Pure Imagination [COMPLETE]

Alex

It's around twilight in the Bucket household when Alex comes through the front door. She frees her long red hair from her black cap as she sighs from exhaustion.

"Any luck job wise?" She shakes her head. "Doesn't seem like anyone's hiring. Looks like you'll have another mouth to feed, sorry Mrs. Bucket." The other female smiles. "No worries Alex, you're always welcome here. And no 'Mrs. Bucket' nonsense, you and Charlie are like siblings, it's only fair you call me mom like he does."

Alex smiles sadly as she sits in a corner. No sooner she does, the door swings open and the sight of a friendly blond boy make her smile sweetly.

"Alex!" She stands to let him hug her tightly. "Hello Charlie, it's nice to see you." He looks up and instantly notices the stress in her eyes.

"Oh Alex, you didn't find a job did you?" She sighs and shakes her head. "Afraid not, guess I'll be spending the night again." He smiles. "Does that mean you'll sing me the lullaby?" His playful joy makes the stress slip from her heart. "Why not?" He cheers happily and she laughs lightly at his joy.

~

Bedtime falls and after everyone's asleep the two began to whisper.

"Alex, did you really know Mr. Slugworth?" "Must you always ask that  Charlie? You know the story like the back of your hand." "I just like to hear it. Tell it again, please." "(sigh)Yes I knew him, we met one day just outside his factory. He could tell by my clothes I had no where to go so he took me in." "And he started to like you!" "Not so loud, you'll wake the others. Why should I continue? You know the rest." "I can't tell it like you do." "(sigh)Finnne. At first we were good friends, two people comfortable with each other, at lest that's what I thought." "Until he started to touch you." She lightly glares. "Sorry, proceed." A roll of her eyes. "I didn't like the attention so I pushed him away and eventually left, never to return." Pause.

"Isn't that the shorter version?" "Yes because you need your sleep." He rolls his eyes with a playful smile as she tucks them both in since they share a bed.

"You forgot the lullaby." "You need your sleep." "I sleep better with the lullaby." She sighed and turns over so she's looking to the ceiling, he cuddles close so she can place a hand on his shoulder before softly starting to sing.

"Once upon a time, and long ago
I heard someone singing soft and low Now when day is done, and night is near, I recall this song I used to hear

My child, my very own, don't be afraid you're not alone
Sleep until the dawn, for all is well

Long ago this song was sung to me...now it's just a distant melody Somewhere from the past, I used to know...

Once upon a time, and long ago"

As it slowly comes to an end, she notices Charlie's fallen asleep. She smiles and gently kisses his brow before letting slumber take it's peaceful toll.