Big Sister/Little Sister (Rachel Kells)

[Alice Halifax]

Alice had taken a liking to Rachel some years prior, seeing the young girl as someone who needed a friend. At first, Alice didn't know why she felt drawn to Rachel, perhaps it was the look in the girl's eyes or just her bubbly personality. Either way, Alice felt a connection to Rachel. It wasn't until after Alice had heard Rachel talk about her absent parents that Alice knew why she felt connected to Rachel. Alice's parents weren't exactly real parents either and in a way, Alice understood the misery which chased after Rachel. So, in her twisted mind, Alice saw herself as a big sister of sorts. Taking Rachel in as family wasn't the same as the others Alice's had gathered, she made certain to keep Rachel away from the other "Family" members as Rachel was still far too young to be wrapped up in Alice's secret world. No, Rachel was treated much differently and as such, she was more special just as Catherine was.

Rachel was thirteen now and growing into a beautiful young woman. She seemed happy but deep underneath, she was miserable. Alice had no clue to just how depressed Rachel was for the latter kept that part of herself hidden from Alice. Maybe she just didn't trust Alice enough to share her pain or maybe she thought Alice wouldn't care. Depression tainted one's train of thought. Alice did her best to make Rachel happy but not ever having a real role model, Alice wasn't the best at really taking care of someone. For Alice, buying people things was how one showed how they cared instead of just simply caring. It wasn't really Alice's fault, she never knew any better.

Today, Alice had brought Rachel out to the lake to go swimming. Alice loved to swim. Back home, her family owned two beach houses and both of them were Alice's favorite places to stay. She loved the water. It was relaxing and eased her jumbled mind. Alice's life was full of stress and never ending drama. This was just Alice's life though and the only one she knew. Rachel had seemed rather lost lately and so Alice thought maybe a day at the lake might help ease any stress Rachel might have. As usual, Rachel's mother wasn't any concern as she was more concerned with her work than her daughter. Rachel's father didn't exactly factor into Rachel's life so he wasn't a concern either. Alice showed up as usual and just left with Rachel, ready to return her whenever.

Alice didn't drive so she had charmed a young man with a large truck to transport them to the lake. The young man unloaded all the stuff Alice had insisted on bringing and withing a few minutes, both girls had a rather nice set up on the lake shore. Alice wore a two piece red bikini and had pulled her hair up. She had a nice body and wasn't ashamed to show it off. Looking out over the water, Alice sighed contently. "I always loved the water. Don't you?"

[Rachel Kells]

Alice was still one of Rachel's favorite people. If only because she didn't pry when Rachel began devoting herself and her time to the variety of tasks she loved. All that Rachel really knew about Alice was that she was very rich, and that she always seemed to make time for Rachel. Given that it was summer Rachel was more than ready to get off of Hammel campus, there was no way that Rachel wasn't going to give up a beach day with the person she had once mistaken for a princess.

As her thoughts drifted back to that day Rachel could only think of how stupid she had been when her main concern were fairies and magic. There was no such thing. Instead her power was what made her a monster. It was what made her father hate her. She would give anything to not be powered, or at least to have a useful power. She had been so stupid, so very very stupd. In one way though, Alice was a princess. Alice could make anything happen, get anything she wanted, and Alice certainly was as beautiful as any princess Rachel had ever seen before.

Rachel wasn't a particulalry good swimmer, but she liked the water. She knew that she wasn't going to be in the water much, but she wore her suit anyway. Somehow she had to hide her thoughts from Alice. It shouldn't be too hard, she supposed. Alice only knew Rachel as smiling. As someone who believed in fairies. As a person who would call her a siren. Rachel knew what she was to Alice, a doll. Always perfect, smiling, happy. It shouldn't be too hard to convince her of how much of a doll Rachel could become.

