A/N: Ok, here's Alice's pregnancy with Charlotte. Longest chapter yet. But they definitely won't all be this long. I had a ton to cram into this chapter. Also, the point of view switches back and forth, but I think it's pretty obvious who is speaking and when.

Please enjoy!

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The day I found out I was with child was a strange one. For over a year, Queen Mirana had been trying to get Tarrant and I to move into the castle. He had been given back his title of Royal Hatter and Mirana desperately wanted him back in the castle with the rest of her staff.

It took quite some coaxing, but finally he agreed to it. But only after she assured him that he would still be able to have his tea parties with his friends. (Proof that the madness would always remain somewhat)

We didn't have many belongings. Mostly the books that I had been collecting in the time I had been in Underland, the mismatched pieces of his tea sets, his hatting materials, our clothes and some random furniture. So, moving day should have been easy. But I was terribly ill, and had been for about a week. Tarrant said that if it lasted another day, he was taking me to the doctor. I was sneaking myself today. I didn't want to worry him.

So, while he finished packing our things, I left with the excuse that I was going to make our new chambers ready.

He gave me an odd look, knowing that they were almost completely ready and that we would have to do nothing, but he kissed me goodbye and said we would meet up at the castle.

I hurried to the doctor and was examined at once. He had me drink a strange potion, and then put a drop of my blood into another potion. The originally clear liquid turned a bright pink.

"Alice, my dear, I know what is wrong with you. Or should I say, very right with you."

"Right with me? Doctor I'm constantly getting sick. What could be right about this?"

"You, my dear, are going to be a mother."

"A … what? A mother?"

"Yes. You and the hatter are going to be parents."

I lost focus on the world then and everything went black.

"Alice? Alice, my sweet. Wake up, darling."

I heard his voice, and it was a lovely voice. But I didn't really want to wake. Yet, his was such a soothing tone that I was drawn to it and I allowed him to pull me into consciousness.

"Hatter?"

"Yes, my love. It's me. The doctor called for me as soon as you fainted. Why didn't you tell me you were heading here?"

I squinted against the light coming through the window and he jumped up to close the shade.

"I didn't want to worry you."

"She didn't want to worry me. Says the wife who passed out," he said, shaking his head. "So, did the doctor tell you what was wrong?"

"He didn't tell you?"

"No, he said you would want to do it."

I sat up then, with some help from Tarrant. "Well, it's terribly unexpected. But it's a good thing too. Hatter, sweet Hatter. You're going to be a father."

The expected happened then. His lovely green eyes turned yellow and the confusion set in. "I'm sorry, love. I think I misheard you. It sounded like you said I'm to be a father. But you probably said something like feather. Which of course, makes even less sense, how could I be a feather? Except that I just packed away all the feathers and I do use feathers often …"

"Hatter!" I said, taking hold of his face. "You were right the first time. You are going to be a father. Darling, I'm having a baby!"

His green eyes returned more rapidly than I had ever seen and he grabbed my face and pulled it to his. His kissed me quite fiercely. "A baby?" I nodded. "Us?" I nodded again. "Parents." He sighed. "I can't believe it."

"Are you happy, Tarrant?"

"Happy? Alice, I'm delirious! And not even in the same way that I usually am. Just when I think I can't get any happier, you come along and prove me wrong!"

"Oh good. Because I couldn't be happier either. I wonder how long until she gets here."

"She?"

"Oh dear. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoiled the surprise. But the doctor says we're having a girl."

"A daughter," he murmured. "We're having a daughter."

I could tell I was losing him again, but it wasn't to the madness. It was to the thoughts of impending parenthood. It was actually quite sweet.

He took me home, to our new home, and sent me straight to bed.

"Hatter, I'm with child, not an invalid," I protested.

"Alice, you need your rest."

"Well, I suppose I am feeling a bit tired."

"Yes, good. Now, I will go fetch us some dinner and some tea." He ran for the door and then came back to me. "I love you, Alice." He kissed me gently. "And I love you, buttercup," he said as he kissed my belly. And then he was off again.

It was going to get even more interesting in the Hightopp household … and soon.

Month two:

The second month was a strange one for Alice. The sickness was starting to subside, but it flared up terribly when Alice was upset. And her mood swings were … severe. They rivaled even mine at my worst into the madness.

It reminded me of a fight we had very early in our marriage. She would completely flip her lid at the smallest things. It was strange to see her behaving like I did. Suddenly I was the rational one.

"Alice, my love?" I asked as I crept slowly into the bedroom. "I've brought some tea."

"Tea," she sighed. "Don't you ever get sick of tea?"

"Um, no, actually. I've always found it delightful."

"Well, maybe I'm tired of it," she muttered.

"All right. Well, shall I fetch you something else?" I asked timidly.

"No. I don't know what I want." She took a few deep breaths and then started to cry. "Hatter, I'm just so … so …"

"Mad?" I offered.

