training alexis

[icu1978]

Her name was Alexiz Montoya and she had been living on the streets of New York for 6 monthes. she had not reached the bottom though for even living on the streets she had not sunk to selling her body for money prefering to find empty buildings to sleep in.

she had just found a half eaten peice of pizza and was about to bring it to her mouth when she noticed a well to do young woman watching her. becoming affraid and self contiouse, she stuffed the pizza in her coat pocket and turned to leave. she hears a soft musical voice sweat adn very femanine behind her as a lady's small slim hand gently came down on her shoulder. turning enough to look over her shoulder at her she held perfectly still affraid of what this stranger was about to do.

even with a dirty face he could see her skin was like fine porclean, and her large blue eyes where surrounded by dark thick lashes in the depths of those eyes was fear. her long dirty hair lay around her face hiding her eyes some what from him. the black locks fell to the middle of her back and looked as if it wanted to curl but the dirt and grime of the city held it into place. even through all this it was easy to see that this girl was a gem. a rare and preciouse gem, a diamond in the rough if you will.

smiling the young women turns her so that Alexis stood directly infront of her. huddled and well hidden beneath a large mans coat that had seen better days. weary of the stranger with the beutiful clothes, Alexis was prepared to bolt at any sudden movements.

the other women decided then and there she wanted alexis for her own.

 

[icu1978]

*bumpers*

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Sarah Lawford

It was not her habit of following rough-sleepers into alleys, yet there had been something about the girl that had prompted her interest. The way she had walked the streets, eyes not flinching like so many other unfortunates had the habit of doing. Secondly there was a bearing to her that bespoke of something entirely different from the life she was currently leading. A rumour of poise and elegance, and that was enough for arouse interest. She had followed her from a distance making sure not to rouse her suspicion nor to corner her prematurely.

Seeing the girl slip into a narrow alley, blocked up at the far end by a brickwall, and starting to rummage through one of the garbage bins. Even in her dishevelled state, face coated in grime and her hair lank, her beauty was still discernible.

Gently moving closer, hands held out from her body as to demonstrate her intentions not to cause her harm. Giving her an apprising look and a smile, still making sure that the girl was not cornered.

"I'm sure that pizza is well past it's sell-by date my dear." edging closer and placing her hand in a placatory gesture on her arm. "Besides you'll probably catch something dreadful eating it."

She looked at her, eyes a piercing blue, her posture one of fight or flight. Keeping her mouth firmly shut, although a slight colouring of her cheeks could be seen through the layers of filth covering her face.

"I'm Sarah and you are..?"

Her hand still on her arm reassuring her that no harm would come to her.

 

[icu1978]

Alexis was unsure what this fine lady's game was but she decided to play along until she could figure it out. besides it wasn't everyday she got followed into the dark alley's by one of the gentree. looking at the woman for a moment before answering her as if she where sizing this sarah person up she hesatently said in a soft whisper." Alexis" she could feel the stail pizza in her pocket and wondered if the lady was right. of course it wasn't the first time she had eaten from this bin and it was usually ok. but there was always that chance one took when scrounging.

" i have to eat you know." she said her voice a little stronger as if she where insulted or ashamed that this fancy lady would follow her just to point out that she was eating out of a garbage bin.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Sarah Lawford

"Pleased to meet you Alexis."

She looked at her again, sizing her up, the poor thing couldn't be more than 18, 20 at the most. The defiant posture spoke volumes of what she had been going through, sleeping rough on the streets of New York. She shruddered at the thought, for a second listing the perils a young woman in such a situation might have faced.

"Yes you don't you? But surely not that." Sarah stepped back giving Alexis room, her attitude having changed, seeing as she had been challenged. Placing her gloved hand on her arm once more, her voice carefully modulated not to sound neither patronising nor betraying the disgust she felt for her choice of dinner.

"Tell you what Alexis, there's a diner down the street and I'm sure you'll be able to find something more to your liking there. My treat." She shot Alexis a brilliant smile in order to mitigate whatever blow to the girl's pride her offer had done.

