Through the Looking Glass

Chapter one: The right Woman

The café was quiet as Alice sat in the dark drinking her tea. No one was up yet. This was her time to be alone and think. Usually she would think about Ellie and the farm, but today was different. This morning, all she could think about was Lex.

Lex was such a beautiful sight in this broken world. Just thinking about his perfect, long hair and sparkling eyes made Alice smile. But he was bad. He was the worst boy she knew. Man, she corrected in her head. Yes, Lex was definitely a man.

“Hello, Alice.” Ryan glowed as he entered the room. “It is a beautiful morning!”

“Indeed. Good morning.” She smiled thinking to herself it would only be a few minutes until she was to see Lex. Her boss, friend, and ,if she had her way, he would also be her boyfriend.

“Would you like some more tea?” Ryan asked as he sat the kettle on the table in front of her. He sat down at the table and looked strait at her.

“Yes please.” She slid the cup to Ryan. “I’m sorry Salene said no to your proposal.”

Ryan looked down not meeting her eyes. “Yeah me too. But, we weren’t meant to be.”

“Don’t worry about it, Ryan.” Alice placed her hand on his shoulder. “I am sure that you will find the right girl someday soon. I can feel it.” With that she left the café and Ryan to his thoughts.

“The right woman. Huh?” Ryan stated aloud.

Chapter Two

Lex surveyed the market. Everything was moving smoothly and he couldn't be more pleased. That meant less work for him. As if he had to work too hard with Alice as his deputy. She seemed to take care of any problems that arose. She was a perfect choice for the job. She and Lex made the best team.

" Lex? May I speak with you for a moment?" Alice asked as she neared the raven-haired man.

"Sure." He turned and gave her his full attention.

"I was wondering if I could talk to you about work matters." Lex noticed that Alice was slightly fumbling with her words. Which, to say the least, was out of the ordinary for Alice.

“Go ahead.” She shifted from one foot to another causing Lex to become a little suspicious of the situation. “Are you okay, Alice?”

“I’m fine. I was just wondering if we could talk about it in private. Maybe over dinner? Tonight?” Inside Alice was shaking as she waited for his answer.

“Sounds great. How about eight?” Lex asked oblivious to Alice’s intent.

“Perfect. See you then, Lover.” The last word went unnoticed by Lex as he walked away.

Alice’s day could not be any better from that moment on. In her mind she continued to play scenarios of what could happen that night. All of which included her and Lex with a romantic dinner for two.

Later that night, Alice gathered all of the food that she had cooked and several candles. Tonight had to be perfect if she was to make Lex hers. She chose one of the empty stores and set up everything. Lex had to fall for her. Why would he not?

Chapter Three: A night to remember

Lex watched as she scurried around the room. Her movements were always as if she were floating on air instead of walking. She had to be an angel. That was the only explanation for how perfect she was. And she was going to be his. She had to be his.

“Lex,” Tai San started. “I though you were meant to have dinner with Alice tonight.”

“OH NO!! I am!” He jumped up and walked over to Tai San. “Are you going to be up late tonight?”

“I have much work to do, so, yes.” She pushed a bit of her hair behind her ear. This caused Lex to want to reach out and touch her.

“Is it all right if I stop by after I am through with Alice?” His eyes pleaded with hers as he took Tai San’s hands into his.

“Why, Lex. I must say. I am impressed. You asked for permission! Of course, you can stop by then.” She shook his hands in her excitement.

“Good! I’ll see you then!” Lex turned on his heels and almost skipped on his way to meet Alice. This night was the best night of his life.

The room Alice chose was now fit for romance. Several candles were lit and the dinner was on the table. The only thing that was left to do was wait for Lex to arrive.

At that very moment, Lex walked into the room. His eyes almost popped out of this head. He never imagined that Alice was thinking all this when she asked for a dinner with him. There were roses, candles, and silk draped on everything. Then there was Alice. She stood next to the table wearing something that resembled a prom dress. Nothing but trouble could come of this misunderstanding.

“Hello, Lover.” Alice greeted as he stepped closer to the table.

“What’s this?” Lex poked at the food on the plate and then waved his hand towards the rest of the room. “I thought we were having dinner and talking about work?”

“ We are.” She waved to the seat opposite of the one that she stood behind. “Please sit.” They both sat and began to eat.

Lex said nothing. What could he say? His friend and deputy planned a romantic meal for him and he had been oblivious. What could he say to her that wouldn’t make Alice cry or stop being his friend? Nothing. He could only sit and watch her as she became more delighted with his company.

