Alice softly shut the door behind her and leaned against the frame. Shakily she clutched a hand to her chest. A shimmering sound was heard and she glanced up at the appearing feline before lowering her head in shame. "Alice," he sighed out. "She's not her." Alice nodded. The cat sighed again before walking up to her side and leaning against her.
Alice dropped her hand from her chest and began petting his short fur. "I know, it's just-"a choked sob tor through her throat. She slowly sank to the ground. The cat just shook his head and rubbed against her affectionately, a purr softly rumbled from his throat. "She's not her," he repeated softly.
Cheshire, done with Alice's attitude, head-butted her and said, "Now, weren't you going to get the child some food and clothes? God knows she needs it. So get off your ass and start walking!"
Alice chuckled and shot a smirk at the cat. "Yeah, yeah, I got it. Thank you, Cheshire. For once you uttered something helpful." The feline scoffed. "And for once you used your head." He replied. "Now get off your ass and get going."
Alice, her hands full of bags, knocked on the door, thrice, then twice and waited a moment. Slowly, the familiar door cracked open to expose a small child. Edelynn's hair was wet and tangled; a comb was clutched in her hand. "Miss Alice, can you help me with my hair?" She voiced shyly. Alice smiled and nodded, "Sure, once I get these," she gestured to the bags in her hands, "inside and put away." Edelynn beamed in response.
Alice chuckled softly to herself as she moved inside, slowed by the heavy bags on her arms. She placed the bags on the counter in the kitchen and began putting their fillings in their required place. The task was tedious but easy to fall into rhythm. Soon all of the food was put away and two bags remained. Alice gestured to them as she spoke, "I didn't know what you'd want or what size, so if something doesn't fit right or you don't like them place them back on the table. Now go try them on."
Edelynn beamed and grinned a toothy smile. "Thank you miss Alice! I'll be right back," and she shot off to the bathroom in a flash. Alice had moved to the chair in the living room and had barely begun to get comfortable when the small child ran back to Alice.
"How do I look, miss Alice?" She blurted out, her chest heaved from her excitement. Alice just smiled and got up to grab a brush to calm the calamity that was the child's hair. Sitting back down in her chair she gestured for the girl to stand close to her and turn around. She slowly and carefully dragged the brush through her hair, releasing any tangled hair in its path. The activity was calming for both parties and all too soon it was over. Edelynn turned back around and smiled at Alice, which she found herself returning.
"You look lovely, miss Edelynn," Alice finally answered her earlier question, sadness slowly sinking its way into her eyes. "Just like her."