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.
Very Long Chapter I was tempted into cutting it into two possibly three parts. However they all seemed uneven in a way. So here's my warning Bleh.
Chapter 10: Like a Flower's Bloom
Alice stared at herself in the mirror as she vigorously brushed her teeth. She was getting ready for work and she was up early enough to eat some breakfast before leaving. The phone rang and Alice quickly rinsed her mouth before heading towards the phone.
"Hello," Alice asked cheerfully.
"Hello, Alice? It's me Dr. Quinzel speaking," Dr. Quinzel spoke on the other side.
"Oh hi Dr. Quinzel, how are you?" Alice asked happily.
"I'm A-okay, how about you?" Dr. Quinzel asked politely.
"I'm fine I'm about to leave for work," Alice replied.
"Oh sorry about that. I have some bad news I can't make it to our next session, though I figured since I have some time now we can have ourselves a little chat," Dr. Quinzel suggested. Alice thought about it for a while and leaned against the wall.
"Oh okay, so what do we talk about," Alice asked.
"So how's Yoga going?" Dr. Quinzel asked right off the bat.
"Oh the usual," Alice replied.
"How about gymnastics? Still trying?" Dr. Quinzel asked.
"Oh I'm getting better not as fast as Yoga but I'm able to do more cartwheels and started to get a hand of flipping," she said happily.
"That's great I'm so proud of you," Dr. Quinzel said over enthusiastically. "Well, the reason I have to reschedule our appointment is because I have more clients coming in... and I'm started to become very busy. I'm not sure when I'll be able to see you again," Dr. Quinzel said sorrily on the other line. Alice gasped.
"What really?" Alice asked sadly.
"Yes, I'm afraid so," Dr. Quinzel replied. "I've been meaning to ask you how's coping with Billy coming along?" she asked. Alice was quiet for a while.
"Oh... well I've been crying less and less, thoughts of him come and go," Alice said as she looked up and sighed her heart ached but it wasn't as strong when she first lost him. An image of Billy smiling dashingly came into her mind. Alice frowned.
"That's good, I've been wondering if perhaps you should start dating again," Dr. Quinzel suggested slyly. There was another pause.
"Actually Dr. Richardson mentioned something about that in my last session too," Alice said sadly.
"Well good think about it," Dr. Quinzel suggested.
"I will," she said simply.
"Well Alice I have to go, I hope to speak to 'ya real soon," Dr. Quinzel replied.
"Me too, it was fun talking to you, you never seemed to be so judgmental like Dr. Richardson. It was like talking to a friend," Alice said with a sigh. This time Harley was quiet.
"Oh, that's actually one of the nicest things I ever heard..." Dr. Quinzel laughed lightly. "But don't worry we'll see each other again, so cheer up and give those men a run for their money will 'ya?" Dr. Quinzel ended with that she hung up.
"Bye," Alice said with a sigh and hung up. Alice made her way out to work, she stopped by a restaurant and got herself a breakfast bagel with scrambled eggs. She made her way towards the basement of tall Wayne Enterprise building where her new office was. The room was basically a giant file cabinet. A stack of folders were on her desk that needed to be labeled and carefully placed away. Some had to be transferred into a computer instead. She took a bite out of bagel as she started working. They were a few others that worked with her but mostly kept to themselves. It seemed her reputation allowed her to have the silence she needed for her work. Half ways through Alice started to think back on the conversation, she felt sad that she wasn't going to see Dr. Quinzel again anytime soon. She was like hanging out with a friend more than a therapist. Then there was the advice both Dr. Quinzel and Dr. Richardson gave her to help her keep her mind off Billy. Alice swallowed her bagel and continued typing. She had not dated in a long time. The whole part about opening yourself up, allowing yourself to care for someone and be judged was just plain nerve wrecking. Alice thought of the times she dated Billy. They were moments when he genuinely seemed to care and they were moments that it was obvious that he didn't. Only now that he was gone that she was able to see his flaws. Alice ate the rest of bagel along with the eggs and continued on her day.
Alice walked back into her apartment she immediately placed her purse on the table. She caught herself thinking about the conversation she had with Jervis the other day. She knew she had hurt his feelings when she mentioned Billy and she felt guilty about it. Especially, since his been such a gentlemen lately. A part of her said "No" as memories of what he did to her and Billy popped in her head. Deep down Jervis was a dangerous man and she knew all this running into him could lead to even more dangerous scenarios. Especially since she was starting to feel lonely. Alice made herself a cup of chamomile tea and turned on the television and sat down. She cuddled into herself with a sigh wondering lost in thought.
