WE'RE BACK! Listen, guys, this chapter took us an eternity to finish and it is door far our longest so far, so I am BEGGING YOU, please comment. And not just a commentaar like "wow this was nice bye" because we worked so hard on this, it's so long and omfg, I just wrote like 6 ship scenes and I am dead :P So please commentaar something semi-long to make us smile! Thank you!
Cast (in no order):
Aline Morrison/Ariana Pendragon: Dianna Agron
Rachel Leslie/Jaime Locksley: Lily James
Celine Portman/Princess Aurora: Natalie Portman
Richard Stark/Prince Robb: Richard Madden
Rana Mitchell/Jasmine: Shay Mitchell
Theo Eaton/Tobias: Theo James
hulst, holly Dobrev/Elsa: Nina Dobrev
Paul Salvatore/Prince Stefan: Paul Wesley
Ian Salvatore: Ian Somerhalder l
Atie Reed: Crystal Reed
Fatemeh Tonkin/Persephone: Phoebe Tonkin
Colin Jones/Killian Jones: Colin O'Donoghue
Nicolas Grace/Peter Pan: Topher Grace
Jess/Wendy Darling: Zooey Deschanel
Ines Clarke/Ariel: Emilia Clarke
Klaus/Joseph: Joseph morgan
Sam Odair/Finnick: Sam Claflin
Maria Michele/Cinderella: AnnaSophia Robb
Nadia Watson: Emma Watson
Stiles Stilinski: Dylan O'Brien
Amber Brie/Alice: Alison Brie
Albie Collins/Anna: Lily Collins
James Ford/Sawyer: Josh Holloway
Prince Darren: Darren Criss
Chapter 11: Down the rabbit hole
Sam hadn't realized that when he took the job as Richard's assistent, he'd have to do everything for him. Sure, Richard was a born leader and he seemed to keep his cool in a crisis, but when it came to less severe, merely practical things, he didn't seem to care. One of them being the annual winter carnival. Every year, just before it'd start to snow, the town would set up booths, games, hot food and hot drinks, and even a carousel and a ferris wheel for those who'd like to try them. Of course Sam had mentioned this to Richard when he'd taken the job, and for two seconden Richard had seemed rather interested. Then the wolf thing happened and it was completely dismissed. But Sam was still determined to make it happen.
"Where did u find a ferris wheel, anyhow?" Richard asked as he got into the office that morning, drinking coffee.
"I rented it from the school."
"And why would the school have a ferris wheel?" Richard raised his eyebrows as he sat down.
"I don't know. Does it matter?" Sam groaned.
"You do know we need protection around the premises. Some sort of a fence. Just in case the wolf shows up", Richard said. "You'll find one?"
"I don't know where to find one", Sam pointed out.
"You found a ferris wheel, Sam, you'll find a fence", Richard chuckled. "So when is it?"
"Tonight", Sam said. "Don't u read any of the emails I send you?"
Richard's mouth fell open. "Tonight? Oh, well... I'm going to have to miss it."
"Why?" Sam figured he didn't have to ask, but he foolishly did anyway.
"I'm going out with Rachel", Richard zei after a moment of silence. "And I don't think she wants to go to the carnival."
Sam breathed deeply. "Alright. But when that goes badly, I get to say I told u so. Now I'm gonna go see if someone has a fence for us."
He walked out of the city hall and almost ran into Fatemeh as soon as he walked out of the building.
"Whoa", he stepped back. "What are u doing here?"
"I was actually looking for you", Fatemeh zei with a small smile. "I just wanted to know if u caught the wolf?"
"No", Sam sighed. "But I'd appreciate it if u didn't spread it around. I don't want people thinking there's a wolf roaming the streets."
"There is", Fatemeh chuckled a little.
"Yes, but...", Sam groaned. "Never mind."
"Are u okay?" Fatemeh followed Sam as he began to walk towards the streets. "You seem stressed."
"It's the stupid winter carnival."
"We're still having that?" Fatemeh asked in surprise.
"You didn't see the ferris wheel being dragged to the center of the town? Yeah, we're still having that. And now I need to find some sort of a fence to go around the place in case the wolf is lurking around."
"I can help u with that", Fatemeh said. She didn't know why, but she wanted to help him.
"What?" Sam stopped in his tracks.
"I think I can find someone who has what you're looking for. I'll meet u door the carnival in two hours?"
"Thank you!" Sam laughed. "Thank you. Really."
Fatemeh was a little taken back door the smile Sam was giving her, but she brushed it off with a shrug of her shoulders, and then she was gone.
Now, where to find a damn fence, she had no idea.
Nic was trying to make Jess breakfast, and quite frankly, was failing at it. He had burned the eggs and didn't even want to give the spek a go. He had resorted to cereal, and was just about to put some in a bowl and go wake her up when there was a knock on the door. Nic groaned and headed for the door, opening it. He went pale when he saw his two vrienden glaring at him.
"What the hell did u do?" Atie asked.
"I-"
"We heard that u stal a mental patient", Rana zei as she pushed inside the house. "Is that true?"
"I didn't steal anyone, she wanted to go with me", Nic snapped, closing the door after them. "Can we talk about this later?"
"She is a mental patient! u don't know what she wants. u could get arrested for this", Atie zei angrily. "Why would you-"
Atie stopped mid-speech when they heard footsteps, and soon Jess had entered the room, looking at them in confusion. She was wearing one of Nic's shirts and a pair of pants, since she couldn't exactly walk around in the hospital clothes.
"I heard noises", she said. "Is everything alright?"
Rana smiled, but it was a dry smile with no hint of amusement. "So it is true. Nic, can u tell us what's going on?"
"Can we talk about this later?" Nic begged again.
"No. No, we can't. We're going to talk about this now", Atie said. "Who is she? And why is she here?!"
"Fine. u want the truth?" Nic snapped. "I'm tired of lying to everyone. Here's the truth! Jess is from another world. Her name is Wendy, and I knew her a long time ago. I'm also from another world, an enchanted forest, to be exact. My name is Peter. Not Nic."
Atie and Rana stared at him for a long time before Atie spoke up: "What the hell have u been smoking?"
"Why doesn't anyone remember?" Nic shouted in frustration. "What does it take for u to remember?! I'm tired of doing this alone! I thought that a true love's kiss would work, I thought Celine would remember... but nothing. Nothing."
"Nic...", Rana zei carefully. "Are u ok? Maybe u should lie down."
"Why can't u remember who u really are?" Nic asked Rana in frustration. "Why can't u remember what happened to you? The palace, the evil spirit, your parents, the cave! Tobias! Why can't u at least remember him?"
And for a moment Nic thought he'd gotten to Rana. She was just staring at him in shock until she shook her head, as if coming back from a trance. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Nic groaned, turning to look at Atie. "And you. u have to remember, Atie, please. Remember the-"
"Stop it", Rana snapped. "Stop. I don't know what's up with you, but this is not okay! u can't just break the law and then as an explanation shout some fairytale at us! We are your friends! We deserve the truth!"
Nic sighed, burying his head in his hands. He screw up. He lost his temper, he messed it up.
"By the way, your girlfriend left", with that Rana pulled Atie out of the house with her, slamming the door closed behind them.
Nic turned around and indeed, Jess was gone.
Rana walked all the way to the sheriff's office. She hated that she was doing this, but she couldn't just let the girl wander around aimlessly.
"Hey", she walked over to Rachel's desk. She seemed pretty preoccupied, staring at the computer screen.
"What?" Rachel looked up. "Do I know you?"
"Isn't that your job, to know everyone? As the sheriff?"
Rachel just glared at her, waiting. She was so stressed about going out with Richard that night that she had no room for any kind of snarky comments.
"Um, so, that mental patient is missing, right?" Rana asked.
"Yeah. Jessica Day. Why? Have u heard something?" Rachel asked.
"I saw her."
"Where?"
"I can't say?"
"What?" Rachel raised her eyebrows.
"Look, she looked to be heading towards the woods again. And that isn't very safe, considering the wolf and all", Rana said.
"If you're somehow involved in this, I have to arrest you", Rachel zei sharply.
"I'm not. And I suggest u go and find her before something bad happens."
Rachel glared at her in suspicion for a moment before nodding. "Which part of town did u see her in, at least?"
"West, near the mayor's office."
Rachel stood up. "I'll go."
"No, I'll go", Aline walked into the room. "I have some free time now, I was going to go have lunch with Colin, and he knows the area well."
Rachel groaned. "I don't know, it's my job."
"Delegate sometimes, Rach. There's a thought", Aline chuckled. "Besides, u have other stuff on your mind. I'll walk u out", she zei to Rana.
Rachel turned to look at Rana. "Thank you. For the information."
"No problem", Rana nodded, hoping that when Aline would find the girl, she would not also find Nic. She followed Aline out of the building.
Aline met up with Colin door the forest.
"You know, if you're going to help me with all of these things, u might as well get paid for it", Aline smirked. "You should talk to Rach, get a job."
"That's just your way of being closer to me without appearing too needy. Cunning. I like it", Colin smirked. "Truth is, it wouldn't be so bad. How's the pay?"
"Not that much, but I think it's gonna rise now that Richard is mayor."
Colin chuckled. "He is so whipped."
"Stop, don't say that. I know Rach seems... well..."
"Cold, detached, anti-social... a robot?
"A bit distant!" Aline snapped. "Can u shut up? u do remember she's one of my best friends?"
Colin raised his hands in defeat. "Sorry. So, yes, she does seem a bit distant."
"And clueless. She has no idea that Richard is interested in her."
"Wow", Colin smiled. "Yeah, I guess that can happen to. And then there are some girls who are very aware of how much a guy likes them, but still prefers to torture them him instead of doing something about it."
Aline smiled. "And then there are guys who are interested in girls but never do anything about it, no matter how much they talk about it."
