuck out her hand. "I'm Rachel Kells." Grinning she tilted her head. "Whom do I owe the pleasure of thanking, if I may ask?" Giggling she shook her head a little. She liked to play this game with the princess. "You don't need to call me little doll if you know my name."


Rachel felt a flicker of sadness as the pretty lady's eyes went darker for a tiny bit. If the lady was sad, so was she! Biting her lip Rachel made the quick decision to go over and give the princess a hug. "I'm sorry." She bit her lip and looked down a little before looking up at the lady. "Please don't be sad..." Startled to see a smile Rachel grinned up at the lady. "I have some money for the tankini, so I just need to pay. You really don't mind accompanying me?" Grinning from ear to ear Rachel nodded. "That would be wonderful!" This lady's voice was awfully sweet.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice shook the small offered hand from Rachel, "My name is Alice," she said sweetly as she pondered her connection to the girl. Could she really bring in one so young into the world she lived? Was breaking such innocence worth having a connection with someone? Of course it was, especially since the girl was now hugging her so fervently, wishing her to not be sad at the folded up memory in her mind. Alice instinctively wrapped her arms around Rachel and stared at the little one with vacant eyes. What was it exactly about this one which pulled at Alice so emotionally?

"No need to use your money Rachel, I've got more than enough for the both of us," Alice said with a smile, releasing the girl from their embrace. Truth be told, Alice had enough money to buy the mall. She took Rachel's hand firmly, much like a mother or older sister might, "Let Alice show you wonderland little doll," she said rather oddly, before breaking out into a giggle, clearly an intent to make Rachel laugh as well, a way of gaining trust from the girl. This was how Alice worked, so much in fact that she did so anymore without even realizing it. "I know of the best place to get the sweetest ice cream," she added heading toward the counter to pay for Rachel's outfit, not giving the girl time to refuse.

[Rachel Kells]

Rachel's eyes widened as she looked up at the pretty lady--Alice as she had just found out." Alice like the protector of Wonderland?" Rachel's grin widened and she smiled. "I knew you were a princess!" Giggling Rachel looked up at the other girl, "It is wonderful to meet you Alice." The lady had been nothing but nice to Rachel and she wasn't going to complain anytime soon. She did have to go pay though, that was important.

Rachel's head tilted as Alice said she would pay. "But Mom gave me money for it..." Rachel bit her lip, unsure what to do. She wasn't trying to be impolite, she just didn't want her mom to get mad at her. Shaking her head she looked up at Alice. "Are you sure?" Alice was pretty confident she had the money and Rachel did want that new stuffed animal she saw...

At the joke Rachel grinned. "Of course princess, if that is what you wish." She giggled as she gave a small curtsy to Alice again. "Ooooh. Do they have mint chocolate chip?" Min chocolate chip was her favorite. Rachel was sure it would be absolutely yummy to eat with her new friend.She smiled as they began walking towards the counter. "Whats your favorite type of ice cream?"

[Alice Halifax]

"Oh, I'm very much a princess, but...," Alice said, glancing around from side to side now as if she were really looking for someone devious, ".....we must keep quiet about that, " she said in hushed tone, putting one finger to her lips to indicate silence, all the while holding back a small giggle. "There are those who plot dark things in Wonderland," she added with a serious like glance before smiling a bit and laughing. Alice was having fun playing this game with Rachel and for once in a very long time, Alice was just Alice. Gone was the plotting, the darkness, the deviousness of her whole life.

"Tell you what Rachel, you decided what you want. If you want to pay yourself, then go ahead, I won't stop you. If you want me to pay, then all you need do is ask and all of Wonderland will gladly chip in to pay," she said with another grin, continuing the game between them. Alice wanted to let Rachel decide what she wanted, to see which way her moral compass leaned. However truth be told, she suspected like all kids, Rachel would opt for letting Alice pay and then use her money for something much more personal.

As they walked toward the counter, Alice listened as Rachel babbled like all young ones do. "Oh, mint chocolate chip, a classical favorite," Alice said with one raised eyebrow, "I like chocolate decadence myself. Chocolate ice cream, with bits of chocolate chunks and some chocolate syrup for good measure," she said, grinning, but meaning it all. Alice had a sweet tooth and usually fought against it, but today, she thought she could give in just a bit.

