When Worlds Collide | Mad Hatter OUAT x Reader |

Chapter 8 ✂ The Girl

"Here they are!" Mother Superior said opening a doorway to a playroom like setting. Boys and girls swarmed around toys and the beds. You hadn't heard so much laughter since well-- forever.

"There's so many kids, it's hard to choose."

"Take you time and get to know them. This child is going to be with you till the end so don't rush on the decision." Mother Superior muttered. "Jefferson?"

He painfully peeled his eyes from you and turned his attention to the nun. "Yes?"

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" She called him with a beaming smile. Your face tensed as they walked away, even though Mother Superior seemed ebullient.

While the two strolled to the corner of the room, exchanging secrets, you gleamed around the room. The children were all so noisy and made you feel lightly squeamish. But then, out of complete nowhere, everything seemed to focus on a little girl who listlessly drew on her bed. Ever so often, the corner of her lips rose as she looked at her book in different views.

"Hi there," you smiled as you joined her at the edge of the bed. "What are you up to?"

"I'm drawing," She shuffled back a little, leaving you room to sit better on the bed.

"And what are you drawing?" You beamed as you looked over her shoulder.

"A bunny!"

"You're really good at drawing, Sweetheart."

"Thank you," her eyes lit up as she glanced at you. "You're very pretty."

"Why thank you... I'm (Y/N) by the way."

"I'm Paige; it's nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too, love."

After a few minutes of utter silence between you two, you begun to admire her as she drew. She had the most beautiful chocolate eyes and her hair was soft and silky. She was a pretty little thing and by the way she rested her head into your chest, you knew you made a bond with this child. You could see from the corner of your eye that Jefferson and Mother Superior beaming grins your way.

You gently glanced down at the girl cradled in your arms. "Do you like it- I mean the orphanage of course."

"It's nice here. Everyone's really friendly and there's just so much to do around here." She cheered, but her face begun to soften as gloom spilled upon her features. "But when night comes around, it's horrible."

"Why?" You asked a tad bit worried.

"It's when all the kids start to miss having a family."

"Do you remember your family?"

"No... But I wish I could." She smiled with a false good cheer. After a few minutes attention of staring, she tore her eyes from you with a soft smile creeping upon her cheery lips.

"Paige?"

"Yes?" She cooed.

"H-How would y-you like to be a part of my family?"

Her face lit up like fireworks and she looked back up at you. "Y-You really mean it?"

"Of course!" You beamed at her. Her lips spread further into a curve and her eyes gathered tears as she swung her arms around your neck.

"Oh I would love that! Thank you! Thank you!" She squealed.

When all the bags were packed, all the forms were signed and the fees were paid, Mother Superior began to explain the rules. "In about a week or two, I'll come down to your place to check up on how you're doing with Paige."

"Alright, sounds good."

"Other than that- when's the wedding?" The nun asked glancing between you and Jefferson. Your eyes widened as you looked at Jefferson.

"Well (Y/N) go on, tell her." He smirked.

"I-I uh... h-haven't exactly haven't t-thought about that." You stuttered, looking at Paige nervously.

"Well make sure you invite me." She grinned as she stood up from her seat. "Well that's all Ms. (L/N). I hope you'll take care of Paige well."

"Yes, I promise." You swore. "Thank you again Mother Superior."

"You're welcome." She shook both Jefferson's and your hand. "Now you all take care! Good day."

"You too!" Jefferson called back as he held the door open for you and Paige. You gawked down at the feeble girl and noticed the wonder in her eyes as she stared at Jefferson. Your stomach begun to twist as the realization slapped you.

While Jefferson was busy on his phone for a moment, you knelt down to the child's height and shied away to look at her in the eyes.

"What's wrong?" Paige asked frantically.

"I have something to admit Paige..." You held her hand, hoping it would comfort her in some way. "It's barely been an hour and I've already lied to you."

"What did you lie about?" Her voice softened.

"Jefferson- isn't really my fiancé. He just said that because Mother Superior didn't like the fact I was single. He was just trying to help.... I'm really sorry if I made a bad impression on you."

You expected her to tense and burst into broken tears but the girl grinned frailly. "It's okay... I'm not mad at you."

"You aren't?"

"Of course not, at least you told me the truth right?" She replied.

You smiled in relief. "So we're good?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "So... who is he to you anyways?"

"Just a frien-"

"Am I interrupting?" Jefferson asked hovering behind you.

You jerked up to his height. "Oh no! I was just talking to Paige."

"Mother, daughter rants already I'm assuming." Jefferson chuckled with you joining in after. "Well I better be off. I have some errands to run."

You nodded. "Thank you so much for all the help. I owe you."

"Hmm... that sounds like a brilliant idea." He sneered.

You knew something was up not a second later. "Alright Jefferson... what do you want?" You crooked a grin.

"Maybe you'd have the time to go out for dinner tonight?" He asked teasingly. You still weren't sure if he was just kidding around or not. You glanced back at Paige who giggled on her own. "No worries, Paige can come too. I absolutely don't have anything against that."

"This is really sudden..."

"I hate to say but I'm impulsive in many degrees."

You still hesitated. Considering you were just telling Paige nothing was going on between you, you dithered. On the other hand, you barely knew this man but he'd helped you. You glanced back at Paige who gestured you to continue. "I-I guess so..." You sighed in defeat.

"Perfect." Jefferson grinned vibrantly. "So I'll see you two lovely ladies at Grannies at eight."

You tittered lightly. "Whatever you say Mr. Impulsive."

"See you then, take care." He locked eyes with Paige for a second which you noticed. When he broke out of his trance he waved and Paige did the same with her chocolate eyes utterly dazed. This made you feel odd, but clearing that out of your mind, you took Paige.