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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Sitting across from Belle is strange to say the least. The only time we ever got to see each other in the hospital was when they'd let us out for five minutes to shower. Even then, we didn't really have time to chat, just glance at each other and then run and hope the water's hot. The showers were kept completely dark, for reasons unknown. Maybe to add to the isolation.
We'd already ordered our food. She got a hamburger. Said it's best eaten with ketchup. I ordered one too since I made it my mission to try everything on the menu at least once. I roll up the sleeves of my black sweater. The weather is cooling down, so I went with a simple black skirt that goes to my ankles and some warm socks to keep my feet warm.
I remember one winter in the hospital, the heat went out for an entire day. The whole hospital had to be run on generators, but apparently, the basement was a low priority. So we went without having heat. It must have been below ten degrees, the thin blankets a joke as Belle and I were certain we were going to die. I couldn't see if my lips turned blue. Mirrors weren't allowed. A safety hazard, they said. What a joke.
I remember us both lying on our beds and her whispering how scared she was. That she was going to die down there, and no one would even mourn her. Her words had given me a stupid idea, one that would end up saving our lives. I told her that we should have a dance party if we're going to die. She initially wouldn't join me, too upset. But I got up and started dancing, singing any tune that came to mind. At some point, I started making up lyrics. Stupid, silly stuff that only someone who's freezing to death in an asylum could think of. We were both so delirious that she couldn't help but laugh, get up, and join me.
We danced for hours, taking turns singing till our throats were raw and our bodies heating up. Then the lights came on, a familiar humming, and then the heat followed seconds after. I'll never forget the cheers that came out of us; we were literally jumping for joy. The heat felt like flames on our frozen skin, but it was the best pain I'd ever felt. That was the best day of those twenty eight years.
"Did you drive here?" Belle asks through a laugh.
"I did. Jefferson's been teaching me." I laugh a little. Her eyebrows lift at the mention of Jefferson.
"Is he you your..."
"Oh God no, he's like a father to me." I balk at her suggestion, laughing at the thought. I can see why she and many others would have that impression, though. After all, we appear to be the same age. I love Jefferson. He's my friend, a mentor even. Family. But never a lover.
"Well, do you have someone else?" She asks with a suggestive smile.
"I-" I stop myself in horror when a picture of a certain pirate with a hook immediately flashes through my mind. "I have a husband." My voice cracks just before the word husband. I clear my throat. "You remember? I told you about him. I'm sure you remember. Andy. Childhood best friends, proposal, Wonderland, sailing, curse, reunion. All very romantic. I should introduce you guys sometime. Soon. Very...soon."