Rachel could only giggle as Alice had conjured a young man to drive them to the beach. She didn't know why Alice didn't just drive them herself, but she couldn't help but giggle as it was so Alice to make someone else do it. Rachel smiled as she sat in the chair that Alice had brought, and adjusted her halter top one piece. She smiled over at Alice as she commented on the water. "It is nice on a hot day like this." Rachel smiled sweetly as she looked over Alice. "You look very nice today Miss Alice."

Alice always looked well put together, even when she was at the beach. For most times Rachel had begun to hate how she looked. She looked so fat, and no matter how much she excersised, and didn't eat, Rachel couldn't seem to get rid of this image. What was most alarming was that Rachel had just barely begun to have breasts. Honestly it was freaking Rachel out. Ballerina's weren't supposed to have breasts. Heck, she wasn't supposed to have breasts. Awkwardly Rachel adjusted her suit again. "Stupid boobs," she muttered under her breath hoping that Alice wouldn't hear. "They are just in the way."

Oh shoot. Did she say that out loud? Cue Rachel blushing a bunch.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice had indeed heard Rachel and couldn't help but giggle. She knew this was a difficult time in Rachel's life. Her body was changing and with that so was her life. The time for being a cute little girl was gone and know was the time for Rachel to begin her journey into womanhood. Little did Alice know that there was much more going on in Rachel's life and her mind. Alice knew Rachel had a poor self image and so Alice did her best to try to lift Rachel up. Turning her head toward Rachel, Alice smiled. "Sweetheart, boobs are a woman's best weapon," she said with a giggle, "You'll find that out soon enough," she added with another giggle. "Best get used to all this change sweetheart, the time for being a little girl are gone. Plus, you've got me, what more could you want?," Alice added with a wink to let Rachel know she was playing with her.....Sort of.

Alice readjusted herself in her chair and looked back out over the water. She could feel herself relaxing already. Sure, the lake had a rather undesirable smell, but that was just the price one paid for something so relaxing. Alice should have picked up on Rachel's behavior but she didn't, she just didn't have the empathy to do so. To Alice, Rachel was happy. Hopefully Alice would eventually pick up on things before Rachel did something bad to herself or someone else.

After a few minutes, Alice grew tired of the silence. "So sweetheart, any boys caught your eye? Because I bet you've turned more than one boy's head," she said smiling, still looking out over the lake.

[Rachel Kells]

Rachel's blushing face was more than evident as Alice giggled. Her face sort of schrunched up and she shook her head flipping her hair over her shoulder. "No. They are unneeded, and frankly an eyesore, and they don't make any sense!" Rachel sort of huffed this as she applied her sunscreen. She didn't like this and she didn't like change. "I hope I don't have to find it out." Rachel bit her lip as she applied the sunscreen to her arms, before sighing and fidgeting with her necklace. "Chance is stupid..." Rachel knew that Alice was only trying to help, but she didn't like the loss of control. She had to giggle though as Alice offered herself. "Well if I have you, then I can't go wrong." At least that is what she hoped she would portray.

The lake was nice. It let Rachel relax at least a little. She had brought a book, but she hated reading. She didn't like that she was being forced to read over the summer, but she needed to finish this stupid book. Reading was stupid. Reading was annoying because the words were just too big and she didn't like actively using her brain. She frowned as she pulled out the book and slowly began to read, or tried to read.

After a few minutes Rachel felt herself blushing again, and shook her head before shutting her book. "No way. Boys are icky, and always want to get dirty, and they don't have any common sense." At least the boys she had met so far at Hammel. "AND they just seem to see me as little, which I am, but that doesn't mean I'm weak." Rachel frowned before shaking her head, and shuddering. "Plus, I don't have time for boys."

She had to focus on other things.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice laughed out loud at Rachel's response, she simply couldn't help herself. "Well of course they're stupid sweetheart. They're boys, its genetic," Alice said still laughing a little. "That's why its so easy to manipulate them, vocal hypnotism or not. Just give them a wink and lick of your lips and any boy will be putty in your hands. Never forget woman have all the real power sweetheart," Alice added, turning her gaze here and there across the lake shore. "Boys can be frustrating though, that's why I prefer to spend my more private times with a woman," Alice said letting her gaze fall on Rachel, "Take Catherine for example. She's smart, neat, and knows how to hold an intelligent conversation. But, let your own heart guide you in the romance department sweetheart, just don't forget to bring your brain along," she said.