Alice awoke from a cold sweat. She dreamed of Billy calling out to her as he fell into his grave. It was darkness all around her and the way he had reached out to her as he fell made Alice shiver. She walked up toward the grave and only saw darkness. She inwardly giggled at the thought of only seeing darkness in her dream but now that she was awake she felt awful, confused, and sad.
The week went by fast as she preoccupied herself, with bills, groceries, work, yoga, and gymnastics. Each time she succeeded in doing a tumble she imagined Dr. Quinzel clapping while yelling "Good job!" It kept her mind from wondering and most of all she was becoming more confident in herself. Alice felt she was becoming ready to date again. She looked over some of her clothes, most were out of season and others just weren't the going out type. Alice shook her head.
"What am I doing?" she asked out loud. "It's not like I have friends to go out with anymore," she said to herself. "Ugh" she let out nasal like as landed on her bed. It became more apparent how her life was different after Billy was gone. No friends, no high paying job, no Billy, no nice apartment, no car, and no new clothes nor shoes. Alice cried to herself as she looked up Dr. Richardson's number wondering if she could schedule an emergency appointment but there was no answer. Alice leaned over and turned on her radio. She listened to it for awhile as she heard an announcement that caught her attention.
"Love is in the air Gotham! And everyone knows the reason why. Why it's Gotham's Spring Festival, of course! Dancing, Dining, games and fun, and don't forget the Flower Festival with the Flower Pageant as well! Come one, come all at Gotham's Spring Festival at Gotham Park, on June 9th this Saturday!" Alice let the thought mull over her head for a moment and then smiled.
Saturday came and Alice found a cute peach dress. She placed her head up in an elegant bun along with a white head band. She then put on her petticoat which made her dress puffier and some white shoes. She placed a little bit of pink lipstick and examined herself. So what if she didn't have a date. After all the radio did say come one come all, didn't it. So she came one and she going to have a good day no matter what. Alice held on to her white clutch as she caught a taxi to Gotham Park which was a lot bigger than Hill park near her home.
The park was packed with vendors and flowers everywhere, their scents blending in with the aromas of food. Alice smiled as she walked up to the nearest vendor. The man was selling wooden ships and small ships in a bottle. Another vendor was selling knitted dolls, another sold jewelry instead. People crowded the walking paths looking at all the vendors and buying items. Alice didn't have much money so she found herself steering more towards the food vendors. She found the cheapest being a small old man selling bratwurst. She got a bratwurst hotdog, with cheese, sauerkraut, and Dijon mustard. Alice took a bite out of her bratwurst making a mess on her face and on the ground around her as sauerkraut fell to the floor. It was one of best things she tasted in a long time. She took another bite as she looked at another near by vendor.
"Why Miss Pleasance," the sound of a woman's voice made Alice turn. In front of her was the head nurse of Arkham, Ms. Isley. Right next to her was Jervis, wearing a light blue colored blouse and khaki pants. He seemed startled as he stood next to Ms. Isley. Ms. Isley looked elegant as she wore a light pink dress, with what seemed to be real flowers adorned to it. The dress was sleek as it was elegant. Alice swallowed her food in her mouth.
"Oh hello, Ms. Isley... Jervis," Alice smiled as Jervis turned a bright shade of red. "Wow, you look gorgeous Ms. Isley," Alice let out. Ivy smiled proudly as she places a hand on her hip.
"Well you don't look too bad yourself," Ivy grinned. Alice looked at herself and shrugged.
"Why Alice, I didn't expect to see you here," Jervis interrupted. Alice laughed half heatedly.
"I could say the same thing about you," she said teasingly. She looked back at Ms. Isley and wondered why they were here together in the first place.
"Ms. Isley, you know Alice?" Jervis asked curiously. This time the red head blushed.
"It's a small world," Pamela let out coolly.
"Very small, it seems," Jervis let out suspiciously with a raised brow.
"So, are you enjoying yourself so far?" Pamela asked. Alice turned her attention back to the red head.
"Oh so far," Alice trailed. Pamela smiled as she glanced back at Jervis then back at Alice. She whispered something in Jervis' ear that made him blush.
"Well I better be going, I'm competing in the Flower Pageant, bye bye," she blew out a kiss toward Jervis. Which made both Alice and Jervis blush as they both watched her walk away. Alice took her last bite of her bratwurst chewing it quickly. Jervis smiled as he looked down at her seeing her chew her food furiously.
