Open Writing

The Cheshire cat belched delicately, rolled its eyes and disappeared from view.

Alice sighed disconsolately. Having shared her portrait with the cat the queen and the castle for over 30 years she was bored stiff. Still dressed in her pink gingham dress with blond curly hair, she felt as if she was clinging to her lost youth. Not only that, Alice was having memory lapses which put her in a terrible temper.

The old queen ambled down the country lane towards her. Over the years their roles had reversed. The queen was at pains to placate Alice. "My dear, do you like my woolly socks. I bought them at the palace sale, and they're ideal for chilly winter evenings.

Alice glared at her. "Off with her head." The queen trembled. She was sure Alice was stealing her lines. However, smiling brightly she suggested they visit the mad hatter's tea party. Alice couldn't stand the mad hatter. He had become such a crusty old bore. Always serving cold tea, and telling the same jokes at every party.

How she longed to see the white rabbit, who had been missing for 20 years. All over Wonderland, he was revered as a magician, and no doubt would turn up eventually with exciting tales to tell.

Alice wanted to escape from the confining picture frame, which held them all together for eternity. There must be a way out she thought. Surely Lewis Carroll, their benefactor, did not intend to freeze them in time forever.

Alice thought nostalgically of their author, who used to walk the cliff tops of Whitburn, while dreaming up his characters in Wonderland.

Her eyes filled with tears. Once again she thought of the white rabbit, and that night fell asleep wishing he was there.

"Wake up, wake up Alice. No time to spare. You can only escape between 12 midnight and two in the morning. These are the witching hours when all is possible."

Alice sat up in bed abrubtly and rubbed her eyes. "Where have you been white rabbit. I have missed you so much". He smiled. His gentle, affectionate gaze showing that he had missed her too.

"Your longing brought me back. But we must hurry. You have only a short time to leave the picture frame"

"How" cried Alice? "How can I escape."

"The same way that I did", replied Rabbit. You must find the exact spot on the picture where there is no paint, and then you say the magic words. "I exit the picture.'' This is not easy to find, and I'm not allowed to help you. However, I will be with you in spirit, and waiting for you on the other side.''

Alice had many more questions, but the white rabbit was gone. Had she been dreaming. A voice inside her head urged her to make haste. Quickly she scanned the picture, searching for a blank space. Her eyes were not as good as they used to be, and she wished she had listened to the traveling optician, who recommended glasses.

The clock on the mantelpiece was almost at 2 a.m. Frantically Alice ran her fingers over the canvas. Why could she not find the point of exit. Was she trying too hard. People often did, and this could be the cause of failure. Alice relaxed, took a deep breath, and immediately saw the patch of light. The clock was chiming 2 a.m. as she shouted loudly "I exit the picture". White rabbit grabbed her hand and pulled her to safety through the frame.

Laughing together they ran across the cliff tops of Roker beach, and down onto the sand dunes below. Their mentor Lewis Carroll waved from a distance. He was standing near a white fisherman's cottage with thatched roof. It's brightly coloured curtains beckoned invitingly. Alice knew this would be her new home. She felt excited and cheerful, like a young girl again. The salty spray on her cheeks lifted her spirits, giving confidence for the new life ahead.

There would be so much to learn in this new and modern world, that she felt her heart expand joyfully. And yet, there was sadness too! She could never return to Wonderland, with the cat the queen and the castle. Instead she would cherish her memories, and live happily ever after with the white rabbit, who even now, was running ahead and shouting - "We're late we're late for a very important date!''