 

[icu1978]

Alexis may be homeless but she was no fool. no one in her postition turned down a hot meal for pride. knoding she went with the lady wondering just what this women would want in return for her hot meal and full belly. she looked at sarah from the corner of her eye as she tossed the pizza in another bin on their way from the alley.

taking a chance she asked." do you make it a habbit of picking the homeless off the street and feeding them?" she hoped she didn't sound like a smart ass. another bad habbit she had picked up living on the streets.

as they entered the resturaunt alexis noticed people staring at them and she glared right back. for once she was with a paying costumer and had been invited inside. she wasn't leaving now becuase of a few nasty looks.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Sarah Lawford

"Do you make it a habit of picking the homeless off the street and feeding them?"

Sarah responded with a serene smile as she held the door open for her and ushering to a table. They were handed the menus by a disapproving waitress not able to hide her disgust with Alexis' demeanour. However, the five dollarbill handed to her by Sarah did allay the reservations she might have harboured.

"No I don't pick the unfortunates of the street on a general basis Alexis." She looked out the window at the rainy street. Thinking back to Edinburgh, the city that saw her sister die like an animal, needle in her arm on a toilet at Waverly Station. The memory making her shrudder. Debating with herself whether to tell her guest or not and deciding that it honesty would be the better stratagem.

"You remind me of my sister Alexis." She was interupted by the waitress putting down a burger for Alexis and a cup of coffee for herself. The girl looked around, almost as she was afraid someone would steal it, then wolfing the food down. Sarah sipped her coffee and as Alexis had satisfied the worst of her hunger she told her about Alison. It took her the better part of an hour and her coffee grew cold in the cup long before she was finished.

"There's the reason really. You probably think it stupid Alexis, but sometimes one tries to balance a great sin with a thousand inadequate charities." Calling the waitress over and paying the bill before standing up, making ready to leave.

"Do you have a place to stay? Any shelter or similar?"

 

[icu1978]

"You remind me of my sister Alexis." She was interupted by the waitress putting down a burger for Alexis and a cup of coffee for herself.

Alexis eyes widen as she looked at the burger. it was hot and she could even smell the aroma coming from it, making her mouth water. looking up at sarah then grabing the burger she took several large bites savoring the taste and warmth on her tongue as she chewed and swallowed. thinking that this sarah womens sister must have been in pretty sad shape for alexis to remind such a pretty lady of her own sister. " what happened to her"

she asks between bites. she listens silently as sarah tells her the story of her sister and what had happened to her. pushign the empty plate away from her just as sarah was finishing her story alexis pated her hand. " sometimes people cant seem to turn from what is killing them.. they run to it like a moth to the flame. they know it is hurting them and that one day it will be their undoing but they just can't stop." sighing she leans back as the waitress comes.

she watches the money exchange hands and smiled. " thank you for the meal.. it was the best thing i have had in monthes." standing she walks with sarah out of the resturaunt. standing on the side walk pulling her coat firmly around her hiding the fact she had snaged a few of the left overs off of a plate on their way out.

"Do you have a place to stay? Any shelter or similar?"
smilng at sarah for the first time. a real smile that lit her face she knodded. " ah don't go worrin about me none. i will find a place to lay my head tonight."she didn't want to press her luck with sarah. she was the first nice person she had met in all of new york the whole time she had been there. turning she starts to walk away but turns back and looks at sarah. " don't go worrin about your sister no more. she is in a much better place now than she ever was while she was here on this earth."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Sarah Lawford

She looked at Alexis as she made her way down the street, her slight frame clothed in the old coat making her appareance seem all to fragile to be roaming the streets of New York at night. Knowing there probably wouldn't be any other shelter than a hot-air vent at best. Bracing herself she called her name.

She had only walked a few paces as she heard her name being called, turning and offering her a tentative smile.

"There isn't a shelter is there Alexis?" Not so much a question as a statement. The girl at least had the decency to look embarressed as she shook her head.

"You can't sleep on the streets in this weather," giving her a stern glance although mitigated by the shadow of a smile "I got a spare room you could crash in, besides you need a shower and a set of new clothes."

Giving Alexis a reasuring glance as she caught sight of a cab heading their way.

 

[icu1978]

she had been cuaght in her lie and felt ashamed of it for some reason. sighing she walked back to sarah. " you don't have to do that sarah. but if you really want to i will take your offer it will be nice to sleep in a soft bed and take a hot shower again." she had to put up a little resistance even if it was for show before she accepted the generose offer.

alexis watched as the cab stoped infront of the curb and she started to wonder if maybe she wasn't taking advantage of sarah and her need to make it up to a sister she had lost so long ago. sighing she slid into the cab and made room for sarah. she could smell the perfume she was wearing. it was the nicest smell in the world to alexis and she wondered if sarah would let her put some on after her shower. sighing she leaned back against the seat her legs bouncing infront of her.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Sarah Lawford

Giving the driver her address, and leaning back on the seat. She met the eyes of the cabbie in the mirror and gave a haughty stare in response to his mute question.

