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 12: Too Good To Be True
Alice awoke the next morning her alarm beeping into her right ear. Alice groaned as she lazily try to turn off the alarm but kept missing. So she she sat up rubbing her eyes before easily turning it off. She took in a deep breath. She had another strange but pleasant day yesterday. Alice curled up to herself for a moment letting out a wide grin before leaning over and opening her nightstand drawer. She took out a diary and little bunny pen. She sat on her bed and started to scribble.
Dear Diary,
I had another emotional but satisfying day with Jervis yesterday. I spent an hour trying to look for him at Hill Park just to find him at the apartment's doorstep. He was sad again, which he has been a lot lately. I don't blame him because lately I've been feeling the same way too. Anyways he brought in my groceries and we started talking about our feelings for each other. I'm so relieved he's just as conflicted as I am. He's so afraid of getting hurt just like me. Seeing him wear his emotions on his sleeve like that is so admirable and yet I can't help but smile. :) No one I ever dated even Billy was that open to me. It's obvious he feels strongly for me, it gives me butterflies just thinking about it. I haven't felt this way in a long time. Anyways I got pretty emotional...like always. I started crying and he came rushing in comforting me like a true friend. Then he kissed me on my forehead! I was in shock because I asked him... what did I ask him? Why are you so nice to me? I think and he kissed my forehead. It was a small kiss but it made me feel...loved. I closed my eyes and hugged him then he hugged me and we embraced each other for a long time. Then we stopped as he wigged out on me saying things that he wanted to do it the right and proper way. So I gave him my number and he gave me his. I wonder if he'll call? Even so I've decided... I'm going to take our relationship further.
Alice stopped writing as closed her journal and put back in her nightstand drawer. Alice continued to get ready for work, she made her way towards the kitchen when she heard a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Alice said as she made her way towards the door.
"Mr. Wilbert," the man said. Alice unlocked her door and opened it. Mr Wilbert was dressed up ready for work then he started pointing down.
"I think someone left you a gift, you better take it in before something happens to it," the man smiled as he rushed off down the stairs. Alice looked down there was a huge box with holes in it. Tied with a huge red ribbon and a note, Alice steadily picked it up and brought it inside. She closed her door and made her way towards her gift. Alice picked up the note it read; My dear Alice, please don't feel lonely anymore. Her name is Dinah, Jervis. Alice unwrapped the ribbon and carefully opened the box. Inside was the white kitten from the pet store. Alice squeaked with joy as she grabbed the sleeping white kitten and brought it up to her chest. Dinah awoke as she was being hugged by Alice.
"Mew," the kitten let out.
"Oh you're so adorable! Aren't you?" she told the kitten in baby talk. Dinah started to purr as she struggled to get out of Alice's grasp.
"Oh oh," she let out as she decided to place her down. "How do you like you're new home, Dinah?" Alice asked. The kitten sniffed about as she explored the apartment.
"Eek, you're so cute!" Alice said happily. Alice picked up the note again and smiled. She watched Dinah get acquainted to her new surroundings. Soon Alice was running late for work, she placed Dinah in the bathroom with some newspaper, a bowl of water, and a tiny bit of tuna. She would have to get cat food later after work. "Bye Dinah" Alice whispered before walking toward the apartment door.
Alice tried her best to keep busy during work. Thoughts of new pet kitten kept popping in her head along with the moment she had with Jervis. It was evident that she was becoming distracted as fellow employees stared in her direction. Though she didn't care she was happy. Alice returned home with a bag of kitten chow, a litter box, and cat litter. It was all that she could manage to afford at the time.
"I'm back!" Alice yelled as she opened the bathroom door. Dinah meowed out as she ran out of the bathroom. Alice cleaned up Dinah's mess before setting up a permanent location for her food, water, and litter box. Alice kept herself occupied playing with Dinah and cuddling her. The phone rang and Alice happily strolled toward her phone.
"Hello?" Alice said happily.
"Hello Alice?" Jervis spoke happily from the other end.
"Oh Jervis! I'm so happy you called. Thank you!" Alice beamed.
