Disclaimer: No I do not own Alice in Wonderland. Not. At. All.

Apologies: for giving up way to early. It was a mistake and won't happen again (:

The Start of Something New

Tarrant

Tarrant watched Marissa as she chased the butterflies in the Queen's garden. Although he only knew her for a short amount of time, he felt protective of her and acted as if she was his…daughter. Her strawberry blonde hair blew behind her as she ran barefoot through the garden, laughing as if she didn't have a care in the world. Her bluish-green eyes sparkled with delight. She looks so much like Alice, he thought sadly. He felt someone's presence stand beside him. He looked down beside him and spied the White Queen. She was looking at Marissa with wonder and awe.

"Looks like Alice, doesn't she?" Mirana said, the corners of her mouth turning upward.

"Ay, she does," he said to her, turning his attention back to Marissa.

"Her personality reminds me of you, however. She's out-going, bright, and can be a little…mad, if you catch my meaning." Mirana told him.

Tarrant sighed. "So it seems."

Mirana turned and left, wanting to leave Hatter and Marissa alone. Tarrant didn't notice as she did so, still transfixed with Marissa. He saw Marissa suddenly stop in her tracks, her eyes growing in wide excitement. She looked shocked and happy, with a tinge of disbelief mixed in with her features. 'Mother!' he heard her yell. Tarrant looked over to where she was staring and gasped with surprise. There, standing not too far from him, was Alice. She hadn't changed much, he noticed. Her blonde hair was slightly longer and a bit straighter. He could see her blue, twinkling eyes from where he was standing and was happy that they hadn't changed over the long period she was away. He watched as she embraced her daughter in a loving hug. He smiled as she spotted him, her face clearly showing how happy she was to be here. She pulled away from Marissa and began to run towards him.

"Hatter!" she yelled, finally reaching him and hooking her arms around his neck. He placed his arms around her thin waist and smiled.

"Alice," he sighed.

She pulled back a bit so she could see his face and had a smile on her face so big that it put Chessur to shame. "I missed you," she said.

"And I you," he told her, completely happy and at bliss.

Marissa appeared behind her, a happy smile on her face. For once, she was actually happy to her heart's content. And she would rather have it no other way.

I finally did it. Finally! It took less time than I thought it would but I'm happy I completed this chapter. I owe a big thanks to my reviewers, for wanting more and letting me see that I needed to finish. I also owe a big thanks to my best friend, who helped me write this and gave me even more inspiration. There will be one more chapter before I end this story. So sorry. But if you guys want me to, I will write a sequel once I finish my other story. Review and let me know if you want a sequel. I'll gladly do so, even if it's just one person. And sorry if this chapter is short. I just wanted to get it up and running. Forgive me, please.

Entirely yours,

Kateybugg97 (or whatever you want to call me)