Chapter Twelve
The days went on similar to that for a while. Alice was going about her business. However she felt lost. There was nothing for her to do in her days. She was considered sane. No one caused her troubles and she didn't spend her day trying to figure out the truth. It was melancholic and a little bit depressing. There were changes in her life however. For example she had gotten more suitors. They were intrigued by the raving mad flower that Alice used to be. The fact that she has toned down has attracted many of the men, but the fact that she can go back to what she used to be at any moment, attracted the rest.
Alice till now has always said no, but she was wearing thin. She didn't know any of these strange men and she didn't need help to live her life from a stranger who only wanted her beauty for himself and to make the said man look good, as if he tamed the insane orchid of a girl.
Alice went about her days, picking up her medicine. Beating round the rose bush with Bumby. Fighting with the children of the house. They were stuck on the fact that she was supposedly cured and how she shouldn't be in the house anymore, but she was Bumby's favourite. It infuriated her, but she knew they were right. She could say nothing back, she owed Bumby so she wasn't going to leave, but why was he letting her stay?
Alice walked around the Manor; to be honest she was bored. There was nothing to do anymore. Wonderland seemed to be closed to her forever. She tried and tried to get back in, but nothing would allow her to enter the place. A part of her didn't even want to go back, she was afraid of what it would be, would it be fixed or worse then before? She didn't know. She was stuck in reality but it felt more like fiction than her Wonderland ever did. Everything was working out to well.
Bumby on the other hand had waited long, it has been more than a couple months since Jack Splatter died, and everyday Bumby watched Alice walk by with that key around her neck without a care in the world. She was slowly opening up to him but she would never fully open up. Her doubts would never fully disappear like he had hoped. It was too much to ask for her knew.
Both people went about their days on autopilot. Bumby keeping his thoughts off of her, as he set to work on "curing" then getting rid of the other children. Which was his front at the time for wanting to "Heal" Alice. Right now that changed, he has "fixed" Alice but he doesn't want her gone, he want's her for himself rather then giving her to Jack like first intended. Jack was now dead, and a new pimp is running Oxford's underworld. At least this time Bumby knows he won't piss him off because everyone knows it was Bumby who so horribly mutilated Jack Splatter that night, but no one would admit it and the authorities would never prosecute him because of the lack of proof and his status in Oxford was just too high, everyone believed they needed him to fix the ones that needed to be fixed.
Bumby wasn't one to hold back. He thought about it a lot, he never held back before and he believed Alice had enough time to ready herself for this. It was pretty obvious he was all she could ever think about, it was also pretty obvious that this was going to happen at some point from his advances before hand.
Alice was downstairs waiting in line for food once more, she didn't know how she had gotten there, in fact the last day was a blur to her because she wasn't paying attention. She was always thinking, about ways to make it up to Bumby but she never knew how. Actually that was a lie. She knew what he wanted but she had to bring herself to do it. This was hard. She hated to be touched and only recently has it become a comfort from Bumby. She couldn't erase what he had done before either, before, forcing himself on her. Maybe though, just once. She would repay her debt and be allowed to leave… but would she want to leave, having him there has become a comfort. He was a constant reminder that the man who killed her family was gone. She was in peace when she watched him as a concentrated. Alice smiled at the idea of being the only person who saw him when he was smiling at little things in the book he read at night. The serene face she sometimes couldn't help but watch as he slept. She didn't want to admit it to herself but she was falling in love with Angus Bumby.
A blush took over Alice's face as she advanced in the line for food. She was snapped back to reality when she heard her name called from the manor door across the room. She looked over and saw that the maid was calling her. In front of the maid was a man she hadn't seen before, he was watching her with a look that a rabid hungry dog would have after seeing a juicy piece of meat thrown in front of him after weeks of not eating, this look sometimes came from Bumby and now she understood what it meant. This man wanted her. Meaning Bumby did as well.
Alice stepped out of the queue and walked towards the two suddenly aware of how she was dressed. The corset suddenly seemed way too tight, her hair way too neat, and her heels way to high. She could feel Bumby's arms around her waist tightening the corset while she walked, but he wasn't actually there. Alice walked slowly with her head high hiding her discomfort. She got closer and saw the man properly. He was neatly dressed, similar to Bumby, he seemed respectable enough, but Alice was right. She had never met him before.
