A Beautiful New Wonderland

~{02}~

Alice:

I threw on my classiest outfit, then made my way, with the help of Walter, to the round table meeting where my mom's coworkers were. I walk in and they stand, most of them in shock. 

" Well I'll be...Did Sir Integral clone herself, then go through what is clearly a punk phase?" 

" No, my mother didn't, I just look like her, and for the record, I'm not a punk, I'm emo, get it right. I know I look like her but edgier, I get it. Now, stop the fuss and please explain why it was so urgent as to disrupt me while I'm still grieving and coming to terms with everything? I've been on a plane for the last nine and a half hours plus layover time from Boston International, of all fuckin places, and want to understand exactly why I'm being bothered, when I haven't even showered, eaten, let alone rested from my flight from hell?!" 

A man in a stuffy brown suit stands, and gives me a small, but very forced smile. 

" Apologies, we thought it had been an adequate amount of time, but England's safety doesn't wait on grief-" 

" England's safety is the least of my concerns, right now, pal! My mother isn't even cold in her grave and y'all want to instantly jump down my throat and stick your business up my ass. Lucky for me, Mom said you'd be like this, and to say this in my own special way: Fuck off and give me space to learn shit before you just come in here and bark at me like I'm fucking five! I'm not a kid, I'm not my Mother, and like hell will a bunch of rich, white, old guys tell me what I can do and what I will do in my own fucking house. Now, if you'll reschedule this with Walter, that would be grand." 

I get up to leave, the audacity of this prick on my nerves for the last straw of the day. 

" And just where do you think your going, young lady?!" 

" I'm going to go eat, shower, sleep, and possibly masturbate, and not in that order, and for the record, my name is Alice, Alice Lillian Violet Johnson of the Hellsing house. Use my name the next time you want my fucking attention, dickweed."

I storm off, go to my room, and break down into tears, finally letting go of all the stress of the day an the pain of losing my Mom. I knew I was in hot water, I was way out of line and I knew I had caused a scene, but I didn't care. I feel someone pet my hair and sit next to me on the bed, but I didn't mind. 

" Easy, little Hellsing, all that barking will ruin your throat, not to mention make enemies. I have to say, for first impressions, you left quite the remarkable one. I think I even hear your mother laughing from beyond at how you shut them up. For the record, that's the first time I ever saw Irons shut up so fast and actually look scared of a Hellsing since Abraham, your great grandfather." 

Alucard's words soothed a burn I didn't even know I had, his gentle hands on my hair calmed me, until I sat up and I hugged him tight, his long  arms enveloping me in a cocoon of safety. 

" I'm so sorry those wolves got under your skin, mica mea leoaica, but I know they'll leave you alone for a while until you reach out."  (my little lioness)

" I didn't mean to lash out...it just happened, and now they hate me..." 

" Oh, no no no, they hate me, but you? No no, they were in the wrong to push this so soon after her loss, even Walter went to bat for you. I had to finally tell them to leave before I got ugly on your orders." 

" I didn't give you-oh. You're a snake, you know that, right? I like you. I see why Mom trusted you so much."

" I'm glad to be in your good graces, especially after my stunt earlier. Now, I made you lunch, if you're still hungry." 

" Starved." 

I look and see at a small card table there was a silver tray of food. I get up, and open the lid to find one of my favorite dishes. 

" How did you know I liked any of this?!" 

" Your mother said you were from Boston, so I did research, and found a list of popular Bostonian foods.  Lobster rolls, oysters, clam chowder, baked beans, and a few cannoli's for desert. I also remember her saying you loved coffee, so I made coffee and grabbed cream and sugar, just in case." 

" I drink it black, but thanks, for all of this." 

" No need to thank me. Eat up, and I'll draw you a bath, ok?" 

" Sure." 

Alucard walks off to a door, and opens it to show a private bathroom. Nice, no sharing. As I eat, I can taste the familiar things of home, and miss it terribly. I get out my cellphone and call my Dad. 

" Hey, kiddo. How goes it in England?" 

" I might've gotten into trouble with Mom's old collogues. I'm not even in the house 20 minutes and they start hounding me." 

" Yikes. Got any help there on your side?" 

" Yeah, I do. Mom's old butler and body guard are cool shit." 

" Nice, good to know someone's gonna keep you out of trouble. I can't talk long, gotta get back to work, but I hope you have fun, and I'll come by come Christmas, ok?" 

" Ok, Dad. I love you." 

" I love you too, rockstar. Go knock 'em dead." 

I hung up, finished my food, and took a bath while Alucard took care of my plate. I settled into my bath, relaxed, and once I felt sleepy, got out, changed for bed, and passed out.