Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Ben's Note of Sheer Awesome: Before I get into the chapter, let me just say I'm having a pretty rotten day. I have a headache, I lost my flash drive, my computer is falling apart, and I got a C on a college written paper. Literally, I found a college professor, had him help me college proof my paper, and turned it in. I got a C. How the cheese do you get a C? How?! Anyway, I needed to calm down, so I decided to finish off the recovery arc.

Also, hi KCL! Sorry you aren't doing well either. My best advice? I would calm down for a day or two before talking to your friend again. Me and my best friend get into fights all the time, and she knows I need a days worth of time to calm down. I'd just take a day to calm down and then slowly try to resolve the argument. I know I'm an old person and I'm insane, but that's my best advice. Also, to answer the Maddie question, I am unsure about the direction I'm going to take that, so stand by. (Also, if I were to date one of the girls in EAH, it'd be Lizzie. Just fyi.)

By the by, I started a new story (I need to stop doing that) that centers around Cupid and Dexter! It's called Sins For Love. The third chapter should be out about the same time as this one, so take a look at that if your interested!

Prompt 35: Cold

Alice and Maddie had moved over to the table. Maddie poured tea and the two sat down next to each other. Both girls were silent a moment. They both knew where the conversation would go, but neither one wanted to start it.

Maddie decided to go for it. "Aunt Alice?" she asked. Alice nodded so Maddie continued. "How did you know I was still crushing on Alistair?"

"Observation and assumptions," Alice said. "I actually stopped by the Hatter's Tea Shop on my way here, so I asked him."

Maddie giggled. "Silly dad," she said. "Always telling my deepest secrets."

"I also assumed that Alistair would turn to you when Kitty was going through her depression," Alice said. "You're her roommate, but also a Wonderlandian Alistair knew when he was little."

Maddie smiled at the memory. "We were so innocent back then," she sighed. "Aunt Alice… it's so weird, looking at him now with Kitty. I'm happy for them… but how can I truly be happy when I still love Alistair? I was kind of glad when…" she stopped, covering her mouth.

Alice gave the girl a sad smile. "Why don't you talk to me about it?" she asked. "I won't tell Alistair a thing. I promise."

Maddie nodded and sighed. "When Kitty almost killed herself," Maddie began, "Alistair turned to me a lot. Kitty was broken, so he needed someone to help him get back on his feet. I was there for him, and I loved being able to be the one he could lean on for once. I loved the attention he gave me. Kitty's one of my best friends… but for once, I had Alistair."

Maddie shifted again. "But…" she said. A tear left her eye. "I realized something… right about when Kitty met Hunter. I realized…" Maddie stopped. She couldn't say it.

Alice gave her a soft smile. "You don't have to tell me," she said.

Maddie shook her head. "No… it needs to be said," Maddie said, taking another breath. "For the briefest moment… I wished Kitty had succeeded in her suicide attempt. I was so happy, having Alistair for myself, and I didn't want her to return to normal. So I… wished her…"

Maddie couldn't take it and sobbed. "What kind of friend am I?" she sobbed. "I'm a cold hearted murderer! I haven't done anything, but wishing someone dead is just as bad!"

Maddie sobbed again. Alice stood up and moved her chair over next to Maddie. She sat back down and rubbed her back. "You're ok Maddie," Alice said. "Yes, you shouldn't think that way… but it's ok to envy Kitty. But you need to move past that. Remember you want Alistair happy. This is what he wants, so remember that. And remember that Kitty's your friend. Just remember… to be happy."

Maddie sobbed again, but nodded. "I'm so sorry," she said, tears dripped from her face. Alice hugged her tightly.

"I know."

Kitty shivered as she walked toward her bench. She smiled to find Alistair already there. She quickly made her way over and sat next to him.

"It's cold out," she chattered, sitting next to him.

Alistair chuckled. "It's to be expected. It is the middle of the Winter," he chuckled. "So, how did quality time with your mom go? Mine just ran off to embarrass me in front of Maddie."

Kitty chuckled. "Moms do that sometimes," she said. "Mine managed to get me help. I have to meet with Giles after class each day, and he'll help me through a few things that I'm not completely over yet. She gave me a hug, said she loved me, and she went back off to Wonderland."

Alistair raised an eyebrow. "Didn't my mom go with her?" he asked.

"No. Mom mentioned something about Alice sticking around for a little bit. Some unfinished business or whatnot. Don't worry, I doubt it has anything to do with you," Kitty said, then gave off a shiver. Alistair grabbed her and pulled her in tight. Kitty smiled and snuggled up close to him.

"Hey Kitty?"

"Yeah Alistair?"

"If your ever cold… I'm here to warm you up. Not just physically, but emotionally. If your ever frozen and don't know what to do… I'll help warm you up into your happy fiery self. Just promise me you'll know when you need to talk to me, ok?"

Kitty smiled at her boyfriend. "Ok," she said and kissed him.

BN: I think that was a nice ending to the recovery. As my new list is gone on my flashdrive, this will be the only update I have for today unless I find it. But anyway, this was simply to show the now two sides: Kitty and Alistair officially adorbs again, and Maddie being off to the side and feeling terrible about herself. This plot sounds familiar, but trust me, this will be a better love story than Twilight, I promise!

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