Colin smirked. "Do u want to go to the carnival with me tonight?"
"Yeah, sure", Aline smiled.
They walked for a while in silence.
Nic had been looking for ages, but he couldn't find Jess anymore. He was worried about her, he was worried about what Rana and Atie might do, and to top, boven it all, he was worried about what was happening to him. He remembered the person he used to be, how he had been and what that had done to him and the people he cared about, and going back to that terrified him. After an uur of looking he ended up back at the apartment. Best case scenario, Jess would already be back. But as he closed the door, the person standing in the hallway was not Jess, but Holly.
"What are u doing here?" Nic asked angrily. "How did u even get in? No, u know what, I don't want to know. Go. This has been a shitty day."
"I know u remember", hulst, holly said, smiling a little. "I know u remember the real world. And I need your help."
Nic glared at her for a long time before speaking: "Why should I help you? You're part of why this happened."
"Because like it of not, u can't of won't do this alone", hulst, holly stood up from the chair and walked over to him. "And I know meer about the curse than u do. I'd be of help and u know it."
Nic groaned. "What do u want?"
"I want u to make Tyler remember", there was such desperation in Holly's voice that for a moment Nic felt sorry for her.
"I think that's your job."
"The true love thing doesn't work and u know that. Nothing happened when finally got Celine back with her one true love. Darren remembers, that hasn't affected Maria at all. Rachel and Richard are absolutely clueless of what they were, and Aline-"
"I get it. I'm failing. But at least I'm trying", Nic snapped. "But I can't make Tyler remember."
"I wrote him a letter, but I didn't give it to him", hulst, holly said. "But it's possible that the coma alone has gegeven him back his memories. Sort of like with Darren."
"Darren never lost his memories", Nic said. "It's not the same."
"You sound like you're giving up", hulst, holly pointed out.
"I am not giving up", Nic snapped, moving past her towards the kitchen. "I'm just tired of failing."
"Maybe u won't fail this time", hulst, holly said. "All I ask is that you... try to trigger his memory. Talk to him about me. Something. Anything."
"What about Anna?" Nic turned to look at her. "Don't u care about her?"
hulst, holly froze. "She doesn't want to see me. I know it without even having to ask. Not after what I did."
"But u do know that Percy is alive, don't you? Why should she hate you?"
hulst, holly shrugged. "None of your business."
"You know what? Fine. I'll help", Nic said. "But u have to do the same."
"I will."
"And just remember, u hurt a lot of people in the past life. And if one of them would like to, say, take revenge, I'm not going to stand in their way."
"I did nothing. It was all the Queen", hulst, holly snapped. "I am tired of getting blamed for her mistakes."
"Then start paying for your own!" Nic shouted. "Make peace with your sister, help me make everyone remember, and help me bring Irene to justice."
hulst, holly nodded. "I'll do what I can. I'll talk to Fatemeh, too."
"But be discreet about it. My cover has already been...well... compromised."
Before hulst, holly could say anything else, the door to the apartment burst open. Aline and Colin walked inside, followed door Rachel.
"Step aside, Holly", Rachel zei before walking over to Nic with handcuffs. "Nicolas Grace, u are under arrest for kidnapping."
"Kidnapping?" Nic scoffed. "What the hell?" then he realized. "Jess. Did u find her?"
"Yeah, we did", Aline said. "She's outside in the car. She didn't say anything. We followed her here."
"It wasn't kidnapping, it wasn't against her will", Nic snapped.
"She's a mental patient, Nic", Rachel sighed as she snapped the handcuffs on him. "Do u want me to read u your rights?"
"No, I think I know them", Nic groaned, turning to look at Holly, who spoke:
"He needs a lawyer."
"I'm pretty sure this won't go to court", Aline pointed out. "Let's just go."
"Don't say anything until I get there", hulst, holly said.
"What, you're a lawyer?" Colin raised his eyebrows.
"I am now."
Maria and Darren were in Celine's diner eating a late lunch. It had been a while since the two had met up, and it had taken a lot for Darren to stay away that long. But Nic had asked him to. And he would have continued to do so, had Maria not called him herself.
"So how are you?" Maria smiled. "You look good."
"I'm fine. It's still a bit difficult to... to recover, but I'm trying", Darren smiled back. "You look great."
"Thank you", Maria took a bit of her sandwich. "Are u going to the carnival tonight?"
"Yeah, why not? It could be fun....", Darren hesitated before asking. It could be a bad idea. But he couldn't resist. "Would u like to go with me?"
Maria smirked. She still hadn't fully figured him out, but he was interesting and nice and cute. So why should she say no? "I'd love to."
"Great", Darren smiled. Just then the door to the diner opened and Atie ran over to them. "Maria! It's Nic. He's at the sheriff's station."
"What, why?" Maria asked in concern as she got up from her seat.
"Just come", Atie rushed. Maria turned to look at Darren, who just smiled.
"Go."
"I'm sorry", Maria rushed to say. "We'll have a date, though, I promise. I'll call you!" she ran off, leaving Darren behind utterly disappointed.
"What's going to happen to me?" Nic asked. He was in a cell right volgende to Rachel's office, sitting on the floor.
"I don't know yet. I have to talk to Jess first."
"Where is she?"
Rachel ignored the question, just looked up from her papers. "Why would u do this? I don't get it. u don't even know her."
"I do know her. I love her", Nic zei roughly. "If u remembered, you'd understand what that feels like."
"I know what love is", Rachel rolled her eyes. "And I don't know exactly what I'm supposed to remember."
"No, u don't know what it is. No one here does. If u did, none of this would be happening!" Nic snapped.
"So u think everyone here is incapable of love, except you? That's the story u want to go with?"
"Sure, mock me", Nic shrugged. "What does it matter?"
"I am not mocking you! I'm trying to find a reason not to keep u locked up for the rest of your life!" Rachel snapped.
"Rachel, Richard called", Aline zei as she walked into the room.
"Why?" Rachel asked nervously.
"You told me to call him."
"No, yeah, I mean, yeah, but did he... cancel? Our plans?"
"No", Aline smiled a little before turning back to look at Nic. "He says to keep u locked up here overnight. Tomorrow we'll figure out what to do. I offered to stay here and watch him."
"No, Aline, I can do that-"
"No, u can't. You've got plans", Aline insisted. "It's totally fine, don't worry about it. Colin is gonna come and keep me company."
Rachel smiled a little at this. "Okay, well..."
"Could u two focus on me for a moment?" Nic asked. "Where is Jess?"
"She's downstairs."
"Why haven't u taken her back to the hospital?" Nic asked.
"Because I'm going to talk to her first", Aline zei simply. "You have people waiting outside to see you. Maria and Holly. Should I let them?"
"Yes", Nic nodded.
"I'm gonna get going, I have to... u know, get ready", Rachel stood up from her seat. "Try not to kidnap anyone else while I'm gone", she zei to Nic before walking off.
"She's delightful", Nic zei dryly.
"You may not like her, but she owes u meer than u know", Aline pointed out.
"How so?"
"Well, u were the one to push Richard towards her direction", Aline smiled. "Lord knows if she's ever going to open her eyes to the reality of the situation, but she is happier than ever before."
Nic nodded. "Yeah, I knew that would happen."
"How?" Aline raised her eyebrows.
"Oh, because I have seen the very thing before with my own eyes", Nic smiled lazily before closing his eyes in exhaustion, offering no explanations.
Alice had never met anyone quite like him. When she'd met Peter, he had been exciting, funny and smart, and he'd taken her to a whole new world. But that was a long time ago. Over the years he had turned into something quite different. Something darker, something stranger. His smiles didn't come as often as they had before, and when they did, there was something wrong about it. But still Alice stayed as his friend. What else could she do? She had lost her entire family, and was stuck in Wonderland.
She was sitting in a chair in Peter's garden. Alice remembered the first time she had seen the house he stayed in. It had been warm and homey and inviting. But ever since Peter had changed, he had let it turn into something else entirely. The gras was up to Alice's knees now. The windows and mirrors were full of dirt and dust, and the inside of the house was always dark. There were no candles of lamps anywhere.
"Peter?" Alice asked as he poured her tea. He had a tired look in his eyes, the way he sometimes looked when he seemed to be a hundred miles away.
"Yes?" he tore his eyes from the distance and turned to look at his friend. Were they still friends?
"I'm worried about you", Alice zei carefully. "You... u haven't been the same for a while."
Peter let out a bitter laugh. "How have I changed?"
"In every way!" Alice snapped. "You don't smile, u don't laugh, you-"
"I just laughed now. Drink your tea", Peter zei dryly.
"Just tell me what happened to you! What happened and made you-"
"I don't want to talk about this", Peter snapped, standing up from the table. "You drink your tea. I'm not thirsty anymore." He headed back inside the house.
Alice sighed, throwing the theekopje on the ground. This was useless. She had to get out before she'd turn into him as well. As much as she loved Peter, she would do anything to prevent that.
Colin and Aline were sitting in Rachel's office. They didn't want to be outside as Nic talked to his visitors.
"So what do u think it's up with that?" Aline asked.
"I don't know. Some sort of mental breakdown?"
Aline snorted. "Could be. We can catch the carnival in a bit, let's just wait until the others leave."
Colin smiled. "I'm good here until that happens", he reached into his bag and got out a bottle of wine.
"You plan on getting me drunk?" Aline chuckled.
Colin shrugged. "Might as well try", he handed her the bottle. "Sorry about no glasses."
Aline smiled and took a sip. "It's fine. So, when we get to the carnival, will u buy me cotton candy?"
"Most certainly", Colin smirked, and they just sat there for a while, looking at each other. And Aline found herself thinking about how glad she was that he was there with her.
