Wedding Bells

Turning over in bed, Jimmy skimmed his thick joined fingers over the pillow next to him finding it empty.

In the distance he could hear Alice's horse neighing, clapping his hooves, the sound resembling thunder as he galloped over the hills.

Lifting the shade he stood at the window, a wide smile instantly spreading across his handsome face watching her at her happiest, his Alice riding through the meadow, her strawberry hair flying high in the air behind her.

Bathing quickly he ran down the stairs his heart pounding to touch her, to feel her close, to know this wasn't a dream.

Three days had passed without incident, Jimmy had done what he was told, as always since he was a child, following his mother's wishes, now Elsa's orders.

The first step was accomplished, they now had a valid marriage license, all there was left to do was have the ceremony and she would be safe, Elsa would have her land, to perform her shows with her freaks forever without harm or interference from anyone.

Jimmy was no fool, he knew Elsa had her faults, but he was sure she was a woman of her word, and in turn Alice would be safe.

Somewhere in the meadow a young girl was growing up fast, knowing better, realizing that they were both in trouble.

Looking around the kitchen Jimmy sighed with relief, the house was spotless, scrubbed clean thanks to Eve and Paul, he figure that at the very least it was another step in the right direction, some esemblance of peace for Alice.

With the smell of Bleach dissipated, the murder of her parents and the evidence had been washed away as if it had never happened.

All was going to plan, or so Jimmy thought, but sometimes what we want to be true, and the reality of that truth can be worlds apart.

With a heart as big as the sun and just as warm, his love, loyalty and devotion was the center of everything that he did.

Especially when it came to his Alice, all thoughts were aimed at keeping her alive, keeping their dream of a happy life together going for as long as possible.

Tonight at dusk, he would marry Alice, and in doing so hand over the deed to the farm, insuring his bride's safety, also protection for the people he grew to know as family and all would be right.

Surprised that no one was around, Jimmy pushed open the screen door and rushed outside, fresh from a shower, and clean clothes.

All apple cheeked and wet slicked back hair, he spread a wide toothy grin at his reason for living, towards the most beautiful girl he had ever known.

"There's the soon to be Mrs. Darling! You had me worried for a minute gorgeous, is everything alright?"

Jumping off her steed, she ran her fingers along Peter's auburn mane before leading him to the barn.

"I'm sorry Jimmy, I didn't mean to worry you, you looked so peaceful, I didn't have the heart to wake you."

Watching her every move, she slid the saddle off of Peter placing him back next to his Wendy, before pushing a good size chunk of hay toward him as if she was an expert.

Impressed he couldn't help himself as he pulled her in fast, taking her by surprise causing a loud giggle to escape from her soft pink lips.

"Jimmy!"

He smiled against her neck as a hail of fiery curls rained down over his cheek.

Breathing her in, he rasped gruffly smoothing his hands around her small waist.

"Sweetheart you smell like vanilla and cinnamon rolls, how is that possible?"

Squeezing him tight she gazed off onto the rolling green hills punctuated by purple and yellow flowers as butterflies swirled around in the heat of the summer breeze.

Cautioning her voice she felt a twinge of guilt swirl in her stomach, but quickly willed it away.

She had one chance at tonight, one shot at making sure he was safe, that Elsa didn't get close enough to hurt her Jimmy.

Talking to the others she was convinced that Elsa wouldn't trust him in end, that she wouldn't take the risk of losing the farm and all that free land, that she would not only kill her, but he would be next.

Alice also knew that if Jimmy was aware of their plan he'd never go through with it, he would never agree to put her in harms way.

She had no choice but to keep him in the dark, make him believe that he was the one keeping them safe.

"I went into town today, got some much needed groceries, picked up some supplies, I thought it was best to stop the deliveries for awhile, safer if I picked them up myself, the fewer eyes watching this place the better."

Pulling back to look into the innocence of her bright green eyes he immediately began to panic.

"Alice, what did you say? What excuse did you give to the suppliers that your… parents… that they..."

Afraid of being cruel, worrying that she had once again lost time, her mind blocking her memories like before, he recoiled his words.

But just like Wendy Darling in Peter Pan, she had returned from Neverland, fully aware that to save them both she'd have to grow up, leaving her days of adventure and fantasy far behind to live in the real world.

