A Story Untold Of Alyss in Wonderland

Chapter One: Curiosity

The early bird was transitioning from dusk till dawn and rising from her cluttered nest to bring forth food for her offspring. As she leaped into flight from her fortress, she glanced down once more at her babies while they wailed to her in hunger. Her head held high, she flapped her wings up and down out of sight. The cumulus clouds began to evenly spread throughout the teal blue sky like torn cotton candy as the temperature became a brisk sixty eight degrees. A small breeze whisked through the elm and willow trees making their branches dance and leaves flutter.

Alyss looked around her wondering why the sky was so blue. Her big hollow curious eyes stared onward towards the sky, her head resting on the long strands of emerald grass beneath her. She hummed a soft melody under her breath, twirling a strand of her long bouncy golden curls around her finger. Dinah was a fancy feline of auburn and chestnut brown. Her purring became strong as she laid on Alyss' stomach in the shade. Suddenly, Alyss turned her head to the sound of mild chirping from the willow above her and rose forward. Her fair cream complexion gleamed in the sunlight as the shadows that hovered her face, came into light. Gripping the bark and low branches of the tree, Alyss began to climb not caring if she tore the hem in her new dress. Kicking off her black mary janes, Alyss explored the many regions of the willow until she came to the bustling nest of baby birds.

Hearing their lonesome and hungry cries, Alyss lingered there watching them with fascination. The mother bird landed beside the nest carrying a handsome worm in her beak, teasing the little birds with its wiggling. As she leaned forward to get a closer look, Alyss lost her balance on the branch her foot rested on and fell to the ground with a loud, thump! Pain struck her right side as she tried to lift herself. A whimper escaped her throat as the pain became unbearable.

"Alyss!" cried Olivia who ran frantically to her side. "Oh my word, are you alright darling?"

A tall and lean woman stroked the golden locks that hung beside girl's face. Her brunette hair was high upon her head in a tight bun pinned back away from her face. Her long navy dress flowed around her slender legs. Her bodice was tight to insinuate her large bosom where a beautiful jeweled brooch rested.

A stream of tears ran down Alyss' face while she shook her head indicating that she was in fact not alright. With her sister's help, Olivia helped Alyss to her feet and became her crutch. Olivia held onto the mary janes as they swung to and fro through the air as they tread onward. They progressed along the bank of the river with both heads bowed low towards their small home. Alyss sighed with relief as they approached the front red door while Olivia released the latch to enter. Removing her shoes with one free hand, Alyss looked up at Olivia thanking her with a smile. Trying not to bear all of her weight onto her right side, Alyss slowly paced to the loveseat in the family room to prop herself slightly not to annoy the pain in her side. The agony of movement caused her to go dizzy and made it hard to breathe. Heavy gasps drew from her lips; she began to let out little cries.

Voices came from a distance with Olivia speaking to a local doctor requesting he come as soon as possible to treat Alyss' injuries. Olivia cradled the receiver in her hands, her face pale with worry over her baby sister's condition. In the mean time she would keep her head up and try to care for Alyss the only way she knew how, just like Mother would have done when she became ill. The thought of her parents being near during times like these made her eyes glass over. She shook her head as she exhaled and composed herself to continue on looking over her sister. Grabbing the white cloth off of the dining room table, she ran it under the sink faucet so it became heavy and damp. Approaching Alyss with the little cure she could give her for pain, she glanced in horror at the withering little girl clamping both hands on her side. The poor girl was glistening from sweat over her brow and her face was a bright red. Olivia ran to her side and patted the damp cloth upon her face and back of her neck.

Her mind was unclear as well as unstable, as she continued to lather the dirty dishes in the sink and rinse the debris off. With a blue rag she dried them one by one, placing them in their according locations within the cupboard. Cleaning the counter tops, a tear fell down her cheek, stinging her. Once the kitchen was cleaned, she stepped back to admire her work.

Hours passed as the day drew on, the minutes feeling like they were dragging on forever. Suddenly, there was a tapping at the door. Olivia strode towards the door and allowed the doctor to come into their home.

Doctor Lawrence P. Fitzpatrick removed the tall black hat from his head as he approached the suffering young girl. He stood six feet two, with a strong build despite his old age. His silver hair parted down the side, it hung down further on the left side covering the rim of his glasses. He had a strong jaw and a roman nose; however his cheek bones were much defined. He must have been outside a lot over the summer due to his caramel complexion. He removed his tweed jacket and rested it on the coat rack next to the door. Out of his medical bag, he pulled out his stethoscope to listen to Alyss' heartbeat. Pressing it against her back he monitored her respiratory rate as she inhaled and exhaled. Moving his hands over her side where the pain was indicated, he could feel a fracture in her ribs. She jerked when the intensity of pain shocked her. His eyes became glazed as he held her wrist and took her pulse. At this point Alyss was trembling and her skin became cold.

Doctor Fitzpatrick stood up and moved away from the girl towards her sister. Removing the spectacles off of his face, he gave Olivia his diagnosis. He informed her with stern words what care Alyss would need to heal properly.

"Alyss has a rib fracture and needs your attention. Do not allow her to wear a bandage wrap for it will cause issues with her breathing. She needs to stay indoors and rest. The pain will go away over time. I can give her an antidote for the pain, but there will still be some pressure. You may apply ice and hot packs rotating them occasionally. "

Olivia shook his hand with both of hers and thanked him. She flared her arms over her head and held them there for a few moments before returning back to Alyss. She would have to schedule her errands for another time, to care for Alyss. She opened the door to release the doctor from her new found prison. Doctor Fitzpatrick placed his black hat upon his head and bowed to them before exiting from their presence. Alyss laid with her head back on one of the sofa pillows and tried to control her breathing while she drifted into a deep sleep.

The house was decorated with tinsel and garlands hanging off of the staircase. Above her head was a crystal chandelier with little prisms hanging from the structure capturing light and bouncing off the walls. Rainbow mirages flickered off the guests' jewelry like glass. Paper snowflakes were pinned to the windows and candles were lit, placed along many side tables, armoires, chest of drawers and holders. A delicious aroma came flowing from the kitchen to fill the nostrils of all who was invited. The rooms smelled of sweet pumpkin and apple pies, chocolate fudge brownies, mint chocolate pudding, and many assorted cookies. The oven was broiling a succulent ham and turkey, while marshmallows were melting over the sweet potatoes. To the side of the green bean casserole was a dish of cranberry sauce and fresh stuffing, ready to be served. Laughter spread as the bells on the wreath rang joyously with every guest's appearance.