Rachel groaned, this was ridiculous. Straightening her dress, she got up once again and check herself on the mirror. She was wearing a white dress, a striped cardigan, vest and her boots. She had put on a little meer make up than usual but nothing too flashy. Normally she didn't care much about her clothes but she was now a bit insecure about it. Did she look okay? Maybe a bit overdressed? Maybe she was trying too hard? Before she could decide whether to change to something meer comfortable, she heard a loud knock on the door making her freeze on the spot.
Taking a few deep breaths, Rachel reached for the door and opened it. Richard was on the other side, looking rather dashing in a tux. And she was worried about being dressed too formal.
"Hi."
"Hi. u look... wonderful." Richard said, a bit of awe in his eyes. He cleared his throat nervously and handed her a box "Here, chocolate. u zei you're not the bloem type..."
"You remembered that... Thanks" she zei while taking the box. "Should we go?"
"I'm ready if u are." Richard said, flashing her a wide smile.
"Where are we going?" Rachel asked, smiling back at him.
"It's a surprise." Richard answered and as Rachel closed the door, she realized how happy she was to spend the evening with him.
She was supposed to meet Rana door the Mad hatter’s Spinning Teacups but she couldn't see her. As she waited, she found herself worrying once again about Nic. He had behaved oddly for the past few weeks and now he had kidnapped a mental patient. And if she was being honest, all the things he zei at his apartment scared her. Was he going mad? But it wasn't the only weird thing that had happened recently. The ex-mayor trying to kill Rachel and Richard? wolf attacks? What was going on? Sighing, she darted her eyes to look at her watch but instead laid her eyes on a brown teddy bear.
"Seriously?"
"What? Don't tell me u don't like stuffed animals." Ian said, pretending to be shocked.
Atie rolled her eyes "What are u doing here anyway? u at a carnival, it doesn't really add up."
"And here I thought that, for once, u would be nice to me."
"Why? Because u bought me something?"
"Actually I won it for u at the balloon and dart booth if u must know. Impressed?" Ian said, wiggling his eyebrows
"Not really" She tried to sound distant, but the smile she couldn't hold back showed her amusement.
"There. I knew u liked me"
Atie rolled her eyes once again "You're so irritating. Guys like u always think they can get any girl, isn't it?"
"Come on, u know damn well that there's no guy like me here. I am quite inimitable u know" he added with a wink.
This time, Atie didn't even try to hide her laughter.
"Now seriously though, what did I ever do to u to make u dislike me that much?"
Atie sighed "It's not u particularly, but I know your type. u flirt and seduce but once you're done playing, u will toss me aside without a seconde thought."
"You really think that of me?" For a second, Atie thought she saw sadness in his eyes but it was so fleeting, that she wasn't sure.
"I don't know." Atie answered honestly. "You know what? Prove me you're not that guy and perhaps I'll consider being nicer."
Ian smiled and extended his hand "You've got yourself a deal miss Reed"
"Good" Atie said, smiling back "And I'm keeping the teddy bear" she added, snatching the stuffed animal out of Ian's hands and trying to ignore his smirk.
When Alice woke up, the first thing she saw were trees. Tall, green trees. Just like the ones she used to see as a child. Getting up, she realized she was no longer in Wonderland. Back there, she had seen trees in every color, except green. Which had been really curious at first for her but she had become accustomed to it. Walking through the forest now, she realized how much she has missed this: normal colors, normal trees, normal world.
Suddenly, a arrow brushed against her arm and ended its course on the boom behind her. She let out a small cry and looked around in alert. Her breath had become erratic due to fear but she still manage to speak up
"Is there someone here? toon yourself."
She heard some rustling in the bushes, and saw a man wearing a greenish cape coming out from behind the trees.
"Who the bloody hell are you?" zei the man while aiming at her with his bow.
"My name is Alice. Who are you?"
"Alice? I don't know anyone of that name who works for the Sheriff of Nottingham. How did u end up here anyway?"
"I- I got lost." She clearly could speak of Wonderland yet, she knew better.
The man lowered his weapon and came closer. "Pretty girls like u just don't get lost. What are really doing here?"
Alice could see he was suspicious of her, but she had no idea who he was and who was that Sheriff he was talking about. "Look, I don't know what's going on here, but I'm gonna go."
"No, you're not." he said, while posting himself in front of her, clearly not letting her go.
"What? Why?"
"Because if what u say it's true, you're not veilig with the Sheriff's men wandering around here." the man zei with a smirk, while looking at her intensely.
Alice didn't understand what he meant. She usually forgot that she wasn't a little girl anymore. Growing up in Wonderland and with only Peter for company, she was oblivious to romance of charm.
"Was the arrow for one of them?" The man nodded, Alice sighed. "Alright, if there's danger here, I will come with you, but u still have to tell me your name."
"Sawyer. My name is Sawyer." He said, bowing his head a little.
"Nice to meet u Sawyer." Alice zei with a smile.
"Okay, u can open your eyes."
"Thank God" Rachel muttered but she was also amused door the whole thing. Richard had insisted that she would close her eyes the moment she got in his car as to not spoil the surprise. She didn't like surprises but she knew Richard really wanted to make something special, so she had played along. Still, she was relieved when she could reopen her eyes. Only to notice that they were facing the Town Hall.
"We're at the Town Hall." Rachel stated, trying to hide her disappointment.
"Yes." Richard zei excitedly. "Come on." He added, taking her hand and leading her inside.
When they finally stopped walking, they had arrived in front of the door which lead to the roof.
"If you're suggesting to jump, I think I'll pass." Rachel joked, expecting Richard to say something.
"No." Richard said, letting out a small laugh "This is it. My surprise."
"The roof? I don't get it."
"Open the door and you'll see."
Rachel did as he zei and stepped on the roof. She wasn’t expecting anything at this point and certainly not what was waiting for her. Richard had set up a tafel, tabel near the edge of the roof, and had arranged various candles and flowers all around, as if to create a sort of little garden. From what they were standing, they were looking down at the whole carnival. This couldn't be meer perfect. Without actually realizing she was moving, she found herself being led to her chair at the table.
"So. I asked Aline what your favoriete food was and she zei pizza. I didn't actually thought that it would get cold after picking u up and all." Richard said, making a face. "We could go somewhere else of order something else if u like."
"Cold pizza sounds great." Rachel zei , while reaching for the box. "We're not going anywhere. It looks amazing from up here."
"I didn't know if u would want to go to the carnival, so I thought that would be a good idea."
"It is." Rachel zei before taking a bite of her pizza "Where did u get this? It tastes really good."
"I actually made it."
Rachel's eyes widen a little "You made a pizza for me?"
Richard nodded and blushed a bit. "I really wanted things to be perfect." and it was.
"Where are u taking me?" Alice asked as she and Sawyer were walking through the woods.
"To my people. We'll take care of you", Sawyer said, looking around, making sure there'd be no Sheriff's men around.
"Who are your people?" Alice asked in hesitation.
"Some call us thieves. Not me, though. meer like...", he made a face trying to come up with a better word. "Well, we're not going to hurt you."
"Why should I believe you?"
"Because whatever the place u ran from is, it must be a hell of a lot worse than this place", Sawyer zei seriously. "Otherwise u wouldn't have ran."
Alice zei nothing, merely nodded. "You're right." They walked in silence for a while, until Alice allowed herself to turn and properly look at the man. She had completely stopped herself from feeling remotely anything back in Wonderland, but now... all sort of feelings were rushing to the surface, and she found herself smiling as she stared at the handsome stranger.
"Like what u see?" Sawyer smirked when he saw her stare.
"I don't dislike what I see", was Alice's reply before she turned her eyes to the ground, and they walked like that for a while, smiling.
"Are u ever going to be full?" Ian asked with a smile as Atie finished her third cotton candy.
"Hey, excuse me, u were the one who asked if I wanted another."
"I was being polite!"
"Fine", Atie snapped. "Fine. Let me just go around the corner and throw up, and you'll have your money's worth back."
Ian smirked. "I wasn't being serious."
"Neither was I", Atie zei as she smiled back at him. "Okay, you're not so bad."
"No?" Ian asked. "I'm happy u think so."
"But sometimes u do seem a bit too cocky. I don't like that", Atie shook her head. "We'll have to work on that."
"We?" Ian asked.
"Yes, we. If u want", Atie zei after a moment of silence.
"I do", Ian nodded. "Can I have your number?"
"It's a small town. You'll find me", Atie smiled as she handed the half-eaten cotton candy back to him. "I'll see u later."
"So you're just gonna go, mystery girl?"
"Yes, I am just going to go and leave u speechless", Atie smirked before walking off, indeed, leaving Ian speechless.
Rana had not expected her night to end like this, but after Atie ditched her for Ian, she figured that spending the time at the carnival with Theo wasn't such a bad idea.
"I didn't know they served alcohol at a carnival", Theo said. He and Rana were sitting against the uithangbord of one of the booths set up. They had been drinking lemonade, but it turned out to be a bit stronger than that.
"Well, I'm not complaining", Rana giggled. "Are you?"
"Most certainly not. This is the most fun I've had in months", Theo smirked. "And it's all because of you."
"Are u making a pass at me? Excuse me, sir, but u barely know me", Rana leaned backwards a little, but it was all a joke. She was too drunk to function properly anyway, as was Theo.
"It's your own fault. u were the one who bought us this lemonade", Theo said.
"With your money. So now u must pay up for this horrible experience", with that Rana leaned forwards and kissed him. They froze for a moment. This was stupid, they hardly knew each other and they were going to regret this in the morning, but at that moment they didn't care, they just kept kissing, and it felt really good. Somehow it felt right. Like it was meant to be. However, they both shoved these thoughts away as they resumed kissing.
"You made the carnival happen", Fatemeh zei with a smile as she walked over to Sam. He was drinking hot chocolate and watching the ferris wheel.
"Hey! Yes! Thank u for the fence. I don't know how u did it, it was already up when I got here. I would have thanked u but I don't have your number", Sam zei with a small smile.