“Lex, why are you so quiet tonight?” Alice’s face turned to concern. Could he not feel the same?

“Oh, no reason. I was just thinking that this was a lovely evening, but I must be going.” He pushed his chair from the table and stood.

Alice did the same. “ Can’t you stay, just a little while longer?”

“I’m sorry I really must go.” He smiled at Alice and left as quickly as he could. This was bad. Alice had feelings for him but he was in love.

When Lex saw Tai San’s room it was blanketed in darkness. ‘Oh no. She must be asleep. But now I really need to talk to her.” Lex continued on to find that Tai San was indeed in bed but not asleep. She was just lying there and staring at the ceiling.

“Lex? Come in.” Tai San ordered without looking away from that spot. “I feel that something is wrong. What happened? Did you and Alice have an argument?” She sat up with a frightened look on her face.

“It was nothing like that.” He sat down on the bed next to her. “Do you know if Alice has feelings for anyone in the mall?”

“No. Why?”

“I think she does.” He began to play with the bed cover.

“Who? And why wouldn’t she tell me? We are best friends.” Tai San grabbed Lex’s hands to keep him from his nervous actions.

“I think it is me.” He looked at her and she could have laughed. He looked like the world was coming to an end.

“What is so wrong with that? Alice is a great girl. You are luck to have someone that feels that way about you.” Tai San scolded him.

“That’s not the problem. I like Alice. A lot. But I am into someone else. I think I might even be in love with that person.” He looked deep into her eyes.

“That is great! Who is she? Is she someone from the mall?” Tai San began to ramble. “I must do something to bless the relationship.” She ran to her herbs and began to pick off certain leaves.

“She’s in the mall. She’s a great girl. Everyone likes her.” Lex described as he walked up behind Tai San.

“Well, that leaves out Ebony.” Tai San stated as she grabbed the grinding bowl. “Who is she?”

Lex placed his arms around her waist and turned her around. “It’s you.”

Lucky for Tai San that Lex was holding her because her legs gave away at this admission. “You can’t be serious.”

“I love you Tai San. And I think I have since the moment I met you.” He pushed her hair from her face.

“But Lex,” He placed his finger on her lips.

“But nothing. Just let yourself feel. I know we belong together.” He leaned forward and kissed her ever so softly. Electricity ran through every part of Lex as they kissed and he hoped she felt the same spark.

Chapter Four: Friendly Help

Ryan sat in the Café. He knew that Alice would be here soon. In past few days, he would always find her in the Café. What a better place to find the person that you wanted to spend time with?

Soon, Alice walked into the room humming a song and almost floating on air. She quickly made some tea and sat at the same table as Ryan. Her choice in seating made Ryan very expectant of something good.

“Hello, Alice. You are in a good mood.”

“I just had the most wonderful evening last night.” Alice swooned at just the thought.

“Really? What happened?” Ryan tried to take as much interest in what she was saying. If he could recreate that evening for her, then maybe he had a chance.

“I found one of the empty shops and set up a romantic evening for two.” Alice sighed. Last night was only the beginning. That is, if Lex would let her. “It was just divine. Ryan, I really think that I might be falling for Lex.”

Ryan could feel his heart falling to his feet. Lex won again. Lex always got the woman and always would. Only, this time he would treat her right. Ryan would make sure of that.

“Oh, that is great Alice. I am so happy for you.” Ryan stood slowly and took his bowl to the bar. “Lex is lucky to have a woman like you in his life.”


Alice turned to him. “Well…” She looked at the ground with a newfound fascination. “ Lex hasn’t exactly said that I was his girl.”


“But, you want him to?” Ryan came over to Alice and sat down again. “You really do like him. I’ve never seen you stare at the floor for so long before.”

“I do like him. I don’t know what to do though. I mean we are friends. I don’t want to lose that. You know? Okay, I am rambling and being stupid.” Alice blushed a deep shade of red.

“You are not being stupid.” Ryan could never think of Alice as stupid. She was one of the most intelligent and interesting people on the face of the entire planet.

“I was wondering if you would be able to help me.” Alice asked when she looked back to Ryan after a few moments.

“Oh, no. I am not very good about giving relationship advice.” He threw his hands in the air.

“I was thinking more along the lines of you talking to Lex about who he is into. You are his best friend after all.” A sly look came across Alice’s face and Ryan knew that there was no way that he would be able to refuse her.

