Chapter 4! It's not as long the others, but it might be enough. Perhaps, I can go back and fix it all once I'm finished. Until then, you'll have to do with this.

Marissa

Marissa looked up and saw a strange looking man. The man had wild orange hair, a pale face with bright make-up (or was it make-up?), bright green eyes, a purple decorative top hat, weird clothes, and a wide smile with a big gap in-between his two front teeth. He was quite the person. He looked kind of insane. But rather handsome. MARISSA! the voice screamed. Do NOT think of this man that way! Marissa was confused What are you talking about? He is sort of handsome. But he looks a bit too old for me, don't you think? Marissa told it. The voice sighed with relief. At least you are actually thinking correctly for once. It said. Marissa only rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the man.

The man looked down and saw Marissa and smiled even wider, if that was even possible. "Hello!" he said.

Marissa smiled weirdly. "Hello," she said.

"And who might you be, lass?" the man asked, a hint of scottish brogue in his voice.

"I am Marissa Darnelle Kingsley. The daughter of Alice Kingsley and the late James Brakenford." She replied.

"Daughter? Alice had a daughter?" the man asked, slightly confused.

"Well, yes. If she didn't, would I be standing here?" Marissa challenged.

The man's bright, emerald eyes turn a dark orange. He looked angry. Don't challenge him Marissa. Explain yourself and then hand him the letter. It might lessen his anger. The voice told her with a sense of warning.

Marissa cleared her throat. "You look angry. I'm terribly sorry. I didn't mean to. Please, allow me to explain things."

The man nodded, the orange fading only a little, but still remained.

"Alright, now that you've calmed a little, please introduce yourself." Marissa said.

"I am Tarrant. Tarrant Hightopp. But I'm also known as the Mad Hatter." He said.

"So you're Tarrant! My mother has told me a great deal about you. Especially in her stories about Underland, which I suppose is the world I am in now." Marissa said excitedly.

Tarrant nodded, his eyes turning bright at the mention of Marissa's mother Alice mentioning him.

"As I said before, my mother is Alice Kingsley and my father, God rest his soul, is James Brakenford. But before you get mad again, I have a letter to hand you from my mother. I'm hoping it will explain herself to you, since from your expression, you care for her more than you're willing to let anyone know." Marissa explained.

"A letter? Where?" Tarrant asked looking around for any hint of paper.

"Well, I was hoping maybe you could give me something to return me to my normal size and reach in that door and grab my dress," Marissa admitted.

"Oh! Of course!" Tarrant exclaimed, reaching into his coat pocket and pulling out a small vial with a clear liquid inside. He then reached behind her and into the door to pull her dress out.

"Thank you so much. I'm grateful for that. Now if you will please turn around or go somewhere else, I'll gladly return to my normal size and get dressed in my normal clothes." Marissa said.

"Yes, of course. I'll go over somewhere." Tarrant said, already walking out of sight.

Marissa looked around cautiously, making sure no one was looking. Deciding it was safe, she took a swig from the vial. She instantly began to grow until she was the regular 5 foot 4 inches. Marissa quickly put on her undergarments and her dress. She didn't put on a corset. She absolutely detested those things! Straightening herself, she called for the Hatter. He came into view several minutes.

"Hello again," she said.

He chuckled. "There's no need for that, lass."

"Alright. I guess I can give you the letter now." She said, picking up her purse and pulling the letter out gently.

Tarrant took her from her and unfolded it carefully, ensuring that he wouldn't rip it. His now green eyes scanned the paper and he smiled. Marissa wondered what he could possibly be so happy about.

"This does explain everything! Thank you so much, dear Marissa, for giving me this. I couldn't be happier!" Tarrant shouted with joy.

Marissa laughed. "Calm down, Tarrant! You're going to give yourself a heart attack!" Marissa exclaimed.

Tarrant laughed with her. "Dear girl, I really think you should read this! It's absolutely perfect!" he said, handing her the letter.

Marissa glanced from him to the letter.

"Don't worry. It won't bite. Trust me, it's something to be happy about!" he assured her.

Marissa sighed. Come on, Marissa dear. Read it! you were always curious about what it said. The voice urged. I know. But what if this is something terrific for him, but just horrifying for me? Marissa asked it. Read it and find out. The voice said. Marissa took a little breath and started to read the letter that her mother had written.

So what do you think her mother wrote? R&R! Reviews make me happy!

XOXOXO-Kate