Wonderland: Chapter One

The color sky blue was quite tired, having been a constant background in Alexandra’s life she was less pleased to be wearing it on her 21st birthday. The dress was tailored in the popular fashion, a tony top and frilly bottom, which meant a corset and many hot petty coats. Fortunately the spring air was light and cool so Alexandra would only cook halfway. She stood in front of her oval mirror, smoothing the nonexistent creases in her dress when there was a knock on the door.
         Alexandra nearly jumped out of her skin, good thing the corset was synched tight! Green/grey eyes focused on white wood and she straightened her posture then softly said, “Come in.” The ornate brass knob turned slowly and the door noiselessly swung open as a small but bold old woman entered the room, carrying an air of wonder about her. Alexandra smiled and went to greet her great grandmother, forgetting to act lady like she hugged the ancient woman tightly.
         “Alexandra! Alexandra! I am just as delighted to see you But I still need to breathe!” the elder woman laughed, her voice sounded like reed flutes soft and whispy. The younger Kingsleigh released her grandmother who clasped her on the shoulders and looked at her fondly. “Today is a very special day for you Alexandra.” The elderly woman spoke, her grey eyes sparkling. “Because I turn 21? Not too special, just another year.” Alexandra said boredly. Grandmother shook her head causing a thin platinum curl to fall out of place,  “No dear. Today you are a woman, fully, and today you will have to make a choice. You will have to act alone for the first time.” The smile faded from Alexandra’s pretty face, “What are you talking about?” Her grandmother just smiled, “You’ll understand soon enough. Now today is your birthday and advice is not the only gift I have for you!”
         A confused smile played across Alex’s pretty face as her great grandmother fished around in her satin handbag. She produced a small jewelry pouch and with a genuine smile, presented it to her great granddaughter.  Alex, a name only few used, slowly took the gift trying to imagine which piece of fine jewelry out of many her grandmother owned could possibly be in the pouch. The pouch was far too small for the extravagant triple chain of pearls that Alex loved so much, perhaps a nice ring instead? She slowly opened the pouch and emptied the contents into her pal. It was a necklace, a simple silver chain with a rose red bottle charm on it. The bottle was slightly translucent and Alex could swear that she heard liquid sloshing around inside, “Drink me” was also written in small fancy letters on a tag tied to the bottles top.
         Alex rolled the small red bottle around in her palm, it was unusual but charming, and the liquid inside made it all the more interesting. “Thank you grandmother.” Alex mumbled half-mindedly as she fiddled with the necklace clasp attempting to fasten it around her slender neck. “Here dear, let me help you.” Her great grandmother took the necklace and latched it around Alex’s neck, the bottle hung just below her collar bone the red in sharp contrast with the sky blue of her dress.
         “Alexandra!” the shrill, high strung voice of her mother yelled up from down the hall and down a flight of stairs. “And so it begins,” Her great grandmother rolled her eyes like a teenager and drifted towards the door, beckoning for her great granddaughter to follow. “Alexandra!” her mother called again one could practically hear the stress in her voice, like nails on a chalk board.  “Coming Mother!” Alexandra called down.  Her mother always took it upon herself to make sure everything was absolutely perfect according to her peers, Alexandra was no exception on her list of things that needed to be perfect. 
         The small woman was standing at the bottom of the stairs, a stern expression fixed on her face, “Your guests will be here soon. Luckily Vincent came early to help. You need to greet each person especially – What is this?” Stern eyes focused on the little red bottle, like an owl would a mouse, as soon as Alex reached the last step. “It was a gift from great grandmother –“ Alex began and her mother closed her eyes and exhaled sharply, “Take it off, it does not match your dress.” Alex scowled, “I’ll wear it if I want! It’s MY birthday after all.” Alex’s mother looked at her with building impatience and opened her mouth to speak but was quickly cut off but Great Grandmother, “Vincent is here? How nice, I bet he would love to see that tiny bottle. Why don’t you go show him?” Alex hesitated but nodded and went off to find Vincent. Alexandra’s mother glared at the grandmother of her late husband, “Now I said you could come and I expect you to act with respect. Do not ruin this day for Alexandra!” The elder woman’s face came together in an expression of hurt pride, “How could I possibly ruin her birthday? I actually love her. But don’t worry, I have a triple strand of pearls to present to her in front of your guests!” The elderly Kingsleigh then followed Alexandra’s example and left the younger woman simply dumbfounded.
         Vincent was in the parlor, rearranging the furniture as Alex’s mother had requested. Since he assumed himself alone he had removed his coat and had his shirt unbuttoned to let heat out. His back was to the door so he did not notice Alex coming into the room instead his clear blue eyes were darting around the room as he contemplated what to do next. “Vincent?” Alex asked casually. Victor turned around and quickly snatched his coat which had been tossed on to one of the couches. As soon as their  eyes met Alex could feel her heart skip a beat. “Forgive me. I thought I was alone.” Vincent quickly buttoned his shirt and slipped his coat back over broad shoulders. Vincent was not a tall man nor was he the most exceptionally attractive but he had a charm about him, a most magnificent charm that made Alex feel like a silly school girl again. Maybe it was the way he smiled or the soulfulness of his eyes, Vincent carried a comforting and understanding air about him one that was impossible for Alex to ignore.  “What’s with such manners? It is just me Vincent.” Alex said fondly, approaching him. Vincent smiled and let his eyes travel over Alex’s slender form the little red bottle catching his attention on the way back up to her face, how beautiful she was.
