I sacrificed the morning I could have used to study for you guys, so I hope it was worth it. :)
Also, should I change the rating of this story to T? What do you guys think?
True to her word, Tooth really did brush my teeth. I'm not sure which was more mortifying: that she wanted to do it or that she found one that needed a bit extra love and attention. As I'd still been shivering from the cold, she had urged me to take a hot shower. It did me good, I could admit. My skin was brightly flushed now, blood returning to my extremities. Dressed in my newest set of pajamas that I really never wanted to change out of, I followed Tooth and Baby Tooth to the dining room.
It was more of a banquet hall, if I'm honest. The ceiling looked about four stories high and brilliant chandeliers hung from golden chains decorated with intricate designs. Paintings adorned the walls and ceiling, depicting images of laughing children, childhood games, and wonders I'd never seen. I found myself staring, mouth open a little with wonder myself.
"Come eat, Alice!" boomed out North's voice, a raised hand beckoning me to join them at the table which looked large enough to feed an army. Considering how many elves and Yetis were seated about, it was feeding an army. All kinds of food I hadn't seen in too long were placed along the length of the table in sparkling dishware. Following Tooth, I took the seat beside her with Sandman on my left. Across the table sat Jack and North while Bunny say on Tooth's other side. Everyone already had their plates filled and were chowing down, the Yetis with fervor.
"Do you want me to make your plate for you, Alice?" Tooth asked, her smile kind and open. I saw my mother in her for a moment and had to still the lip that wished to quiver in response. Lowering my head, I nodded numbly. While staring at my lap, I missed the shared looks of worry between the Guardians. Baby Tooth, however, hovered down to rest on my hands where she stared up at me happily. I found myself smiling as well, for she was truly adorable. I raised my hand to bring her close to my face, pressing her feathers against my cheek. She opened her tiny arms and hugged me in return. If anyone noticed the tender exchange, they didn't mention it.
A heaping plate was set in front of me. Ham, cranberry sauce, homemade mac-n-cheese, mashed potatoes, a bread roll, slice of prime rib and more! Jack leaned across the table to hand me a somewhat frosted glass of eggnog. "Thank you," I told them both before picking up my fork and knife. It took a beat for me to remember how to use them. Pitch had never thought it necessary to provide me with utensils to eat. The feeling of helplessness persisted for a moment, but my pride refused to let them catch me floundering. Like riding a bicycle, I remembered the steps I was meant to take and started in on my food.
The first bite was heavenly. The next even better. Each had me coming closer to tears as I remembered dinners with my family at the table. Why was this coming to me now? I pushed them aside as best I could and began to devour the remainder of my meal. When I felt full, I regretted not getting my own food. There was so much leftover and guilt crept up like the darkness I was used to having around. Despite the guilt, my headache had receded and I couldn't remember the last time my belly had been truly satisfied.
As was common with a good meal, I started to feel drowsy while the others chattered about silly things, likely for my benefit. No one mentioned rescuing me from Pitch. If this was my dream, at least they were considerate enough not to mention him. If it was his dream, I felt he likely wanted me to forget it was a dream. North seemed to notice my attention was flagging. He leaned across the table with a stage whisper. "I have a present for you."
Immediately, I became more alert. I felt wary. Presents from Pitch were rarely kindnesses.
"Come, come, don't look so worried!" The Guardians stood, ushering me to my feet as well while the Yetis began clearing the table. "This way," North boomed, his voice large as life.
Tooth held my hand gently, but when I squeezed with rising anxiety, she sent me a reassuring squeeze back and leaned over to kiss my forehead. It felt nothing like when Pitch had done that. I'd been prepared for it to feel like that, but it was nice. A true comfort.
When we entered a huge atrium, toys and noise all around, I stared with wide eyes. The room was easily bigger than the banquet hall and had a few of the Yetis already back at work with making toys while elves raced about in games I didn't comprehend. Jack laughed, hopping up on a banister to watch the excitement below as well while Sandman floated along without complaint and Bunny seemed rather withdrawn. I followed them into a smaller room that seemed to be more personable. There was a train set made of ice set in the center with all kinds of toys in various stages of make littered around the room. Papers, plans they looked like, were strewn along the floor either balled up and messily discarded or set aside like something to come back to later. On a desk sat a prettily wrapped present which North picked up to hand to me.
"For you, my dear," he said, his face a bit flushed from anticipation.
I was nervous and uncertain what to do. What if I opened this box and my dream ended? What if Pitch pulled me back out of this beautiful world and back to him? What if morning came before I was ready?
"Well…open it," Bunny grumbled out, earning a stern look from Sandman.
I couldn't say it aloud, but I thought it to myself. I'm afraid.
Everyone watched me expectantly, though, so I finally gave in. Reaching out with trembling fingers, I unwrapped a simple white box. I hesitated with opening the lid, but didn't want to disappoint them. Gathering all my courage, I lifted the lid.
And the first of many tears fell.