Alice sighed at Rachel's frustration, knowing the girl was doing her best to figure all this change out. "Listen precious, most boys will always look at you like your small and fragile. Let them. It's easier to manipulate them that way. Remember, play on the weakness," Alice said, giving some not so good advice. In reality, Alice was a horrible role model, but in Alice's world, this was just how things worked. In her mind, Alice was teaching Rachel valuable life lessons, not corrupting her. "You'll figure it all out in time Rachel, just be patient."

Alice decided a change in subject was in order and spied the book Rachel was supposed to read. "I see Hammel still knows how to ruin summer break," she said, "I just hope its actually a book worth reading," she added showing a bit of disgust in her face. Alice enjoyed reading, but only books which were really worth the time.

[Rachel Kells]

Rachel very much pouted when Alice laughed at her. Boys were stupid and she didn't like that they weren't clean. "I still don't like em." Rachel shook her head at the mere thought of boys being stupid. "Lots of men aren't stupid. Boys are stupid. How is it genetic?" Rachel was geuinely confused at this and fowned thinking it over. "I don't want to manipulate them. I just want them to leave me alone, or at least be clean." Sure, Rachel might have come off as a little upset, but she was trusting Alice in letting her emotions be seen. "Clean would be nice." Rachel really couldn't do disorder. It just didn't suit her. "Oh. Who is Catherine? If you hang out with her she must be nice." This was one of the few times Rachel had heard of Catherine. To be honest she was a little jealous of Catherine. Alice seemed to really like her and seemed to want to spend more time with Catherine than Rachel. It was a little disheartening to the girl who had no idea that the two were romantically involved. "I don't think I want romance. It just seems hurtful." Coming from a divorced home would do that to Rachel. She just didn't see the merit in falling in love.

Rachel frowned as Alice told her to use her smallness to use boys. She didn't like it very much. "Why can't they see that just because I'm small doesn't mean that I can't do what they do. Half of them don't even know how to ride a horse properly! Or do ballet!" Rachel harrumphed at this and grined over at Alice. "I'm not very paitent." It was true. Rachel wasn't paitent, she was hardworking,and stubborn, but not paitent.

At Alice looking at her book Rachel gave a very large sigh. She didn't like this book and she didn't like reading in general. "It is The Secret Garden. I don't like it. The girl should just leave, or find a hobby. Plus the boy is stupid." Rachel turned her head to Alice. "I don't really like reading."

[Alice Halifax]

Alice let her smile slip just a little as she listened to Rachel. The girl was hurting but seemed to have a grip on things. Alice usually did a better job at reading people, but she was too close to Rachel and perhaps chose not to see the darkness underneath. Alice might not have been the best influence on Rachel at this time, but she was the best the girl had. No one else seemed to be investing any time into her though. Alice did like the girl, in her own way and so this was just how things were.

Alice sighed and put forth a stronger smile, something she was good at doing. She had not really realized that Rachel had never met Catherine. Alice had done too good a job at shielding the both of them. "Catherine," Alice said sort of quietly, blushing a bit which was something so not her. Quickly Alice cleared her throat, "Catherine is...well...she's mine. She's my girlfriend I guess you could say," Alice said, smiling more genuinely now as she toyed with the necklace around her neck, the one Cat had given her. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Alice put herself back in order, "But Catherine is someone you're not ready to meet just yet," Alice said rather cryptically.

"Now, as for hating reading, that's just absurd. How else do you expect to culture yourself precious?," Alice asked looking a bit more stern now. Alice was very supportive of education and knew knowledge was power. The ignorant ended up as cannon fodder and that was something she was't going to let Rachel become. "It might not be the best story ever, but you have got to learn it. I suggest you power through it and actually learn. You are too smart Rachel and you have so much potential," Alice said acting oddly motherly, something that was certainly out of character for her.

