Alright. Chapter 5! You finally get to know what Alice's letter says. I hope you like where I'm going with this. I'd like to give a big thanks to my reviewers. some of them gave me great ideas that helped me create the letter. Thanks so much! now with all due respect or whatever, The story!

SN: I might have a few unknown words in here. that may be because i'm not the most extreme speller in the world. matter of fact, i made a complete fail at trying the spelling bee at school. so if any questions on what i mean by a word you don't quite get, ask me!

Tarrant.

Tarrant Hightopp studied the young girl's face as she read her mother's letter. He could interpret some of the emotions he saw there. Confusion, frustration, happiness, and a tiny look into what she was thinking. What in the world is she saying? seemed to scream from her. Tarrant smiled. He could hardly believe the letter itself. But it was real. It had Alice's signature and her scent. Oh, how he loved the way she smelled! It was like a mixture of flowers, tea, and a touch of cinnamon. It was sweetenly intoxicating. But it was Alice all the same. Although Tarrant had only read it once, he had it memorized as if he had read it over a million times. He could remember every word written in Alice's careful, neat, and intricate handwriting. The letter went somewhat like this:

Hatter,

I'm going to skip all the formalities and properness to tell you how much I miss you! It hurts me to be so far apart from you in so long. I can hardly stand it! I have always loved you and will never stop. That's why I sent my daughter to you. You see, I was hoping that you can take care of her while I finish up my work here in my world. Her and I, we don't belong here. I've realized that when Marissa basically isolated herself from all of the people in our society. She never liked them. She said they were 'too proper and uptight.' I couldn't agree with her more. But there's another reason. I want to come live with you and my friends in Underland. And I couldn't leave my daughter behind. I'd be devastated and filled with so much worry. So, I sent her first so that you and her could become known to each other and get along. Perhaps become friends. But I guess I should tell you how Marissa came to be.

While I was in China, I met a young man. James Marion Brackenford was his name. I guess I only got together with was because I was lonely. and he reminded me alot like you! His hair was orange, not as bright and messy as yours though. He had the greenish of green eyes but they weren't like yours. He dressed unfamiliarly. Different. He was different. I guess that's why I fell for him. Anyways, after about three years that we've been together, Marissa came along. And I was so delighted! I've always wanted a child of my own! James and I were just joyous and happy. Nothing could possibly ruin our happiness. Until tragedy struck us. About a year after Marissa was born, James went into town one day. We were still in China, so I guess it wasn't really that safe as I thought. I waited hours for his return, but he never came. At last, a knock on the door awoke me from my worry. I ran to door, prepared to engulf him in a hug, but only to have my hopes crushed by the grim looking police officer in the doorway. He told me James had been murdered in the alleyway beside our home. I thought that if James could be murdered, so could Marissa and I. So, I moved back to England, my home, in the safety of my mother's arms.

Let's put that aside for now. I'll tell you more about my adventures in China later. What I really want to tell you is that I'm coming back and to stay. Forever. I will leave you no more. No more heartaches, no more worry, and certainly no more dull times and boring people! I promise to be there soon. It will only take a couple of weeks at the least. Possibly more. Remember, I love you Hatter. And be careful with my daughter. Don't let her curious mind get her into trouble!

Forever and always yours,

Alice Kingsley

Tarrant smiled. Alice was coming back! He raced through his mind, making plans and preparations when Marissa gasped. He had forgotten she was there. He looked at her.

"You okay, lass?" he asked.

She looked up at him. "Yes, yes. Perfectly fine. It's just...my mother. I don't understand." She said, puzzlement crossing her face that was so much like Alice.

"You will all in good time. I'm sure she will explain when she gets here." Tarrant said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I suppose," Marissa said, yawning.

"Are you tired?" Tarrant asked.

"Yes. A lot actually." She admitted.

"Well, stay awake for awhile longer. I'll take you to Marmoreal. The White Queen will be delighted to meet you! I mean, you are the daughter of her champion. Come along now. It's only a short way." he said, already walking.

Marissa looked both left and right, not sure what to think. She quickly ran up beside him and together they headed towards Marmoreal.

Yes, I know it's short. But I really rushed through this chapter because I wanted to bring things together. I'm thinking of putting the next chapter in Alice's point of view. I don't know yet. What do you think I should do? Review please!

XOXOXO

-Katelyn