Breaking Wonderland: Alice in Chains
BTAS (Batman Animated Series)
(Sequel to Breaking Wonderland) After her breakdown, Alice is forced to seek psychiatric help. Though the criminals in Arkham have other things on mind, again.
PS: Sorry for any grammar mistakes, typos, anything else.
Chapter 5: Hill Park
Jervis finally got a hold of his favorite poster. Alice in Wonderland. He placed the frame up against the wall stepping back for a moment to make sure it was straight. He stepped forward tilting the frame to it's right. He stepped back again and inhaled.
"Perfect," he exhaled. He stared at it for a couple of seconds before sighing. Thoughts of Alice started to float into his mind. How dutiful she was as his secretary, the way she giggled and smiled. How she smelt like a bouquet of flowers when she passed. Then thoughts of her angrily holding up a pink flamingo club and about to smack him came to his mind and shook Jervis from his thoughts. "Those eyes, those tears," he paused as his face sadden he turned making his way across the room. "Oh how I wish I could have stopped those tears from ever happening," he shook his head before turning red. "He'll pay! Oh, I will make sure of that!" he said banging his fist on the table. His phone rang and he blinked who would be calling him at this hour, even worse how did they find his number? Jervis made his way to the phone expecting a wrong number.
"Yes?" he answered.
"Hi!" a familiar voice replied.
"Harley?" he asked confusedly.
"Yep the one and only!" she yelled happily.
"But how? How did you find this number?" Jervis asked.
"I have my ways," she replied slyly. Jervis looked off to the side for a moment. "So how's your search for the Spookster goin'? Harley asked.
"If you're referring to the Scarecrow then not so well," he said bitterly.
"Awe that's too bad-" Harley started.
"Harley- are you phone pranking without me again!" the loud voice of the Joker could be heard in the distance.
"No! Puddin'!" she yelled back at him. "Heh, sorry about that," she stated.
"It's quite okay," Jervis replied a bit irritated.
"So Johnny boy is a lot slipperier than ya thought?" she continued.
"Unfortunately," he replied bitterly.
"Well he's bound to show up sooner or later but in the meanwhile how about you meet me in the park this Thursday?" Harley asked.
"Wha-what do you mean?" he asked tentatively. He grew nervous.
"I mean for some cake and milk just a bit of chattin' we can discuss ways for ya gettin' even on Johnny, what do you say?" she asked coolly. Jervis was quiet. Was Harley asking him on a date? No of course not especially not when the Joker was around. Was this part of her secret plan? Perhaps? "Well?" Harley asked again.
"Oh very well, what time?" he asked defeated.
"Three thirty, at Hill Park, be there or be square, heheh," a click followed shortly after. It was apparent that Harley had an issue with Goodbyes.
Harley hung up and hummed to herself for a little while. She picked the phone and dialed another number. The phone rang for a few seconds then suddenly a drowsy "Hello," answered. Harley cleared her throat.
"Hello, is this Ms. Pleasance?" Harley asked. There was silence for a moment.
"Uhh, Dr. Quinzel?" Alice asked.
"Yes so glad you remembered me! How are you doing?" Dr. Quinzel asked politely.
"Oh I'm doing okay and you?" she asked sounding more awake.
"Perfectly fine," Dr. Quinzel enunciated.
"Oh," Alice replied.
"Sorry to call at this hour but I have some bad news," she started.
"Bad news?" Alice asked.
"Yes Dr. Richardson and I had a sort of falling out recently," Harley paused. "She didn't like the idea of me seeing the same patients anymore and thought you weren't ready to quicken your progress I'm sorry, Alice," Harley covered the phone and giggled.
"Harley-!"
"Not NOW, puddin!" Harley yelled back luckily she was still covering the phone.
"But why would Dr. Richardson do such a thing?" Alice asked sadly.
"I'm afraid we never quite saw eye-to-eye on helping patients we just simply have different methods," Dr. Quinzel stated.