[Rachel Kells]

Rachel frowned as Alice lsitened to her. Maybe she was being too negative, after all Alice didn't want to hear her be negative anyway. She just wanted someone to spend time with. Why it was Rachel, she wasn't quite too sure. Rachel knew she wasn't good enough for Alice, was genuinely surprised whenever Alice wanted to hang out with her. Surely Alice had beter things to do than to hang with a barely teenager who was worth next to nothing.

When Alice began to talk to Rachel about Catherine, she tried to keep the surprise out of her face. She hadn't known Alice was liked girls romantically. She did pick up on the necklace however, and tilted her head processing. "Like romantic girlfriend? Or just like friend who is a girl?" Her mother and father hadn't really told her much about people who weren't straight, but she supposed that it was fine too like people of thier own sex. She didn't really understand it though. Most girls were too emotional for her, or cared to much. Then at the words that Rachel couldn't meet Catherine, Rachel's face fell a bit. Obviously. Alice wouldn't want Catherine near Rachel. She wasn't good enough for her. She wasn't nice enough. "Oh... okay." Taking a minute Rachel calmed herself before smiling again. "Tell me about her. If you like her she must be pretty nice and amazing and wonderful." She wanted Alice to get that look that she had gotten when she was talking about this mysterious Catherine before. Then, Alice looked happy.

At the mention of her hating reading, the 13 year old very much pouted. "It isn't absurd. It's stupid. Things don't make much sense in books. Plus I don't like how much time they take up and how much attention they require." She was very firm in her stance of hating reading. It never made any sense and she didn't like being forced to read boring books. "Instead of learning it I can sparknote it. Much easier." Rachel nodded before flashing Alice a brillant smile. "I know I'm smart. I just don't like to read."

It was simple really.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice hit a nerve with learning talk and while she meant what she said, today was supposed to be about relaxing and so she let that argument drop. Alice would bring this up again, just not today if she could help herself. Clearly, Rachel needed to unwind and Alice would not deny her the opportunity. Rachel seemed to really want to hear more about Catherine so Alice would give her a little to change the current mood of things.

"Alright, we can talk about Catherine if you want," she said as she found that serene smile once again, "I don't have the luxury of talking about her too much. She's a very private person but you're practically a sister so I don't see any harm in telling you a little bit about her," Alice said as her eyes watched the glistening water in front of them. "Catherine is involved with me romantically. I've always preferred woman over men, they are just more attractive and understanding of me," Alice said with a soft sigh. She wasn't sure just how much Rachel understood of sex and love or where she stood on the thought of same sex relationships. Vermont was more open than most other East Coast states so Alice figured Rachel wouldn't have too much of an opinion of just what made up a relationship. "That doesn't bother you does it?," she asked, stealing a glance of Rachel, testing the waters so to speak.

"Catherine is the most amazing woman I've ever met. She's intelligent, neat, caring, and rather beautiful. She's special, sort of like you Rachel. She's different from everyone else. I can be myself with her....well...to an extent," she said with a soft giggle at the last part. Cat was still a bit cautious of Alice's true nature, but she was coming around. "Anything else you want to know while Pandora's box is open?"

[Rachel Kells]

Alice hadn't really hit a nerve per se. It was more of a reflection on the educational system at Hammel more than anything else. Rachel didn't nessacarily have time for her studies, and was more focused on the things she was good at. Like history, piano, ballet, violin, horseback riding... those sorts of things. Rachel didn't feel like she should invest in things that she wasn't good at, why bother? Instead she would sit here with Alice and watch the world go by.