Chapter Five: best mates

Ryan shuffled his feet as he made his way to Lex’s room. Only he could set out to get a girl and end up talking to another guy for her. That was life though. All he could do was make her happy. After all, if you love something you have to let is go.

Before Ryan could knock on the door, Lex swung it open and stumbled into the hallway. In his haste he ran into his best mate.

“Woah, where is the fire?” Ryan asked pulling Lex to his feet.

“I am late for the market opening.” Lex answered as he dusted off his clothes. “Were you coming to see me?”

“Yes, but it can wait.” Ryan turned hoping that Lex would want to talk about it later. That gave him more time to think about what to do with Alice.

“No, I always have time for my best mate.” Lex threw his arm around Ryan and they continued to walk to the market. “What is it?”

“I was wondering if there was anyone you were interested in.,” he asked unsteadily.

“Why? Is someone interested?”

“No one in particular.” Ryan bluffed. He knew that Lex would figure it out. He could never lie to Lex.

“Yes there is. Come out with it. Who is she?” They stopped in their tracks.

Ryan looked at the ground. “Alice.”

Lex jumped away. “I knew that she was up to something more than just a normal dinner!” He looked at the market below. “What am I going to say to her?”

“What? You are not in to her?” Ryan had a sense of dread coming over him. “Then why did you let her continue with the dinner last night?”

“It was food and I was hungry. What else did you expect from me?” Lex looked at Ryan as if that was the most obvious answer.

“Nothing. I should have known better than to think that you would treat her right.” Ryan stated looking directly at Lex. “Are you going to let her know that you don’t share her feelings?”

“Yes, of course. I don’t want to hurt Alice. She is my friend.”

“Good. Just please make sure that you let her down easy.”

Ryan turned to leave when Lex’s voice stopped him. “You seem to care a lot for Alice’s feelings. Are you maybe worried that her feelings don’t match yours. Huh lover boy?”

Ryan snapped back around. “Excuse me? I do not feel that way about Alice. We are just friends.”

“Ryan, you don’t have to be afraid of women just because one turned you down.” He placed his hand on Ryan’s shoulder. “They are like bicycles. If you fall off, just pick yourself back up and climb onto another one.”

“You really have no respect for woman at all. I can’t believe you.” This time Ryan left before Lex could say another word.

“I was only joking mate.” Lex stated to the bit of air where Ryan once stood.

Chapter Six: Getting to Know You

Ryan silently pulled the weeds from the flowers that he had planted for Salene. She told him how much she loved buttercups and he had gotten Ellie to tell him how to grow them. Now, Salene wasn’t there to see them bloom. She was back at the mall. Trying to be as far away from him as possible.

“What is wrong with me?” Ryan asked the flowers. “First Salene won’t marry me and now…”

“Now, what?” Alice interrupted. She stood beside him with her hands on her hips.

“Nothing. Just wishing that I had never planted these stupid flowers.” He jerked one from the ground and threw it a few feet away. “What good are flowers in a broken world, anyway?”

“There are plenty of reasons for flowers. They brighten the soul with their beauty.” Alice answered his rhetorical question. “You planted these for Salene didn’t you?”

“Yes. But what use are they now. She isn’t going to except them if I gave them to her. I wished she had said yes. Things would have been so much easier.”

“Honey, life ain’t easy, if you haven’t noticed. We have just got to move on.”

“How can I move on?” Ryan ducked his head into his hands. “She was the person I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with and she won’t have me.”

“Ryan, there are more women than Salene. Just go out there and find one. I am sure that you already have someone in mind. She could be right under your nose.” Alice stated matter-of-factly.

She didn’t know how right she was. Ryan wanted someone right up under his nose. He wanted her. But, she wanted Lex. That was always the way things were. Ryan fell for a girl and Casanova himself, Lex, swooped in on her even if he didn’t want her. He guessed that Alice was no different.

“Alice,” he picked several of the flowers. “Would you like these?” He handed her the small bouquet.

“Ryan, they are gorgeous!” She inhaled them deeply. “Thank you. I am going to take them in and put them in some water.” She almost skipped as she made her way to the old farmhouse.

Ryan made her smile. This was truly a good start. She would notice him if she were his friend first.

The rest of the day, they talked to each as they worked. They found that they had much in common. Ryan, found himself just staring at her as she worked. Her beauty never faded as she collected dirt on her. It was as if a barrier was between her and the elements. A true angel or goddess of the earth she was.

