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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The patient lounge is a lot nicer than I expected it. That was at least some relief for the sake of Belle-Lacey. With everything going on with Cora and a giant on the loose, I haven't had time to come visit her. Of course, that hasn't stopped me from calling the hospital all too frequently for Whale's liking. I approach her when she's watching the TV, seemingly lost in thought. I clear my throat, not wanting to startle her. Her head snaps towards me, her eyes widening.
"Alice!" She exclaims with a smile.
I smile back before plopping down in the chair next to her unceremoniously.
"Hey, Lacey. I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner. Emma has me taking over as sheriff while she's gone." I explain with a wince.
"Yeah, Ruby told me when she came by." She pauses for a moment, looking off in the distance thoughtfully. Her voice becomes meek. "Alice?"
"Yeah?"
"How did you get out?"
The question catches me off guard. Although it shouldn't, all things considered.
"I got better," I answer simply, not wanting to lie to her but also knowing I can't tell her the truth.
She furrows her brows and shakes her head.
"What changed?"
Now it's my turn to be confused.
"What do you mean?"
"You were saying... stuff for years before you got out. How did you suddenly get better?" She asks hesitantly.
I smile a little at her hesitation to call me crazy. Though it wouldn't be the first time she has. Considering what she's been through recently, my words don't seem nearly as insane as they used to.
"It wasn't sudden or anything...how do I explain this?" I pause, trying to find the right words to explain without telling her the truth.
It's not like I can tell her that I was let out because I really am a storybook character, and everyone in the town realised this as well, because a curse was broken because of true love's kiss.
Shit.
"I'm still recovering. Some days are easier than others, but I've learned how to cope and function despite it all. I know now that what I thought was real wasn't."
I feel guilt buried deep within my gut, but it can't be helped. She nods her head, not fully understanding. At least she's buying into my bullshit.
"So how did you become the sheriff's deputy?"
"That's a bit of a long story. Essentially, I helped Emma out on a case once, and she found me to be helpful enough to give me a job." I tell her, which is mostly true.
I leave out the part about the dragon, though.
"We're friends, right?"
"Of course, Lacey," I say sincerely.
She turns to me with a determined look.
"Then, tell me the truth. Before I was brought here, I was hurt. I was bleeding. And this man came, and he healed me. Then, I saw him hold a ball of fire in his hands. How? How is that possible?"
Her words become more and more frantic as she goes on. The nurse eyes us, checking if she needs another sedative.
"I... don't-"
"Please, Alice." She begs, tears forming in her eyes. I feel myself deflating. I was not prepared for this.
"Lacey, I have for years told you that I believe that I'm a character from a book. I understand what you're going through better than anyone, but I wasn't there. I didn't see what you did, but just know... I believe you." I tell her, reaching out and squeezing her shoulder firmly.
She laughs tearfully, glancing down at her lap.
"I guess you would believe me, all things considered.... thank you."
I laugh a little in response. We sit in silence for a minute before she whispers something to me that breaks my heart.
"I feel like I'm going crazy."
I know exactly how she's feeling right now. Feeling as though everyone around you can't see what's right in front of your eyes. It's maddening.
"There's no such thing, Lacey. Everyone has their own version of normal, and ours just happens to look different from others, but... if you are going crazy? I'll be there for you no matter what. Just like you did for me." I reassure her with a determined look that she returns with a nod, trying not to cry.
I perk up a little, remembering I had brought something for her. I take it out of my bag and hold it up for her to see.
"Look what I brought."
"Howl's Moving Castle!" She says, grinning like a little kid.
The library in the asylum was nonexistent, but every once in awhile we were given books to read for good behaviour. I don't know why, but Lacey never received one in her entire stay there, despite her being the sanest one in there. Unfortunately, I was not nearly as good as her, so I only ever received one book in twenty eight years. I must have read it out loud to her at least once a month for years. It was like a little holiday for us that we would always look forward to.
"I have time if you want me to read to you like old times, or I can just leave-"
"Yes, please. This is exactly what I need." She interrupts, settling in to get comfortable.
I smile before opening to the first page.
"In the land of Ingary, where things, such as seven-league boots and cloaks of invisibility, really exist..."
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