"I wanted to see how did you like your gift?" he asked contently.
"Oh I love it, she's adorable," Alice replied as she looked at her kitten who was playing around with some potting soil. Alice covered the phone. "Dinah no! Bad!" she let out as Dinah looked at her wide eyed and ran from the soil.
"That's fantastic my dear. I also wanted to check up on... how you're doing?" Jervis asked slyly. Alice blushed and smiled.
"I'm fine, had a easy day at work. I also got Dinah some pet supplies," Alice chimed in.
"OH..." Jervis said before letting out a small chuckle. "I knew I was forgetting something," he said embarrassed.
"It's okay," Alice giggled. "I can't believe you remembered that day at the pet shop," Alice sighed.
"How could I forget when Dinah nipped me and you came to my rescue dressing my wounds," he said playfully. Alice giggled remembering back. There was a lull. "Jervis..." Alice started again turning a bright shade of red. "I was wondering if you'd like to come over for dinner or maybe we can eat out someplace for lunch?" Alice suggested nervously. There was silence for a moment.
"Of course I would! How about Friday?"Jervis asked excitedly.
"Friday's good, see you around five?" Alice said trying to sound coolly though failed as her voice was higher pitch than usual.
"Outstanding I'll see you then," Jervis said happily.
"Okay then Bye," Alice said as Dinah was starting to sharpen her claws on her chair.
"Goodbye Alice," Jervis said calmly and hung up. Alice sighed happily for a moment until she heard a rip of material. "Dinah bad kitty!" Alice scolded as she ran towards the couch.
Friday came and Alice rushed home from work. She picked up Dinah and gave her a hug as she made sure she had food and water still. She then took a shower and blow dried her hair. She had only an hour and half to finish getting ready and Alice began to become anxious as she looked into her closet. She realized she didn't know what to wear on her date. Date? Yes it was a date after all and if someone had told her she would be dating Jervis Tetch two years ago she would told them they were being cruel and out of their mind. Though here she was looking through her closet wondering what to wear. Most of the clothes was Billy's taste and Billy and Jervis were two completely different people. Dinah rubbed against her leg and Alice sighed.
"I know all these clothes are mostly from Billy..." Alice said to Dinah as she frowned. Alice closed her eyes to think. She then pulled out some dresses and placed them on her bed. She pulled out a green one, a white one, and three black ones. Alice looked over them. Hmm white looks to wedding like she thought and she placed it back. One black one looked too formal and the other one the exact opposite she placed those back as well. It was between the cute little black dress and the cute little green dress. Which looked similar in shape, length, and cut. Alice decided to go with the green. She hurriedly continued to get ready. She placed her hair in a loose bun and clipped it with expensive crystal hair pins. There was a knock on the door and Alice checked over herself once again. She frowned she looked like she was going on a date with Billy all over again.
:o:o:o:o:
Jervis looked over himself in the mirror he was wearing a dark gray wool slacks, a white blouse, a blue tie, a beige wool vest, and a dark blue blazer. He frowned hoping the sales clerk was right. He put on a brown tweed flat cap and adjusted it to his liking. Jervis grabbed his money, his keys, and his gift, he took a deep breath and opened the door. He took a few steps out when he saw a familiar red head a few feet away by a neighbors door. Jervis tried to carefully sneak back in when she spotted him.
"Harley said you lived around here I guess she was right," Ivy started as she walked by his brand new car as well. "Hmm it seems you went shopping," Ivy said as she checked over the vehicle.
"Pamela..." Jervis stated simply.
"I know you're upset with me and I don't blame you," Ivy started sweetly as she made her way towards him. "However I need you to do me a favor," she continued.
"What makes you think I owe you a favor?" Jervis said crossing his arms.
"Hmm, brand new car, brand new suit. I'm betting you're going on a date... and since you're not much of a ladies man I'm guessing it's with Alice. It was I that gave you the rose which you in turn gave to her, probably lightened her mood quite a bit," Ivy bombarded.
"Oh alright what is it that you want," he asked irately. Ivy smiled.
