Tarrant Hightopp lived in the Hightopp clan's home, Witzend. He lived with his wife and his little daughter, who was only one year old. Her name was Cora, and she was a sweet, perfect little baby.
Tarrant's wife, Nancy, was a beautiful woman. She had dark brown hair and green eyes. Her skin was creamy white, and she had the most beautiful smile.
And Tarrant loved those two precious people. They were everything to him. He would do or give anything to them.
Tarrant first met Nancy when they were both four years old. They were best friends and they played with one another, every day. And now, they're with each other forever, bonded with their love.
One evening, Tarrant was gone away at work, making his hats and Nancy was home alone with Cora.
"Cora, Dear!" Nancy called, as Cora was climbing upon to the table. "Get down from there!"
Cora giggled, and she hopped down.
"That's my good girl," Nancy said, as she walked over to hug her baby. She kissed Cora's red hair.
Meanwhile, at the hat shop, there was a strange customer that came walking in. She wore a blue dress and had long blonde hair. She didn't look like she came from Underland at all.
Tarrant was just doing his last bit of cleaning up, when the woman walked in. "Hello, Ma'am...can I do something for you?" Tarrant asked.
The woman froze for a moment as she looked at Tarrant. "Oh..." she said, coming out of her trance, "yes please...I'm trying to find where I am."
"Well, you're in Witzend, home of the Hightopp Clan," Tarrant said, with pride.
"Oh...I feel rather lost..." the woman said, as she stared at Tarrant's green eyes. They were so capturing.
"Well...can you tell me where you come from?" Tarrant asked.
"Yes...London," the woman said. "My name is Alice," she introduced herself.
"Hmmm..." Tarrant tapped his chin, "well, Alice. I've never heard of London before. But maybe the White Queen can help you."
"Oh...I would be most grateful if you took me to her..." Alice said, smiling at Tarrant and batting her eyes at him.
"All right then. You can come to my house and we'll fix you up with the queen in the morning," Tarrant said. "Oh, and I'm Tarrant, by the way."
"Tarrant..." Alice sighed, "what a pleasure to meet you..."
Tarrant lead the way to his cottage in the village in Witzend. Once he came up to the right one, Alice's eyes wandered all around. The house was very cozy indeed. A perfect cottage.
Then Tarrant opened the door and instantly, there was the sound of a baby, squealing with happiness.
"Cora, my girl!" Tarrant shouted with joy, and Alice froze when she watched him lift up a little baby and snuggle her close.
"Maybe it's his niece..." Alice hoped. "Um...Tarrant.." Alice said, "is that your niece?"
Tarrant glanced over to Alice, still snuggling the baby girl. "No, this is my daughter," he said, as he kissed the baby's cheek again.
Alice's heart started beating with sadness. He must have been married and with another woman. He was happy with his life and his baby.
Just then, Nancy came walking out. "Oh, who's this?" she asked, as she glanced at Alice.
"This is Alice. She's lost and needs to speak with the White Queen. I'll take her to Marmoreal tomorrow," Tarrant said.
"Oh, Alice. Pleasure to meet you," Nancy said, with a smile. "I'm Nancy."
"A pleasure," Alice said, sadly.
Then Nancy reached up and kissed her husband on the cheek. "I have supper ready," she said. "Would you join us, Alice?" she asked, Alice.
"It would be an honor," Alice said, still very sadly.
The dinner was very awkward. Alice felt very sad and left out the whole time. The baby was just about the cutest baby she had ever seen. Alice couldn't help but to wish it was her's.
And that night was very sad for Alice. She felt so mediocre and unimportant.