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Alice Woodward was never going to be the same. Her and her father had lived through the apocalypse, they had survived! But Alice’s mind was still filled with song, lyrics still fell from her lips, her eyes still glowed blue; and she vomited blue. Alice got up quick and stumbled towards the bathroom, feeling sick. She reached the toilet, her knees shaking; she collapsed to the floor and threw up blue. After wiping her mouth, she went back to her room, picking up her childhood plushie - a pink bunny with floppy ears, she laid back down in bed and tried her hardest to sleep, but the only thing in her mind was the fear, she almost killed her dad. It’s your fault. It’s your fault. It’s your fault. It’s your fault. It’s your fault. It’s your fault. It’s your fault. It’s your fault. It’s your fault. It’s your fault. It’s all your fault.
Alice didn’t know when she got up, or when she opened the door to her father’s bedroom, but all she knows is that she’s standing in his doorway; bunny plushie in hand, looking more small and vulnerable than ever. Bill stirred, looking up at his daughter, all he could see was his baby girl who would come into his room at night, crying, to tell him about a nightmare she had, he’d comfort her and tell her everything was alright until she cried herself to sleep. This was still his daughter, though her gentle brown eyes were no longer her color, they were vibrant and unnatural. “Papa.” Alice called softly before limping over to the bed. Bill looked up, patting the spot next to him, he looked tired, Alice couldn’t really get tired anymore, not since The Hive. Bill moved closer to his daughter, running his hand through her hair. “Alice, baby, what’s wrong?” Alice teared up.
“Papa, I’m scared.” Alice murmured, her voice was shaky and small, Bill hadn’t seen her like this since she was tiny. He gently rocked her back and forth. “Shh, shh, shh.” Alice started to cry into her papa’s shoulder. “Shh, honey, it’s okay.” Alice looked up at him with tear-filled eyes, Bill teared up a bit himself at the sight. “It’s my fault. I almost killed you.” Alice croaked. “No- no, sweetheart, it’s not your fault.” Bill cooed, holding onto Alice’s shaking hands. “I didn’t mean- I-“ Alice started. “I know, I know.” Bill reassured. “It was the hive’s fault.” Bill lifted his hand back up to her hair, running through the locks; Alice continued to cry. “Hey, hey. Let’s think about something else, okay?” Bill coaxed. “Tell me about that musical you like.” Alice smiled shakily. “Okay, so, it starts with Janis nd Damien - you know, like, from the movie - talking about Cady, who moved from Africa and got into a lot of trouble, oops, that’s a spoiler, anyway so, it cuts to Cady in her home-“
Bill listened intently as she spoke. And when she got halfway through the synopsis, the invader in her mind screamed at her, wanting her to comply, to sing, to join him. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us, Alice. You’ll have so much fun. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Die. Alice. Die. Join- the thoughts Alice didn’t want were cut off by a loud piano, and before she knew it, a note left her mouth. “You, no need to run away, you little runaway.” Bill squeezed her hand; looking up at her with a mix of concern and fear. “Cause the nightmare will get you soon.” Alice’s eyes grew brighter. “No need to contemplate, how deeply that you’re afraid.” Alice continued to sing against her will. Until she pushed harder to gain control of her body; her bright blue eyes flickered back to her normal brown, and she fell back onto the soft bed. Thump.
Bill reached for her hand again as she dozed off. He watched her eyes slam shut. He looked at her. He watched her eyes flutter open. He watched her eyes return to blue. “Hey, dad.” Bill smiled, reaching for her hand again. “Hey, Al-pal.” Alice leaped forward, hugging him. “Easy, easy!” Bill chuckled, he was right, Alice still felt sluggish and a little dizzy. “Sorry.” She murmured. “Can I, uh, sleep in here? Please?” She asked, how could Bill say no to that cute face? “Of course, honey.” Alice crawled under the covers and so did Bill, they rolled over the same way, and from a space in the bed, Alice reached for his hand; Bill smiled, still facing away from his baby girl. “Night, dad, I love you.” Alice murmured. “Goodnight, Al, I love you too.” Alice’s thoughts wandered, The Hive screaming at her once again while she tried to sleep, she ended up whispering song lyrics into her pillow to get them off her tongue. She cried herself to sleep; having more nightmares about the apocalypse.
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Alice Woodward woke up and walked to the bathroom as if on autopilot, and started to wash her face, but halfway through, her eyes grew even brighter and the whispers in her mind grew even louder. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us. Join us, Alice. Soon, she was singing again. “I’m not your girl anymore, I’m not that tween that you drove here for.” The singing continued as she moved to the kitchen to make herself some coffee, and as her father walked in, she felt sick again. She felt sick, she rushed to the bathroom. After wiping her mouth, she gazed up at the mirror, her reflection smiled; she smiled, no she didn’t! Get out of my head Get out of my head Get out of my head Get out of my head Get out of my head Get out of my head Get out of my head Get out of my head Get out of my head Get out of my head Get out of my head Get out of my head Get out of my head Get out of my head Get out of my head! Alice didn’t remember punching the mirror. She didn’t remember her dads’ tears as he walked in on her; her knuckles bruised and bloody. She didn’t remember.
