Alright, just to sum up: What do you think would happen if Alice Kingsleigh, upon her return to London, found her old freind the Mad Hatter waiting for her? A slight shock, no doubt, but what if he came bearing evil news for her beloved Underland? Choosing to return to the place of childhood dreams, what might await her?
This is my first real attempt at publicly showing off what I write, so if it's absolutely awful, feel free to say so, in a nice way, maybe? Also, feel wecome to point out any spelling, punctuation, or grammar issues you may see, other than fragmented sentances, as I know those exist here.
I'm just saying here and now, I own nothing to do with either the book, or the movie Alice In Wonderland. All credit goes to those directly responsible for making the above media happen, save the words on the following pages.
Thank you all so much for your positive reviews! It's really thrilled me to see what people think of my work, and I couldn't apreciate your words more! Also, thanks to everyone who's read Chapter 1 and didnt review; it's amazing to know people at least take a look at my stuff!
A/N: I know the chapters are really short, but that's just kinda how I write, so yeah, try and put up with it, I guess! Also, the story gets a bit awkward from here on out, so again, try and put up with me. =)
Anyway, thank you all, and enjoy!
Chapter 2
The Hatter shared her smile, until the man he'd seen with her at the docks came up behind her and tapped her firmly on the shoulder. Even to the Hatter's jumbled mind, this screamed bad tidings.
Alice whirled, her long golden curls brushing Hatter's face lightly. Even in the brief second before she turned, he'd seen the fear in her eyes, something that had been lacking even on that fateful day, years ago now, in her last visit to Underland.
"John." Alice gasped, her voice horrified.
"Alice… what… who is this?" The stranger gestured in Hatter's general direction.
"He's…" She seemed momentarily lost. "An old friend." Something in his heart flinched from this title. Nothing he could put his finger on, just something sounded wrong.
"An old friend? Why didn't you tell your mother, or Margaret where you were going then? I'm sure they'd want to see a friend as much as you."
"John… What do you want to hear me say? He's not a friend of theirs, but he is a very, very good friend of mine." Perhaps he only wished for the double meaning behind her words…
"Liar!" The stranger sounded as if he wanted nothing more than to strike Alice. "What's really going on here, Alice? Tell me the truth!"
"John, I think you had better go cool off a bit. We'll talk about this…"
He cut her off, "No, Alice. I'm going to be your husband, you have no secrets from me!"
Hatter could almost see something in his friend shift. The last thing anyone near her wanted, he knew, was to reduce her to a material object, suitable for framing.
"John, if you wish to have my hand you will kindly learn that the meaning of 'marriage' is not to become a slave to one's husband! I will still have a life of my own, and if in that life there are moments in which you do not fit, then that is my right as a human being. Never forget that marriage won't change who I am, and if I see fit to have secrets from you, I will. Now off with you, and I'll be along in a moment." Her tone was light, but there was a firmness beneath that would have frightened any Jabberwocky.
Hatter couldn't help a small twinge of joy at the other man's perplexed expression, but carefully held his tongue.
"Alice, please come back to your mother." His voice was tight, whether with anger or something else was unclear.
"In time. Now go." She turned him away from her, and he melted back into the alley from whence he came. "So incredibly sorry!" Alice breathed, turning back to the Hatter. "John… Well, you saw for yourself."
"Your husband?" He clarified.
"To be. If he still wants me after I disappear to Underland for weeks on end. As I assume that's why you're here?"
"Indeed, dear. You see, it's really nothing hugely pressing, if you have things here to attend…" He lied, not wanting to force her into anything.
"No!" She answered much too quickly, the word exploding from her lips. "No, I want to go back. Hatter I can barely stand Overland anymore." Again, she wondered as to terminology. "I need to go back, whether for myself or the rest of you. Regardless of anything that's here. Just for a little while."
"Alright."
"What happened, then?"
He paused, searching for the words. "Stayne escaped exile. He's back, Alice. And we need your help."
A/N: Trying to end on a cliff-hanger, something I'm not great at. Still, hope you enjoyed Chapter 2! Any feedback is looked forward to! Thanks.