A Song Named Alice

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Forcing my legs to enter the room, I kneel down to the still Pleasance. "Hey, are you okay?" I ask, some idiotic part of my brain stubborn enough to say that. So, this really is the curse that's been hurting her, I think while trying to pick her up. I was a fool to ever think that it might have been something else. 

"I'm going to do more than my best in these five days left, Pleasance." I whisper into her ear as I take her to her room. "I won't let you hurt anymore. You're going to be fine." Though honestly, I think I'm only trying to bring my own spirits up. 

Her forehead is warm as I lay her down. I guess it's to be expected by the contract. It's not going to let me have it easy, is it? I sigh. I'm also going to have to tell her about the contract when she gets up. I am so unprepared for it. 

Grabbing a short stool from another room, I sit by her bed, making sure her fever doesn't rise. She's not a God or a human, I have no idea how this is going to affect her. At least her fever is starting to go down now. 

Hours pass and I feel my eyes droop. No, I say to myself, trying to stay awake. I must make sure her fever doesn't rise. I...I slump down on the bed, my arms beneath my head. Sleep felt so good. I never noticed that I was so exhausted. 

As I wake, I hear a groan near me. Pleasance! My mind jumps in joy. I hope she's feeling better. Her fever is probably nearly gone. 

Summoning what small strength I have right now, I smile as I watch Pleasance sit up. "What are you doing sleeping here?" She asks, her voice sounding better than her appearance did. "You're supposed to be working right now. Did you finish whatever that important thing was? I hope you have, you look dead tired." 

I laugh as my sluggish brain almost drag my words. "Well, while I was away I was contacting Forseti and Time. They're both a handful, especially Time. I guess my exhaustion only reached me recently." 

"Forseti and Time? What are you doing talking to them?" She pauses. "Oh wait. I think I get Forseti. You must be making sure that he's keeping in line. However, I'm not so sure about Time. Doesn't he hate you and the rest of the All Fathers, since some fight or something between him and the first All Father? What do you need him for?" She concerns herself into the matter, pulling my stool closer to her. 

A natural worrier, that's what you are, Pleasance. Sometimes it causes me unbelievable trouble, with the way you dig through all of my lies. Other times I wish you never lose the gift. When you worry over me like that, Pleasance, I can see how much you really care for me at times. I feel at peace. Yet, these days might leave me if I don't do something soon. It's sad, and all I do is worry. I really should just leave that job to you. 

I chuckle at my thoughts. "What is it?" Pleasance asks. "Did I say something funny?" 

"No," I serenely say. "I'm only laughing at myself. Though you are right about what you said before. Time really does hate me, and it seems like there's nothing I can do about it." 

She leans against the wall, her shoulders slumping. "You try and try and try, but none of it gets through to him, I know. Well actually, you've only told me a little bit about him. All Father, Sir, why do you continue to try then? He doesn't listen to you. So why bother?" 

"Well," I reason. "It's kind of like why you make sure I don't quit doing my paperwork. You do it so that I get it done, right?" 

"Yeah." She nods. "I don't get how the two are connected though." 

"Don't you have any other reasons to keep me working?" 

"Well yes," she agrees. "And as I told you before, it's because you will earn the respect of the other Gods this way. With that respect I hope something in you will change."