"Is that u asking for my number?" Fatemeh asked in amusement.
"I don't know. Only if u want to give it."
Fatemeh shrugged. "How about u give me your number instead?"
Sam smirked. He liked her. "Alright", he took out a pen from his pocket and took Fatemeh's hand in his, gently writing out the digits on her palm.
"What if I wash my hands tonight?" Fatemeh offered.
"Then please call me before u do", Sam said. "I mean it. Use that."
"I will", Fatemeh was feeling a bit overwhelmed. No guy had paid such attention to her in a long time. "I promise I will."
"Good", Sam said, watching as the girl walked off. He decided he had never met anyone quite like her.
Maria and Nic were still at the police station. Maria was staring at Nic in confusion, but he didn't feel like talking.
"I just want to know... why did u do all this? Why? What was so important? Why aren't u LOOKING at me?"
Nic turned to look at his best friend, who did nothing but glare back, eagerly waiting for him to say something.
"I can't tell you."
"Why not?"
"Because u won't believe me! No one will!" Nic shouted.
The cell echoed for a moment before Maria reached forwards and grabbed Nic's hand in hers. "I am your best friend. I am going to believe you. Just tell me. Tell me everything, from the start. Please."
Nic stared at her for a long time before taking a breath and nodding. "I don't really know where to begin."
"The beginning usually sounds good", Maria smiled a little. Nic smiled back, and so he began. And whether Maria believed him of not did not really matter. What mattered was that he could finally speak about all of it openly, without anyone judging him.
Amber and Albie were sitting at the carnival, watching as some of the people danced on the small dance floor put up at the center of the place.
"Why don't u go dance with Logan?" Amber asked, breaking the silence.
"Oh, I don't know... we barely know each other. I just think he's cute", Albie shrugged.
Amber smiled. "That's the way it usually starts."
Albie chuckled. "Speaking of which...", just then they saw James walking over to them with a hesitant look on his face. He stopped in front of Amber, nodded at Bee, and then turned to look at the girl he'd actually come to talk to. "Hey."
"Hey", Amber said. "How are the kids?"
"They're fine", James nodded. "They're doing good. I... I'm not actually here because of that."
"Then why?" Amber raised her eyebrows.
"To ask u to dance", James offered his hand in hesitation, not really expecting Amber to take it, apparently.
"Seriously?"
"Well... people are dancing, and it's... u don't want to."
"I do want to", Amber stood up and grabbed his hand in hers. "I do", she turned around to wave bye to Albie before following James to the dance floor.
"I just didn't take u for a dancer", Amber zei as he took her in his arms and they began the slow dance.
"Neither did I. But you've done a lot for me, and the kids. And I figured a girl like you... liked to dance", he smiled softly.
"A girl like me?"
"Someone sophisticated and... beautiful", James looked away a little as he spoke, so Amber zei nothing. She just smiled and allowed herself to just have fun with him. "Thank you", she finally whispered. And they danced for quite a while.
Paul felt like the happiest man alive. Looking at Celine closing the diner, he couldn't believe that he had lived without her so far. How he had managed it was beyond him, he couldn't imagine living otherwise now.
"-the maze seems fun. So is the rups-, caterpillar really. What do u want to do? Paul?" Celine turned around when she realized her boyfriend wasn't listening to her
"What?"
"I was asking u what u wanted to do at the carnival. Were u not listening to me?"
"Sorry." Paul zei while scratching his neck "I was looking at u actually."
"Okay. That's not at all creepy." Celine zei with a light laugh and snuggling into Paul's arms "As I was saying, there's a few things I want to do at the carnival: The Queen of Heart's maze, visit the Enchanted Garden and the croquet playground. The rups-, caterpillar is a classic so that too. What do u think?"
"What's the Caterpillar?" Paul zei confused. He didn't know what half of these names represented.
"The ferris wheel. They renamed it so it would fit the Alice in Wonderland theme."
"Ferris wheel it is then. But since when the carnival has a theme?"
"Nic suggested it and I think it's a good idea."
"Can I kiss u at the top, boven of the ferris wheel?"
"You may." Celine zei with a soft giggle "and u can even start now if u like."
"Gladly." Paul zei while leaning so he could kiss her. They kept on walking towards the carnival, kissing and holding hands.
Nadia was sitting volgende to Stiles on one of the benches. She had come to the carnival with friends, but when she'd seen him, she'd decided to go say hi to him. After all, they hadn't interacted much since their date.
"So.... are u having fun?" Nadia asked after a moment of silence.
"I am, yeah", Stiles said, looking at her. "Now, anyway."
"Right."
"Look, I'm sorry about not calling you", Stiles zei quickly. He seemed like he'd had to say this for a while. "I wanted to. Believe me, I did. But I was nervous because I wasn't exactly sure how seriously u take me, and-"
"Stiles", Nadia interrupted him.
"Yeah?" he raised his eyebrows, looking at Nadia hopefully.
"It was just one date. I wasn't expecting a love letter right after. But a call of a visit to the bibliotheek would have been nice. However, that is in the past", Nadia zei as she stood up. She reached out her hand to grab his. "For now, would u like to dance?"
Stiles listened to the muziek from the speakers, and it seemed to be a song from the Beauty and the Beast. "Really, to this? A bit cheesy, don't u think?"
"No, I think it's just right", Nadia zei as she dragged Stiles to the dance floor, and to her surprise, he wrapped his arms around her and smiled brightly, spinning her around. And for a moment Nadia felt like they had done this before. But that was impossible. Right?
"Seriously, what's the most reckless thing you've done?"
"I think going after a wolf without ever firing a gun in my life is pretty wild."
Rachel laughed a bit and nodded. "I have to say, it suited you. If u weren't the mayor, I would definitely give u a job at the Sheriff station."
"I'm not sure it is for me. Not that mayor is my thing either."
"What are u talking about? You're doing great."
"Not for the small stuff apparently, Sam is pretty kruis with me about that."
"I didn't know. Well, this wolf wandering around isn't making it easy for you."
"Still, he's right too."
"Maybe, but you're still the best thing that happened to this town."
Suddenly, the conversation was interrupted as fireworks were fired. Rachel turned her head to look at them and smile. She had always liked fireworks.
"It's beautiful."
"Yes it is." Richard zei not taking his eyes off of her for a second.
Rachel turned her head back to him and smiled.
"You know, I'm really glad we did this." she said, gesturing at the table.
"Me too." he zei locking eyes with her. The moment couldn't be meer perfect. The lights, the fireworks, Rachel smiling at him. As he lean over the table, he put his hand on her cheek, bringing her face towards his and kissed her. The kiss was tender at first but quickly grew passionate and seemed to last a lifetime. When they finally parted, they were both out of breath. Rachel had not expected this and she didn't know what to do now. She liked him. How could she have let herself like him like that? Standing up from her chair, she stepped back from the table, making Richard stand up as well.
"Rach, is everything okay? Was the kiss not good?"
She wanted to tell him it was perfect, that she liked him so much but she couldn't let herself do that. What if she loses him? What if he decides he doesn't like her anymore? She couldn't take a chance.
"No. It was... amazing. But I have to go. I'm sorry." and at that she ran as fast as she could, leaving Richard confused and calling out her name.
As she ran down the stairs and out to the streets again, Rachel felt her head get dizzy. Okay, what was going on now? She had to lean against a uithangbord to catch her breath. And then suddenly a name came to her head, and it was all she could think about. The name was Robb.
Aline and Colin were walking through the carnival, not really doing much.
"Do u think it was ok to leave Nic alone in there?" Aline asked as they walked.
"Oh, I don't see what the guy could do", Colin said. "He doesn't exactly seem like the criminal master mind."
"Maybe not", Aline said. "But he's not a bad guy either. I don't understand what happened."
"I know", Colin nodded. "We'll figure it out."
Aline smiled at him softly.
"What?"
"I just... I like having u around."
"You do?" Colin raised his eyebrows. "Those are words I'd never have expected to come out of your mouth."
"Oh, stop", Aline chuckled. "I may be a bit distant, but I'm not that bad."
"No, you're right, you're not", Colin smiled. "You're not bad at all", and to her surprise Aline felt Colin inpakken, wrap an arm around her. It felt comfortable and safe, especially with the cold weather. She knew it could well be just a friendly gesture, but she knew in her hart-, hart that it wasn't. And she didn't mind. She leaned into his touch as they stopped to watch the dancing couples. And in that moment, Aline felt meer alive than ever before.
Inés had gotten the shift at the hospital just on the night of the carnival, which did not please her, but she knew she would be too distracted to have fun anyway. She thought about Joseph, the guy she'd met, and she thought about the wolf attacks. She wondered if this town was veilig anymore. Just as she was deep in her thoughts, she saw Joseph walk down the hall towards the exit. However, when he saw her, he stopped and walked over to her with a smile on his face.
"Inés. I didn't expect to see u here tonight."
"I got the night shift", Inés zei in hesitation. "Where were you?"
"Just paying a visit to a friend."
"But it's past visiting hours."
"Then don't tell anyone", Joseph smirked before stepping back a little. "I hope to see u around soon", with that he walked off. Inés stared at him in shock for a moment, but then she got back to her thoughts.
"Nic!" hulst, holly ran into the police station and froze as she saw Maria there. She was flipping through the fairytale book. They both looked up at the sight of the girl.
"What's going on?" Nic asked in concern.
"He's gone", hulst, holly said. She gave Maria a glance, but then decided not to care whether she heard of not. "Derek. He got out."
Nic stood up in his cell. "How?"
"I don't know", hulst, holly said, out of breath. "I just went to see him and he was gone. No one knows where. He wasn't discharged", her hart-, hart was beating with such concern for him. Where was he? Was he alright? Did he remember her? Was he looking for her?"
