Home Again

A/N: LAST CHAPTER OHHH WHAT-

Yeah sorry it took so long to post all the chapters... oh well at least it's done now. I probably made a few mistakes with some other chapters so I'mma fix some stuff. See ya later!

~A FEW MONTHS LATER; THIRD PERSON~

The mother came into her daughter's room, clapping her hands. Excitement was expressed on her face; she was merrily humming Jingle Bells.

"Merry Christmas, Alice!" the woman greeted. Alice sat up, pushing her doona back. She grinned at her mother.

"Merry Christmas, Mom." Alice replied. She stood up, a grin on her face. She peeked in her treasure box, staring at all her collectibles: the ones from Poptropica and real life. She grinned at the medallions, Mighty Penguin's address and the photo of herself on her first day of school. For once, Alice felt like the girl in the photo. Cheerful. Excited. Brave. Ready to face the future.

Alice left her bland room behind and followed her mother downstairs. She found the stairs far more tolerable, now that her leg was no longer injured. She stared at the white walls. There was a collection of family photos. One was with Alice's father holding his daughter in his arms, the mother giving him a cheeky grin. Sadness tinged Alice's emotions. She tried to think about what her father would say now. How would he react to Poptropica? My friends? Alice's mother had told her daughter he would be proud - and Alice had to agree. Still, though, she was curious.

Alice entered the living room. The decorations of the green Christmas tree glimmered in the morning sunshine, reflecting colours all over the room. Underneath it were a variety of presents for Alice and her mom. Alice kneeled down and grabbed the ones with her name - some were from friends, some were from extended family. The mother tapped her daughter's shoulder and handed her a small envelope.

"They say the best gifts come in small packages." the mother informed her daughter.

"That's true." Alice replied, accepting the envelop. Inside said thing was a candy cane, a cliche Christmas card and a Poptropica membership. Alice clapped her hands together. She stood up and threw her arms around her mother's neck. The mom squeezed Alice tightly. "Thanks, Mom." Alice grinned at her. "You're brave, too. You stayed strong after Dad left. I needed a silly video game to help me do that - you did it alone."

"Well, no, I wasn't alone," the mother chuckled. "I had you." She kissed Alice's cheek, grinning at her with her chocolate eyes. Alice shook her head.

"I was a nuisance, Mom," she retorted. She clenched her fists. "I hated myself."

"It's Christmas, Alice," the mother reminded her daughter. She cupped her cheek. "Now's not the time to be sad. Let's just enjoy ourselves."

"Okay." Alice replied, a small smile forming on her lips. She kneeled down and opened the remaining presents. Most of her family had given her books, clothes or school-related objects. One family member gave her an iTunes voucher. Another gave her money. Alice sighed. Of course, she needed school-related objects, clothes and books, but sometimes she wished adults would give her something more intriguing than just same old same old. That's why friends were good.

Marcus got Alice a Poptropica cap he made himself - with help from his Mom. On it were pictures of Alice's friends, including Fierce Fox. Alice wore the hat immediately. Its deep blue contrasted with her pale blonde locks. She wondered if Marcus - since he also wore a hat - would call the duo 'hat buddies' now. Probably. He also got her a My Little Pony figurine. Alice found herself unsurprised. Marcus' love for the show spread to his friends.