"This is Thomas Finch," The maid said pointing to the stranger. He was younger then Bumby, with no facial hair or glasses. He was taller but also skinnier and his hands were very thin as if they would break if Bumby shook his hand. Alice suddenly caught herself comparing this Mr. Finch to Bumby and a blush escaped over her pale face.
She nodded curtly dismissing the maid from their presence. She stood stiffly waiting for the man to speak but he only stood in the doorway fumbling. Alice had been through this a few times already so like always she ushered the man inside as if oblivious to what he came to the manor for. The cook was kind enough to brief her on what to do; she helped Alice understand how to turn these men down kindly enough so not to invite any trouble from them.
The man came in, and fumbled around for a while as Alice took a seat across from him after having him sit. They were in the living room where Bumby would meet potential clients from the asylum. Lately there haven't been any. Sitting in the room reminded Alice of the first time Pris Witless brought her here. She was quiet, angry with everything and everyone. She hated the sight of Bumby and how he promised to fix her. She knew he was wrong, but it was her who was wrong. Her stomach filled with butterflies as she remembered how gentle he was with her, as if he was coaxing a kitten out of a box.
The man just stared at her as all this went through her mind. She was enraged for a second feeling as if he probed her mind for information that only she had the right to sift through. He sat back slowly however showing Alice he couldn't find anything. Alice was starting to get impatient, most men got right to it. She raised an eyebrow urging him to talk. He took the hint thankfully.
"You're beautiful" He said at last.
Alice coughed loudly trying everything to conceal her laughter. After such a long pause she was surprised that was all he could come up with. Her coughing fit lasted approximately five seconds and she took another few seconds to compose herself before speaking.
"What is it you called me out for Mr. Finch" she said as respectively as she could.
The man cleared his throat for a second then looked at her earnestly.
He opened his mouth and was about to spew out what was sure to be a love confession before snapping it shut again and looking above Alice at something. Alice stared astonished at him for a second before turning her head to see what the man was looking at with that awful gaping mouth hanging open. To Alice's surprise Bumby was standing behind her looking at the man sternly. However, what Mr. Finch was missing was something Alice couldn't miss, the look of surprise on Bumby's face. It was true he had always been busy when suitors came, but she didn't think it mattered, she turned them all down anyway like she would Mr. Finch.
Alice got up slowly about to say something, she wasn't sure what. She couldn't tell whether Bumby was angry or not he merely stared the poor man down and Alice was beginning to pity him. He was unlucky to come at a time Bumby wasn't working because at least he could have still left with his dignity intact.
"Ah, Mr. Finch it is lovely to see you" Bumby said finally with a smile.
The area stayed silent as no one said anything so Bumby decided to continue.
"You wish to court Alice? I am afraid that isn't possible right now. The poor girl has already been through so much. Please leave" Bumby said with a light tone but Alice caught the underlying threat in his voice only Mr. Finch was supposed to pick up.
Mr. Finch did nothing but nod as he made a beeline for the door. Leaving without looking back at Alice, or Bumby, the door slamming shut behind him. Alice had to feel sorry for him. This was a terrible way to be shot down.
Alice let out a sigh of relief even though the room was still tense. Bumby watched her for a second. He hadn't realized the courting had begun so soon. It frustrated him how he always had competition. He couldn't be surprised though because she was such a rare beauty.
Bumby let out a cough and cleared his throat.
"Are the…" another cough
"Love bites gone?" Bumby ended watching her. Alice's face retorted with surprise, after a while she realized he was actually waiting for an answer thus she nodded a couple times and looked down. A huge blush taking over her pale face showing she actually is alive, because of the personal conversation about her body. She was angry with herself with her constant blushes. They never happened before, problem was everything changed, including herself.
Bumby left with a nod and grabbed his plate of dinner that was earlier placed on the dinner table before he saw Alice with Mr. Finch. Bumby sat in his usual seat and began his dinner. Alice joined him after grabbing her own. Sitting across from him like usual. The dinner was eaten in peace since most of the other children were done by the time they arrive. There is no pointless chit chat that sometimes occurs to keep up an illusion of no tension between the two, or rather yet, sexual tension between the two.