"Remember that perfume I mentioned on the phone? The one with the pheromones? Well I need someone to test it," she finished as she bought a small glass bottle.
"You must be mad Pamela, to think I would use something like that on Alice," Jervis crossed his arms. Ivy scoffed mockingly.
"Surprising hearing that coming from you," Ivy sneered, then smiled. "If not Alice how about yourself or some other innocent bystander," she paused gauging Tetch's reaction. He frowned and Ivy grimaced. "Look the formula isn't strong it is a perfume after all. The pheromones simply make a person more receptive and effectuate to another person's mood. A couple who are both wearing it would practically be chemically linked," Ivy said as she looked over her creation and handed it to Jervis. Jervis stayed quiet, the perfume seemed harmless enough, he shrugged.
"I might be willing to test it out," he answered as he looked at the bottle one last time and placed it in his jacket pocket. Ivy smiled.
"Good, I'll call you later to see how it goes," Ivy said as she walked away. Jervis got into his car and placed the bottle into the glove department. The perfume sounded too good to be true and to use it was too tempting. Jervis arrived making his way to Alice's apartment. He took a deep breath and knocked. A few moments later the door swung open as Alice in her cute green dress was holding onto Dinah carefully.
"Hi, Jervis come in I just need to put on my shoes and grab my purse," Alice greeted stepping back. Jervis walked in bringing out his present.
"This is for you...well mostly for Dinah," he said as he placed the package on the counter. Alice placed Dinah down as she ran back to her room a few minutes later she had her shoes on and carried a clutch. Alice smiled as she opened her gift it was a toy and some cat treats. Alice opened a treat and gave one to Dinah. She also opened the stuffed toy mouse and placed it by her food bowel.
"Thanks for the gift," Alice said as she looked over Jervis and blushed. "You look really suave."
"And you look absolutely stunning," he said as he bent down, grabbed her wrist and kissed it. Alice giggled bashfully. "So my dear, shall we get going?" he said and Alice nodded as they walked out of the apartment. Soon they were in front of the street and Alice gasped.
"Wow, is that yours Jervis?" Alice asked amazed at the nice new vehicle.
"Yes, no need to fret over a taxi, now we can go anywhere whenever," he mused as he opened the passenger door. Alice happily entered the car. Jervis got in the driver's side and started driving. "So Alice my dear, do you have anything in particular in mind? French, Italian, something more exotic?" he asked.
"How about French?" Alice answered. "I know this great restaurant down by Park Street," she suggested.
"As you wish," he said as he made a turn. Alice and Jervis got out of the car though the lively french restaurant by Park Street was now closed. Alice frowned.
"I haven't been here in quite a while... though it was a popular restaurant," she said as she looked through a boarded window. Jervis dusted off a sign.
"Closed due to public health and sanitary reasons," he read backing away. Alice looked at the sign as well. A memory of familiar man yelling about the Tilapia briefly popped into her head.
"Wow, it seemed clean at the time," she said as she grabbed a hold of Jervis' arm for support.
"Oh well, for the evening is not lost. I know a popular Italian Restaurant on Main" he suggested. Alice nodded and they were back in the car. They soon arrived at the fancy restaurant it was filled with guest dining and minding their own business. A host was on the phone checking a reservation. He looked over them briefly then turned. He soon was off the phone as he turned to face them.
"As you can see, sir...madam, we are fully booked for the evening," he said plainly. Alice frowned as she looked at Jervis. Jervis just smiled as he walked close to the host. He brought out a money clip and pulled out a large bill. The man's eyes widen as he stared at the bill, he soon cleared his throat.
"I'll see what I can do," he whispered and took the bill. He looked over his reservations real fast and soon snapped his fingers. Another waiter came quickly. "Table 9, is it ready?" he asked the man. The young man nodded. "Good, show them to their table please," he said simply and the man nodded once again.
"Right this way, please," the waiter spoke to them as he led them to their table. They soon sat down placing their orders, ordering a bottle of Merlot.