Looking at Alexis who had curled up on the seat, resting her head against the window, seemingly lost to the world. She found herself wondering what had prompted her to make her living on the steets. Abusive parents was the first idea that sprung to mind, too many children grew up in circumstances most people wouldn't allow an animal to suffer. She looked even more fragile now, younger somewhat, as she had shedded some of her attitude from their intial meeting.

Not able to resist, she reached out and pushed a strand of greasy hair from her forhead, and pulling back as Alexia almost lashed out at her gesture. Obviously taken aback she stammered an apology

"I'm sorry Alexia, I didn't mean to scare you."

Yet she knew that it was not that she had been frightened, rather that the seemingly innocent gesture had been interpreted as something all the more sinister. Feeling her cheeks burn, thinking that Alexia probably had misunderstood her motives...

 

[icu1978]

looking at sarah as she pressed her back against the door she could see the blush spreading across the other womans face and instantly felt bad for having taken her simple act as somethign that is wasn't ment to be.
" i'm sorry" she said. her voice just above a whisper." i..i am not used to people touching me like that."

she knew what she was saying probably sounded cryptic and she really didn't mean for it to. sarah was a nice person much more giving than anyone she had ever known. they rode in silence until the cab slowly pulled to a stop infront of a large brownstone and alexis nearly gasped. she had never seen a place so nice before. even before living on the streets she had stayed to her side of the tracks. " is this really your place?" she whispered in aw, as she looked up at the tall building.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Sarah Lawford

The cab came to a halt outside the house she called her home, and she couldn't help but smile at Alexia's remark. Handing the driver a bill asking him to keep the change and getting out from the car.

She still felt uneasy about the Alexia, her reaction having made her wonder how wise her offer had been. Yet she was damned if she'd chuck her out on the streets after having taken her this far.

Turning to her protegee, but keeping her distance, showing her that she had no intentions of touching her again, or even infringing on her personal space.

"Alexia, I think I know what you meant and I want you to know that I don't have any intentions such as that." The mere thought disgusted her, but she knew that there were both men and women out there who would do whatever they pleased to a girl in Alexia's situation. "I promise, I didn't mean to.." She didn't finish the sentence knowing that Alexia would know what she was alluding to.

Then in a lighter tone, which to her sounded feigned she continued, "And yes it is my place, or rather my company's place but I get to use it." Giving her a conspiratorical wink as she unlocked the door and punched the keys to disable the alarm, "I think there's still some ice-cream in the fridge if you're up for it Alexia."

Thinking it sounded a rather poor incitement but it was the first thing that sprung to her mind. Instantly chiding herself as she realised that it sounded like the proverbial catch-phrase of the generic sexual predator.

 

[icu1978]

laughing at the look on sarah's face after she had offered her the ice cream alexis steped inside. " ice cream sounds good." she chose to let the other topic drop feeling that they both where on the same page now.

looking around the place she seen that it was all very stylish and clean. sarah must spend alot of hours just cleaning this place. she turned to look at sarah, her confusion plane to see. alexis had no idea what to do or where to go." is ....can i sit down?" she asks feeling out of place in such a grand home.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Sarah Lawford

"I think it best if you go straight to the bathroom. It's the second on the left."

Smiling at Alexis and pointing her in the right direction as she went into the kitchen and grabbed a black bin-liner. The girl's clothes had to go straight to the rubbish-bin.

Walking to the bathroom and politely knocking on the door, seeing Alexia seated on the toilet, pulling her trainers off her feet.

"Put your clothes in the bag and I'll fetch you something else to wear. I know I said I'd wash them but I think they are beyond helping."

She smiled as she handed her the bin-liner and rummaged through the cabinet taking out a lush towel and a robe. Placing them on the desk next to the sink and giving Alexia another reassuring smile.

"You're a bit smaller in stature than I am but I think we can find something for you to wear once you get cleaned up." She turned to leave the room, pausing briefly in the door, looking intently at her.