As soon as the words were out of Alice's mouth Rachel smiled. There was that look again. Rachel loved it when Alice got that look. She rarely saw it, but if Rachel could make Alice happy, it made Rachel happy. "You just always seem happy when you talk about her." Rachel smiled and titled her head to look over at the other girl. "I'm like a sister to you?" Rachel's eyes widened at the news. She was surprised that Alice thought that highly of her. She wasn't sure she was worthy of being that thought highly of. Rachel smiled softly as Alice told her that Catherine was her.... girlfriend in a romantic sense. Her dad didn't really support things like that but she supposed that people can't help who they love. "Do you love her Alice? It doesn't matter what I think if you love her." Rachel began to play with her necklace, thinking, wishing that her father would love her again. "I think that love is love. It is that simple." She offered up a small smile to the girl sitting next to her a bit lost in thought. She didn't want to intrude.

Rachel's smile faded momentarily before lighting up her face again. "I'm really not all that special." She giggled at the thought of being special, and instead nodded. "I'm glad you are happy." Rachel grinned before looking at Alice. "Well, maybe you can tell me why you hang out with me then. I'm sure you have better uses of your time." Rachel gave a sad small smile before looking down at herself suddenly feeling small. "Sometimes I wonder..." Shaking her head Rachel gave a happy little grin as a doll should, and bit her bottom lip before speaking. "How does it feel to be powerful? To be Pretty? To be loved?"

[Alice Halifax]

The question of love stalled Alice's response. It was hard for her to admit that feeling. She had never been this serious with any other lover in the past but Catherine was different. She felt right, like she was another part of Alice's soul. Something about Catherine rang true with Alice and after a minute of silence Alice spoke, "Yes, I suppose I do love her," she said sort of softly as if she had just came to this realization and perhaps she had. Rachel passed no judgement of Alice's relationship and this greatly pleased Alice. Rachel was open minded and that meant she was already a leg up on most others.

The question which really got Alice's attention was the one of why she spent time with Rachel. It was a valid question, but Alice had never given much thought that Rachel might not understand their relationship. Rachel was sort of surprised when Alice referred to her as a sister and Alice finally began to see things a bit differently. Perhaps Rachel didn't see things as Alice thought she did. Alice figured Rachel understood their relationship but then again, Rachel had been so young and innocent when they first met. How could Alice be so stupid? She had neglected Rachel emotionally and thus was no better than Rachel's parents. Alice felt anger for herself as she realized all this and decided it was time to try and patch up this poor little doll of hers.

Sitting up in her chair, Alice locked her eyes on Rachel. "Sweetheart....you're like a sister to me. You're part of my family. I thought you understood that, but apparently I've been wrong. I should have seen this early, I'm sorry," she said reaching out to take Rachel's hand. "You're not the only one to come from a broken home sweetheart. My parents only cared about what I meant or could be used for in their social life. They pawned me off on tutors and nannies and when they did grace me with their presence it was only to belittle me and let me know where I was failing in my studies and classes. You and I are not that different. We're family, you and I. Don't ever forget that sweetheart," Alice said before releasing Rachel's hand. "As for being powerful....it feels wonderful. You will know that feeling soon enough, but not just yet. You still have a lot of learning to do," Alice added before returning to her previous position in her chair. "You should know what being loved feels like, especially know. And as far as beauty goes, well sweetheart, how does it feel? You are beautiful. Haven't you looked in the mirror lately?"

[Rachel Kells]

Rachel's smile widened as Alice told her she loved Catherine. She wasn't sure why, but it made her happy that Alice was happy. The older woman deserved to be happy. She was nice and kind, plus she was amazing in everything she did. Rachel wanted nothing but success for Alice and she would continue to be a cheerleader for the older woman. She began to giggle though at the look on Alice's face though, and waved at her. "If you love her then you have to tell her silly." Rachel really didn't care if both Alice and Catherine were girls. "Daddy had said that only a man and a woman should be together, but I think love is love. No matter what." She just wished she could get her daddy's love again. That would be nice.

