Me: I...I did it. I wrote the first chapter... *insert fanfare and me throwing my arms up dramatically*

Nina: Yes, yes, now disclaimers. You need to do the disclaimers.

Me: *frowns* Kill joy... I don't own HNKNA.


Chapter 1: Die and Forget or Live and Remember

In a white room with only a bed, a small table, and window, Alice was simply in that cream colored bed. Her usually bright eyes were now a dull, faded teal and her hair was unkempt. Propped up by pillows, she did nothing but look outside. Outside, to the tree where she and Lorina used to spend their Sunday afternoons together. Memories of her beloved sister flashed in her mind, causing fresh tears to run down her pale face. Slowly, the door creaked open and a maid slowly came in, carrying a tray of porridge, a glass of water, and medicine. After closing the door, she politely curtsied and hurriedly placed the tray on the table near the bed.

Biting her lip nervously, the maid began, "Lady Alice, please eat. Your father and mother are worried about you."

Alice didn't respond and let the tears cascade as the maid frantically searched her pockets for a handkerchief. Triumphantly holding one up, the maid's victory smile faded.

The maid stuttered as she proceeded to wipe the younger girl's face, "L-Lady Alice, I'll wipe away the tears now."

After awkwardly wiping her lady's face, the maid held up the bowl and spooned some of thee porridge and blew on it gently, holding out the spoon in effort to help feed Alice. Once again, the dirty blonde did not respond and the maid sighed, giving up. She placed the spoon back in the bowl put both back on the tray before going to the door.

"Miss, if you feel hungry…you can eat you know."

After hearing the click that signaled the door closing, Alice shifted her gaze to the tray before turning back to stare at the tree.

'Nothing matters anymore…nothing but Onee-san…'

Ever since Lorina had died, Alice shut herself in her room and only looked the tree where her most cherished memories with her sister lay. Days soon became weeks and she grew weaker. Maids kept bringing in food and medicine which Alice would ignore. In attempts to cheer up their second daughter, Alice's parents decided to surprise her with a 'gift.'

Carefully, Mrs. Liddell opened her daughter's door with a soft smile on her face, "Alice, dear? Are you awake?"

No answer. Mrs. Liddell frown a bit before smiling again and came in, shortly followed by Mr. Liddell. Her mother sat on her bedside and put a hand on her daughter's.

"Alice, we know you are still sad over Lorina's…passing, but you shouldn't let this get you down any longer. There are sights to see, foods to taste, and sounds to hear! Right dear?" Her mother smiled.

Mr. Liddell nodded rapidly, "Yes! In fact, to cheer you up, we decided to let you go to the city just like you wanted! Wonderland would be a bright and lively place for you to forget -I mean- recover!"

Alice's head quickly swiveled and faced them, a pure unadulterated rage written over her face as she screamed, "Forget? FORGET?! My beloved sister, your eldest daughter was murdered! How dare you…how dare you suggest that I should 'forget' Lorina!"

The outburst shocked her parents and her father in turn became furious as well. Alice's defiant eyes stared down her father's as he stalked up to her.

He raised his hand and yelled, "SO WHAT IF LORINA DIED! SHE KNEW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN WHEN SHE LEFT THIS HOUSE! AND YOU! YOU DARE TO SCREAM AND THROW A TANTRUM LIKE A CHILD! I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU LOVED HER MOST BUT THIS IS TO MUCH!" As soon as he finished that sentence, he slapped her.

Now, with tears falling and her cheek swelling, Alice fisted the blanket in her hands. Mrs. Liddell looked shocked, and began to drag her husband out.

"I'm so sorry Alice-" Her mother sighed, pulling the father.

"What are you sorry about?! This child needs some sense smacked into her!" Mr. Liddell shouted, red faced before being shoved out the room.

Pressing her back against the door, Mrs. Liddell rolled her eyes, "Honestly, if that man keeps being such a boor, I will divorce him."

The small blonde on the bed held her cheek, looking down, almost ashamed. Noticing her daughter's moments, the older frowned.

Mrs. Liddell placed her hands on her hips, "Alice Liddell, you should not be ashamed for missing or grieving for your sister. Even so, you don't have to ignore your body's basic needs. Lorina would have wanted you to live your life, certainly not forgetting her or ruining yourself like this!"

Slowly, Alice faced her mother, seeing a gentle understanding in the woman's twinkling eyes. Her mother glided over and chuckled softly. Her mother's warm turquoise eyes shone as they met her dull azure ones.

"Oh Alice, even if you feel this much sadness, remember that if you die, you can no longer remember Lorina. Is that what you want? To die and forget? Or to live and remember?" Mrs. Liddell said softly, brushing a lock of hair away from Alice's face, "What will you choose?"


Me: ANNNNDDDDDD a cliff hanger! Hahaha...it's so dramatic. But I love it when Mrs. Liddell says, "To die and forget? Or to live and remember?" It's just so awesome.

Nina: I agree, she even considered divorcing her husband when he acted like a hot headed jerk.

Me: That may or may not have been inspired by Lord Capulet in Romeo and Juliet. But to continue, what do you guys want Alice to do? If fact, you can make a compromise (if you can) and I'll go along with what you all want her to chose.