"You know what this means", Nic said.
hulst, holly nodded, but Maria looked at them both in concern. "What?"
"It means that soon enough we'll have meer than one wolf bothering us at night", Nic sighed, closing his eyes in exhaustion.
Cast (in no order):
Aline Morrison/Ariana Pendragon: Dianna Agron
Rachel Leslie/Jaime Locksley: Lily James
Celine Portman/Princess Aurora: Natalie Portman
Richard Stark/Prince Robb: Richard Madden
Rana Mitchell/Jasmine: Shay Mitchell
Theo Eaton/Tobias: Theo James
hulst, holly Dobrev/Elsa: Nina Dobrev
Paul Salvatore/Prince Stefan: Paul Wesley
Ian Salvatore: Ian Somerhalder l
Atie Reed: Crystal Reed
Fatemeh Tonkin/Persephone: Phoebe Tonkin
Colin Jones/Killian Jones: Colin O'Donoghue
Nicolas Grace/Peter Pan: Topher Grace
Jess/Wendy Darling: Zooey Deschanel
Ines Clarke/Ariel: Emilia Clarke
Klaus/Joseph: Joseph morgan
Sam Odair/Finnick: Sam Claflin
Maria Michele/Cinderella: AnnaSophia Robb
Nadia Watson: Emma Watson
Stiles Stilinski: Dylan O'Brien
Amber Brie/Alice: Alison Brie
Albie Collins/Anna: Lily Collins
James Ford/Sawyer: Josh Holloway
Prince Darren: Darren Criss
Chapter 11: Down the rabbit hole
Sam hadn't realized that when he took the job as Richard's assistent, he'd have to do everything for him. Sure, Richard was a born leader and he seemed to keep his cool in a crisis, but when it came to less severe, merely practical things, he didn't seem to care. One of them being the annual winter carnival. Every year, just before it'd start to snow, the town would set up booths, games, hot food and hot drinks, and even a carousel and a ferris wheel for those who'd like to try them. Of course Sam had mentioned this to Richard when he'd taken the job, and for two seconden Richard had seemed rather interested. Then the wolf thing happened and it was completely dismissed. But Sam was still determined to make it happen.
"Where did u find a ferris wheel, anyhow?" Richard asked as he got into the office that morning, drinking coffee.
"I rented it from the school."
"And why would the school have a ferris wheel?" Richard raised his eyebrows as he sat down.
"I don't know. Does it matter?" Sam groaned.
"You do know we need protection around the premises. Some sort of a fence. Just in case the wolf shows up", Richard said. "You'll find one?"
"I don't know where to find one", Sam pointed out.
"You found a ferris wheel, Sam, you'll find a fence", Richard chuckled. "So when is it?"
"Tonight", Sam said. "Don't u read any of the emails I send you?"
Richard's mouth fell open. "Tonight? Oh, well... I'm going to have to miss it."
"Why?" Sam figured he didn't have to ask, but he foolishly did anyway.
"I'm going out with Rachel", Richard zei after a moment of silence. "And I don't think she wants to go to the carnival."
Sam breathed deeply. "Alright. But when that goes badly, I get to say I told u so. Now I'm gonna go see if someone has a fence for us."
He walked out of the city hall and almost ran into Fatemeh as soon as he walked out of the building.
"Whoa", he stepped back. "What are u doing here?"
"I was actually looking for you", Fatemeh zei with a small smile. "I just wanted to know if u caught the wolf?"
"No", Sam sighed. "But I'd appreciate it if u didn't spread it around. I don't want people thinking there's a wolf roaming the streets."
"There is", Fatemeh chuckled a little.
"Yes, but...", Sam groaned. "Never mind."
"Are u okay?" Fatemeh followed Sam as he began to walk towards the streets. "You seem stressed."
"It's the stupid winter carnival."
"We're still having that?" Fatemeh asked in surprise.
"You didn't see the ferris wheel being dragged to the center of the town? Yeah, we're still having that. And now I need to find some sort of a fence to go around the place in case the wolf is lurking around."
"I can help u with that", Fatemeh said. She didn't know why, but she wanted to help him.
"What?" Sam stopped in his tracks.
"I think I can find someone who has what you're looking for. I'll meet u door the carnival in two hours?"
"Thank you!" Sam laughed. "Thank you. Really."
Fatemeh was a little taken back door the smile Sam was giving her, but she brushed it off with a shrug of her shoulders, and then she was gone.
Now, where to find a damn fence, she had no idea.
Nic was trying to make Jess breakfast, and quite frankly, was failing at it. He had burned the eggs and didn't even want to give the spek a go. He had resorted to cereal, and was just about to put some in a bowl and go wake her up when there was a knock on the door. Nic groaned and headed for the door, opening it. He went pale when he saw his two vrienden glaring at him.
"What the hell did u do?" Atie asked.
"I-"
"We heard that u stal a mental patient", Rana zei as she pushed inside the house. "Is that true?"
"I didn't steal anyone, she wanted to go with me", Nic snapped, closing the door after them. "Can we talk about this later?"
"She is a mental patient! u don't know what she wants. u could get arrested for this", Atie zei angrily. "Why would you-"
Atie stopped mid-speech when they heard footsteps, and soon Jess had entered the room, looking at them in confusion. She was wearing one of Nic's shirts and a pair of pants, since she couldn't exactly walk around in the hospital clothes.
"I heard noises", she said. "Is everything alright?"
Rana smiled, but it was a dry smile with no hint of amusement. "So it is true. Nic, can u tell us what's going on?"
"Can we talk about this later?" Nic begged again.
"No. No, we can't. We're going to talk about this now", Atie said. "Who is she? And why is she here?!"
"Fine. u want the truth?" Nic snapped. "I'm tired of lying to everyone. Here's the truth! Jess is from another world. Her name is Wendy, and I knew her a long time ago. I'm also from another world, an enchanted forest, to be exact. My name is Peter. Not Nic."
Atie and Rana stared at him for a long time before Atie spoke up: "What the hell have u been smoking?"
"Why doesn't anyone remember?" Nic shouted in frustration. "What does it take for u to remember?! I'm tired of doing this alone! I thought that a true love's kiss would work, I thought Celine would remember... but nothing. Nothing."
"Nic...", Rana zei carefully. "Are u ok? Maybe u should lie down."
"Why can't u remember who u really are?" Nic asked Rana in frustration. "Why can't u remember what happened to you? The palace, the evil spirit, your parents, the cave! Tobias! Why can't u at least remember him?"
And for a moment Nic thought he'd gotten to Rana. She was just staring at him in shock until she shook her head, as if coming back from a trance. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Nic groaned, turning to look at Atie. "And you. u have to remember, Atie, please. Remember the-"
"Stop it", Rana snapped. "Stop. I don't know what's up with you, but this is not okay! u can't just break the law and then as an explanation shout some fairytale at us! We are your friends! We deserve the truth!"
Nic sighed, burying his head in his hands. He screw up. He lost his temper, he messed it up.
"By the way, your girlfriend left", with that Rana pulled Atie out of the house with her, slamming the door closed behind them.
Nic turned around and indeed, Jess was gone.
Rana walked all the way to the sheriff's office. She hated that she was doing this, but she couldn't just let the girl wander around aimlessly.
"Hey", she walked over to Rachel's desk. She seemed pretty preoccupied, staring at the computer screen.
"What?" Rachel looked up. "Do I know you?"
"Isn't that your job, to know everyone? As the sheriff?"
Rachel just glared at her, waiting. She was so stressed about going out with Richard that night that she had no room for any kind of snarky comments.
"Um, so, that mental patient is missing, right?" Rana asked.
"Yeah. Jessica Day. Why? Have u heard something?" Rachel asked.
"I saw her."
"Where?"
"I can't say?"
"What?" Rachel raised her eyebrows.
"Look, she looked to be heading towards the woods again. And that isn't very safe, considering the wolf and all", Rana said.
"If you're somehow involved in this, I have to arrest you", Rachel zei sharply.
"I'm not. And I suggest u go and find her before something bad happens."
Rachel glared at her in suspicion for a moment before nodding. "Which part of town did u see her in, at least?"
"West, near the mayor's office."
Rachel stood up. "I'll go."
"No, I'll go", Aline walked into the room. "I have some free time now, I was going to go have lunch with Colin, and he knows the area well."
Rachel groaned. "I don't know, it's my job."
"Delegate sometimes, Rach. There's a thought", Aline chuckled. "Besides, u have other stuff on your mind. I'll walk u out", she zei to Rana.
Rachel turned to look at Rana. "Thank you. For the information."
"No problem", Rana nodded, hoping that when Aline would find the girl, she would not also find Nic. She followed Aline out of the building.
Aline met up with Colin door the forest.
"You know, if you're going to help me with all of these things, u might as well get paid for it", Aline smirked. "You should talk to Rach, get a job."
"That's just your way of being closer to me without appearing too needy. Cunning. I like it", Colin smirked. "Truth is, it wouldn't be so bad. How's the pay?"
"Not that much, but I think it's gonna rise now that Richard is mayor."
Colin chuckled. "He is so whipped."
"Stop, don't say that. I know Rach seems... well..."
"Cold, detached, anti-social... a robot?
"A bit distant!" Aline snapped. "Can u shut up? u do remember she's one of my best friends?"
Colin raised his hands in defeat. "Sorry. So, yes, she does seem a bit distant."
"And clueless. She has no idea that Richard is interested in her."
"Wow", Colin smiled. "Yeah, I guess that can happen to. And then there are some girls who are very aware of how much a guy likes them, but still prefers to torture them him instead of doing something about it."
Aline smiled. "And then there are guys who are interested in girls but never do anything about it, no matter how much they talk about it."
Colin smirked. "Do u want to go to the carnival with me tonight?"
"Yeah, sure", Aline smiled.
They walked for a while in silence.