         “Thank you for helping with the party, it simply wouldn’t have gotten off the ground wit out you.” Alex continued, her heart fluttering at the faint scent of sweat and cologne coming from Vincent.  “Who has manners now?” Vincent’s smile turned playful and he held his arms open for an embrace. Alex almost leapt into his arms, enjoying the embrace and letting his smell and warmth envelope her, easing her heart for just a bit. The doorbell chimed as the first guests arrived and Vincent released Alex from his embrace. She looked remorsefully towards the front hallway, hearing her mother’s over exaggerated welcomes. “And so it begins.” Alex mumbled mirroring her great grandmother.
         The party was typical of noble affairs, small talk that was meaningless, fake smiles and even faker compliments. The gift table was piled high with ornately wrapped boxes and embellished envelopes. For the most part Alex stayed in one spot, idly speaking to each guest. Eventually their faces began to meld together and look alike until Alex was certain that she was talking to the same person over and over again. She was getting terribly bored when across the sea of like faces Vincent appeared, no one was giving him any mind so he made some silly faces at Alex. A smile broke her grimace and she even managed to laugh. Vincent smiled too, his blue eyes were lively with the satisfaction of Alex’s laughter.
         “What is so funny Miss Alexandra?” the smooth oily voice of one Lord Bellamey, interrupted the almost silent enjoyment. Lord Bellamey was quite possibly the most sought after bachelor in London, and yet Alex was not the least bit interested. She didn’t like the way his black hair was always slicked back, or how his ghastly brown/black eyes followed her every motion, she didn’t even appreciate his too slender form. Alex simply saw him as a tall, gangly goblin out to hoard all the gold coins he could get and being as oily as he was he would slip from woman to woman too. “Oh well I was simply imagining that everyone had dressed in the dark and wore their under clothes over their dresses and trousers.” Lord Bellamey looked at her as if she were mad and then smiled and ignored her remark . “This is a most splendid party.” He said in his oily voice, sounding quite ridiculous, Alex couldn’t help but laugh. Lord Bellamey’s brow furrowed in frustration, he did not enjoy being left out of the joke. “I’m sorry. I was just thinking about the rukus a white mouse in a waistcoat would make right about now.” Alex smiled, remembering fondly of the stories that her great grandmother would tell her. “Why would you think of such things?” Lord Bellamey was genuinely confused, perhaps the only time he had been genuine in his life.
         “Well why not? Life is boring, why not imagine something fantastic?” Alex explained, thinking he would at least understand that much. “Because you’ll lose touch with reality. Thinking of such things is surely a sign of madness, But fear not Miss Alexandra!” Lord Bellamey got down on one knee, Alex’s eyes went as wide as dish saucers, “Alexandra Kingsleigh, will you marry me?” Alex’s breath caught in her chest and she could feel her face heating up. Desperately she glanced around the room for an escape, or for someone to save her from this situation. A smile, she forced a smile and curtsied to Lord Bellamey, everyone was watching. “Please excuse me, I um, I need to think for a moment.” She said an almost silent, high voice. Alex then excused herself, plowing through the party goers in a clumbsy, desperate run, Vincent watched, confused by her behavior he started after her but her great grandmother beckoned for him to stop.
The warm spring air washed over Alex like a wave of relief as she made it into the garden. Desperate eyes were aimed at the heavens above so Alex didn’t see the odd root sticking out in her path. One poorly placed step later and Alex was on her freshly bruised knees, her hands were a little scraped too. A feeling of utter frustration and anger descended upon her, this is not what she wanted at all. She was sick of all these stupid parties and worrying about impressing people she was tired of never having things go her way and most of all she was worried about the future. Would she end up married to the oily Lord Bellamey or to someone more like…Vincent? Vincent? Why would she want to marry Vincent? Sure he was her dearest friend and he seemed to be the only one to really understand her but…but nothing Vincent, though not the financially secure man, was definitely the kind of man she would want to be with. But how to tell everyone?
         Alex was now pacing back and forth in front of the rose bushes, the only plants that had grown large enough to shield her from the prying eyes of the nosey party goers. Finally exhausted from pacing and worrying herself to tears  Alex collapsed onto a stone bench that was dangerously close to the rose thorns. “I bet the soles of your shoes are worn thin from all that pacing.” The whispy voice of her grandmother came softly through the roses the older woman appeared moments later.
