Not Alice nor Wonderland

First Adventure

CHAPTER TWO

That was a quick one. Luckily for us all, Charlie never mentioned about 'needing a new adventure' or Twilight. I don't want my relatives to think of me badly influencing Charlie's boyish ways through a girly book. I'm not even in love with that novel anyway.

We just finished our lunch, and as usual, I took over the dishwashing. All of a sudden...

"Diana darling!"

Ah. My ever-classy mother. The most intricate, stylish, sweetest lady I ever know, who has a sharp eye for details. And eyebags.

"Hey Mom, " I smiled, hoping she wouldn't notice the bags beneath my eyes. She is one woman who can never stand the idea of staying up late at night without a good reason to, unless it's homework, of course. I hoped my cheeks made my eyebags disappear when I squinted my eyes at her.

"How many times have I told you... It's Mother, not Mom. Dearie, you know how I like it formal," she chided, as she started to rinse off the plates I soaped.

"Yes, Mother," I said, sighing at the last word.

"Why, child... why do you sound and... look like that?" Her perfectly trimmed brows raised a little higher. Her nose... also kind of grew a little longer. I think.

"Um... Well I... I'm just tired," I fibbed, going for the usual lie of the teenagers.

"Tired? From what? Did you not sleep well last night? And is that... oh my, those are eyebags, are they not?" Her voice was pitching higher and quieter at the end of her sentences.

Here we go again with the late-nights talk.

"Mother, I just-"

"But Diana Alicia! Did I not make it clear last time that I don't want you or Charlie to stay up late and awake tired the next morning? Do you know how unhealthy that is for you kids?" She vigorously scrubbed off the soap with water, making sure the china was squeaky clean. Just like how she makes sure we are fit as a fiddle in the daytime.

"Yes, I do know that, Mother. I was carried away reading Alice to Charles," I shrugged.

"Again. Well here's what I say, young lady. You take a nap."

"What? Mother, you're not serious. I still have assignments to do that are due tomorrow. And it's Sunday!"

"I know. That's why I want you to take a nap. Just a quick one is enough too. So that you may have the energy to finish your homework!" She beamed at me. It was one of those 'bright mom idea' smiles. The conclusion of our talks. The sign where I know I can't argue any longer. Mom starts to hum, and that is my cue to wash up and head to bed for a nap.

"Bye Mother. Will nap for a while then," I stated, drying my hands.

She responded a 'mmhmm' and soon started to sing the lyrics 'So long, farewell, Auf wiedersen, good bye' from The Sound of Music.

The tune faded in the background as I ascended the stairs and finally closed my bedroom door. Quickly, I changed into my pajamas and shuffled under the duvet.

Alrighty, let me just shut my lids and...

~~~~~

I awoke.

Wait, what? But the memory of me closing my eyes felt like a minute ago. I couldn't have slept past dinner time, for goodness' sake, it was dark outside! I wondered why my mom didn't wake me up, nor did Charlie or Dad.

I sat up all too suddenly, and my head felt heavier as usual, and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. I changed out of my pajamas and searched through my closet for something to wear. It's a chilly night, and it's weird, for I knew it was the middle of July. Or so I thought. I slipped into my boots and fitted on a sweater. And for some reason, I struggled with putting on my sweater, as if it was snagging on some pointy object.