She looked up as her papa tended to her wounds. “Did I just?” She gazed back to the broken mirror, her blood staining the glass. “You did, but it’s okay. I’ll get it fixed.” Alice began to cry again. “I’m so sorry dad, I-i just zoned out, the music was so loud, a-and when I came to, the mirror was broken.” Bill continued to clean up her hand. “I understand, sweetheart, I’m not mad at you.” But The Hive told her he was mad at her. He’s mad at you, he doesn’t love you, Alice. But we do. I do. Rejoice. Rejoice. Rejoice. He doesn’t love you, Alice. But we do. I do. Rejoice. Rejoice. Rejoice. Don’t be afraid. Allie! You’ll be with us soon. Alice’s hand shot up to her ears, she was in tears. “Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up!” Bill gently moved her hands away from her ears. “Allie, what’s wrong? Calm down, baby, you’re gonna hurt yourself.” Alice looked vulnerable again, like a rabbit about to be eaten. “Honey, honey. I’m not gonna hurt you.” Bill assured. “Can you look at me?” Alice nodded hesitantly and met his gaze. “Good, good, do you wanna talk about it, or watch a movie to forget?” Alice smiled, holding onto him. “Movie. Please.” She cried. Bill helped her up and put away the first aid kit. “Movie it is!”
Alice and Bill moved to the couch, Bill picked out ‘Wizard of Oz’ and as the movie started, Alice sat close to her father, her hands were folded in her lap, and she started to fidget with her fingers as she watched the screen; and like always, she made a ‘ Wicked’ reference when Glinda showed up. Bill was used to it at this point, and would ask her questions about the musical after watching the movie. “Hey, Alice?” Bill murmured, Alice looked up. “How are you doing?” He asked. “I’m fine.” She lied. Lying now, Allie? Such a good actress, you’ll fit right in. you’ll fit right in. you’ll fit right in. you’ll fit right in. you’ll fit right in. Alice shook the voices away. “Actually, n-no, I’m not.” She admitted. Bill ran his hand through her hair. “That’s okay, sweetheart.” Bill reassured, his eyes now on her. “I’m still scared.” Alice whispered. “I don’t want this, dad.” Her hands gripped his shoulder. “I wanna be normal again.” She cried. Bill gently pried her hand away from his shoulder. “Alice, everything’s gonna be okay. I know it’s not gonna be the same, but we’ll figure something out, I promise.” Alice started to cry again, and halfway through the movie, she fell asleep with her head on her papa’s shoulder, Bill pulled her closer; letting her sleep.
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A week later, Alice was fixing her lipstick in the bathroom of Hatchetfield High (she had moved schools soon after she moved in with her dad.) and she heard a familiar voice behind her, nasally, high pitched. Ruth. Ruth Esther Fleming. “Alice!” Ruth ran over to her girlfriend. Alice smiled, her blue eyes filling with joy. “Ruthie!” Alice leaned down to kiss the shorter girl on the cheek. “How have you been holding up?” Ruth asked; tilting her head, noticing the glow in Alice’s eyes and the difference in her smile. I’ve been great! “I’ve been” a pause. “Not good.” The Hive screamed at her for telling the truth. “Yeah, what happened definitely messed us all up.” Ruth moved closer to her. “But I’m here for you, Allie.” Ruth reached for her girlfriend’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze; making Alice smile genuinely, beneath The Hive’s facade. “It’s gonna be okay.” Ruth murmured. “Hey, would you wanna come watch a play at the Starlight with me? purely a play, no music.” Alice looked back to the mirror, putting her lipstick back in her purse. “I’d like that, Ruthie.” Ruth kissed her quickly and left the bathroom to go to class. Alice noticed Sof, Deb, and Danny from the smoke club hanging out in the corner; they looked at her. She waved shyly before booking it to the hallway to follow Ruth.
Alice put her purse on the back of her chair and sat down, listening to Ms. Mulberry, she was doing a good job of taking notes and listening, until the music crashed loudly, like someone slamming their body onto a piano; the piano started, then the lyrics. I'm not your girl anymore, I'm not that tween that you drove here for, then the electric guitar, then the drums, then the guitar again. I'm not your girl anymore, I'm not that tween that you drove here for. I'm not your girl anymore. I overtook her body with an infectious spore. I'm not your girl anymore, I'm not that tween that you ABANDONED! - Alice slammed her hands over her ears, and with tears in her eyes, she looked up at the ginger woman at the front of the room and raised her hand. “Miss Mulberry? Can I go to the bathroom?” She asked. Mulberry noticed how upset she looked, and frowned. “Of course, dear.” the girl grabbed her bag and went to the bathroom; Alice stood in front of the mirror, the blue in her eyes worsened, she closed them, and when she opened them there was a man standing behind her, he looked like her dad, but he was dressed in all blue. Pure, blinding blue.