"My dear girl, slow down you might choke," Jervis let out. Alice blushed for a second then calmed herself as she swallowed.
"You're right," she started as she looks around for a drink vendor. Jervis followed her as she searched around. They were both quiet for a while.
"So what brings you to the Spring Festival?" Alice started as she accepted he was going to follow her as Ms. Isley left.
"Actually I found a flyer by my the door the other day," he started as he brought out the pamphlet. It was a flyer of the spring festival. Alice glanced at it and walked towards a drink stand selling colorful looking drinks. Alice cleared her throat as she waited in line. "So Ms. Isley looked very lovely you think she's going to win?" Alice asked curtly. Jervis looked at her nervously before smiling.
"She looks quite nice but not as lovely as you," he said strongly. Alice blushed as she turned to look at him. He presented a yellow rose that slowly turned to pinkish red in it's outer petals. Her eyes widened as she blushed a crimson she never saw a rose so unique, so colorful, so beautiful. She smiled as she took the flower and smelt it, it was a aromatic scent.
"I-I never saw anything so beautiful," she breathed staring into the rose. Jervis looked down blushing.
"I hope I didn't upset you when I walked off the other day," he started. Alice smiled slightly as images of him standing up and leaving his Sundae melting to a gooey mess popped into her head.
"No," she said simply. It was partially true, it didn't upset her though it did make her felt guilty, as he was making her feel now. Alice let out a small sigh.
"Thank you," she said sincerely as her blue eyes, filled with emotion, gazed at him as he stared back at her expectantly. He caught her eyes before looking away blushing he placed his hands in his pockets. Alice didn't think before stepping toward him leaning in as she lightly gave him a peck on his cheeks. Jervis grew so red she wasn't sure if he was furious or embarrassed. Alice turned closing her eyes tightly hoping she would not regret her action. She stared into the rose again and once again her heart seemed to melt.
Alice and Jervis continued to walk around the park, they made their way towards the flower show where there were many other flowers all grown by locals citizens of Gotham. They walked silently at first neither not sure what to say to the other.
"The flowers are so beautiful," Alice started as she stopped to look at the floral variety. Jervis stopped and looked around.
"Yes, they are," he said as he glanced around quickly. Alice noticed and smiled.
"What's wrong?" Alice asked.
"My dearest Alice you look so lovely today..." he stopped cutting himself short. Alice tilted her head towards the side.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that," she said feeling guilty about the peck she gave him earlier.
"It's quite alright Alice... I understand you didn't mean it... in that sort of way," he said as he bent down and sniffed a flower nearby. Alice stared silently at him, his defensives were up. He's afraid of getting hurt. Alice thought as she examined him. Alice giggled as she sniffed her beautiful rose she placed it in her hair tightly between her bun and her white head band. Alice smiled as she took a step forward placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I meant it," she whispered loudly. Alice was torn, a part of her was excited, honest, while another part was scared out of her mind. Jervis stood up and stepped back, his eyes widen.
"You...you meant it?" he stammered. Alice nodded simply. "You sure... my dear Alice are you alright? Have you caught a fever?" he asked as he took another step back. Alice sighed deeply.
"Yes... well I'm not sure actually," she started. "Can we sit down someplace?" she asked. They made their way towards and empty bench near the floral exhibits. Jervis' face seemed pale, he was nervous. Alice let out another sigh. "I have to be honest... to myself and to you. I never imagined talking to you again since you used those mind controlling devices on Billy and I. I was so angry but most of all I was scared," Alice paused looking at him hurt. "I trusted you! You never seemed like the type who would do such a thing and after that, I didn't know who to trust. I felt safe knowing you were in Arkham and I was edgy whenever I heard you had escaped. Then Billy died, I was so hurt, so sad, so angry. It didn't help when I found out Billy had cheated on me," she continued.
"That fool of a man cheated on you?" Jervis interrupted angrily. Alice grimaced.
"Yes, it broke me. I went into despair and all I thought about is how you ruined my life. So I snapped I made a mistake... I lost control of mind and well... you know..." Alice stated her hands fidgeting on her lap nervously. Jervis gently placed a hand on hers. Alice's hand flinched before relaxing. "When I understood what I've done I thought my life was ruined. Though because of you and Batman I'm here outside safe out of prison away from Arkham, I got the help I needed. I understood how it felt to love someone to the point of insanity. Then all of a sudden there you were back in my life and I was terrified but I knew... I knew I had to apologize, I knew I had to thank you. So when I finally saw you at the park I took the risk and I did," Alice said as she stood up becoming anxious. "Though, you were different you were back to your old self, the Jervis I knew back at Wayne Enterprise. You were kind, thoughtful, and most of all... you respected me,"Alice said as she stared into nowhere. It was almost as she was talking to herself, staring quietly as the sun set and a cool breeze blew. "I'm so confused," Alice started to tear up as she covered her face in hands. "I don't want to hurt you!" she let out as she sat down again. "I think... I like you Jervis... though my head is saying no no don't!" she sniffed her voice nasal like as she cried out loud. People passed giving them strange looks.