Once done Alice got up and cleaned her plate. Bumby did the same and grabbed Alice's wrist literally yanking her up the stairs and into their shared room.
Alice wasn't surprised, she expected it yet she still couldn't keep the gasp away from the sudden push onto his bed.
Bumby stood and watched her for a second. He wasn't sure that if he touched her whether she break or not. Alice knew what she had to do to make it up to him, but she was frozen. Her body wouldn't move. She just looked up at him as he stared down at her. That hungry look in his eyes. Bumby took off his glasses first and place them on the night stand. He slowly sat down on the bed next to her. Alice sat still. Slowly unlike the first time, Bumby leant forward, placing his large warm hands on Alice's neck pulling her gently forward to him. Alice closed her eyes, their lips connecting. They were soft and warm something Alice failed to notice the first time. Bumby went slow with the kiss, but it got progressively deeper and more passionate. Alice complied but she had mixed feelings. She didn't know whether she wanted this or not. Resented or longed.
Bumby's arms stretched round Alice's back, never breaking the kiss. Slowly he started loosening the black corset around her waist. Air was filling Alice's lungs at a rapid pace, her heart speeding up fast.
Without permission Alice's arms lifted themselves to Bumby's buttons and slowly she started to unbutton them and reveal his well sculpted chest Alice has seen many times, yet still hadn't gotten used to.
Bumby broke the kiss and flung the expensive corset onto the floor in a pile with his shirt. Next was Alice's gown. Bumby pulled it off slowly revealing Alice's again unblemished white skin. Bumby felt a reaction in his member. It was hard to contain himself.
Alice looked away for a second. Bumby pushed Alice down and kissed her again. She told herself it was alright, she was okay with it. However she was still unsure. Her body was for her to give if she chooses, not to be given as payment. That realization suddenly dawned on her. Slowly she tried to slip away and tell Bumby that she would make it up to him another way but he stopped her, tightening his grip on her shoulders, forcing his kiss onto her.
Alice stopped struggling, she felt herself shut down. She was scared. This was the only way she could make it up to him? She lay there still and allowed him to have his way. It was hard to deny the part that wanted him and with his objection to her leaving she lost the fight against her desires.
Bumby noticed the change in Alice and took the opportunity to rip the key off of her neck. He held it in his hands for a second feeling the cold steel. With his free hand he ripped Alice's undergarments needlessly and kissed her neck. Leaving his own little red blotches in his path. His lips surrounded her nipple and he sucked and licked roughly forcing little gasps and moans to escape Alice's unwilling mouth. His free hand played with her other breast forcing them to become familiar with every curve on her upper body before running his hands down to her lower half.
Alice could feel slowly how hard Bumby had gotten and she could see in his eyes how much he wanted her right that second. She was thankful for him going slow. She couldn't deny enjoying it however like she would have, because every touch heated her blood and sped up her heart.
Bumby's hand slowly made its way down Alice's body leaving fire in its wake, or at least that was what it felt like to Alice. She could feel him taking over her.
Without warning Bumby slid two fingers into her, forcing long low moans to escape her mouth without protest.
"Angus…" Slipped of her tongue as he played around inside her with experience she couldn't place. With Elizabeth of course but Alice never would of known this.
Bumby played around with Alice forcing her to arch her back, but he was started to get rough. Alice didn't fight it though; the first time she fought back resulted in large welts across the face.
After some time, something as cold and hard as hard as steel slid slowly into Alice. She couldn't place what it was but it cut at her from the inside and hurt. Tears welled up quickly behind Alice but she quickly blinked them away racking her brain for information on what this object may be. Alice looked up at Bumby, he was staring right back at her with a smirk on his face. He moved his fingers faster forcing a cry of pain from Alice. The tears couldn't be held back any longer as Alice stared back at Bumby with disbelief. While watching Alice, Bumby pulled his hand away from her lower half revealing exactly what was inside her.
A now very bloody key to the door of Elizabeth Liddell.