He wore fancy furs and feathers, his vibrant azure eyes glowed, and in his hand he held a stone mask with blue goo dripping from the cracks. Alice turned to look at him closer. “Dad?” She whispered, her eyes meeting his. Hello, songbird, and no, I am not your father. He waved his mask. How is The Hive treating you? It asked. Alice’s eyes widened. “It’s you!” She exclaimed. Indeed, my dear. Her eyes filled with rage. “You bastard!” Her hands shook. “Why, why why why why why?” Her voice shook and she collapsed. “Get out of my head.”She demanded. The creature stepped closer; lifting her head. Rejoice, Alice. Your apotheosis is upon you. Your apotheosis is upon you. Your apotheosis is upon you. Your apotheosis is upon you. Your apotheosis is upon you. Your apotheosis is upon you. Your apotheosis is upon you. Your apotheosis is upon you. Your - Alice felt the blue in her throat, she felt the lyrics on her tongue, she felt the fear, she felt someone’s warm hand holding hers. “Alice, Alice!” A nasally voice. Ruth. Alice looked up at her girlfriend. Her sweet girl didn’t need to see her like this. Alice leaped forward, hugging Ruth, but careful not to knock her over. “I’m so sorry, Ruth. I think I just hallucinated.” Ruth hugged her back, letting her cry. “Alice, there’s nothing to apologize for, you did nothing wrong.” Ruth would be one of our finest actresses, Allie, let her join us. Alice covered her ears once again when the music got even louder, electric guitar and drums and electric guitar and drums and electric guitar and drums electric guitar and drums and electric guitar and drums and electric guitar and drums and electric guitar. Her eyes met Ruth’s. “You still wanna go to that show later?” Alice nodded.
“Cool. Let’s get back to class.” Ruth coaxed, helping her up. Alice adjusted her sweater and held Ruth’s hand; Ruth walked her to class and helped her into her seat. Miss Mulberry greeted Alice with a concerned smile. “I hope you’re feeling better, Miss Woodward.” She said. “I am, Miss Mulberry, thank you.” Miss Mulberry smiled wider, and she continued teaching the class, but kept a watchful eye on Alice the whole time. Alice smiled at her teachers concern, and continued to pay attention to the lesson. After school, Mulberry approached Alice to check up on her; tapping her student’s shoulder “Hey, honey.” She called in that high pitched voice of hers. “How are you feeling? You looked upset earlier.” Alice chuckled, the laugh sounding like a melody. “I’m just feeling a little sick today.” Alice coughed into her elbow. But, having a daughter herself, Mulberry knew that she was lying. “Honey, tell me what’s wrong. I’m a very good listener.” Alice sighed. “I didn’t - fully - recover from the apotheosis.” Mulberry let out a small gasp, but continued to listen. “The music is still there, and it gets so loud sometimes, and I hallucinated The Hive in a human form before I came back to class.” Alice sighed, her body beginning to shake again. “I feel like I’m going insane.” Mulberry gently put a hand on her shoulder; seeing how she flinched, the woman then immediately moved her hand away from Alice. “You’re not insane, honey.” Mulberry reassured, but Alice didn’t want to hear it. “I’ve gotta go, Miss. I’m sorry.” Alice rushed out.
Alice met up with Ruth soon after, and they went to the Starlight to see the non-musical play, as promised. Ruth had gotten them front row seats. Alice sat next to her, holding her hand. The play was short, one act; in fact, but it was nice, concise, entertaining, and bittersweet, just how Alice liked it. Ruth swung their intertwined hands back and forth as they walked to the exit. “So, did you like it?” Ruth asked. Alice nodded. “Yeah.” Alice squeezed her hand. “You wanna go back to my place? Have a sleepover like we used to?” Ruth grinned from behind her headgear. “I’d like that, Allie.” As soon as Alice got home, Ruth collapsed onto her couch, and Alice called out “Dad! Ruth’s gonna be staying over!” Bill called back. “Alright, are her parents okay with that?” Alice looked over at Ruth, who shrugged. “I don’t know, Mr. Woodward! I’ll text them real quick.” Alice heard Bill mutter something like ‘kids and their phones’ Alice rolled her eyes at that, and joined Ruth on the couch, cuddling close to her. Bill watched them both from his place in the kitchen. “Hey, Alice?” Bill started. “Did you enjoy the show? The one you texted me about.” He asked, Alice nodded. “Yeah, I did.” Bill smiled at that. “I’m glad.” Alice rested her head on Ruth’s shoulder, and took her hand in hers. “I’m tired.” Alice yawned, Ruth ran a hand through her hair. “Then sleep, Allie, I’ve got you.” Alice soon fell asleep to the sound of her two favorite people talking. The Hive screamed at her for being in peace, but she screamed back, she deserved peace.
She may still be infected, but at least she has this.