Rachel really missed her dad. She wanted to feel loved again. She wanted him to come to her recitals, to her performances. She wanted him to be there, at her races. She wanted him to be her dad again. She started to get sad and instead looked up with determination. She would just have to work harder. She would have to perfect herself. She had to keep her body thin and lithe, so her ballet would improve. She had to double her practice time on the violin and piano. She would have to spend more time with the horses. This would be a problem given how scheduled she already was. She frowned and set her jaw. She would just have to figure it out.

Rachel was kind of surprised when Alice looked over and locked eyes with her. The words that came out of her mouth surprised her even more. "Honestly Alice? I thought you were just keeping me around because I was some sort of amusement, or something." Rachel fidgeted with her necklace nervously before Alice reached over and took her hand. Shifting her eyes down Rachel bit her lip as Alice talked. "But you are so amazing... you have everything. I don't know if I'm worthy of being your family." Yes Alice, Rachel was starting to tear up. She couldn't even get her dad to love her, how did Alice love her like family? She really didn't understand it. At the words shee would become powerful Rachel just shook her head. "I'm not powerful, and I don't think I will ever be." Yes Alice you are getting to the cusp of Rachel's self confidence issues.Rachel watched Alice with a leary eye as she re-adjusted. "Thanks Alice..." She didn't feel like she deserved Alice's love, in fact she felt she had betrayed it by even bringing it up. she was just supposed to be a doll, happy smiling, something for Alice to play with.

So that is what she did. She smiled. Then at Alice's last words Rachel gave the widest smile before seriously laughing. "I am probably the farthest thing from beautiful. I weigh too much, my nose is crooked, my hair is frizzy, my eyes are too wide apart and my ears are too big." Rachel let that sink in before giggiling. "Besides you are the beautiful one Alice, how else, other than your power, would you get everyone to do eeverything for you?"

[Alice Halifax]

Alice listened carefully to Rachel's words and slowly began to realize just how fragile Rachel's self confidence was. It wasn't too unsurprising, young woman often felt this way, especially in their early teen years. Alice never felt that way mind you, but she was a different story. Alice's emotions ran very different than most other people's might. Alice's emotions were selfish and sort of aggressive. She wasn't exactly wired right. Alice wasn't crazy or anything like that, she was just sort of unbalanced. However, she did develop emotional bonds with a rare few. Rachel was one of those rare few, so good for her. Alice would go to any length for those she felt bonded to and that meant bad news for everybody else. Rachel needed some joy in her life and so Alice decided to give her little doll just that. She wasn't sure how to just yet.

Rachel needed guidance, needed some assurance. Alice could give her that in spades. Although, maybe Alice was part of the problem? She was so beautiful and successful, that was surely intimidating. Was Alice hurting Rachel without realizing it? She hoped not, but that doubt was there in her mind. Alice needed to push Rachel into the spotlight more. Maybe it was time to show Rachel just how to squeeze the world. Should she bring Rachel into the view of the rest of the Family? Could she handle the expectations which that would thrust upon her? Would the others treat her with care or would they feel anger at having to share duties with a teenager? No, Rachel still wasn't ready to step into the spotlight of the Family. She still needed guidance and understanding. It was clear to Alice now that she had to step up and begin Rachel's training.

Alice frowned as Rachel described her looks so poorly. Alice admitted to herself that Rachel could use some help in certain areas but nothing serious. She just needed some pointers on how to put on the proper make-up and which outfits would accent her natural bodily traits. None of that would be difficult, especially for someone like Alice. "Stop it," she said rather firmly as Rachel babbled on about how ugly she was. There was something melodic to the tone Alice used though. It was her power. Had Alice willingly used her ability on Rachel or was it because she was mad? "I will not have you degrading yourself Rachel. You are too strong and smart for something like that. I know you are all over the map emotionally right now at this time in your life, but putting yourself down is where it stops. You have me here to help you in anything and that gift I will not let you throw away. You're my sister Rachel," Alice said, her tone mixed with a hint of anger and the rest worry.