"Oh, I see," she said sadly.
"Of course... if you wish you could still see me if you like, without Dr. Richardson's knowledge of course," Dr. Quinzel added deviously.
"You mean lie?" Alice asked. Harley rolled her eyes.
"Just a tiny white lie," Dr. Quinzel added. "Of course you could always just see Dr. Richardson it's fine with me," she let out. There was silence. "How about I give you some time to think about it, I'll call you in a few days," Dr. Quinzel suggested.
"Okay," Alice replied lightly. The sound of the click made Alice realize that Dr. Quinzel had hung up.
Harley stared at the pale finger placed firmly on the phones hook. Harley let out a nervous smile.
"Oh hi sugar," Harley replied. The Joker let out a small grin and lifted his finger off the hook.
"Now Harley are you being a naughty girl again?" he asked venomously. Harley tilted her head as she shrugged.
"Maybe," she grinned.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," the Joker let out. "Now now I said no pranking without me! Now go to your room you're punished," he said strongly. Harley frowned.
"But puddin!" she replied.
"No buts! You better be ready for you punishment when I get there," he said sternly. Harley continued to frown as she walked away letting out a small smile as she made her way to her room.
Thursday came too fast as Harley and Ivy hid in the bushes. Harley held up a pair of binoculars to her eyes.
"I can't believe you dragged me out here... for this," Ivy hissed as she shook her head hiding in some bushes.
"Oh hush it's not like you had anything better to do," Harley stated. Ivy huffed as Harley was partially right, Ivy too had a hard time gathering funds to continue her research and experiments. Harley gazed into the binoculars looking towards a group of small stores. She sighed, "Where is he? He's running late!"
"Maybe he's at the store buying cake and milk," Ivy replied sarcastically as she crossed her arms.
"Ha Ha!" Harley let out sarcastically as well. "Just you wait my plan will work. Oooh, there's Alice now, she making her way towards the pet shop," Harley replied. Ivy perked a brow interested. A minute later Jervis exited the store holding a bag, he was dressed semi-formal. "Ahahaha there's Jervy too he just got out of the store," Harley stated.
"Let me see!" Ivy said as she grabbed the binoculars from Harley. She might as well take a peek at the action as well.
"Turn right, turn right, turn right," Harley chanted with her eyes closed and fingers crossed.
"He's turned right," Ivy confirmed, "He's walking down the street, wait... he stopped I think he see's Alice!" Ivy exclaimed.
"Oooh let me see!" Harley demanded excitedly. Ivy held on tight and tugged away.
"No, hmmm... wait he's just standing there all awkward," Ivy said unenthusiastically giving the binoculars to Harley.
"Come on Jervy talk to her!" Harley shouted.
"Figures... absolutely no social skills," Ivy said shaking her head.
Jervis checked his watch as he made his way towards the exit of the store. He was running a bit late and it didn't help that he was nervous. He walked out of the store a cool breeze blew but other than that it was a beautiful sunny day. He took a deep breath as he turned right on the side walk. He placed the bag on his arm happily walking down the sidewalk until suddenly there she was. Only a few yards away, stood Alice staring at a window full of kittens. He stopped suddenly in his tracks, frightened. He hadn't seen her since the incident in Arkham and it wasn't pleasant. Alice leaned back as she looked up at the glass for a few moments. It was as time stopped and people walked passed them minding their own business. Jervis gulped when suddenly Alice turned her head in his direction, her blue eyes slowly focusing down at his direction. Her long blonde hair flowed down her back as her elegant neck was stretched back. Suddenly Alice turned, her face gave a questioning look of familiarity. She stood there facing him silently her face blank. Jervis blinked he didn't know how to react or even what to say. Then suddenly he walked out on the street and towards the park. He felt strange and quickened his pace. He glimpsed back only for a second though he thought he saw Alice following him. No, it couldn't be why would Alice want anything to do with him? He started to jog a bit.
