Wonderland by Gabrielle Danielle Burnett (pdf to ebook reader txt) 📖

looked up at the great hedge; it seemed closer to twenty feet looking at it as I was now. I was not afraid of heights, though, and this would be easy to climb; no major barrier at all.
With my mind made up, I shrugged my shoulders and sighed, and began to climb the hedge.


Chapter 2
Fantine

I sat under the willow tree; it was my favorite spot, especially on a breezy, cool morning when the branches would shiver in an eerie melody. The dew smelled wet and rainy, and everything sparkled with the promise of dawn. The sky was the finest of pinks, and the stars set it ablaze with all the beauty of grand poetry.
I could escape, get away from my frustrations and problems, and pretend that I was simply in a fairytale. It was the time after the dark night, yet before the harsh glare of the sun could throw everything out of proportion. It was a time of dreams and content, a time that made me feel like nothing could touch me.
Perhaps, though, I should find a new place, because while I sat in silence, I heard movement behind me. Startled, I spun about, only to see the shadows of the willow branches. After scanning the area behind the tree momentarily, I shrugged off the feeling of being watched, figuring it to just be my imagination, and settled back down. I didn’t notice the man until I glanced back up to see the pink of the rising sun. When I did notice him, I jumped.
He was tall and slim, and obviously graceful; it wasn’t his movements, but his presence that was alluring and elegant. His skin was like moonlight, and his hair a halo of obsidian locks. His slanted eyes, almost catlike in appearance, were like fire, outlined in thick, black lines that I didn’t think were cosmetics. One of his ears was pierced, twice at the bottom, the other once at the top.
And he upset me. He didn’t radiate of menace, or any other such nonsense, and it wasn’t his appearance that bothered me, but his gender. I didn’t like men. Even when he bowed, one arm behind his back and the other sweeping forwards, gracefully, of course, I didn’t warm up to him. I backed up as far as I could against the tree.
“What do you want?” I growled, finding myself both irritated and, now, frightened as I realized how sudden his appearance. My eyes narrowed and I let my long, white blonde hair fall into my face like it could protect me from his piercing gaze.
“Come with me.” He ordered, as if he held precedence over me. My eyes narrowed; I really didn’t like this man, first invading my privacy by coming here, and then demanding I come with him, back to wherever he came from, probably.
“No!” I responded, with fire in my tone. I was usually mild mannered, but I didn’t like people ordering me about. I couldn’t help but wonder what he wanted with me, anyway; what was so special about me? It’s not like I’d ever met him before.
“What did you say to me?” He asked, and, as if deciding it wasn’t important, continued, “Never mind, it doesn’t matter. You are coming with me.” He stepped forwards, and I flinched back. The small movement seemingly surprised him.
“What’s wrong with you?” He inquired, taking another step forwards. I was puzzled; what did he expect from me? I’d never even seen him before and he was trying to get me to come with him!
I moved from the tree trunk and scrambled back a few feet. “Stay back!” I warned, “I’ll scream.” I took a deep breath in case he didn’t listen and decided to come any closer. Who was this person?
“Don’t you remember me, Alice?” I barely heard what the man said; I was too focused on watching him to make sure he didn’t try anything. He seemed to be growing exasperated. I was beginning to realize that something was going on. I felt like I was hearing the end of a story without the beginning, like I was in way over my head.
“Who are you?” I said loudly, managing to stay in my place, as if I had an ounce of courage. I stared with wide eyes, hoping he’d answer. What, really, could I do if he didn’t?
“Most call me Nightmare. I was the one who helped you get back from Wonderland! You should remember me, at least!” He sounded a bit shocked, and hurt. His eyes flashed and I wondered if I said the wrong thing. He seemed almost as if he was growing angry.
“Well, if you won’t listen to me, if you don’t even remember me,” He began, “I guess I’ll just have to take you back; maybe then you’ll hear me out, since you won’t be able to come back here without my help.” He lunged at me, and I tried to scream, but the sound was stuck in my throat.
My heart fell into the pits of my stomach and my eyes widened. The last words I heard the man say were, “You’re going to remember, Alice!” And then he seemed more beast than human. His eyes were the last things I saw before everything went…not black, but purple, and green, and black, all swirling around me.
My last coherent thought: I must be dreaming. I must. But why did this dream call me by my mother’s name?

Imprint

Publication Date: 05-04-2011

All Rights Reserved

Dedication:
To Johnny Depp, who made the cutest Mad Hatter ever!