Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. All I'm doing is mixing Stephenie Meyer and Lewis Carroll's characters in Tim Burton's world while adding a dark splash of my own imagination.
Chapter Twelve: Reality
A few days later, Alice stood before a full-body mirror in Edward's sewing room, observing how she looked in a gown that they'd created together. The beautiful dress was made of black tulle and cream lining; it wrapped around to her left, creating a small train with its many ruffles, and that was embellished with black-beaded flowers. With the help of Mallymkun, they'd designed it specifically for her coronation that would be held later.
Obviously, the day was very important for Alice, especially because all the residents of Wonderland had accepted her as their queen without objection once they found out that she had freed them from Victoria and Isabelle's sovereignty. Therefore, she worried about her appearance given that everyone would be there, including her closest friends.
"How do I look?" Alice asked.
"Wonderful, of course," Edward replied, grinning, "like a queen."
"All that's missing is your crown," Cheshire Cat said as he appeared out of nowhere, placing a black, intricate crown on her head.
Alice smiled as she delighted in the moment. She raised her hands and carefully traced the elaborate patterns that shaped the crown, admiring how gorgeous it was. Edward stepped closer to her and spun her, enveloping her in his arms before he leaned down to give her a quick kiss on her lips.
"I love you so much, Alice," Edward told her. "Thank you for making me so happy."
Meanwhile, on the other side of the mirror, Alice's surroundings had also changed. She was no longer in her room—not even in her house—but actually in a mental asylum. That's where Alice's family had taken her after her mother found Alice delirious, rambling about nonsense, when she went to tell her that they were leaving for the luncheon. While they held Alice in observation, her family and doctors tried everything so that she would return to reality, but why would Alice do that?
Why would she abandon Wonderland? Everyone there loved her and accepted her as she was.
No, she would not return. Alice would stay there with Edward, reciprocating his affection. After all, he was the only person who truly loved her unconditionally.
And so, as she sat on her bed, facing the cream-colored walls of her room, Alice clutched her legs to her chest tighter. She laid her head on her knees and smiled as she imagined Edward placing a soft kiss on her forehead.
"I love you, too," she whispered. "I love you so much, Edward Hightopp."
A sigh escaped her lips as she reveled in the world that existed through the crepuscular glass—in her new realm.
So, that's all folks! I hope you all enjoyed this story that my own madness conjured. I'd like to thank TheDarkestFallingStar for hosting this incredible contest, and BelieveItOrNot for editing, and Time Lights as well for the wonderful cover banner, but especially to you for reading. Till next time! ;)