Nic had been looking for ages, but he couldn't find Jess anymore. He was worried about her, he was worried about what Rana and Atie might do, and to top, boven it all, he was worried about what was happening to him. He remembered the person he used to be, how he had been and what that had done to him and the people he cared about, and going back to that terrified him. After an uur of looking he ended up back at the apartment. Best case scenario, Jess would already be back. But as he closed the door, the person standing in the hallway was not Jess, but Holly.
"What are u doing here?" Nic asked angrily. "How did u even get in? No, u know what, I don't want to know. Go. This has been a shitty day."
"I know u remember", hulst, holly said, smiling a little. "I know u remember the real world. And I need your help."
Nic glared at her for a long time before speaking: "Why should I help you? You're part of why this happened."
"Because like it of not, u can't of won't do this alone", hulst, holly stood up from the chair and walked over to him. "And I know meer about the curse than u do. I'd be of help and u know it."
Nic groaned. "What do u want?"
"I want u to make Tyler remember", there was such desperation in Holly's voice that for a moment Nic felt sorry for her.
"I think that's your job."
"The true love thing doesn't work and u know that. Nothing happened when finally got Celine back with her one true love. Darren remembers, that hasn't affected Maria at all. Rachel and Richard are absolutely clueless of what they were, and Aline-"
"I get it. I'm failing. But at least I'm trying", Nic snapped. "But I can't make Tyler remember."
"I wrote him a letter, but I didn't give it to him", hulst, holly said. "But it's possible that the coma alone has gegeven him back his memories. Sort of like with Darren."
"Darren never lost his memories", Nic said. "It's not the same."
"You sound like you're giving up", hulst, holly pointed out.
"I am not giving up", Nic snapped, moving past her towards the kitchen. "I'm just tired of failing."
"Maybe u won't fail this time", hulst, holly said. "All I ask is that you... try to trigger his memory. Talk to him about me. Something. Anything."
"What about Anna?" Nic turned to look at her. "Don't u care about her?"
hulst, holly froze. "She doesn't want to see me. I know it without even having to ask. Not after what I did."
"But u do know that Percy is alive, don't you? Why should she hate you?"
hulst, holly shrugged. "None of your business."
"You know what? Fine. I'll help", Nic said. "But u have to do the same."
"I will."
"And just remember, u hurt a lot of people in the past life. And if one of them would like to, say, take revenge, I'm not going to stand in their way."
"I did nothing. It was all the Queen", hulst, holly snapped. "I am tired of getting blamed for her mistakes."
"Then start paying for your own!" Nic shouted. "Make peace with your sister, help me make everyone remember, and help me bring Irene to justice."
hulst, holly nodded. "I'll do what I can. I'll talk to Fatemeh, too."
"But be discreet about it. My cover has already been...well... compromised."
Before hulst, holly could say anything else, the door to the apartment burst open. Aline and Colin walked inside, followed door Rachel.
"Step aside, Holly", Rachel zei before walking over to Nic with handcuffs. "Nicolas Grace, u are under arrest for kidnapping."
"Kidnapping?" Nic scoffed. "What the hell?" then he realized. "Jess. Did u find her?"
"Yeah, we did", Aline said. "She's outside in the car. She didn't say anything. We followed her here."
"It wasn't kidnapping, it wasn't against her will", Nic snapped.
"She's a mental patient, Nic", Rachel sighed as she snapped the handcuffs on him. "Do u want me to read u your rights?"
"No, I think I know them", Nic groaned, turning to look at Holly, who spoke:
"He needs a lawyer."
"I'm pretty sure this won't go to court", Aline pointed out. "Let's just go."
"Don't say anything until I get there", hulst, holly said.
"What, you're a lawyer?" Colin raised his eyebrows.
"I am now."
Maria and Darren were in Celine's diner eating a late lunch. It had been a while since the two had met up, and it had taken a lot for Darren to stay away that long. But Nic had asked him to. And he would have continued to do so, had Maria not called him herself.
"So how are you?" Maria smiled. "You look good."
"I'm fine. It's still a bit difficult to... to recover, but I'm trying", Darren smiled back. "You look great."
"Thank you", Maria took a bit of her sandwich. "Are u going to the carnival tonight?"
"Yeah, why not? It could be fun....", Darren hesitated before asking. It could be a bad idea. But he couldn't resist. "Would u like to go with me?"
Maria smirked. She still hadn't fully figured him out, but he was interesting and nice and cute. So why should she say no? "I'd love to."
"Great", Darren smiled. Just then the door to the diner opened and Atie ran over to them. "Maria! It's Nic. He's at the sheriff's station."
"What, why?" Maria asked in concern as she got up from her seat.
"Just come", Atie rushed. Maria turned to look at Darren, who just smiled.
"Go."
"I'm sorry", Maria rushed to say. "We'll have a date, though, I promise. I'll call you!" she ran off, leaving Darren behind utterly disappointed.
"What's going to happen to me?" Nic asked. He was in a cell right volgende to Rachel's office, sitting on the floor.
"I don't know yet. I have to talk to Jess first."
"Where is she?"
Rachel ignored the question, just looked up from her papers. "Why would u do this? I don't get it. u don't even know her."
"I do know her. I love her", Nic zei roughly. "If u remembered, you'd understand what that feels like."
"I know what love is", Rachel rolled her eyes. "And I don't know exactly what I'm supposed to remember."
"No, u don't know what it is. No one here does. If u did, none of this would be happening!" Nic snapped.
"So u think everyone here is incapable of love, except you? That's the story u want to go with?"
"Sure, mock me", Nic shrugged. "What does it matter?"
"I am not mocking you! I'm trying to find a reason not to keep u locked up for the rest of your life!" Rachel snapped.
"Rachel, Richard called", Aline zei as she walked into the room.
"Why?" Rachel asked nervously.
"You told me to call him."
"No, yeah, I mean, yeah, but did he... cancel? Our plans?"
"No", Aline smiled a little before turning back to look at Nic. "He says to keep u locked up here overnight. Tomorrow we'll figure out what to do. I offered to stay here and watch him."
"No, Aline, I can do that-"
"No, u can't. You've got plans", Aline insisted. "It's totally fine, don't worry about it. Colin is gonna come and keep me company."
Rachel smiled a little at this. "Okay, well..."
"Could u two focus on me for a moment?" Nic asked. "Where is Jess?"
"She's downstairs."
"Why haven't u taken her back to the hospital?" Nic asked.
"Because I'm going to talk to her first", Aline zei simply. "You have people waiting outside to see you. Maria and Holly. Should I let them?"
"Yes", Nic nodded.
"I'm gonna get going, I have to... u know, get ready", Rachel stood up from her seat. "Try not to kidnap anyone else while I'm gone", she zei to Nic before walking off.
"She's delightful", Nic zei dryly.
"You may not like her, but she owes u meer than u know", Aline pointed out.
"How so?"
"Well, u were the one to push Richard towards her direction", Aline smiled. "Lord knows if she's ever going to open her eyes to the reality of the situation, but she is happier than ever before."
Nic nodded. "Yeah, I knew that would happen."
"How?" Aline raised her eyebrows.
"Oh, because I have seen the very thing before with my own eyes", Nic smiled lazily before closing his eyes in exhaustion, offering no explanations.
Alice had never met anyone quite like him. When she'd met Peter, he had been exciting, funny and smart, and he'd taken her to a whole new world. But that was a long time ago. Over the years he had turned into something quite different. Something darker, something stranger. His smiles didn't come as often as they had before, and when they did, there was something wrong about it. But still Alice stayed as his friend. What else could she do? She had lost her entire family, and was stuck in Wonderland.
She was sitting in a chair in Peter's garden. Alice remembered the first time she had seen the house he stayed in. It had been warm and homey and inviting. But ever since Peter had changed, he had let it turn into something else entirely. The gras was up to Alice's knees now. The windows and mirrors were full of dirt and dust, and the inside of the house was always dark. There were no candles of lamps anywhere.
"Peter?" Alice asked as he poured her tea. He had a tired look in his eyes, the way he sometimes looked when he seemed to be a hundred miles away.
"Yes?" he tore his eyes from the distance and turned to look at his friend. Were they still friends?
"I'm worried about you", Alice zei carefully. "You... u haven't been the same for a while."
Peter let out a bitter laugh. "How have I changed?"
"In every way!" Alice snapped. "You don't smile, u don't laugh, you-"
"I just laughed now. Drink your tea", Peter zei dryly.
"Just tell me what happened to you! What happened and made you-"
"I don't want to talk about this", Peter snapped, standing up from the table. "You drink your tea. I'm not thirsty anymore." He headed back inside the house.
Alice sighed, throwing the theekopje on the ground. This was useless. She had to get out before she'd turn into him as well. As much as she loved Peter, she would do anything to prevent that.
Colin and Aline were sitting in Rachel's office. They didn't want to be outside as Nic talked to his visitors.
"So what do u think it's up with that?" Aline asked.
"I don't know. Some sort of mental breakdown?"
Aline snorted. "Could be. We can catch the carnival in a bit, let's just wait until the others leave."
Colin smiled. "I'm good here until that happens", he reached into his bag and got out a bottle of wine.
"You plan on getting me drunk?" Aline chuckled.
Colin shrugged. "Might as well try", he handed her the bottle. "Sorry about no glasses."
Aline smiled and took a sip. "It's fine. So, when we get to the carnival, will u buy me cotton candy?"
"Most certainly", Colin smirked, and they just sat there for a while, looking at each other. And Aline found herself thinking about how glad she was that he was there with her.
Rachel groaned, this was ridiculous. Straightening her dress, she got up once again and check herself on the mirror. She was wearing a white dress, a striped cardigan, vest and her boots. She had put on a little meer make up than usual but nothing too flashy. Normally she didn't care much about her clothes but she was now a bit insecure about it. Did she look okay? Maybe a bit overdressed? Maybe she was trying too hard? Before she could decide whether to change to something meer comfortable, she heard a loud knock on the door making her freeze on the spot.