"I'll be just down the hall if you need me."

 

[icu1978]

alexis watched sarah leave the door left ajar. looking at the pristeen white tub large enough for three people to easily fit into it. giggling she turned on the hot water and watched the steam rise up filling the bathroom. adjusting the water so that it was perfect she striped from her clothes and dumped them into the bag as sarah had requested. climbing into the large tub she layed down and let her head fall under the water before sitting up and laughing began to splash around as she bathed. scrubbing every part of her body and using way to much shampoo on her hair before she dunked back under the water to rince off.

it felt wonderfull to be clean again. she felt human again, smiling she pulled the plug and let the water drain from the tub. steping out she dryed off and pulled the soft robe around her body, concealing her nudity. steping from teh bathroom a cloud of steam following her into the hall, she carried the bag with her old close in it with her as she entered the living room.

smiling brightly she droped the bag and held her arms out as she spun around in a curcle. " do i look presentable now?" she asked giggling as she jumped onto the sofa and pulled her knee's under her chin." thanks sarah that was great."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Sarah Lawford

"Oh dear, there was a young woman underneath all that grime."

She smiled as she gave Alexia an appraising look. Her dark hair had been given back it's sheen and the face no longer obscured by the layers of dirt. Even her posture had undergone a change, instead of the slouching way she had carried herself when she first saw her, she now moved in a manner that could almost be described as...graceful.

"There's ice-cream in the tub." Sarah used her spoon to point in the general direction of the promised treat. Looking at Alexis as she scooped up a generous amount in her bowl and sitting down opposite to her by the kitchentable.

They ate in silence, none of them quite sure as to what to say, then Sarah broke the reverie looking at Alexia's nails.

"That my dear is just not appropriate for a young lady," She smiled and accentuated her British accent so to sound like a dismayed noble being confronted by something truely horrific. "And I bet you a quid that you haven't shaved your legs in a while."

Thinking that a spot of manicure as well as tending her feminine needs would, at least temporary, alleviate the stress she'd been under.

"I'll get you the razor and scissors."

Giving her yet another reassuring smile as she stood up again, prompting Alexis to follow.

 

[icu1978]

blushing wildly Alexis hid her face behind her hands. laughing as she felt sarah grab her wrist and lead her down the hall to the bathroom yet again.
" why do i gotta shave and all that sarah..." she complained. as she sat on the edge of the tub and took the offered razor. scowling at the thing she looked up at sarah.

crossing her arms over her chest she frowned." you know this just aint fair if you ask me.. i don't get why you are making me use this torture devise on myself."

she knew she was being childish but she felt so comftorable now that she had taken a bath and even got some ice cream her belly was full and she was clean and warm and just having fun with this woman that decided on a whim to rescue some vagabond off the streets. thank goodness her belly drove her to that alley tonight. thinking this she began to laugh and nearly fell back into the tub.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Sarah Lawford

"Because proper young ladies do not let themself acquire fur Alexis."

She replied sternly, although she could hardly keep herself from bursting out laughing. It seemed that whatever suspicion Alexis had harboured had been allayed, and the way she had opened up, revealing the the softer side to herself was proof enough.

"It's either that or having your legs waxed and trust me my dear, this is the soft option." She stared down on her, trying to maintain her haughty looks yet failing miserably as she saw the mirth on Alexis' face.

"OK it's not a prerequisite," She took the razor from her unresisting hands and placed it by the sink. "I thought perhaps that you'd appreciate the feeling. But never mind. We need to get you some clothes."

She stood up and went out in the hallway, A row of closets lined it and she opened one taking out a pair of sweat-pants and a t-shirt. Looking at Alexis who had followed a step or so behind, seizing her up before tossing her a sports-bra and a pair of knickers. "I don't know if they fit though, but I think they'll do for tonight." Thinking they could pick up some new clothes for her tomorrow, and almost taking a step back. What would happen now? It wasn't like she could put her back onto the street, not now. Turning to Alexis again a concerned look on her face. "How old are you. Be honest with me."

