Page 35 of Cheshire

Rabbit shook his head. “No one would ever think that, Eliza. I’m not sure what the plan is yet for handling the town. If we find those missing girls, and they come home, they may tell people your father was responsible. I don’t know if Cheshire and Hatter are going to tell them the truth, that we handled the problem and the sheriff won’t be an issue anymore, or if they’re going to fabricate something.”

“Thank you, Rabbit,” I whispered. “For understanding, for not judging me. And for the advice. I’ve never felt so at home anywhere before. All of you feel more like family than my father ever did.”

He smiled. “That’s what family’s for, Eliza. And yes, we’re your family. We love you, no matter what. Never forget that.”

I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew one thing for sure: with my Underland family by my side, I could face whatever came next, even if it meant battling my own demons.

Rabbit flipped through his sketch pad, revealing page after page of intricate drawings. Motorcycles, portraits, abstract designs. They were all really good. Good enough to hang in an art gallery.

I studied the sketches, marveling at the raw emotion captured in each line. “I didn’t know you were so talented, Rabbit,” I murmured, tracing a finger over a particularly haunting portrait. “These are beyond amazing.”

He shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. “It’s not about talent. It’s about expression. About letting go of all the shit that weighs me down and just creating something. Anything. I never know what’s going to end up on the page.”

I nodded, understanding dawning. My gaze fell to my own sketch. “Art therapy.”

“Exactly. And the best part? You can do it anytime, anywhere. Whenever you need to let it out, just pick up a pencil and let it flow. Doesn’t matter if you’re alone or with a group of people.”

I flipped to a new page in the sketch pad he’d given me. As I put pencil to paper once more, I felt a sense of purpose, of direction. I might not be able to change the past, but I could face the future head-on. One sketch at a time.

Time slipped away as Rabbit and I lost ourselves in our artwork. The kitchen became a sanctuary, a place where we could bare our souls without fear of judgment or ridicule. Although, I knew no one here at the clubhouse would ever condemn me for my thoughts and feelings. Not unless I did something to hurt myself or the club.

I glanced up from my sketch, studying Rabbit’s face as he worked. His brow was furrowed in concentration, his hand moving with a surety that came from years of practice. In that moment, he looked different. Lighter, somehow. The nervous energy that seemed to be such a big part of him melted away when he was drawing.

“I never knew how much I needed this,” I confessed.

“I’m happy to draw with you anytime. I know Jo showed you her poems. Did you see her sketchbook? She’s one hell of an artist. I know she’d be happy to draw with you any time.”

“Thank you, Rabbit,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “For this. For everything.”

He reached across the table, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “Anytime, Eliza.”

And in that moment, I realized Rabbit was my friend. A true friend, who saw me for who I was and accepted me, flaws and all. I’d not had a friend, ever. I’d never realized what it would feel like to be close to someone like this, to be accepted. Now I had many. Jo, Rabbit, and everyone else here. Except Cheshire… he was something more.

“Probably should wrap it up for now,” Rabbit said. “Jo will be in here any minute to start dinner. I bet she’d love some company.”

I nodded. “I can help too. I’m not the best cook, but I can at least do something, even if it’s chopping vegetables.”

We packed up the supplies, and Rabbit held out his hand. “I’ll take it to your room and leave it on the bed.”

I handed it off to him and waited for Jo. It didn’t take her long to enter the kitchen, a smile on her face.

“I saw Rabbit. He said you’re my helper tonight?”

“Yeah. But I told him I’m not a very good cook.” I wasn’t sure if I’d be a help or a hindrance.

“That’s okay. I’m not the best either. I’m learning as I go.” She placed a hand over her belly. “Need to figure all this out before the little one gets here.”

My eyes went wide. “You’re pregnant?”

She nodded. “Yep. Hatter hasn’t told everyone yet, though, so keep it quiet. Only Rabbit and Cheshire know.”

I made the motion of locking my lips. “I won’t say anything.”

“I trust you, Eliza. Now, come help. We’re making chicken wraps with onion and bell pepper.”

“Sounds yummy.” I moved closer to her. “What do you need me to do?”

“Well, you can start by setting the table. Then you can get the tortillas from the cabinet and warm them.”

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