         “How is it you always just appear, especially when I need you most?” Alex asked, wiping tears from her face. “It is a skill I learned.” The old woman said in jest though she grew serious when Alex did not smile, “I never married but I was mother to your grandfather. One learns most extraordinary things when they have to.” Alex nodded and sniffled her great grandmother came and sat beside her, putting an arm around her slender shoulders. Alex gratefully leaned against her great grandmother who was surprisingly strong for her old age. “What should I do grandmother? Should I marry Lord Bellamey, I would have a stable future with no worries except for that I could never love him.  But should I choose a man to marry someone like…” “Vincent?” her great grandmother  added and Alex blushed, “Like Vincent…then I would be happy but my future would be uncertain…what should I do?” Grandmother inhaled deeply, closing her eyes and smiling then exhaled slowly. “The roses are wonderful this year,” She said fondly, sidestepping Alex’s question.
         The younger Kingsleigh sat up straight far more bothered by the predicament then the elder. “Grandmother. This is far more than roses. Everyone is waiting…” Alex whined desperately.  “Then let them wait. You have time. It’s not like you’re becoming an old maid. The future is a long time away.” The older woman said grumpily. “Then what should I do?” Alex persisted. Her grandmother sighed and looked at her with wise eyes, “My darling great granddaughter I cannot help you. This is something you must do on your own. Your mother cannot tell you what to do, nor can your dearest Vincent. You must earn your womanhood by being strong enough to take it.” Alex looked down at her hands, locking and unlocking her fingers in silence. A mid-afternoon breeze gently rustled the leaves of the rose bushes as the two women sat in an uneasy silence. Alex looked back towards the house as if her mind was made up, “What if I make the wrong choice?” Grandmother got to her feet, taking Alex’s hands in her, “I have faith in you. If only you had Faith in yourself.”
         Her grandmother pulled her to her feet and the two headed back towards the house. “Watch your step.” Her grandmother cautioned and Alex stepped over the root this time. They came in through the kitchen so Alex could brace herself before returning to the sea of judgmental eyes. Vincent was waiting there impatiently, an unreadable expression on his handsome face. “what happened?” he asked in a hushed tone. Grandmother slipped past him, back into the parlor so he and Alex could converse alone. “A moment of panic, but I’ve made up my mind.” Alex answered with a weak smile. “You’re going to marry Bellamey.” Vincent mumbled, “Well I am happy for you.” His lips smiled though his eyes held sadness. “No.” Alex began though Vincent didn’t let her finish, “No? But he could give you everything you could ever need. With him you would be secure and safe.” Alex frowned, why was Vincent acting this way? “I don’t care if he can give me that. I wouldn’t be happy, who is to say someone such as you can’t give me those things?” Alex’s brow furrowed in frustration as she spoke.
         Vincent was caught off guard, why would she expect that of him? He couldn’t provide the support that she needed. “Because I cannot. I would not be able to give you that support, you need to go with someone who can.” Vincent said bluntly. “I don’t want any one else!” Alex was almost shouting. “Alexandra, please be reasonable.” Vincent hissed in a hushed whisper. “Alexandra? Since when have you ever called me that?” Alex’s voice was now exasperated, she felt hurt.  “Well that’s your name isn’t it?” he asked, Vincent could feel his face heating up. “Not the name you know me by. You know me as Alex!” hot tears began to form in her eyes. “We are adults now, we have to think about the future, your proper name is Alexandra.” Vincent spoke bluntly, biting back the painful emotions that burned his throat like bile, making his heart ache not to let them out. “Adults.” Alex said, blinking rapidly, “Well as an adult I choose to never marry!” On an unconfident foot she took a shaky step towards the door. Vincent did nothing. She took a few more slow strides and Vincent just watched with emotionless blue eyes, fighting back the true feelings that clawed at his insides. Alex was distraught, she had assumed he cared for her the same and now she knew he didn’t. Her footsteps turned into a run as she bolted back out the door and into the garden as angry tears burned flushed cheeks. She had forgotten about the odd root twisting over the rose path and once again her foot caught it at just the wrong time.
         She went head first straight into a mysterious gaping hole that had opened up just beneath the stone bench. Alex screamed as she fell down the over sized rabbit hole, cold earthy air rushed around her as roots and spider webs caught on her hair and clothing. She hit the rim of what must have been a giant pitcher, falling inside when her clasping fingers couldn’t hold on. Unfortunately the pitcher didn’t stop her decent down the rabbit hole, it simply began to fall with her. As the pitcher plummeted down-wards Alex was thrown roughly against its crystal walls the sounds were magnified as the pitcher collided with various other things sticking out of the earthy walls.  Suddenly the hole narrowed and split. Two separate tunnels continued to drop down; one encased in metal and resembling a vent the other looking the same as the rest of the hole, much wider with roots jutting out at all directions. The pitcher smashed on the metal rim of the vent, sending Alex sliding down it’s dusty metal path. A dim orange glow filled the cramped space as Alex continued downwards a circular grate with an elaborate heart design came rushing up until she crashed right into it.
         Luckily the grate hinge was loose and it swung right open ejecting Alexandra Kingsleigh out into the open. Her fall came to an abrupt halt when she fell into something soft and spongy. As grateful as she was to have landed safely Alexandra could not move…or breathe.