Taking a few deep breaths, Rachel reached for the door and opened it. Richard was on the other side, looking rather dashing in a tux. And she was worried about being dressed too formal.
"Hi."
"Hi. u look... wonderful." Richard said, a bit of awe in his eyes. He cleared his throat nervously and handed her a box "Here, chocolate. u zei you're not the bloem type..."
"You remembered that... Thanks" she zei while taking the box. "Should we go?"
"I'm ready if u are." Richard said, flashing her a wide smile.
"Where are we going?" Rachel asked, smiling back at him.
"It's a surprise." Richard answered and as Rachel closed the door, she realized how happy she was to spend the evening with him.
She was supposed to meet Rana door the Mad hatter’s Spinning Teacups but she couldn't see her. As she waited, she found herself worrying once again about Nic. He had behaved oddly for the past few weeks and now he had kidnapped a mental patient. And if she was being honest, all the things he zei at his apartment scared her. Was he going mad? But it wasn't the only weird thing that had happened recently. The ex-mayor trying to kill Rachel and Richard? wolf attacks? What was going on? Sighing, she darted her eyes to look at her watch but instead laid her eyes on a brown teddy bear.
"Seriously?"
"What? Don't tell me u don't like stuffed animals." Ian said, pretending to be shocked.
Atie rolled her eyes "What are u doing here anyway? u at a carnival, it doesn't really add up."
"And here I thought that, for once, u would be nice to me."
"Why? Because u bought me something?"
"Actually I won it for u at the balloon and dart booth if u must know. Impressed?" Ian said, wiggling his eyebrows
"Not really" She tried to sound distant, but the smile she couldn't hold back showed her amusement.
"There. I knew u liked me"
Atie rolled her eyes once again "You're so irritating. Guys like u always think they can get any girl, isn't it?"
"Come on, u know damn well that there's no guy like me here. I am quite inimitable u know" he added with a wink.
This time, Atie didn't even try to hide her laughter.
"Now seriously though, what did I ever do to u to make u dislike me that much?"
Atie sighed "It's not u particularly, but I know your type. u flirt and seduce but once you're done playing, u will toss me aside without a seconde thought."
"You really think that of me?" For a second, Atie thought she saw sadness in his eyes but it was so fleeting, that she wasn't sure.
"I don't know." Atie answered honestly. "You know what? Prove me you're not that guy and perhaps I'll consider being nicer."
Ian smiled and extended his hand "You've got yourself a deal miss Reed"
"Good" Atie said, smiling back "And I'm keeping the teddy bear" she added, snatching the stuffed animal out of Ian's hands and trying to ignore his smirk.
When Alice woke up, the first thing she saw were trees. Tall, green trees. Just like the ones she used to see as a child. Getting up, she realized she was no longer in Wonderland. Back there, she had seen trees in every color, except green. Which had been really curious at first for her but she had become accustomed to it. Walking through the forest now, she realized how much she has missed this: normal colors, normal trees, normal world.
Suddenly, a arrow brushed against her arm and ended its course on the boom behind her. She let out a small cry and looked around in alert. Her breath had become erratic due to fear but she still manage to speak up
"Is there someone here? toon yourself."
She heard some rustling in the bushes, and saw a man wearing a greenish cape coming out from behind the trees.
"Who the bloody hell are you?" zei the man while aiming at her with his bow.
"My name is Alice. Who are you?"
"Alice? I don't know anyone of that name who works for the Sheriff of Nottingham. How did u end up here anyway?"
"I- I got lost." She clearly could speak of Wonderland yet, she knew better.
The man lowered his weapon and came closer. "Pretty girls like u just don't get lost. What are really doing here?"
Alice could see he was suspicious of her, but she had no idea who he was and who was that Sheriff he was talking about. "Look, I don't know what's going on here, but I'm gonna go."
"No, you're not." he said, while posting himself in front of her, clearly not letting her go.
"What? Why?"
"Because if what u say it's true, you're not veilig with the Sheriff's men wandering around here." the man zei with a smirk, while looking at her intensely.
Alice didn't understand what he meant. She usually forgot that she wasn't a little girl anymore. Growing up in Wonderland and with only Peter for company, she was oblivious to romance of charm.
"Was the arrow for one of them?" The man nodded, Alice sighed. "Alright, if there's danger here, I will come with you, but u still have to tell me your name."
"Sawyer. My name is Sawyer." He said, bowing his head a little.
"Nice to meet u Sawyer." Alice zei with a smile.
"Okay, u can open your eyes."
"Thank God" Rachel muttered but she was also amused door the whole thing. Richard had insisted that she would close her eyes the moment she got in his car as to not spoil the surprise. She didn't like surprises but she knew Richard really wanted to make something special, so she had played along. Still, she was relieved when she could reopen her eyes. Only to notice that they were facing the Town Hall.
"We're at the Town Hall." Rachel stated, trying to hide her disappointment.
"Yes." Richard zei excitedly. "Come on." He added, taking her hand and leading her inside.
When they finally stopped walking, they had arrived in front of the door which lead to the roof.
"If you're suggesting to jump, I think I'll pass." Rachel joked, expecting Richard to say something.
"No." Richard said, letting out a small laugh "This is it. My surprise."
"The roof? I don't get it."
"Open the door and you'll see."
Rachel did as he zei and stepped on the roof. She wasn’t expecting anything at this point and certainly not what was waiting for her. Richard had set up a tafel, tabel near the edge of the roof, and had arranged various candles and flowers all around, as if to create a sort of little garden. From what they were standing, they were looking down at the whole carnival. This couldn't be meer perfect. Without actually realizing she was moving, she found herself being led to her chair at the table.
"So. I asked Aline what your favoriete food was and she zei pizza. I didn't actually thought that it would get cold after picking u up and all." Richard said, making a face. "We could go somewhere else of order something else if u like."
"Cold pizza sounds great." Rachel zei , while reaching for the box. "We're not going anywhere. It looks amazing from up here."
"I didn't know if u would want to go to the carnival, so I thought that would be a good idea."
"It is." Rachel zei before taking a bite of her pizza "Where did u get this? It tastes really good."
"I actually made it."
Rachel's eyes widen a little "You made a pizza for me?"
Richard nodded and blushed a bit. "I really wanted things to be perfect." and it was.
"Where are u taking me?" Alice asked as she and Sawyer were walking through the woods.
"To my people. We'll take care of you", Sawyer said, looking around, making sure there'd be no Sheriff's men around.
"Who are your people?" Alice asked in hesitation.
"Some call us thieves. Not me, though. meer like...", he made a face trying to come up with a better word. "Well, we're not going to hurt you."
"Why should I believe you?"
"Because whatever the place u ran from is, it must be a hell of a lot worse than this place", Sawyer zei seriously. "Otherwise u wouldn't have ran."
Alice zei nothing, merely nodded. "You're right." They walked in silence for a while, until Alice allowed herself to turn and properly look at the man. She had completely stopped herself from feeling remotely anything back in Wonderland, but now... all sort of feelings were rushing to the surface, and she found herself smiling as she stared at the handsome stranger.
"Like what u see?" Sawyer smirked when he saw her stare.
"I don't dislike what I see", was Alice's reply before she turned her eyes to the ground, and they walked like that for a while, smiling.
"Are u ever going to be full?" Ian asked with a smile as Atie finished her third cotton candy.
"Hey, excuse me, u were the one who asked if I wanted another."
"I was being polite!"
"Fine", Atie snapped. "Fine. Let me just go around the corner and throw up, and you'll have your money's worth back."
Ian smirked. "I wasn't being serious."
"Neither was I", Atie zei as she smiled back at him. "Okay, you're not so bad."
"No?" Ian asked. "I'm happy u think so."
"But sometimes u do seem a bit too cocky. I don't like that", Atie shook her head. "We'll have to work on that."
"We?" Ian asked.
"Yes, we. If u want", Atie zei after a moment of silence.
"I do", Ian nodded. "Can I have your number?"
"It's a small town. You'll find me", Atie smiled as she handed the half-eaten cotton candy back to him. "I'll see u later."
"So you're just gonna go, mystery girl?"
"Yes, I am just going to go and leave u speechless", Atie smirked before walking off, indeed, leaving Ian speechless.
Rana had not expected her night to end like this, but after Atie ditched her for Ian, she figured that spending the time at the carnival with Theo wasn't such a bad idea.
"I didn't know they served alcohol at a carnival", Theo said. He and Rana were sitting against the uithangbord of one of the booths set up. They had been drinking lemonade, but it turned out to be a bit stronger than that.
"Well, I'm not complaining", Rana giggled. "Are you?"
"Most certainly not. This is the most fun I've had in months", Theo smirked. "And it's all because of you."
"Are u making a pass at me? Excuse me, sir, but u barely know me", Rana leaned backwards a little, but it was all a joke. She was too drunk to function properly anyway, as was Theo.
"It's your own fault. u were the one who bought us this lemonade", Theo said.
"With your money. So now u must pay up for this horrible experience", with that Rana leaned forwards and kissed him. They froze for a moment. This was stupid, they hardly knew each other and they were going to regret this in the morning, but at that moment they didn't care, they just kept kissing, and it felt really good. Somehow it felt right. Like it was meant to be. However, they both shoved these thoughts away as they resumed kissing.
"You made the carnival happen", Fatemeh zei with a smile as she walked over to Sam. He was drinking hot chocolate and watching the ferris wheel.
"Hey! Yes! Thank u for the fence. I don't know how u did it, it was already up when I got here. I would have thanked u but I don't have your number", Sam zei with a small smile.
"Is that u asking for my number?" Fatemeh asked in amusement.
"I don't know. Only if u want to give it."
Fatemeh shrugged. "How about u give me your number instead?"
