Return To Wonderland

Chapter 11: Visits & Truths

The next morning, Alice and Hatter were finishing breakfast that the servants prepared for them and went to the tower where Mirana and the looking glass were waiting for them. The beauty and size of the looking glass was breathtaking but also intimidating like the mirror might swallow them in whole if they crossed it. 

"I'm sure you'll both be alright, I'll make sure the looking glass is still open when you are ready to return." Mirana stepped aside as the couple moved towards the mirror.

"Are you ready..?" Hatter whispered to Alice who looked almost as nervous as he did but also had a hint of curiosity there.

"Ready as I'll ever be.." Alice turned and nodded, a slight smile forming while they both held each other's hand.

The pair stepped through the looking glass together which was an odd feeling, it felt like walking through water and being in a kaleidoscope, full of mixed colors and reflections.

**London**

They both stepped out entered in what looked like a garden, a little further away was a house. Alice looked around, taking in her surroundings then realized where they were.

"This is the garden outside of my house, I used to plant flowers here with my father when I was little." Alice remembered the memory then sighed but quickly recovered when she felt Hatter gently squeeze her hand in reassurance.

"You did an excellent job dear, this garden is bursting with color." Hatter smiled at her trying to make her feel better, "Though it is strange that the flowers don't talk."

Alice chuckled, knowing how Hatter must feel being in a place that was not normal and nothing like Wonderland.

"Let's go, my house is this way!" Alice lead him towards her house which was down the hill they were on.

When they approached the door, Alice stood there, taking a deep breath and hesitated but finally knocked on the door, waiting for someone to answer.

"Who is it? I hope it's not Lady Wickett come to complain again.." Helen opened the door then gasped, "Alice dear, your here!"

Helen then pulled her daughter into a hug, a relieved look on her face and Alice hugged back tightly, smiling. They both pulled away and Helen was still shocked but happy to see her again.

"Hello mother, I'm so glad to see you again, I came to talk to you." Alice noticed that Helen was staring past her and turned to see Hatter looking down, slightly embarrassed.

"Alice, who is this.. person with you?" Helen looked at her daughter, wondering what a strange man was doing with her daughter and why she brought him.

"Oh, this is Tarrant Hightopp, he's a... friend of mine." Alice knew it was true but not the complete truth, she would save it for later.

"Good day Mrs. Kingsleigh, it is an honor to meet Alice's family." Hatter took off his hat and bowed, a friendly smile forming.

"Nice to meet you.. Mr. Hightopp is it?" Helen eyed the man, relaxing a little but seemed to still be on her guard.

"Please, call me Tarrant." Hatter said and Helen nodded, turning to Alice who looked a little nervous and hoped this would go well.

"Come in and I'll tell Margaret to prepare some tea." Helen lead them inside and closed the door, hurrying into the kitchen where they heard she was talking with someone else (Margaret).

Helen and Margaret both entered the living room with a tea tray and Margaret nearly dropped it when she saw Alice but managed to place it on the table then ran over to her little sister.