With a sigh, Alice closed her eyes a minute to let all that babble sink in with Rachel. "I'm sorry I sort of snapped at you sweetheart," she said as she tried to gather her composure again. "My power is very useful yes, but it can only do so much. People with strong determination are beyond my grasp as are some with certain mental abilities. Beauty certainly helps as well, but sadly that won't work forever either. The core of my skill at manipulating people is my mind sweetheart. My father did teach me something useful. He taught me how to read a room and the people within it. You have to know those you target, know just what to say to them and how to treat them. Remember when I told you to let those boys underestimate you? That's just sound strategy. Sure, it might make you mad that they see you as little, but that just means the payout at the end will be that much sweeter. Seeing someone's face when they realize they have been played is one of the most delicious feelings," Alice said with a weird sort of smile. Alice clearly enjoyed toying with others.

[Rachel Kells]

Rachel was ugly. She was very ugly. That is what she thought at least. She needed to be better, but she couldn't change the very prescence of herself. Trust me, she had tried. Rahcel was surprised when Alice told her to stop, almost firmly. Normally Alice was sing song tones and almost etheral. To hear Alice tell her to stop forcefully surprised Rachel, but she also knew it was almost melodic. She did stop though and averted her eyes. She frowned when Alice scoldeed her. She hadn't done anything wrong! "All that I'm saying is true. But if you are telling me to stop saying it in front of you then I will. Will that make you happy?" Rachel gave a cruel smirk and shook her head. "Alice, we both know that I will never be good enough to be your sister." At this point Rachel was sort of lashing out, but in a sad, self defeating way. She knew that Alice was above her, was her superior. Nothing would change that.

Rachel's eyes widened as Alice apologized to her. "No Alice, you don't have to apologize. You didn't do anything. I was the one at fault. I was saying things you didn't want to hear." Rachel game a small sad smile before flashing a look at Alice. "I don't know if I nessacarily want to target people, or manipulate them, I just want to be able to stand up for myself and not get laughed at. I want to be able to let people know that just because I'm small doesn't mean that I can't do everything they can." Rachel looked down before smiling. "You've had a bunch of practice though, right?" She giggiled and looked at her surrondings, noting the large amount of things that Alice had decided to bring. "Maybe you should teach me, I'm pretty hopeless at manipulating people. " Rachel grinned not expecting Alice to take her seirously. "Maybe I could manipulate my dad into coming to recitals and preformances again." That just sorta came out of Rachel, before she could sensor herself. "Or at the very least talk to me again." Rachel giggled knowing Alice would understand. "But that would probably take a lot of training."

[Alice Halifax]

Alice sat there quietly, just listening and for once in her life, very unsure of just how to act next. Alice put on a good show of caring about others but in reality, she found it almost impossible to emotionally connect with anyone around her. Catherine had been the exception in her life and now Rachel. Alice was battling her own inner demons, trying to figure out the storm raging in her mind and her heart. Rachel needed serious help and Alice, much as she wished to help, just could not. Alice had no idea what to say. She had to say something though or Rachel would think she didn't care at all. This day had officially tanked.

With a heavy sigh, Alice sat up in her chair and stared hard out across the water. What to do? Alice decided to just be Alice and follow through with her thoughts and actions. It was Rachel's parents who had done this to her and Alice would right that wrong in any way she saw fit. Rachel's mother wasn't all that bad by normal standards but she wasn't a very good mother. She ignored Rachel far too much. As for Rachel's father, well...Alice new very little of the man. She had never really heard Rachel talk much about him, except in muttered whispers which the young girl thought Alice did not hear. Alice never pushed Rachel to discuss her father, but maybe it was time.

"Rachel, I'm going to do you a courtesy since you are my little sister. I'm going to ask nicely for you to tell me about your father and what he's done to you. Please don't make me pull it out of you," Alice said, looking at Rachel now with rather somber and sad looking eyes. Alice did not want to use her power on Rachel for she cared about the younger woman far too much. However, Alice would have answers and all the information she would need to fix her little broken doll.