"Jervis!" he heard from behind. Alice called out to him, just like she did when they worked together, time ago. Jervis kept walking as he made his way towards the park looking around for any signs of Harley. "Jervis wait!" he heard again. Then he stopped against his own accord. He didn't know where else to run and he closed his eyes and looked down angry at himself. He heard Alice's steps, catching up.
"Hey, Jervis! I thought I wasn't going to catch up to you for a moment," Alice wheezed as she caught her breath. Jervis turned nervously.
"Oh, Alice... I-I mean what brings you here, my dear?" he stuttered. Alice stopped and stared at him quietly before letting out a small smile. She blushed for a second. Jervis grew nervous as a school boy asking a girl to dance during prom. Alice looked down sadly for a moment.
"I-" she paused. It became apparent that Alice was nervous as well. Jervis loosened up a bit. "I saw you and I-" she took in a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. "I wanted to thank you," she let out slowly. Her eyes opened and focused on his. Jervis didn't know what to say. He blinked confused. "I know this must be awkward but I wanted to thank you for what you've done. I mean if it wasn't for you I'd probably be in prison or locked up in Arkham right now," she stated sweetly. Jervis titled his head his heart slightly melted as he suddenly shook his head.
"No Alice you don't have to thank me, I'm just glad you're okay," he replied as he smiled softly at her. Alice beamed as she smiled bashfully at him.
"I'm also sorry for what I've done to you in Arkham," Alice continued this time she looked guilty. Jervis paused for a moment as he stepped forward.
"It's okay my dear, I forgive you," he said, he wanted to place a hand on her shoulder but thought better of it. She was looking on the ground guiltily for a bit before looking back up away from him.
"Thank you," she replied as she shuffled nervously. Alice looked back up at him and smiled. "I'm sorry you must be busy, I didn't mean to interrupt your day," Alice started as she loosened up as well.
"Oh no, it's quite alright, I was just walking to the park expecting a friend of mines," he said as he looked around again. Alice looked around as well.
"Oh, I see well I'd better get going," Alice said as she started to turn.
"I mean I don't see her around but..." he spoke. His eyes widened. What am I doing? He thought as he kicked himself mentally. Alice stopped and turned. "Perhaps you wouldn't mind helping me find her?" Jervis finished as he shrugged. "Oh who am I kidding you must be very busy yourself," he murmured to himself. Alice stopped and stared at him quietly for a while.
"Well actually, I don't mind," she said nervously as she stepped forward. Jervis' mouth dropped slightly.
"Yo- you will, splendid," he said excitedly. Alice bit her lip nervously as she looked back behind her wondering if she made a wise decision.
"Actually I was just looking at the pet shop," she let out and this time Alice shrugged inwardly, feeling insecure.
"Well I'm sure she must be around somewhere," Jervis turned around quickly letting out a big smile, he tried his best to contain himself as he wanted to dance around happily. Alice stepped forward.
"Well actually it really isn't a big park, not like Gotham Park," she said as she looked around, Jervis stopped smiling and looked around overly concerned. "Here, let's go this way," she said as she walked down a path. Jervis followed as Alice walked along the path. "Do you see her?" Alice asked as she looked around curiously. Jervis was staring at her the whole time. Then suddenly, she stopped to look at him and Jervis looked away as if he was searching around the park.
"Why no I don't," he said simply.
"What does she look like?" Alice asked curiously.
"Well, ahh she's young, blonde with blue eyes," he said. Alice turned a light shade of pink.
"Ohhh," she said teasingly. Jervis grew nervous.
"I-uh- No, it's not what you think she's a dear friend of mines, that's all," he said as he stepped forward. "Come let look this way," he said suddenly and this time he lead the way. Alice giggled.
"It's okay Jervis- I mean," Alice started.
