The next morning, Charlie woke Alice and Hatter with the smell of breakfast. Feeling well rested, they sat around the small fire.
"Charlie, what is that you're cooking?" Alice inquired.
"Mome Rath stew. It's quite delicious," Charlie responded. Alice was curious to know why a mome rath would be any bit delectable, but when in Wonderland.. Charlie handed Alice a bowl filled halfway with stew. As Alice took her first bite, she found it to be delicious as Charlie claimed. When she looked up, she noticed Hatter giving her a small smile as if he was in awe. Alice gave him a smile in return and they resumed to finish their breakfast.
"Harbinger," Charlie commanded, "go gather more wood for the fire tonight."
Rolling his eyes, Hatter replied, "Alright, no need to get snippy about it." Alice stifled a laugh but Hatter already noticed.
"Think something's funny, do ya?" Hatter asked as he approached Alice.
"N-no, not at all," Alice laughed as she stole Hatter's hat right off of his head and placed it on hers. Hatter was about to steal it right back but he paused to really look at her: blue jeans, white tank top and his porkpie hat resting on her head.
"You look beautiful," Hatter whispered. Alice felt the butterflies go mad in her stomach. Without another word, Hatter turned to gather the firewood. Charlie noticed the exchange and decided to take advantage of the time he has with Alice.
"You love him," Charlie stated matter-of-factly. That simple statement, though true, shook Alice to hear it stated out loud. When Alice didn't answer him, Charlie sat down next to her.
"You know, I may be an old loon but I know a thing or two," Charlie exclaimed. "Open your heart, Just Plain Alice. Let him in. I think you'll be surprised. Harbinger cares for you, more than you know."
"I want to let him in. I'm just scared. What if he gets tired of me and just leaves? I don't want either of us to hurt anymore," Alice explained. Charlie placed his fingers on his head, distractedly.
"I sense your harbinger coming. Remember what I told you," Charlie insisted. Sure enough, Hatter came into the clearing with a pile of firewood.
"Hey Ali-" Hatter started.
"Hey nonny nonny, hey nonny nonny," Charlie sang, interrupting Hatter.
"Charlie," said Hatter, being slightly annoyed, "could you maybe give us a moment?" Charlie nodded and decided to take his horse for a walk. Hatter sat down next to Alice and gently brushed his fingers across the back of her hand.
"You okay?" Hatter asked. When she confirmed this with a nod, Hatter continued. "I'm sorry for running off like that. I shouldn't have given up on you so easily." Alice was about to chime in but Hatter stopped her. "I promise you I won't go anywhere. I'm always gonna be here for ya..make sure you're okay." Alice's eyes started to tear up and a soft whimper escaped her lips.
"Hatter, I'm so sorry," Alice cried, "I never meant to make you feel unwanted. The truth is, I'm so scared because I've never cared so much for someone." Alice took a breath to calm herself down. "So I did what I was used to doing and ran away from the way I feel. I'm done running. I came here to find you because I- I love you, Hatter. It terrifies me to love you so much, but you're worth the risk." Alice started to cry again and Hatter, surprised by her confession, pulled her into his arms.
"Shh, Alice, it's alright love," Hatter whispered as he held her close. When Alice's tears stopped falling, she looked up into Hatter's warm chocolate eyes. Hatter gently swiped his thumb under her eye to wipe away a tear.
"I love you too, Alice," Hatter confessed with a sparkle in his eye. Alice giggled out of relief and soon, they were both laughing.
"Just promise me something," Alice requested.
"Anything," Hatter told her.
"Promise you won't let me push you away. Just please stay with me," Alice stammered.
"I will always stay with you," Hatter confirmed as he leaned in to kiss her. His lips were soft against hers. Hatter wrapped his arms around her while Alice ran her fingers through his hair and the kiss became more passionate, full of love. They did not part until they heard Charlie singing his song. Alice and Hatter's hearts hammered in their chests.
"Sorry if I interrupted anything," Charlie smiled, "but I had the feeling all was well once again."
"Yes, thank you for all your help, Charlie," Alice told him. Charlie began cooking the borogrove over the fire as Alice and Hatter snuggled up to each other on the log. Once the borogrove was done cooking, the three of them ate while talking animatedly about the time they spent apart. Three months, eighteen years; it didn't matter, Alice thought, they would always be a strange little family.
Charlie and Hatter started a weird game of charades, acting out people and creatures of Wonderland. As the game continued, Alice pulled out her cellphone and began to play her favorite playlist titled 'Exploring Wonderland.' She joined in their game and only acted out what she could remember from her worn copy of 'Alice's Adventures In Wonderland.' The last charade of the night was Charlie mimicking the Jabberwock, raising his arms straight out in front of him and stomping around like a giant. Alice and Hatter laughed uncontrollably as they tried to guess what it was. After a while, the trio began to feel exhausted.
Charlie immediately conked out as he lay in his hammock. Hatter and Alice cuddled together in the bed, and with a goodnight kiss, began to fall asleep. The next morning, they all woke early to ride to the palace. Once they arrived, Jack greeted them.
"I'm so glad the two of you were able to work things out. Come along with me so you can return home." Alice looked confused but as they entered a grand dining room, she realized Jack kept another looking glass in the palace. Hatter and Alice gave Charlie a group hug.
"Just Plain Alice and Harbinger, please visit again soon. For I, Sir Charles Eustace Fotheringhay Le Malvois III, will miss you," Charlie remarked.
"Don't worry, mate," said Hatter, "we'll visit again soon." Alice took Hatter's hand and they stepped through the looking glass together. As they landed in Hatter's bedroom, Alice saw that only forty minutes had passed. Hatter helped Alice off the floor.
"Say, why don't we grab some pizza for lunch?" Hatter suggested.
Alice laughed, "Okay, but you have to finally try sweet tea." Hatter agreed and they blissfully went on their way.
Author's Note: I hope y'all enjoyed this final chapter! I plan on writing an epilogue that takes place 7 months after these events on Alice's birthday.
The playlist called 'Exploring Wonderland' can be found on my 8tracks profile. My username is SimplyShelbs16xoxo. A special thank you to my best friend, AlwaysHopelessRomantic95, and sailwithmeintothedark. I enjoyed sharing this story with y'all!
