This Isn't Wonderland, Alice

The Madhatter

"Oh, darling." My step-brother sighed, caressing the small of my back.

My mother died giving birth to me, leaving my father to remarry a preppy waitress by the name of Marlyn. Marlyn's son, Dustin, had always disrespected my privacy. From barging into my room to asking personal questions about my mothers death, no amount of money could make me want to spend time with Dustin.

Shortly after Father remarried, he died from cardiac arrest. Hearing I would have to live with Dustin until my eighteenth birthday added onto the blow. Living with him was like displaying your life on a screen, privacy was not an option.

"Come on," Dustin gently nudged me on towards the kitchen. "The dishes need cleaning." His warm breath against my neck sent terrified chills down my spine. "Then do them your self, damn it!" I narrowed my eyes with an angry fist. I knew better than to talk back to him.

He tightened my corset with a tug, then moved on to rising my panty hoes above the knee. The last thing I saw a red bandana wrap around my eyes, as a groan left Dustin's throat.

***

I woke up with a jolt, checking my surroundings for any menaces. After realizing it was clear, I arose from my cot of a bed. On my flower calendar laid an enormous circle around December 18th. I was eighteen. I could legally leave this Hell hole, at last!

I packed only necessities for the trip, as my credit card could provide me more. I had the flight to Arizona planned for six months, my uber awaited outside.

Before leaving the house for good, I walked into Dustin's room without hesitation. Spotting his porn magazines was the highlight of my day. I took his sharpie from his desk and wrote you'll never get this, keep dreaming buddy and displayed them on his hardwood floor.

Startled by a honk, I ran outside, almost forgetting my protein shake. The whole ride to the airport was a blur. Here in Maine, the snow was heavy, so heavy my flight was almost canceled. Thank God it wasn't.

I was rudely "kicked" out from the uber, and cursed out for not providing a tip. But hey, my tip is to turn on some better tunes next time.

After many hours of sitting in uncomfortable airport seats, my flight was called. Summoning first class felt like years, and don't even get me started on the obnoxious children.

At once I got onto the plane, sitting next to a handsome young man. "Parker." He abruptly held out his hand, I took it without a second thought. "Alison, but you can call me Alice." I smiled kindly. Turns out we were both heading to Paradise Valley, Arizona. Although Parker refused to tell me his reason for traveling, something told me his situation was similar to mine. He just wanted to get away.

**

Parker would not stop rambling on about the importance of elliptical galaxies, my laughs soon turned into wheezes. We settled on splitting an uber cost, since we were both traveling to the same place.

"I got forty, you got the other sixty?" Parker nudged my side. "Um, I think not! I'm the lady, after all." I smirked. He rolled his eyes and agreed to the deal. This uber ride went by must faster, thanks to Parker's nonsense.

We came to a stop at the gas station so our driver could buy a caffeinated drink. He insisted on us paying at the moment.

Needless to say, Parker's sixty dollars turned out to be sixteen. His Visa wasn't coming in until later that afternoon, damn shipping. We were physically kicked out this time, along with our luggage.

"Well you gotta better idea, princess?" Parker yelled while running his fan fingers through his black fringed hair. "No, not really. I just don't think we should walk through the goddamn desert!" My concern wasn't getting lost, but getting stuck for a long time with Parker.

Although I would have loved to contradict Parker's reasoning, google maps promised the desert was the way.

We trotted through the sandy hills, glaring daggers every now and then. The aggravating silence was interrupted by my high-pitched squeal. "Parker, it's an oasis!" I hugged his waist and pointed in the direction of the gargling brook.

More jogs then we expected and a lot of chattering later, we arrived at the oasis. I stared at the crystal clear water in utter amazement. "This is gorgeous!" I exclaimed, a smile never ceasing to cross my face. Parker decided it would be cute to push me in. Little did he know, the water felt amazing.

"Thanks, Parks!" I taunted, summoning him to join me in the water. He soon jumped in, splashing my already wet body. I dunked under the water, and arose to a horrific sight. Parker was on the other side of the Oasis, and another man was in his place. A tall man with a gas-mask stared into my eyes. I let out a blood curtailing scream.

The sound of his breathing inside the gas-mask only caused more fear. I managed to fumble up onto my knees. The man placed an acid-burnt hand on my shoulder. "This isn't wonderland, Alice."

Soooo this chapter was mainly a set up about the current location, I promise the next chapter will have much more to offer! Remember to vote and comment! Thank you! -R