Chapter Three
"It is best that you go home for the day and get some rest. I will need you to return here every day, to prepare yourself for your return to Wonderland." Liam suggested. "What? No; I want to stay here. The sooner I know about the new ghouls and monsters that were bred in Wonderland, the sooner we can return." Ally quickly objected to returning home. The librarian-archer was quick to realize her change of tone - hesitant, worried, pleading.
"Ally, you are exhausted, there have been unexplainable things that have happened today. Go home, eat dinner, and spend time with your family. You won't get much quality time with them once you begin your training tomorrow." Ally turned to the library doors, "Sure. Good night, Mr. Jackson." He bid her goodnight, nodding his head while he watched her leave the room. The previous Red Queen's archer gave a tiring sigh, sitting back on his chair in an exhausting position. The White Rabbit is resting by the keyboard, his eyes are closed. Liam moved his attention to the sleeping animal.
"My dear friend, we have a long battle ahead of us." He gently pats the rabbit. "Wonderland must be saved, otherwise, Ally's world - physically and mentally - will be enshrouded in eternal darkness, and all humanity will never see the sun again."
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Ally, much to her displeasure, return back home. On the upper end of London, Ally traveled alone. The sun is just starting to set, calling it a day. On her way home, the lonely teen girl watch another group of friends sitting at a table, by a coffee shop, giggling away at whatever they were laughing at. Ally can't recall the last time she had a close friend. It seemed like never, according to Ally. The teen didn't feel sorry for herself. She already knew she was, different, in the best terms to call herself. She wasn't like any of the other girls, roaming down the streets of London, wondering what the future will hold. Ally already knew and it was a fate she can't escape from.
It was safe to say Ally had an unusual childhood, one that may not be a stranger to those that are familiar with it, but it's a taboo situation. Ally's father disappeared while she was just an infant, possible around the age of two. Her mother, Hester, worked two jobs - one in a grocery store and the other, working on the dock, selling and skinning fish. A dirty job it was, but someone had to pay the bills. Ally would hardly see her mother, it would give the reason why Hester was not available for any parent-teacher conferences or quarterly student awards. But, why would Hester benefit from knowing about her daughter, Ally? Ally was high honors, but, she didn't give any interest in any of the lessons that were taught to her; it was as if she was somehow transported into another world while her physical body was still present in the real world. The timing for any conference did not match Hester's schedule.
There was one way for the teachers to contact Ally's mother - by telephone. The phone call was convenient, however, each conversation would only last less than five minutes. The teachers and even the principal, Mrs. Harriet, would report in her notes that the mother would cut the conversations very short. Hester would always end the talk by saying either, "Oh, I apologize, I have to go now! I'll be late for work." or another, "I'm sorry, but I am very busy this morning, can you please call me back later." The administration hated that sentence. The last time Hester said that the teachers haven't heard from her for three months.
Ally just groaned and giggled while walking down the sidewalk, recalling that memory. The stubborn teenager did not apologize for her mother's behavior, because that is "who Hester is." And as Hester, she paid more attention to Ally's older sister, Maggie.
Maggie was five years older than Ally, she was a recent graduate from The London School of Economics and Political Science, hoping to make a long-term goal of becoming a top political figure. Ally was proud of her sister, however, she was aware the teachers were wondering what went wrong with the youngest Liddel sibling. Ally didn't have any goals, she was not social with the other girls. It didn't make Ally jealous of Maggie, because she didn't want to become her sister. She knew Maggie was concerned for her sister, she was aware the spotlight was always on her, and not Ally; it never has been.
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Ally made it down a street, full of terraced homes, grey bricked homes holding the structure together. It would be possible for anyone to get any privacy in these kinds of homes. The residents were older and close to retirement age. Living in this kind of lifestyle, it was evident they worked in higher positions, able to live out their fancy lifestyle. Ally noticed a man, around his late seventies, tending to his garden. He wore brown overalls with a black and yellow checkered shirt. He was thin, the teenager questioned herself if he ever ate dinner. Ally adjusted her hoodie, hoping no one would spot her -
"Oh, Ally, it is you." An elegant, but the heavy woman suddenly appeared in front of her. She wore a classy red pen skirt just past her knees, black nylon tights, and white stiletto shoes. Her blouse was a cream color, made from possible fresh satin. Her light, brunette hair was naturally curly, taking shelter from a petite Kentucky-style hat, matching the same color as her skirt. The woman, Georgia Wilson, had a repulsive odor of cigar dancing around her. It wasn't a secret she was a heavy smoker, but it started to become too much and some of the neighbors tried to intervene, for the sake of her health. Alas, calling for ano intervention was the worst idea. Georgia Wilson was a powerful woman, figuratively; her brother works as part of the law enforcement in London. Once the neighbors knew about that, they never stepped in front of her again. Georgia's dark brown eyes force their way in to pierce through Ally's soul, trying to break her. "I hope you had a pleasant day at school?" The sound of a low, croaky tone from the woman was not the most inviting. Ally knew the woman doesn't like her. The way she looked, sounded, and acted, the rounded woman reminded her too much of the Red Ruby Queen of Hearts. Ally was in no mood to fight; instead, she just put on a fake, but convincing smile.
"Oh, it was good, uneventful, but it's okay." Ally giggled lightly. Georgia's laced black gloves touched her double chin, "Oh, is that so? Then why are you home so late?" Ally gulped, Georgia acted as if she is part of the neighborhood watch committee, but she is abusing that role. "Oh, well, funny story - "
"You served detention, again, didn't you?" Georgia interrupted Ally. Ally's smile disappeared, trying to keep it, her eyes tremble. "Oh, dear, Ally. You are not going to be a bloody hoodlum, are you? You don't want to disappoint your mother, do you? I suspect you are not interested in following in Maggie's shadow,. correct?" Ally said nothing, but continued to let the old woman talk. "You can't be part of this great, yet, horrific world if you keep staying behind after school because of your goodness, delinquent behavior. A poor girl needs her mother, as well as her father. It's such a shame he isn't here to set you kids straight. Maggie got lucky, she has a path. But you lost your way through Wonderland!"
"Alright, that's enough you demented woman." Both Ally and Georgia turned around quickly to witness a woman with a dark navy trench coat buttoned up, the belt tied around her waist. She had black dress-up pants with brown, ankle boots. Her hands are tucked in her coat pocket. Her dark brown hair was tied in a low ponytail with side bangs splitting down the middle. Her green eyes stare down at Georgia, her lips thinned. "Well, it's been lovely chatting with you Ally, but it seemed Maggie has arrived. I will be taken my due." Georgia post haste turns around fast, leaving the two sisters alone.
Maggie cocked a brow, "Little sister, you served detention - again?" Ally groaned, "It's not my fault - " "I know." Maggie gave a sad smile. "It's Wonderland again, isn't it? Those dreams of yours?" "It's not a dream, Maggie. It truly happened." Maggie's lips frown with concern. "Yeah, if I haven't seen that blade for myself, I wouldn't have believed you. Seemed like I am the only one that does." Maggie walked close to her sister, placing a hand on Ally's shoulder. "Come, it's getting dark and cold. Let us go inside and have supper. Some evening tea would do nicely."