"No honestly she's an old acquaintance.. she has a boyfriend already too," Jervis let out and then he stopped suddenly. What was he saying? That's all he needed, Alice to think he was trying to steal another young woman from her suitor. Alice stopped hesitantly. "Oh what am I saying, I'm sorry Alice I dragged you into all this," he turned moping. "I think it's best if you just leave," he said looking down defeated. He felt so ashamed as he realized he couldn't simply be his charming self. Alice stared at him sadly.
"Oh," Alice said sheepishly. She looked at Jervis he was genuinely sad. Memories of long ago came to her, she'd seen that sad demeanor before. It made her feel guilty.
"If you really think so.. I didn't mean.. I just wanted to help that's all," she replied, her voice came out bit nasally than usual.
"It's quite alright," he said as he looked up at her briefly before looking to his side.
"Are you sure?" Alice asked. Jervis just nodded. She felt sad it was apparent that he was guilty for what he did in the past and even worse he may have been stood up. Alice remembered what Dr. Richardson said about guilt. She also knew how it felt to be stood up.
"Hey cheer up Jervis, I'm sure she'll show," Alice pushed and nervously she walked up to him and grabbed his wrist. Jervis looked up slowly and looked down at her with a weary smile. "Come on we haven't checked near the fountains yet," and with that, she pulled Jervis leading the way. "Do you see her?" Alice asked again as she let go of his wrist. Jervis scratched the back of his head.
"No I don't believe I do," he said as he looked around genuinely. Alice looked around sadly. Jervis let out a false smile.
"Alice," he whispered loudly. Alice turned her head. "Alice I know it's so kind of you to do this but you don't have to... do this I mean," he said more strongly.
"It's okay really," she said as she looked around. "Hey how about her?" she asked "By those bushes," Alice said as she looked back at Jervis to see if he was paying attention. Jervis looked where she pointed. Though there was no one just bushes moving slightly.
"I don't see anyone, my dear," he said as he stepped forward.
"I could have sworn I saw someone there a moment ago," Alice frowned. Jervis chuckled.
"It's quite alright," he said as he stepped a bit closer towards Alice. Then he let out a small cough.
"It's okay she's not coming but if it's alright with you, would you mind joining me for some cake and milk?" he asked in his best charming manner. Alice looked at him then back at the bag.
"Sure," she said and he led her to a grassy clearing where he took out a blanket, a few plates, cups, and utensils. He tossed the blanket on the ground before setting up everything else. Minutes later they were eating cake and drinking slightly cool milk. Alice took a sip of her milk nervously.
"Are you sure this wasn't supposed to be a date?" she asked again playfully. Jervis smiled.
"Yes, I'm quite sure it wasn't, even though I'll admit this may look like a date," he said as looked around his surroundings. Alice chuckled into her cup of milk. Jervis ate a piece of cake and blushed.
"Well to be honest Jervis, I never imagined I'd be doing this... ever," Alice started as she leaned in and put a piece of her cake into her mouth. Jervis smiled slightly.
"As did I," he said simply. Alice looked to her side nervously.
"I'm sorry your friend didn't show up," Alice spoke again sadly.
"To be honest I can't say I am," Jervis said honestly. Alice looked at him surprised. "If she had came I never would be sitting here having this wonderful evening with you," he said with a soft sigh. Alice stared softly at him she didn't know what to say.
"That's so sweet of you," she let out. Though her whole heart wasn't behind it. Soon they finished eating and decided to clean up as the day was growing cooler and the sun was starting to set. Jervis let out another sigh.
"It was a pleasure to see you again, my dear Alice," he said as they walked toward the edge of the park. Alice shrugged with a smile.
"Jervis, ever since that time... the thought of us sitting down together and having a nice conversation, especially after what you did. I would have told them they were crazy," she started coolly. "Though here we are and well... I had a nice time," she said simply. "Thank you for forgiving me. For all you've done and for this nice evening," she said and with that, she gave his hand a quick squeeze and then turned and walked away.
"Good bye Alice," he bellowed out and Alice turned and waved.
"Bye!"