Alice's plan to overthrow the Queen of Hearts is thwarted by a dashing pirate with a hook. Years later, after the curse is broken, they reunite once again.
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The rabbit is fast, which is the least unexpected thing about it. I reenter the garden where I saw him turn around the corner, but he's already gone. I swing my head around, trying to spot him elsewhere, to no avail. I let out a frustrated huff and shake my head. How do rabbits just disappear? The better question would be how a rabbit manages to put on a waistcoat. I can't help but chuckle at the absurd image of a rabbit getting ready in the morning, fumbling to put on his clothes with his little paws. Are they called paws or feet?
Before I can spiral any further, my mother approaches me with a displeased look. She grabs my arm, leading me in the direction of the gazebo while chastising me for upsetting Mildred. I try to apologize, but before I can, we're already at the gazebo. All the guests at the party are standing around the gazebo, decorated with beautiful white roses.
I wish I could paint them red.
Andy stands on the gazebo, looking around nervously while he fixes his bow tie. What's going on? Before I can ask, my mother pushes me lightly in Andy's direction. I've always feared that one day I'd forget to put on my trousers and leave the house. The thought of everyone staring at my faux pas is a living nightmare. Yet, here I am, trousers on, or in this case, skirts on, and everyone is still staring.
I walk awkwardly through the crowd, who all give me secretive little smiles. I step onto the wooden gazebo. Anyone within earshot can hear I'm wearing boots instead of heels, like I'm not meant to do. I look up at Andy, and he has such a heartfelt smile on his face that I instinctively feel better.
That is, until he gets down on one knee.
My already pale face loses whatever color was there, and I try my hardest not to look appalled. I love Andy, I have since we were children, but not as a husband. Sure, he's quite handsome. More handsome than any of the other men in attendance. He's also my oldest friend, and a dear one at that.
But I want to marry someone I love. My true love. That's something I haven't even been able to admit to myself until this moment. Shitty timing, brain. Am I just being naive? Mother would tell me that I am. Father definitely seemed to believe such things are real.
"Alice Kingsley-" He starts, but I interrupt him before he can continue.
"Andy," I say, catching him off guard. I feel somewhat bad. He clearly has a whole speech planned out.
He clears his throat, looking up at me in amusement, giving my hands a small squeeze.
"You have a caterpillar on your shoulder."
Which he does. A beautiful one that's a wonderful shade of blue.
He flinches, attempting to look at it, getting ready to swat it off. I laugh. Bugs have always made him squeamish. I grab his hand, preventing him from accidentally hurting the thing.
"Let me,"
Gently, I pluck the caterpillar off his shoulder. I walk a couple of steps to the trellis and set it on a white rose. There. I hope you turn into an even more beautiful butterfly. I return to Andy, who smiles as he takes my hands in his once more.