[Rachel Kells]

Rachel's eyes widened as Alice played along and when Alice shushed her Rachel grinned and nodded instantly going quiet. "Is someone evil after you prin...m'lady?" After all they must keep quiet if someone was after the pretty lady. "I have faith you will defeat them m'lady." Rachel knew Alice wasn't actually a princess but it was more fun to play with one then have her not be a princess.

Rachel blinked as she was offered a choice. Sticking her tongue out in concentration Rachel looked over at the princess. "I don't want to be a bother." Her daddy always told her to be kind and not to be a bother. Gosh she missed him. Her smile fell just a little before she shook her head and rubbed her eyes. "I'll pay."

Walking with Alice towards the counter Rachel grinned. "That sounds yummy. I just really love Mint, and chocolate, so when you put the two of them together they make perfect sense!" Rachel really liked sweet things so this was something she would always adore. "Thank you so much for accompanying me by the way, I don't really... hang out with other people. " As they reached the counter Rachel walked in front of Alice and pulled out her kitty cat wallet ready to pay. "Thank you for the offer to pay though!"

[Alice Halifax]

As Alice walked and talked with Rachel she pondered a strange thought or feeling rather. For the first time in her life, Alice thought what her life might be like if she had a child. Alice had never felt the mothering sort before, but as cliche as it may have sounded, it seemed almost all women had that feeling deep down inside of them somewhere. Could Alice actually rearrange her life to take care of a child of her own? Alice had always been ambitious and thought only of advancing herself in the world, but this new feeling was offering a conflicting view point for her. Having a child in your life meant giving up such a large portion of yourself and sacrificing so many of your dreams and goals, that is unless you were parents like the ones Alice had. Alice couldn't see herself having a child and then just passing it around from nanny to nanny, she felt more inclined to always be there for that theoretical child.

As she and Rachel reached the counter, the sound of Rachel's voice broke Alice from her thoughts. Alice smiled and nodded as she waited for Rachel to pay for her swimsuit. It was fun spending time with this young little soon to be lady. Alice had heard of mentor ship programs but never had given them any thought. Maybe if she got to know Rachel's parents they might consider the idea of allowing Alice to mentor Rachel in the ways of being a true lady. Rachel already showed such grace and manners, her parents certainly had taken time to teach her such things.

Alice smiled at the comment of how Rachel didn't have anyone with whom to socialize. "Friends are easier to make than you think Rachel. All it takes is a bit of confidence and knowing the person your about to approach," she said passing on a small bit of knowledge Alice had learned from her own mother, one of the few things she ever taught her.

[Rachel Kells]

Rachel really liked the pretty lady, she was so graceful, when she walked and actually reminded Rachel of a princess. Plus she was willing to play, that was more fun then Rachel would admit, as she didn't really have anyone to play with. Alice was making a splendid impression on the girl and Rachel was incredibly happy to have met her. She hoped that she was making a good impression on her. Trying not to give into the temptation of the candy on the register Rachel shook her head and bit her lip. They would be getting ice cream after.

Rachel had to make sure to control her wants. Her mom made money, but she wasn't just handed it, and if she was Rachel was really careful with her money. She didn't want to disappoint her mom like she had her dad. her mom was much more practical then her dad and Rachel wanted to make sure that she didn't lose her mom either. That would be bad for both of them. Rachel would actually be alone, and she was really scared of that.

Handing the money to the cashier Rachel smiled and nodded at Alice. "I just don't want to be a burden to anyone.That's all." Grinning she thanked the cashier and held the bag that contained her swimsuit closer to her. "Thank you for all the help!" Rachel really appreciated it. "Off to ice cream?" Rachel held her hand out, and wondered if Alice would take it.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice instinctively took Rachel's hand, not firmly mind you, but softly as a lady should. She smiled at Rachel, which she seemed to be a lot of since their chance meeting. "Ice cream it is," she said leading Rachel out of the store and into the bustling mall. So many people strolling about, going here and there. Most of them had no meaning to their lives, not like Alice anyway. Such wasted talent just strolling about, being unused and undiscovered. Rachel was one of the fortunate ones, she had met Alice and as such, she was about to discover just how important to the world that she really was.

Alice led Rachel through the sea of people who seemed to move and sidestep her as if Alice's mere presence was enough to move the world to her whim. It wasn't some form of meta ability, it was simple confidence. The way Alice held herself, her posture, her gaze, even the way she walked. People like her were the ones who moved the world about, not these ants who scurried about to and fro.