"Alice please don't cry," Jervis said softly as he brought out a handkerchief and handed it to Alice. Alice took it and blew into it loudly. "I'm not worthy of your tears..." he spoke softly as he gazed to the sidewalk in front of him. "I'm not going to lie... what I did was wrong. All my life I was so lonely it didn't help that I was a middle age man infatuated with a children story. Then finally all my hard work of college paid off. I got hired at Wayne Enterprise and it was a job I always wanted... doing something I love. Then you came along as if you stepped right out Wonderland and into this dull world we call reality. Oh how I swooned over you from afar, though I never had the courage to say something. Alas you never noticed and soon you started to date that bloke Billy. Then when I heard you got engaged with him... I felt empty. Work became harder, talking to you became even harder. I was miserable then one day I heard you had broke up. I was overjoyed finally my chance came to say the things I've always wanted to say!" he paused looking up at the colorful night sky. "My turn came to woo you and I jumped at the chance," he ended muffled, placing his face in his palms. Jervis continued too embarrass to look at Alice. "I was infatuated with you, I couldn't even think straight. I wanted you to love me so bad that when the next day you were back together again, I snapped I couldn't take it. Enraged with anger, hate, loneliness I did awful things," he said finally letting himself breath taking away his hands from his face. People continued to pass by more and more though Jervis didn't care he had to continue. "I went to Arkham, I deserved it though at the time I didn't think so, I know now," he said with a sigh. "I accepted my fate, I accepted my love was nothing more than a mere infatuation. Then you came running in back to into my arms, so nice, so forgiving and I did not understand why? After all I've done, why? I could see it, I knew you were afraid and I should of walked away but I was weak, my heart got the best of me and so each time a moment came to spend time with you. I jumped at the opportunity," he ended as he shook his head."So you see Alice I have much of the blame. So don't cry because instead of walking away and leaving you alone, I clung to you like sadness haunts the Mock Turtle," he ended.
"Jervis..." Alice let out softly. Jervis looked at Alice full of sympathy. "I didn't know you felt that way," she spoke as she wiped her eyes. She sat there next to him looking quite serene.
"Me neither," he let out a chuckle as he stretched his legs. He leaned back against the bench "Oh Alice why are emotions so complex?" he asked out loud. Alice tilted her head not sure how to answer. Then he continued, "Why couldn't it be easier to unwrap like the mind..." he spoke again.
"I think you're one of the few who understands the mind more than our emotions," Alice started her voice had a hint of admiration. "I really don't think emotions are supposed to be understood. Just felt, coming and going weaving in and out like the wind," she said.
"Perhaps you're right," Jervis admitted. He looked at Alice her color seemed to return to normal, her faced glow softly.
"Alice, my dear I hope I don't offend you by saying this... but you're such a sight to behold," he let out a deep sigh. Alice blushed slightly as she smiled a smile that reached her eyes.
"I appreciate the honesty... though I really do like the compliment as well," she said as she stood up. Jervis stood up as well and followed the crowd wondering about the commotion that people were starting to make. They soon found out as they saw a big stage gathered around with beautiful women lined up facing the crowd. In front of them, there was a small table with a flower in front. "Hey! There's Ms. Isley!" Alice said as she noticed the third contestant, Ms. Isley with a vibrant pink Peony in front her. There was also a Blond with a white rose in front of her and a Brunette with an Iris. All three were beautiful women. A well-dressed man walked on the stage bringing out a microphone tapping it lightly.
"Is this thing on?" he asked and his voice boomed. A few people cheered. "Good! Why Hello Gotham!" he yelled out and this time a larger crowd cheered. "Welcome to the 7th annual Spring Festival! I hope you all had a good time?" the crowed cheered with many yes and a few no. "Good well I like to welcome you all here in this beau-ti-ful spring evening and to the judging of the finals of the Flower Pageant! Now we all know our three contestants Ms. Georgina York!" he pointed, the Blond girl waved her hand to the crowd as people cheered. "Ms. Pam Isley" the man announced and Ivy just smiled politely and again the crowd cheered.