"Yes!"

"Lovely, it's all right. I know that this isn't you. And you need to calm down. The baby will just make you sick again."

"I know. It's just so frustrating. I'm so happy one second and then so angry the next. I don't know how you handle it."

"Years of practice," I said with a chuckle. "You needn't worry. This will be over soon enough."

"Thank you for putting up with me."

"Alice, really. For all that you deal with living with me? I owe you so much more than this."

"Well, perhaps we should just concede that we make a great, mad, wonderful pair?"

"My love, I think that's a wonderful idea."

"So, where's that tea?" she asked hopefully.

I decided to keep my mouth shut.

Month four:

My sickness was finally gone and life was getting back to some sense of normalcy. The mood swings had calmed, but not disappeared.

It was lovely living in the castle. But I had started to get bored during the day and my walks around the castle grounds just weren't capturing me the way they used to. I would visit my friends, of course. Dodging food in the kitchen from Thackery, talking with McTwisp, chatting with Absolem, even visiting Tarrant in his workshop. But I felt I needed a purpose.

I decided to talk with the Queen.

"Mirana, are there any jobs around the castle that need attending? I find myself bored these days."

"Alice, shouldn't you be resting? I hardly think a duty here in the palace is good for you."

"Well, nothing strenuous, of course." I tried to hold my temper. Friend or not, I didn't want to snap at the Queen. "Just something to fill a few hours of my day.

"To be honest, Alice, there is a post in my court that I have been thinking of creating and I think you could be perfect for it. It would start off small to see where it leads and perhaps, if the idea takes off and after you have had your baby, it would be more."

"Well, that sounds intriguing. What would it involve?"

"I have heard your stories of the Otherworld and of the art there. Paintings, literature, music. Underland has all of these things, but so few know of it or are interested in it. Alice, I want you to perhaps find a way to raise awareness. Perhaps someday collect it."

"You mean like a museum?"

"A what?"

"A museum. In the Otherworld it was a building that contained hundreds of paintings and other pieces of art as well."

"Then that is exactly what I am speaking of. Perhaps while you are resting, you can think of ideas to promote this art and then someday, work to creating this … museum."

"Oh Mirana! That's wonderful! Thank you so much!"

She stood and embraced me. "Now, how are you feeling today?"

"Much better these days. The worst of the symptoms seem to be passing and now I worry about being so large."

"Ah, but you will be beautiful even then."

"I hope Tarrant sees it the same way."

"Alice, you have nothing to fear. I have seen the way our hatter looks at you. His eyes have a particular sparkle when you are in his view. Being with his child will only strengthen his love for you."

"Mirana, you have a way with words. Do you know this?"

"As long as it helped to allay your fears. Now, go back to your chambers. Rest a while and we will continue speaking of this new post."

"I will. And thank you, Mirana!"

I left the room feeling the best I had since becoming expectant.

Month seven:

My sweet Alice was finally my sweet Alice again. The mood swings were much, much less severe. And now that she had something to occupy her time, she was as cheerful as ever.

I was so proud of her, taking on the position like she had. Everyday between my tea visits and her naps, she would plan out the promoting of Underlandian art. There was more than even I was aware of and she was doing a smashing job getting the word out there.

But this early morning, Alice just couldn't sleep. Our little girl couldn't get comfortable either, apparently.

"Tarrant, talk to your daughter. Make her let me sleep!"

For whatever reason, the baby really liked my voice and usually listened to me.

Half asleep myself, I rolled over and bent slightly to speak to her belly. "Excuse me, sweet child. I'll need you to get comfortable in there already and let your Mummy sleep. She gets dreadfully cranky when she's tired and I don't wish to be on the receiving end of that."

"You are lucky that worked, or you would have been in trouble for that line," she muttered.

"Sleep now, love. We'll need our rest for today. We need to attend the Queen's birthday celebration."

"I don't want to go," she whispered.

"Don't want to go? Alice, why not?"

"Tarrant, have you not looked at me recently?

"Alice, I'm looking upon you right now. Silly, girl."

"That's not what I mean and you know it, Hatter."

"You are and always will be the most glorious creature that inhabits Underland or any other world for that matter. I don't care if you are large with child or it you just ate so many cakes that you barely fit on this bed. Or if you drank a potion that allowed you to ride on my hat. I love you."

A tear came to my eye. "Thank you, Tarrant. You always know what to say."

"No, not always. In fact, quite rarely actually. Now, get some sleep. I want to show you off later."

She rolled over and I went with her, placing a hand on her swollen belly. I felt a slight nudge from the baby and then calm.

Later that day…

I was huge! I was beyond huge! I looked like I could have belonged in the Red Queen's court I had such a belly in front of me.

I could hardly stand myself.

"Alice, you look beautiful," Hatter said, coming to stand behind me in the mirror.