Alice found herself drawn to Ryan’s personality. He was more talkative than usual and he seemed bubbly. He was nothing like the impression that she had for him before. Salene had made a big mistake by letting his love go. Whenever he talked about Salene, his intense love could be seen. He was indeed a very forgiving and honest lover. He loved her despite the fact that she denied him time and time again. He loved her for her and not what she could do for him. That was a love that Alice could only hope for. With Lex in her future, maybe that was possible, despite his reputation.

Chapter 7

A week had passed without anything further being said. Lex and Tai San still held their secret meetings, Alice was still infatuated with Lex and Ryan was still in love with Alice. There was only one difference. Every time Alice had something to say about Lex, she shared the information with Ryan. They had quickly became best friends and they did everything together.

Ryan sat alone in his room. The candle’s glow was conductive to his thoughts. Alice abruptly burst into the room. “Ryan, You will never guess what just happened!” She sat beside him on the bed and thrust a letter into his hand. “Lex wrote a love letter to me.” He opened the letter and immediately recognized the handwriting. The lazy scrawl told of romantic love and destiny of the lover’s soul. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. “He feels the same as I do! I have to go to him.” Alice once again stood up.

“Alice, I don’t think you should talk to him tonight.” Ryan pleaded.

She turned to look at him. “You’re right. He must be asleep by now.”

*~*~*~*~*~*

“I could stay like this forever.” Lex stated as he pulled the sheet and Tai San closer to his body. “I love you.”

“I love you too, but I feel bad.” Tai San pulled away to look in his eyes. “You know Alice likes you a lot. I am her best friend. I am not supposed to go after the guy that she likes.”

“What about the guy that you like? Can he just go off with some other woman?” Lex was outraged that she would think about Alice. “I love Alice, just not that way. You are the one that I want to be with. Can we just be together?”

“Yes, but tell her that you don’t feel the same for her. I can’t continue keeping this from people to keep from hurting Alice. Tell her soon!” She kissed him softly before resting her head on his chest. Lex was left to his thoughts. How could he break the news to Alice and not hurt her?

Chapter 8: What letter?

Salene gazed down onto the city. Everything was as she left to. She only hoped that Ryan was still at the mall and that he still loved her. Yes, She was going home. Being away only proved that the Mallrats were her family and she wanted to be with Ryan more than anything. Especially since she found out the most important news ever. Salene picked up her pack and quickly made her way home.

"Tai San, I'm leaving." Lex announced as he buckled his belt. Of course Tai San didn't hear a word that he said as she was still asleep. He loved her so much and hoped to marry her soon. But that wasn't as easily done as said. Zandra promised to be with him forever. Where was she now? God took her away from him; took his son too. If Tai San was taken from him, that would be the end.

Lex entered the market to find Alice and Ryan talking by the desk. Alice was positively glowing and Ryan was taking in ever word. Lex may not know much about the world, but he did know love when he saw it. "Hey! What are you two talking about?" Lex asked as he came up to the pair.

"Oh nothing." Alice answered. "You are up early this morning."

Lex just shrugged. "I need to talk to you about something." He looked at Ryan silently asking him to leave.

"So, Lexy boy, are you wanting to talk to me about the letter?" Alice smiled so large that you could see all of her teeth.

"What letter?" A look of confusion swept over his face.

"The letter that stated and undying love for me." Alice felt her spirits begin to fall. She took the letter from her corset and handed it to him.

For a few seconds he looked at the letter then at Alice. "You do know that I can't read or write anymore, right?"

"So, you didn't write this?"

"No, but I think I should tell you that I am not in love with you. I care a lot for you and like you a lot too. Just not in that in that way. I consider you one of my best friends."

Alice could only stand there. Lex didn't love her! Before she could start crying, she ran from the market to Ryan's room. She threw herself into Ryan's arms. "He doesn't love me!" She wept uncontrollably.

"I'm sorry." Ryan ran his hand over her hair and held her tight against his body. Neither noticed Salene in the doorway.

Chapter 9: "Honey, I'm home!"

Salene could only stare at the sight in front of her. She couldn't believe that another woman would be in Ryan's arms. Yet, her eyes could not deceive her. Ryan was comforting Alice, nothing more. Still, she could feel the hurt and anger rise inside of her. What could she do? She was the one that left Ryan.

After standing there what seemed like a millennium, Salene decided to find the others. She ended up in the cafe where Bray, Danni, Ellie, Jack, and KC were eating. They all paused at the sight. "Hello! I've come home!" Salene dropped her nags.

Bray quickly ran to her side. "We've missed you so much! Why did you stay away so long?" He pulled her into a crushing hug.