"I hope Ms. Isley wins," Alice whispered loudly to Jervis.
"And Ms. Michelle Logan!" The brunette smiled and winked as well. "Okay, now we all know these women can garden! As you can see and we all know... well they got the stuff..." this time many of the men cheered along with a few wolf whistles. "But we all know they can be one winner!" Half the crowd booed. "Sorry folks I don't write the rules I just say them," he cleared his throat. "Now calm down we all know that this year, the folks of Gotham, that means you, got to vote for Queen of the Flower Pageant this year. Also, our three judges as well which their votes count as a whopping ten points," the crowd booed again as the judges just waved to the irritated audience. "Well enough of that already let's start with our runner-up he said as someone handed him an envelope. "Okay everyone ready?"
"YES!" the crowd yelled.
"Okay, our runner-up for Queen of the Flowers is... Ms..." he paused. "Ms. Michelle Logan!" he said and the brunette with the violet dress jumped for joy grabbing her Iris as she reached for a prize and a bouquet of flowers. "Awe isn't that nice," the announcer noted. As Ms. Logan walked off the stage. "Okay now for the grand prize of a year supplies of Gardenia's Miracle Grow and the crown of Queen of the Flowers... goes to...Ms.," the man paused, the crowd tensed up as he opened the envelope. "Oh, it's a close one... it's Ms. Georgina York!" the crowd cheered and booed as Ms. York started crying hysterically.
"Oh, she lost," Alice said under her breath.
"I honestly can't believe it," Jervis acknowledged with an inward chuckle. Ms. Isley crossed her arms as she walked off the stage. "Oh boy I'm sure she's going to be right foul mood," Jervis said as he tried to steer Alice away from the crowd toward the area where the band was playing. The band started playing a song and people started to gather around to dance. Both Alice and Jervis were nervous as they saw some of the locals skillfully dance.
"Should we join?" Alice asked Jervis as she looked around excitedly. Jervis took a deep breath.
"I'm must admit my dancing skills might not be on as par as those in front of us," he answered.
"Excuses," a woman's voice interrupted.
"Excuse me?" Jervis turned and saw Ivy standing there behind them, her arms crossed, her face obviously angry. "Oh Ms. Isley so glad of you to join us," Jervis replied sarcastically.
"Hmph, if I was you I'd be using more grateful tones," Ivy whispered glancing at Alice's rose and Jervis gulped.
"Perhaps you're right," he added in quickly.
"Oh hey Ms. Isley, I'm sorry you didn't win," Alice said as she leaned forward looking around Jervis towards Ivy.
"I was robbed," Ivy let out bitterly.
"Oh don't fuss, Pamela, there's always next year," Jervis said consoling.
"I know but I was so sure this year would be my year, you know Peonies are not an easy flower to grow. I should have won that crown not that blonde pieces of bleach-" then suddenly there was a bang. Gunfire could be heard across the park. The crowd started to panic as they grew confused.
"What's going on?" Alice yelled at them as the crowds yelling grew louder.
"It seems someone has crashed the party," Jervis said grabbing Alice's hand.
"You got that right!" Ivy said as she tried not to be pushed around by the crowd. "Well you know what that means..." she said ripping up her beautiful dress to a very high mini skirt.
"Yes, better leave before you know who get's here," Jervis said as he started to lead Alice through the crowd followed closely by Ivy. The crowd was rough to maneuver as people ran erratically in all directions. Then suddenly Ivy ran off toward the direction of the stage.
"Oh my gosh, where is Ms. Isley going?" Alice gasped as she saw Ivy running in another direction. Jervis noticed as he continued to lead towards the opposite direction. He figured it had something do with her prized Peony.
"Don't fret my dear, Ms. Isley is more than capable of taking care of herself," he reassured as he continued to lead Alice through the park. They made it toward the end of the park. Cars were driving everywhere trying to leave the scene as Gotham's Police were trying to head towards the scene. They walked a block away from the park, the sound of chaos started to become more distant. A few Taxi's passed by trying to gather as many fairs as possible. Jervis tried to flag down a taxi but each one would hurriedly pass by.
"I'm starting to reconsider getting that car again," Jervis said out loud. Alice looked around worried.
"What are we going to do?" she asked as some people continued to run. Jervis looked around as he quickly let go of Alice.
