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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slowly editing! You'll see at the end of each chapter if th...
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Tears fall down my face as I hoist myself back up the rabbit hole that started all this in the first place. I can still smell the subtle smell of iron and smoke as I look up at the sky and just stare. It feels like I've woken back up in someone else's life. I lay there for a couple of minutes, simply giving myself just this moment to feel everything.
I couldn't even make the sacrifice necessary to save Wonderland. Would the sacrifice even be worth it? I did all that to save Jefferson. Regardless of whether it was the right decision or not, the outcome was the same. Jefferson is still trapped in Wonderland, and I couldn't keep my promise. More tears roll down my face. Hook was just a tool, but I can't help but feel nothing but resentment towards him.
I stand up and look down at my clothes and realize I'm no longer wearing the White Queen's armor. Instead, I'm back in my baby blue dress that's now covered in dirt. I wonder what my mother will think when she sees me. Funny how that seemed to matter to me just a day ago. She'll probably be disappointed, as usual. But she won't be for much longer.
I begin my walk back to the gazebo, where all of this started. When I approach, I notice that everybody is still standing there, as if I hadn't been gone long at all. Everyone is murmuring among themselves, gossiping. My walking away from that gazebo is the most interesting thing that's happened to them all year, while I just slayed the Jabberwocky.
Andy notices me first, standing off to the side. His eyes widen in concern at the sight of me. I feel my heart throb fondly at his concern when most would be furious with me. Maybe it's already beginning to. Or maybe I just can't bear the thought of losing something else today. I focus on Andy's face, on the way his concern doesn't ask anything of me, and I let myself lean into that steadiness. Just for now.
Maybe it's all that I've gone through since leaving the alter but I can't help but feel something for the man who's always been by my side. Those feelings may not be a blazing inferno of passionate kisses. But instead, a small flicker and the light brushing of lips. I motion him over with my hand discreetly. He begins to make his way towards me without question.
The crowd parts for him, now noticing me as well. I see my mother's horrified face and his mother's disgusted one. I reach my hand out to Andy, and he takes it without question. He allows me to lead him away from the prying eyes and ears around us.
We sit on a concrete bench, side by side, somewhat awkwardly.
"Are you alright, Alice? What happened to you?" He asks in a low voice, wrought with concern.
"I love you, Andy, but not in the way you want me to," I say with a sad smile.
I expect him to look hurt, but he gives me a small, knowing smile.
"I know Alice."
"Then why-"
"Because there's no one I'd rather have by my side." He interrupts quickly. "I love you. I've never told you before because...you're special, and I didn't want to ruin things."
His words rush out clumsily, face flushed. I feel my cheeks heat up as I bring my hand up to his face. His eyes widen almost comically as I lean forward and plant a light kiss on the corner of his mouth.
"I love you too, Andy. Maybe not in the way you do me, but it's just as strong. I think I never allowed myself to feel that way about you because I felt like a part of me was missing. But now...I feel whole again, and I'm ready to try. I accept your proposal, Andy." I say, and for a fleeting moment, I wonder if this is what choosing safety feels like.
I don't let the thought finish. This feels like a step in the right direction. His eyes widen even further, and his brows furrow slightly inward. I help but laugh, and he joins me.
"On one condition," I add on before he can embrace me.
"Anything."
"I want to sail, I want to explore the world as my father did. We can get a ship, we can go together!" I enthuse, and he looks at me fondly.
"And what should we call our ship, Mrs. Digby?" He inquires with a playful smile.
I had almost forgotten about the name change. Alice Digby.
"The Wonderland."
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