Page 44 of Wondrous
“It’s a good theory,” Maria said, nodding. “Though I have my own.”
“Hers is creepier than mine,” Alex said, though from her tone, I could tell this was a compliment.
Maria leaned forward, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. “I think we’re Wonderland.”
“We are?” I repeated.
“I mean it’s versions of real people,” she said. “You know how everyone is born with a shadow? Well, I think when a person is born, a version of them is born in Wonderland. A twisted, contrary version. It would explain why I’ve sometimes met Wonderland creatures who remind me of people in my world. It’s why I thought my adventure in Wonderland was a dream at first. After I went home, I mean.” Her expression darkened for a moment before her smile broke through again. “I know now that was silly, of course—this place is every bit as real as Upland.”
I was suddenly filled with irritation, though I didn’t know why. “Wonderland is Wonderland.”
Even though I wasn’t precisely certain what I meant, Alex and Maria both nodded. “We could be wrong,” Alex said. “Maybe Wonderland is just Wonderland, with no more reason for being than our world has.”
“They’re just theories,” Maria said. “Surely you have your own theories about this place.”
They both looked at me with anticipation that I had no desire to indulge. “Have all the other Alices formed their own alliances, then?” I said instead.
“The smart ones have,” Alex said. “But no, not all. I’m pretty sure the other Alicia went off on her own.”
“We had a run-in with her,” Maria said darkly. “She stole one of Alex’s fireworks, after threatening us with a knife. Like Alex said, she’s a nasty piece of work.”
“Fireworks?” I repeated.
“Oh, didn’t I say?” Maria said, beaming at Alex, who went a little red around the ears. “Alex is a mad scientist. She can make all kinds of fireworks, from cracklybangs to whump-thumpers.”
“Whump…?” My voice trailed off.
“That’s just what I call them,” Alex clarified. “We’ve been planning to use them as a defense against the mock dragons, and also to herd them into our nets. That’s Maria’s role—she’s brilliant at weaving and knot work.”
“We bring a lot to the table, Alice,” Maria said. “You could use us as allies.”
I looked from one to the other, their expressions full of hope. But the truth was, I didn’t have to think about it.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “But Jack and I have already made short work of one mock dragon. We don’t need allies. And I don’t think it’s a good idea to provoke the Queen’s temper. So, thank you, but we should go our separate ways.”
“But—” Maria glanced at Alex, who shook her head slightly.
“Why don’t you sleep on it?” Alex suggested. “Let’s make a few s’mores, and in the morning, you can decide.”
“More—what?” I said.
“S’mores,” Alex said. “Maria hadn’t heard of them, either. I promise, you’ll love them.”
Maria was nodding vigorously. “I’ve never eaten a more perfect dessert. But then, doesn’t everything taste better cooked over a fire?”
“They don’t seem to understand that you said no,” Jack said, and we all started, for he had somehow moved to a different shadow without anyone noticing. “Shall I make them leave?”
Before I could reply, Alex said in a casual tone, “I’ll bet you’ve never had s’mores, have you, Jack? Do they have marshmallows in the Jabberwoods?”
Jack’s indigo eyes narrowed. “I wouldn’t know.”
“Thank you,” I began, “but I’d rather—”
“Melted chocolate,” Maria said. “Gooey, oozy marshmallow. Sandwiched between the best ginger biscuits you’ve ever tasted. And as good as that sounds, it doesn’t begin to do them justice.”
Jack wrinkled his nose. But when he turned to me, he seemed torn.
I sighed. It had begun to drizzle lightly, and it seemed cruel to send the two of them off into the dark forest when we already had a campfire going and an oilskin strung up to keep the rain off.