"Stay here my dear, desperate times calls for desperate measures," he said as he stepped out in front of a moving taxi and placed his hand out forward. The taxi stopped suddenly the breaks screeching. The driver lowered his window and stuck out his head.
"Are you freak-in' mad!" the man yelled.
"Such foul language," Jervis said as made his way towards the driver. There was already a couple and a small child in the back.
"Maybe we should find another taxi," Alice suggested meekly.
"Now open the back door, there's plenty of room for more people," Jervis observed.
"Hey my cabs full pal," the driver said.
"Do you not see all those people running for their lives, you could have fit three more people in your cab including a person on the passenger side," Jervis argued. The man frowned as he could see many others trying to flag down taxis as well.
"Oh alright get in. But I'm still charging you!" he added. The driver unlocked the doors and Jervis motioned for Alice who made her way towards the cab. He opened the back seat the couple made room. The mother held on to their child on her lap.
"I'm sorry," Alice said as she got in. The couple frowned but nodded. Jervis went to the passenger side door and got in.
"Alright I'm taking this family home first, they live up by Wesley St." the man started as he began to drive off. Alice frowned.
"Is there any way you can pass by Grant Street or near it?" Alice asked. The driver was silent for a while.
"Look this family was here first..." he started. "But if you want I can drop you off by Lee Boulevard. A few blocks away from Grant, if I go any further I'll miss my turn. Only if that's okay with them first," he said as he continued to drive. The family looked at each and shrugged.
"It's okay, we're just happy we're alive," the man stated as he kissed his son's forehead.
"Alright, if it's alright with daredevil over here?" he asked glancing at Jervis.
"If it's alright by Alice," he commented.
"It's alright I just want to go home," she said with a sigh. The drive went by rather smoothly, soon the taxi reached Lee Boulevard he parked on the side of the street.
"All right folks this is your stop," he said unlocking the doors. Jervis nodded as he got out and opened the door for Alice. He handed the driver a $100 and the man smiled.
"I guess the daredevil business is going well," he noted. "Thanks," he let out as he drove back on the main road heading towards the turnpike. Alice took a deep breath.
"That was quite an experience," Jervis started. Alice smiled briefly.
"Yeah," she said as hugged one of her arms. They stood there quiet for a while. "Jervis, would you mind walking me home?" Alice asked, her face looked nervous. "It's not too far from here and to be honest I'm feeling a bit shaken up," she continued. Jervis smiled as he walked towards her side.
"I'd be honored to," he replied. Alice and Jervis walked through the blocks of the dimly lit neighborhood. Alice took the rose out of her hair and sniffed it once more. She let out a loving sigh as she smiled lightly.
"Even though the day was such a mess... I had fun," Alice broke the silence.
"Yes it was quite the adventure," Jervis admitted.
"I also enjoyed our talk. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders," she said as she looked up at the night sky.
"I've been meaning to ask you something," Jervis started. Alice looked at him intently.
"What is it?" she asked curiously. Jervis stopped suddenly looking down at the ground. His eyes elsewhere. His defensive was on guard again.
"Did you really meant it when you said..." he paused as he let out a sigh. "Oh never mind," he blurted.
"Jervis... don't be shy what's on your mind?" she asked as she stepped forward. He swallowed as he began to look nervous.
"It's nothing really," he protested. He started to walk again at a quicker pace. Alice looked at him confused as she hurried to catch up.
"Well now I want to know and besides my house is this way," Alice said quickly as she rushed toward him and grabbed his hand. She steered him down towards Grant Street. "It's not that far from here," she said as she hurried towards her house. A few minutes later she stopped in front of an old apartment building that looked similar to his. "Well now you know where I live," Alice laughed nervously.
"It's quite alright I don't plan to bombard your home with flowers anytime soon," he said lightly with a grin.
"Good," Alice let out as she walked up the steps. Alice smiled as she faced him nervously. "Thanks for the beautiful rose," she thanked sincerely.
"Of course," he smiled brightly up at her.
"And... thank you for walking me home," she said again.
"Oh Pish-Tosh, what kind of gen-" he started though suddenly Alice pecked him on the cheek again. The words suddenly got stuck in his mouth.
"I hope to see you again sometime soon," she said gently as she held his hand. Jervis grew so red, it was obvious he was a loss for words. All he did was let out a big lopsided grin. "Goodnight," Alice said as she walked up the small set of steps. "Oh wait how are you getting home?" Alice suddenly realized. Jervis shook his head before clearing his throat.
"Worry not, my dear Alice, I shall find a way," he said as he bowed down to her. Alice giggled before walking up the small complex doors.