"I was stupid. I forget that I belonged her with my family and the man I love." She looked at all of their faces for any indication that Ryan had moved on. Nothing...

"Sit and eat! You must be starving!" Danni exclaimed as she jumped to get food for Salene.

*~*~*~*~*~*

"Alice, it is going to be okay. There is someone else out there for you." Ryan stated as he softly dried her tears.

"I really wanted him." Alice cried.

"I know. But, what about the person that wrote the letter. They surly love you too."

"I guess. But, wait. How did you know that Lex didn't write the letter?"

"He can't write. I have been trying to tell you that for days."

"oh. Well, I want to find Ellie. Will you come with me? She held out her hand to Ryan.

As they came into view of the cafe, everyone could be seen in a frenzy. "What's going on?" Alice asked causing everyone to clear and the cause of the frenzy to be seen.

Salene was face-to-face with Ryan, her one true love. "Hello."

"hello" Ryan didn't know what to do. Not even three months ago, she told him she couldn't marry him. Now she was back.

Chapter 10: Handwriting analysis

Weeks went by as Salene tried to prove how much she loved Ryan. Alice watched every move Lex made. It didn't take long for her to find out that Lex was with Tai San. It was a bit weird around the mall, but things were getting better.

"Ryan, I'm running out of suspects for the letter. I still have no clue." Alice stated at dinner one night.

"Do you mind if I look at the letter?" Salene asked. Alice took the letter from her corset. Salene only needed a second to know who wrote the letter. "Maybe I should have stayed away." Salene gave the letter back before walking out.

"What is the supposed to mean? Alice looked at Ryan. He had a guilty look on his face. "You wrote the letter?"

"Yes, I did. I love you Alice. But..."

"But, Salene is back. So forget about anything happening?" One by one, the others began to leave the two alone.

"No. I just don't know exactly what I am supposed to do."

"I understand. You need to talk to Salene. We can always talk later. Go to her." Alice hugged Ryan before watching him leave. She was glad he write the letter. Their friendship had become closer and she knew she was falling in love.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ryan found Salene lying on her bed. She wasn't crying. Not yet. "Salene, I'm sorry. What was I supposed to do? I couldn't wait for you to come home. I fell in love with someone else."

"Do you still love me?" Salene had nothing but hope in her eyes.

"I'm not in love with you. I will always love you. I just can't stay with you. You wouldn't have me. I deserve love and so do you." Ryan now sat beside her.

"I know. I want to tell you something before you go back to Alice." Salene looked down.

"What's that?"

"I'm going to have your child."

Chapter 11: Unexpected

"You're what?" Ryan couldn't believe this. He was going to be a father. When he and Salene were together all he wanted was a baby. Now he wasn't so sure. He couldn't be with Salene anymore. Not that way. He loves Alice now.

"I'm pregnant." Salene rubbed her stomach for emphasis.

"I can't believe this! God finally give me what I want and with the wrong person." Ryan put his head in his hands.

"I'm not asking you to be with me. I know now that you love Alice." Salene cried a single tear. The thought that Ryan wouldn't want to be with her never occurred to her.

"No, we aren't just dealing with what we want. We have a baby to worry about."

"I know that. But we will always be in this tribe. He or she will know its father. You will raise the baby too." She rubbed Ryan's hand. "Everything will work out. I just want you to be happy. Now, go to Alice. You can't just tell a girl you love her and then run off."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Five minutes later, Ryan was sitting in the floor if Alice's room. Alice paced the floor in front of him. "What did Salene have to say?"

"She's pregnant." Ryan leaned back with a smile.

Alice stopped in front of him. "So your going to be with her."

"No. I want to be with you. I told you that I love you and I meant it." Alice sat beside him. "Do you love me?"

"Yes. I've loved you since you gave me those flowers at the farm."

"but I thought you were into Lex."

"That was only because I thought you were still in love with Salene. I cried over him because I thought I was going to be alone." She reached over and took his hand. "I love you." With that they kissed.

Epilogue

"I now pronounce you husband and wife." Bray closed the bible as Ryan and Alice and Lex and Tai San kissed. Everyone clapped and cheered; even Brady and the new born Sean. Everything was great now. Sean was happy and healthy. Ryan and Salene were able to trade up baby duties and Alice couldn't be more please with her stepson. He was the spitting image of his father.

At first, it was hard seeing Ryan with Alice, but Salene had her eyes on a mysterious man she saw in the woods. But that doesn't matter at the moment. What matter is that Ryan is happy and she has a beautiful son. Love, Romance and Fate can wait.

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