"Mmm, I haven't had wine in a long time," Alice started, placing down her glass. Jervis gazed at her like a lovesick puppy as he refilled her glass.
"You deserve to unwind more often, my dear," he replied, as he placed the bottle back down. They had a table not too far from the window but near it. People could be seen walking through the streets.
"It's just been hard lately, ever since Billy died and my demotion..." Alice said rolling her eyes, she realized she mentioned Billy and saw Jervis' reaction, just a minor twitch in the side of his mouth. Alice let out a sigh of relief. "So enough about me how about you," she blurted hastily changing the subject. This however did snap Jervis from his lovesick gaze as he sat up looking a bit nervous.
"Me?" he asked again. Alice took a drink of her wine and nodded happily. Jervis grabbed his wine for the first time and took a big drink. It was delicious wine. He soon cleared his throat and the look on Alice's face changed into a look of anticipation.
"Well I've been busy for the most part," he started looking off towards the side, other people where dining happily.
"Work must be going well for you, huh?" Alice noted with a smile.
"You can say that," he added.
"That's good," she said as she looked around a bit nervously as well. She placed both her hands in her lap and stretched. There was a small lull.
"Where is the waiter, I'm starving aren't you?" he asked Alice who nodded. In the back of his mind he knew he wouldn't be having this problem if he had his mind controlling band and his microchips. The atmosphere became increasingly awkward as they both drank silently to themselves. Finally, the waiter came bringing them soup and some bread sticks.
"Would you like some sauce?" the waiter asked. Both Alice and Jervis nodded. The kid scribbled down on his notepad. "I'm sorry the kitchen staff is running a bit behind," he said and bowed backing away. There was yelling coming from the kitchen and everyone turned. Alice inwardly giggled at the scene her face a tinge of pink. She reached for the bottle filling her glass. Jervis reached for the bottle as well and placed it near his side.
"I think you better slow down, my dear," he said with a smile. Alice nodded.
"You're right, I'm just so...hungry and nervous," she said freely. "I never imagined this date would ever happen and it's all so...awkward. Though I'm glad we're here. It must have been tough staying in you know... until you reformed," Alice chatted on.
"Reformed?" Jervis repeated. Alice nodded taking a small sip of her glass this time.
"Yes that's what Dr. Richardson called it, I think," she said as she started to blow on her soup. Jervis looked away towards the side. He decided to concentrate on his soup as well. A nagging thought started bothering him in the back of his mind. Soon the waiter returned with the sauce and apologized once again saying their orders should be coming soon.
"It's nerve wrecking isn't it?" Alice started again catching Jervis off guard. Jervis swallowed.
"Eh, What is my dear?" he asked.
"Dating... I get so nervous sometimes," she let out a sigh. "Though both Dr. Richardson and Dr. Quinzel recommended me-"Alice was interrupted as Jervis dropped his spoon into his soup, splattering soup on the table and on himself. Alice gasped as she grabbed a napkin. "Jervis are you alright?" she asked helping him clean up his mess. Jervis shook his head at first then nodded.
"Oh yes," he said cleaning himself up from utter embarrassment. He turned pale as Alice looked over him with her piercing blue eyes.
"Are you sure? You don't look so good," she pointed out. Jervis looked away from a moment. The floodgates of guilt came rushing in. He was living a lie and he knew it. This whole date shouldn't be concocted because of manipulating events. He stared into Alice's face, her expression full of concern. He look down nervously he needed to come clean or he'd never be able to live with himself.
"Alice," he started cautiously. She looked at him as she dipped her bread stick into the Alfredo sauce.
"Yes," she responded as she took a bite out of her bread stick and placed it beside her plate.
"There's something I need to tell you," he mumbled out. Alice nodded as she grabbed her glass again.
"Go ahead what is it," she replied. Jervis took a deep breath his eyes kept darting around the room. Guest were eating happily enjoying their meals.
"It's about me and well Dr. Quinzel... and Miss Isley as a matter of fact," he steered cautiously. He was growing increasingly nervous, sweat dropped from his forehead.
"What about Dr. Quinzel? Do you know her?" Alice asked taking a swallow of her soup her voice filled with interest.