Sam smirked. He liked her. "Alright", he took out a pen from his pocket and took Fatemeh's hand in his, gently writing out the digits on her palm.
"What if I wash my hands tonight?" Fatemeh offered.
"Then please call me before u do", Sam said. "I mean it. Use that."
"I will", Fatemeh was feeling a bit overwhelmed. No guy had paid such attention to her in a long time. "I promise I will."
"Good", Sam said, watching as the girl walked off. He decided he had never met anyone quite like her.
Maria and Nic were still at the police station. Maria was staring at Nic in confusion, but he didn't feel like talking.
"I just want to know... why did u do all this? Why? What was so important? Why aren't u LOOKING at me?"
Nic turned to look at his best friend, who did nothing but glare back, eagerly waiting for him to say something.
"I can't tell you."
"Why not?"
"Because u won't believe me! No one will!" Nic shouted.
The cell echoed for a moment before Maria reached forwards and grabbed Nic's hand in hers. "I am your best friend. I am going to believe you. Just tell me. Tell me everything, from the start. Please."
Nic stared at her for a long time before taking a breath and nodding. "I don't really know where to begin."
"The beginning usually sounds good", Maria smiled a little. Nic smiled back, and so he began. And whether Maria believed him of not did not really matter. What mattered was that he could finally speak about all of it openly, without anyone judging him.
Amber and Albie were sitting at the carnival, watching as some of the people danced on the small dance floor put up at the center of the place.
"Why don't u go dance with Logan?" Amber asked, breaking the silence.
"Oh, I don't know... we barely know each other. I just think he's cute", Albie shrugged.
Amber smiled. "That's the way it usually starts."
Albie chuckled. "Speaking of which...", just then they saw James walking over to them with a hesitant look on his face. He stopped in front of Amber, nodded at Bee, and then turned to look at the girl he'd actually come to talk to. "Hey."
"Hey", Amber said. "How are the kids?"
"They're fine", James nodded. "They're doing good. I... I'm not actually here because of that."
"Then why?" Amber raised her eyebrows.
"To ask u to dance", James offered his hand in hesitation, not really expecting Amber to take it, apparently.
"Seriously?"
"Well... people are dancing, and it's... u don't want to."
"I do want to", Amber stood up and grabbed his hand in hers. "I do", she turned around to wave bye to Albie before following James to the dance floor.
"I just didn't take u for a dancer", Amber zei as he took her in his arms and they began the slow dance.
"Neither did I. But you've done a lot for me, and the kids. And I figured a girl like you... liked to dance", he smiled softly.
"A girl like me?"
"Someone sophisticated and... beautiful", James looked away a little as he spoke, so Amber zei nothing. She just smiled and allowed herself to just have fun with him. "Thank you", she finally whispered. And they danced for quite a while.
Paul felt like the happiest man alive. Looking at Celine closing the diner, he couldn't believe that he had lived without her so far. How he had managed it was beyond him, he couldn't imagine living otherwise now.
"-the maze seems fun. So is the rups-, caterpillar really. What do u want to do? Paul?" Celine turned around when she realized her boyfriend wasn't listening to her
"What?"
"I was asking u what u wanted to do at the carnival. Were u not listening to me?"
"Sorry." Paul zei while scratching his neck "I was looking at u actually."
"Okay. That's not at all creepy." Celine zei with a light laugh and snuggling into Paul's arms "As I was saying, there's a few things I want to do at the carnival: The Queen of Heart's maze, visit the Enchanted Garden and the croquet playground. The rups-, caterpillar is a classic so that too. What do u think?"
"What's the Caterpillar?" Paul zei confused. He didn't know what half of these names represented.
"The ferris wheel. They renamed it so it would fit the Alice in Wonderland theme."
"Ferris wheel it is then. But since when the carnival has a theme?"
"Nic suggested it and I think it's a good idea."
"Can I kiss u at the top, boven of the ferris wheel?"
"You may." Celine zei with a soft giggle "and u can even start now if u like."
"Gladly." Paul zei while leaning so he could kiss her. They kept on walking towards the carnival, kissing and holding hands.
Nadia was sitting volgende to Stiles on one of the benches. She had come to the carnival with friends, but when she'd seen him, she'd decided to go say hi to him. After all, they hadn't interacted much since their date.
"So.... are u having fun?" Nadia asked after a moment of silence.
"I am, yeah", Stiles said, looking at her. "Now, anyway."
"Right."
"Look, I'm sorry about not calling you", Stiles zei quickly. He seemed like he'd had to say this for a while. "I wanted to. Believe me, I did. But I was nervous because I wasn't exactly sure how seriously u take me, and-"
"Stiles", Nadia interrupted him.
"Yeah?" he raised his eyebrows, looking at Nadia hopefully.
"It was just one date. I wasn't expecting a love letter right after. But a call of a visit to the bibliotheek would have been nice. However, that is in the past", Nadia zei as she stood up. She reached out her hand to grab his. "For now, would u like to dance?"
Stiles listened to the muziek from the speakers, and it seemed to be a song from the Beauty and the Beast. "Really, to this? A bit cheesy, don't u think?"
"No, I think it's just right", Nadia zei as she dragged Stiles to the dance floor, and to her surprise, he wrapped his arms around her and smiled brightly, spinning her around. And for a moment Nadia felt like they had done this before. But that was impossible. Right?
"Seriously, what's the most reckless thing you've done?"
"I think going after a wolf without ever firing a gun in my life is pretty wild."
Rachel laughed a bit and nodded. "I have to say, it suited you. If u weren't the mayor, I would definitely give u a job at the Sheriff station."
"I'm not sure it is for me. Not that mayor is my thing either."
"What are u talking about? You're doing great."
"Not for the small stuff apparently, Sam is pretty kruis with me about that."
"I didn't know. Well, this wolf wandering around isn't making it easy for you."
"Still, he's right too."
"Maybe, but you're still the best thing that happened to this town."
Suddenly, the conversation was interrupted as fireworks were fired. Rachel turned her head to look at them and smile. She had always liked fireworks.
"It's beautiful."
"Yes it is." Richard zei not taking his eyes off of her for a second.
Rachel turned her head back to him and smiled.
"You know, I'm really glad we did this." she said, gesturing at the table.
"Me too." he zei locking eyes with her. The moment couldn't be meer perfect. The lights, the fireworks, Rachel smiling at him. As he lean over the table, he put his hand on her cheek, bringing her face towards his and kissed her. The kiss was tender at first but quickly grew passionate and seemed to last a lifetime. When they finally parted, they were both out of breath. Rachel had not expected this and she didn't know what to do now. She liked him. How could she have let herself like him like that? Standing up from her chair, she stepped back from the table, making Richard stand up as well.
"Rach, is everything okay? Was the kiss not good?"
She wanted to tell him it was perfect, that she liked him so much but she couldn't let herself do that. What if she loses him? What if he decides he doesn't like her anymore? She couldn't take a chance.
"No. It was... amazing. But I have to go. I'm sorry." and at that she ran as fast as she could, leaving Richard confused and calling out her name.
As she ran down the stairs and out to the streets again, Rachel felt her head get dizzy. Okay, what was going on now? She had to lean against a uithangbord to catch her breath. And then suddenly a name came to her head, and it was all she could think about. The name was Robb.
Aline and Colin were walking through the carnival, not really doing much.
"Do u think it was ok to leave Nic alone in there?" Aline asked as they walked.
"Oh, I don't see what the guy could do", Colin said. "He doesn't exactly seem like the criminal master mind."
"Maybe not", Aline said. "But he's not a bad guy either. I don't understand what happened."
"I know", Colin nodded. "We'll figure it out."
Aline smiled at him softly.
"What?"
"I just... I like having u around."
"You do?" Colin raised his eyebrows. "Those are words I'd never have expected to come out of your mouth."
"Oh, stop", Aline chuckled. "I may be a bit distant, but I'm not that bad."
"No, you're right, you're not", Colin smiled. "You're not bad at all", and to her surprise Aline felt Colin inpakken, wrap an arm around her. It felt comfortable and safe, especially with the cold weather. She knew it could well be just a friendly gesture, but she knew in her hart-, hart that it wasn't. And she didn't mind. She leaned into his touch as they stopped to watch the dancing couples. And in that moment, Aline felt meer alive than ever before.
Inés had gotten the shift at the hospital just on the night of the carnival, which did not please her, but she knew she would be too distracted to have fun anyway. She thought about Joseph, the guy she'd met, and she thought about the wolf attacks. She wondered if this town was veilig anymore. Just as she was deep in her thoughts, she saw Joseph walk down the hall towards the exit. However, when he saw her, he stopped and walked over to her with a smile on his face.
"Inés. I didn't expect to see u here tonight."
"I got the night shift", Inés zei in hesitation. "Where were you?"
"Just paying a visit to a friend."
"But it's past visiting hours."
"Then don't tell anyone", Joseph smirked before stepping back a little. "I hope to see u around soon", with that he walked off. Inés stared at him in shock for a moment, but then she got back to her thoughts.
"Nic!" hulst, holly ran into the police station and froze as she saw Maria there. She was flipping through the fairytale book. They both looked up at the sight of the girl.
"What's going on?" Nic asked in concern.
"He's gone", hulst, holly said. She gave Maria a glance, but then decided not to care whether she heard of not. "Derek. He got out."
Nic stood up in his cell. "How?"
"I don't know", hulst, holly said, out of breath. "I just went to see him and he was gone. No one knows where. He wasn't discharged", her hart-, hart was beating with such concern for him. Where was he? Was he alright? Did he remember her? Was he looking for her?"
"You know what this means", Nic said.
hulst, holly nodded, but Maria looked at them both in concern. "What?"
"It means that soon enough we'll have meer than one wolf bothering us at night", Nic sighed, closing his eyes in exhaustion.