 

[icu1978]

biting her lower lip alexis sank down onto the bed and looked up at sarah.
" 19" she said in a whisper so low she wasn't sure if sarah even heard it. she held the sweets and other articles of clothing in her lap.

smiling she asked " well how old are you then?" it sounded more like a challenge but the look in alexis's eyes let sarah know she was playing again. standing she fled from the room." well come on then. lets see what this bare leg thing is all about." going into the bathroom she picked up the razor and sat on the side of the tub. lifting her leg she pulled the razor up her leg.
" hell that doesn't feel nice at all." she yelped.
sending an accusing look at sarah as she droped the razor.

looking down at her leg she shruged and began to laugh." to be true i think i would rather be fury sarah... you LIKE that having?" she questioned the other women who looked ready to fall over laughing at any minute even though she was trying very hard to keep it in. but the watering eyes gave her away and alexis stood and placed her small hands on her hips. " well there is no call for laughing at me sarah."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

"Sorry dear but you're quite amusing you know." She looked at the indignant poise that Alexis had struck up, her theatrics a sure sign that she had not succumed entirely to the harsh life on the streets.

"I'm 26 and yes I prefer not to be covered in fur, besides you're supposed to use a bit of gel when you do that."

Tossing a can of shaving-gel to her. Her features serious for a moment "Do you even have a social security number Alexis?"

Seeing the accusing look on the girl's face she decided to let the issue drop for the time being. Instead instructing her how to apply the gel and rinse it of as she tore away the hairs of her legs.

She found herself looking at her as she ran the razor along the lenght of her calves. It was strange that she had managed to stay in so good a shape considering what she'd been through.

Handing her a rather expensive lotion and telling her to rub it on to avoid the itch and lessen the irritation of the skin, then leaving to give her some privacy as she got dressed.

Sitting down in the sofa, flicking the TV on but not paying attention, her mind to busy trying to figure out what to do next. She decided they needed to have a chat with the Social Services the next day. Leaning back as she saw her protegee enter, dressed in the slightly too big clothes she had borrowed and a small frown on her face.

"What's the matter now dear?"

 

[icu1978]

looking to sarah a seriouse look on her face as she sat next to the her on the sofa." i do have a social security card." she said holding her hands between her thighs as she pulls them up under her." i can't use it though."

looking to the tv she the corners of her lips lifted slightly before falling.
" there is someone looking for me and.*a slight pause* i would rather not be found." looking down at her lap she shruged.

" hey i just wanted to thank you for all this nice stuff you have done for me.. you must be a very trusting person to bring someone in off the street and offer them a bed and hot bath for the night. it's really great of you ya know."

she hoped she had not messed up by telling sarah part of her secret but only time would tell.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Sarah Lawford

"I don't pick up strangers off the streets on a general basis Alexis."

She reached out again, pushing a strand of hair from her forehead and this time she was rewarded with a smile instead of the flinch that had accompanied it the last time.

"Do you want to tell me about it?" She thought it best to offer her a chance to tell but wouldn't force the issue with her. Seeing how Alexis bit her lip and shook her head she decided to let it rest. Instead giving her the remote. "You make the choice, I scarcely know what channels I've got but I suppose there ought to be something worth watching on HBO."

She leaned back, looking at her out of the corner of her eyes, God she was the spitting image of Alison, Not able to restrain herself she put her arm around Alexis' slender shoulders giving her a hug.

 

[icu1978]

smiling Alexis scootched down on the sofa and lay her head on the other womens shoulder letting her arm remain around her as she flipped through the tv channels. not sure what to watch she stoped on a show that was just starting on HBO. it was a romance called the wedding date and she watched as the movie played out. wiping at her eyes near the end.
when it was over she sat up and looked at Sarah. " that was a great movie." she said wiping the last of her tears away with the heal of her hand.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Sarah Lawford

Truth to be told Sarah hadn't paid much attention to the film, her mind preoccupied by the young woman cuddling by her side. She understood that Alexis had had a tougher ride than most, and the realisation had made her want to protect her. Perhaps it was the residue guilt from Alison's death in one of the public toilets in Waverly Station all these years ago that had promted it, but given a second thought it seemed to be more to it than that.

She wanted her. That was the simple truth to it, yet she couldn't bring herself to phrase her desire. Not wanting to be just one of the many predators waiting to lay their hands on a girl like her.

Giving a non-committant answer to Alexis summary of the film and gently disentangling herself from her. Standing up and showing her to the guestroom.

"I'll be just across the hall if you need me." She had given her a hug, out of impulse really, and even kissed her forehead softly before turning and entering her own room. Closing the door, leaning against it not knowing how to react.