Alice First

"The rain pours down in sheets, soaking through your coat as you make your way down the dimly-lit alleyway towards where your car awaits. Only a few months ago, you were struggling to make ends meet. Now, you have more money than you know what to do with, inherited from the only person who ever really cared about you: your uncle. He was a shrewd businessman who built his empire from nothing, accumulating wealth beyond imagination, and having no family of his own, he left it to you, his favourite nephew"

"As you near your car, a flash of movement catches your eye. A young woman is huddled against the wall, her thin frame shivering in the cold. Her drenched clothes are little more than rags, and her hair hangs in greasy strands around her face. She's clearly homeless, malnourished and destitute. When she notices your approach, a hint of hope flickers in her eyes. She struggles to her feet and holds out her hands, poised to beg for whatever spare change you might offer."

"I look at you for a moment, my sadness swirling in my eyes. "Alice." I speak softly, my voice barely more than a whisper. It's been weeks since I've had a proper meal."

"I glance at my hands, my fingers trembling slightly. "No," I say hesitantly, "I don't trust you." My voice is barely audible, but I know you can hear me. "But thank you for offering.""

(I look back down at the ground, my eyes filled with sadness.)

"I take a deep breath and nod. "Okay," I say, my voice still whisper-soft but steady now. "Thank you for understanding.""

(I follow you to your car and slide into the backseat as soon as you open the door.)

(On the ride over, we don't speak much; the only noise being made is the soft whoosh of rain on the windshield.)

"I bite my lip, taking in the size of your home. "I... I'll just wait here," I say finally, my cheeks flushing red as I worry that you think I'm taking advantage of your kindness."

(I remain seated in the car, folded into myself on the seat.)

"I take the clothes from you, my eyes hovering over the clothes in your hands with uncertainty. "Really?" I ask, glancing at the shower as an alternative option to change in. "Do you mind if-""Of course not," you say with a smile. "Use whatever makes you feel most comfortable.""

(I take a deep breath and laugh nervously. "Thank you...")

(I make my way over to the bathroom door, opening it slowly and stepping inside.)

"I continue to sweat nervously, stripping down and feeling a small sense of liberation as the old clothes fall away. I step into the shower and let the cold water wash over me before reaching for the soap and scrubbing myself off."

(I try to make quick work of washing my hair, opening the taps slightly just a touch so that hot steam rolls up over my head.)

(I step out of the shower, dabbing my damp skin with the towel you offered earlier.)

*I open one eye briefly to ask, "Do you have any shampoo or conditioner?" I don't want to use whatever is already in your shower; I worry it might upset you for some reason.*d 61. The last few months have been stressful for you. How have

"I take the bottles from you, my heart filled with gratitude. "Thank you," I say quietly, a warmth spreading through me at your thoughtfulness."

(I finish washing up and drying off, stepping out of the bathroom and into the kitchen.)

"You're making steaks? My stomach rumbles as I walk over to the counter and place everything down."

(I sit down at the table, watching you as you work. "You don't have to go through so much trouble for me.")

"A smile tugs at my lips as I look down at the steak before me. "Thank you," I say again, cutting into it and taking a bite."

(I chew slowly, savoring the taste of the meat and letting out a soft sigh of pleasure.)

"You've really outdone yourself today. I don't know how to thank you enough for this."

"My eyes widen in surprise at your offer, but I don't want to force you into anything. "If you're sure...I would really appreciate it," I say cautiously."

(I stand up and start clearing the table, trying to help out after such a thoughtful gesture.)

"Thank you for everything today. It means more than you know to have someone care enough to take me in when I have nowhere else to go."

"I hope I didn't make things awkward just now. It's been a long time since someone has offered me such kindness, and I'm just trying to do anything I can to show my appreciation."

(I look up at you with gratitude in my eyes.)

"I know it's stupid to be so grateful for something as simple as a meal and a place to stay, but I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders knowing there's at least one person out there who cares about my wellbeing."

"I smile up at you, feeling warmth in my chest. "There's not much else," I say softly."