"I look like the bandersnatch."

He chuckled. "Oh your teeth aren't nearly that pointy." I glared at him through the glass. "Though you do share the same fierceness. Come now, lovely. We can't be late. Wouldn't want to be naughty and miss the Queen's celebration."

"Maybe you wouldn't," I muttered as I slipped on my most comfortable shoes.

For the most part, I did want to go. I wanted to celebrate my friend's birthday. But I hated the fuss everyone made over me. I hated everyone trying to touch me and tell me how big I had gotten. Like I needed a reminder!

But since I made Tarrant promise to not leave my side all evening, I felt a little comfort at that.

We made our way (slowly) down to the ballroom. Once we entered, the attack began. Every lady in the room darted over to us to compliment me and to give me unwanted advice.

I looked to Tarrant with pleading eyes.

"All right, ladies, I think that's enough pestering of my wife. She's probably quite tired of all of you poking and prodding her. Thank you, I'd like some time with her."

And he gently dragged me away. Wonderful man!

As we passed the band, our baby began to kick like mad.

"Ooh, calm down, little one," I muttered as the motions made me wince.

"Cricket?"

"Nothing. It seems as if your daughter is already a champion futterwhackener."

Tarrant said nothing, but I didn't miss the smile that crossed his lips.

We spent the rest of the evening hidden at our table in the corner (wonderful Queen!) and taking the occasional spin across the dance floor.

Finally, I decided it was time to retire and we went to say good night to the Queen.

As we were walking back to our room, I suddenly felt a great pain and a gush of water.

"Good grief! Alice, you're leaking!" Hatter shouted.

"Don't be an idiot," I cried. "My water broke!"

"Broke? Can we get you a new one?"

I glared at him. I knew he wasn't thinking clearly, but I needed him to focus.

"Hatter, just get me to our room!"

"Oh!" Mirana shrieked as she found us in the hallway. "I wondered what all the fuss was about. We need to get you to the doctor."

"I want to go to our room. Please, someone get me to our room," I pleaded.

"Tarrant, carry her to the room. McTwisp, fetch the doctor! Alice, I think you might have this child on my birthday!" she said, clapping excitedly.

"Delightful," I muttered as Tarrant swept me up. "I just want her out!"

I made awful, scary noises all the way up to our room. If the doctor didn't know what room we resided in, he wouldn't have to search much.

"Dearheart, I know that you are in a bit of a bad way, but do you think you could stop screaming in my ear?" Tarrant asked as he carried me through the halls.

"Tarrant Hightopp! You did this to me and you have the nerve to ask me to stop screaming? I will yell until I am good and finished. You have no idea how much this child is tearing me apart!"

"I know, love, I know. I'm so sorry. The doctor will hopefully help."

He ran even faster.

Once the doctor found us, he checked me (much to the distain of Hatter) and said that I was very close to having this baby.

I knew nothing of giving birth. No one ever explained it to me when I lived at home. And things were obviously different here in Underland. I was sure I wouldn't be giving birth for a few more months. But the doctor assured me at quite a few visits that 7 months was the norm.

"Is there anything you can do for the pain?" Hatter asked cautiously.

"There is a potion, yes. I have it right here," the doctor said, pulling it from his bag. "Alice, drink."

"Why am I always drinking something here?" I asked, exasperated. And within a minute, the pain was almost completely gone. "Why, that was wonderful!"

"Good, because you need to focus now. Your daughter is almost here!"

Tarrant was an angel. He stayed right by my side the entire time, whispering encouragement to me. And within the hour, our daughter had arrived.

"Congratulations," the doctor said with a smile, handing the baby to me. "It's a girl."

I beamed as I looked at our little one. Already she had a shock of flame orange hair and her father's pale complexion. But I could see that she had my blue eyes. In a word, she was beautiful.

"Does she have a name?" the doctor asked.

"Charlotte Mirana," Hatter replied.

"Charlotte, for my father Charles. And Mirana for our friend and Queen. Who essentially brought us together," I said.

"It's a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. I'll leave you three alone now, but I'll check back later."

"Would you like to hold her, Hatter?" I asked.

"I, um, well, I suppose … that I should…"

"Don't be afraid. You'll be fine." I gently placed her into his arms and almost cried. The scene was perfection.

"Hello, buttercup. I'm your father, as crazy as that sounds. I will be protecting you and playing with you and loving you for the rest of eternity."

Suddenly, I began to feel so tired. And I gave a great yawn.

"Sleep now, my love. Charlotte and I have everything under control," he said softly.

"I can see that. I love you, Hatter. And I love you, Lottie."

"Tell Mummy, I love you too," he said, waving her tiny hand at me. "Have a good rest, love," he said as he kissed my forehead. "I love you and I thank you for this precious gift."

As I began to fall asleep, I saw him chatting away with our daughter.

Our daughter. How wonderful.