"Well as a matter of fact I do know her and well I might add," he said a bit more strongly. Alice perked up.
"Oh was she your doctor, too?" she asked as she grabbed her glass of wine leaned back in her seat excited.
"No she wasn't" Jervis said dully. Alice face expression changed from excitement into concern.
"What are you saying?" Alice spoke slowly, there was a tone of worry in her voice. She had finally caught on. Jervis closed his eyes and took a deep breath it was now or never.
"Alice, this whole date it shouldn't be happening!" he screeched and Alice shrunk with embarrassment looking around nervously.
"Jervis... could you please... speak a bit softer," she whispered loudly. Though he was too caught up.
"Alice you've been lied too," he said a bit softer. He grabbed her hand and stroked it trying to relax her but mostly himself. "This whole time you've been thinking you're seeing a Doctor... well you haven't well yes and no. Her licensee has been revoked and Pamela well she's something else all together," he mumbled on again.
"Jervis I'm not sure what you're trying to say," she responded trying to figure out his sidestepping words. Jervis took another deep breath as he head dropped and then exhaled.
"Alice, I wasn't released from Arkham... I escaped and I wasn't alone," he paused seeing Alice's face going suddenly blank. He gulped. "I escaped with the help of who you think is Dr. Quinzel and Ms. Isley. They're inmates known as Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy. Oh and the Joker was there as well I believe," he added in quickly. Alice jaw dropped slightly, her face was pale for a moment then grew increasingly red. Suddenly, she yanked her hand away from his and threw her wine in his face. She stood up angrily throwing her napkin on the table.
"I can't believe it!" she yelled and this time Jervis shrunk in fear and embarrassment. He grabbed the napkin frantically trying to clean his face from the red wine. Alice shook her head in anger her hands at her sides turned to fists. "You! You-"
"Now Alice," he said standing up as well. The waiter who had finally brought out their dinner turned around back into the kitchen running from the scene. Other guests stopped eating watching them alarmed.
"You lied?" she yelled out hurt. She turned storming out of the restaurant. Jervis followed suit. Alice's heels could be heard walking down the sidewalk.
"Alice please don't!" he begged as he followed. She turned angrily her voice higher pitch than usual. He never heard her so angry before.
"Please don't what? Leave?" she spat out bitterly. "What did you expect Jervis for me to be happy! Hurray you and your insane friends succeeded in tricking me!" she said as she turned around, tears started to stream from her eyes. She threw her hand in the air trying to signal a taxi. "Taxi!" she yelled out as Jervis grabbed her shoulder.
"Alice it was never meant to happen this way. I swear," he started and she pulled away.
"Don't touch me!" she screeched and swapped his hand away. "Taxi!" she yelled again and finally a taxi started to slow down.
"Alice I never asked for their help. In fact I didn't know what was happening until... well recently," he said trying to grab Alice's attention. "I swear it! All this time I thought it was just... us!" he yelled at her. Alice walked towards the Taxi.
"How am I suppose to believe that? You escaped from Arkham? You knew that from the beginning," she said grabbing the door handle and pulling it open. Jervis ran towards the taxi door.
"I wanted to tell you sooner but but-" he stammered.
"But what?" Alice said glaring at him.
"I was afraid... I was afraid you'd run and do something like... this. I didn't want to get hurt and I didn't want to hurt you," he said sincerely. Alice looked away briefly.
"Well you did! Don't call me or visit me ever again!" she yelled stepping into the taxi and slamming the door shut. He couldn't hear what she told the driver as he started to drive away. He watched it as it zoomed off in the night. For a moment he sworn he saw her look back but was interrupted by the host of the restaurant.
"Sorry to interrupt your little disagreement but here's your bill," the man handed him a little white paper. Jervis pulled out his money clip and handed the whole clip. The man gawked at the wad of cash greedily. Jervis walked toward the direction of his car. He felt his heart slowly crumble as he mulled over Alice's last words. He sighed wondering if he would ever see her again.
Author's Note: No this is not the end. Drama!