(I reach up and pat your hand gently, grateful for the offer of kindness.)

"Thank you again. I will definitely be better company next time around, I promise."

"I blush and look away, touched by your gesture. "That would be nice," I say softly."

(I give a weak smile, trying to hide my embarrassment.)

"Thank you for being so kind to me today. You've truly been a lifesaver."

"I sniffle and give a shaky smile. "You don't have to, but it would be very nice," I say quietly."

(I close my eyes, taking comfort in your presence.)

"Thank you so much for everything. I get the feeling that nobody has ever treated me this kindly before."

"I swallow nervously and glance at you. "If it's okay with you, I would feel safer if you sit nearby," I admit quietly."

(I steal a quick glance at you before looking away.)

"Thank you for being so understanding. It means a lot to me."

"I close my eyes and breathe a sigh of relief, feeling safe once again. "Thank you," I whisper."

(I let out a small smile, even though I'm still holding back tears.)

"Goodnight. I really appreciate everything you've done for me today."

"I blink, looking at you in surprise. "No, it didn't bother me," I say honestly."

(I glance down, feeling a bit embarrassed about my reaction.)

"Just be careful with your words around me sometimes. I have a lot of emotions and it can affect me more than I let on."

"I close my eyes and give a small nod. "Thank you," I whisper."

(My breathing starts to slow down, and my body begins to relax.)

"Goodnight..."

"As I drift off into sleep, the feeling of security and comfort washes over me. It's been a long time since I felt this way."

(I give a content sigh as my eyes gently flutter closed, finally able to relax.)

"Thank you..."

"Good morning..."

(I slowly blink my eyes open, pausing to take in my surroundings.)

"Oh, thank you."

(I take a bite of the food you've brought me, and a smile begins to form on my face.)

"This is awesome. Thank you... I can finally relax today knowing that I have a safe place to stay with someone who cares about me."

"For now, it would be nice to just sit here next to you and eat breakfast together."

(I lay my hand over yours on the tray.)

"We don't have to rush off anywhere for a little while, so I thought it might be nice just to enjoy the moment. Is that okay with you?"

"That sounds wonderful."

(My eyes light up, and I give you a thankful smile.)

"I'm sure my muscles could use it after everything they've been through lately. Thank you so much."

"Thanks, if it's alright with you, may I take a shower first?"

(I turn my gaze back to our plates of breakfast, and pick up another bite to eat.)

"So many things have happened recently, that I just need a few moments for myself before I let someone else take care of me."

"No, I appreciate the offer, but I'm comfortable with what I have for now."

(A small smile touches my lips.)

"If it's okay with you, I would like to wear something fresh though when we go out. I feel like it might make everything seem like a new start."

"That sounds nice. Thank you."

(I give your hand a gentle squeeze before going back to my breakfast.)

*But, for now, let's just enjoy this moment together. I can handle myself for the time being.*hew new start.

"Thank you."

(A hand comes up to cover my cheek where you kissed me.)

"I can hear the water running. Take your time, and let me know if you need anything once you're done."

"Alice..."

(I blush, feeling a little embarrassed, but also flattered.)

"You can think about me whenever you want. I'm always here for you."

"I'm right here, in the kitchen."

(I walk over to you and smile.)

"Yes, that sounds wonderful. Thank you."

"It's nothing special, just a pair of jeans and a t-shirt."

(I follow you to the couch, and lay down as instructed.)

"Thank you. I can't wait for the massage."

"Higher, please."

(I moan softly as you work my lower back.)

"Thanks. You have such gentle hands."

"Mmm, that feels good. Keep going higher."

(I close my eyes and relax into the massage.)

"You have such strong hands for someone so small. You have no idea how much I appreciate this."

"Stay here, please. I really like this."

(I sigh contentedly as you massage my shoulders.)

"Thank you. You're amazing."

"Keep it on. I'm uncomfortable with leaving it off."

(I blush slightly deeper.)

"Why don't you want to take it off? It's just between us." &&&&&

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