Finally reaching the ice cream shop, Alice stopped and looked to Rachel, "Go ahead Rachel, pick out whatever flavors you want, its all on me and this time no is not an answer I'm willing to take." This little break in her life was brought on by Rachel and Alice was actually enjoying it, so she was bound and determined to repay this girl for her unknowing kindness. It was true Alice liked to use people, but those who did things for her of their own will, weather they realized what kindness they showed her or not, were always greatly rewarded.

[Rachel Kells]

Rachel smiled as Alice took her hand and nodded. Ice cream was good and she really wanted to have some. She was super happy she got to meet Alice as she was really nice and really pretty and really wonderful. Plus, she was going to get ice cream with her. As they walked through the mall Rachel was amazed at how everyone moved out of the way for Alice. Normally she had to avoid being stepped on or something like that when she went to the mall. Alice was really special wasn't she? Rachel was really happy at the moment.

She just hadn't been that happy for a while, sure Dr. Neville was really nice and sure her mom still loved her, but she was still quite depressed about her dad leaving. He said some really mean things and Rachel wasn't happy at all about it. It was nice to have someone show genuine interest in the girl and she could almost get used to it. To be honest though she felt like it wasn't going to last. No matter how hard she tried to please those around her they always ended up disappointed in her.

As they arrived at the ice cream shop Rachel looked up at Alice and gave her a super smile trying to hide the sadness that almost crept in while thinking about her dad. Looking up at Alice Rachel's mouth fell, "Are you sure? I don't want you to feel like you have to or nothin. I am more then happy just spending time with you." Looking down Rachel blushed a bit murmuring. "I really like mint chocolate chip."

Oh Alice, Rachel is latching onto you. I hope you don't break her.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice nodded to the counter and smiled, "Mint chocolate chip it is then," she said, moving toward the counter slowly with just a touch of elegance about her. The young teenage boy behind the counter straightened up as Alice approached, no doubt he hadn't ever been in the presence of such a young woman as Alice before for her rushed to make himself presentable. Alice gave him a wink and rested one small hand on the counter, looking the boy in the eyes. She seemed to hold him in place by will alone, but truth be known, guys love a strong willed woman and can't resist their charms, especially of those possessed by Alice. "Would you kindly give my young friend here a free sample of mint chocolate chip?," Alice asked the young man, her voice ringing slightly in his ears as her power washed over him. Sure Alice could have paid for the ice cream but why when it was more enjoyable doing it this way?

The young man behind the counter just smiled ignorantly and went about the task of getting some mint chocolate chip ice cream for Rachel. He piled two scoops of frozen delight in a cone and handed it Rachel. The boy was still smiling, totally unaware of what he was doing. Alice simply smiled and watched as her little puppet danced for her as she tugged the strings. "My, that's what I call a sample," Alice said, giving Rachel a glance before turning her attention back to the young man working behind the counter. "Also sweetheart, would you kindly forget all about serving me and my young friend today?," she asked, once again forcing her will upon the young man, who simply nodded and just walked away, shaking her head slightly as Alice's influence did it's job.

"Well then, my young little friend, shall we sit and talk a bit?," Alice asked Rachel, looking to a couple of small seats situated by the front glass wall of the shop.

[Rachel Kells]

Rachel followed Alice to the ice cream shop, trying to hide her blushing face. The girl was just so pretty. That and the way she spoke. Rachel wished she could speak like that. She giggled as the boy behind the counter looked absolutely infatuated with the princess she was following around and was buying her ice cream. She quickly put her hand to her mouth trying to hide the smile. It seemed that the older guy would spend the next day thinking about this encounter. Her eyes widened as Alice asked for a free sample. She stared even more when the boy began to give her the ice cream.

Tugging on Alice's hand a little she looked up at her. "You sure this is okay Princess? I don't want to get in trouble..." Rachel bit her lip looking up at her and tilted her head. "Is he really giving us this for free?" Rachel never got free samples. It was so weird. She wasn't used to it but Alice certainly sounded convincing as she used that pretty voice again. The little girl tilted her head as she was handed the ice cream cone. She nodded to the boy her thanks. "Thank you!" Smiling a gorgeous smile Rachel gave a curtsy to the boy and then turned back to Alice.

Rachel gave a small nod to Alice and motioned to the seats. "That would be nice princess." As they got closer Rachel let go of Alice's hand and instead went to pull out the chair for Alice. "Here you go!" Once Alice was situated Rachel went to the other side of the small bench and sat down, her legs dangling on the chair, feet just barely skimming the floor. "What do you want to talk about?"