Seeing his concern she placed her hands over his, giving him a small nod.

"Not to worry, I told everybody that momma and daddy were visiting relatives up north, on account of a death in the family. Folks get uncomfortable speaking of such things, there were no questions, everything's ok. I remember Jimmy, I promise, I won't forget again.

Pulling her in for another hug he whispered softly stroking her hair, wishing he could take all her pain away.

"Is there anything I can do, anything to ease your suffering, all I want to do is protect you Alice, to keep you safe, I love you so much."

Rising up on her toes, Alice kissed him tenderly, drifting her hand down his chest.

"All I ask is that you go back to your trailer, get some rest, get into your suit, and be back here at seven sharp with Elsa for the ceremony."

Furrowing his eyebrows Jimmy shook his head, unwilling to let her out of his sight.

"Oh no doll, I want to help. You can't do everything by yourself, my momma invited all the carnie folks, between the food and setting up chair and tables, I have to stay and help."

Giving him a stern glare, she pointed her finger into his chest, backing him up little by little with each word until he was flush against one of the stalls.

"Now you listen here Mr. Darling, it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, and we've had just about all the bad luck we can handle. All you need to do is show up and answer yes to any question that comes your way."

Laughing at her attempt at being bossy, he put his hands up surrendering.

"Yes ma'am, whatever you say."

Raising one eyebrow as she slipped her tiny hands between his thick fingers bringing them to her lips for a soft kiss, to replied teasingly.

"Oh Mr. Darling you are going to make one fine husband."

Feeling his belt buckle release, Jimmy jerked his head around fast as her hand curved around him feeling himself instantly harden.

Breathless he tried to crane his head around the door of the barn to see if any vehicles were in front of the house.

"Alice! We're out in the open, anyone can walk in on us!"

Slipping out of her shorts, Alice mewed taking his hand directing it between her thighs.

"It's okay, everyone is out doing errands, we have time, I just want to feel you inside, before everything starts, just one last time while everything is still calm and peaceful here, please Jimmy."

Spinning Alice around, lost in her touch, in the way she instantly responded to him deep inside stroking her, he nodded unable to speak.

Their kisses were urgent, desperate, laced with dangerous possibilities swirling in both their minds that the night might bring less than the happiness it promised.

Lifting her effortlessly he wrapped her legs around him before surging hard inside.

Stilling for a moment, attempting to catch his breath, he pressed his forehead to hers wondering if he'd ever get used to the feeling of being safe and warm within her, if the sensation of his stomach dropping, fluttering, twisting in delicious knots each time would ever go away.

Slower now, sinking into her, making every thrust something of fireworks and music he watched her every breath, each whimper and moan, his dark black eyes speaking wordlessly of his endless devotion to her, his never ending appreciation for changing his life, for loving him.

aJa

Watching him drive away Alice sighed praying that what she had set in motion was all going to plan.

Bridges of trust had been built, but they were new, fragile, and her life, and the life she deserved to spend with Jimmy depended on them completely.

Turning to walk away she knew it was out of her hands, fate, and the new friends she had made were now in control, there was nothing more she could do.

aJa

Late in the afternoon cicadas screeched loud in the woods not far away, while the hot midday sun began to make it's way down past the meadow.

The carnie folk Jimmy considered family had practically finished setting everything up.

An archway of flowers was placed in the high grass overlooking the setting sun, Alice stared at it picturing Jimmy standing next to her, hand in hand, making vows that would tie them together forever in life and possibly death.

aJa

Gosh darn it, this better work, or we're all going to end up in prison.

"She's a smart bird Ethel, her plan is solid, we just have to see this through, we owe Jimmy at least that much."

Positioning the bodies of Alice's mother and father in their old jalopy of a car, Ethel placed her hands over her ears as Eve fired two shots, before placing gun on the seat between them.

Peaking inside the car Paul nodded satisfied.

"Right good job Eve, the blood splatter looks consistent with a murder/suicide."

Looking over at Ethel blotting sweat from her brow, Eve held out her hand waiting for the hammer that she used to kill the neighbor across the street from Charles.

"Here ya go."

Placing it next to the knife that Eve used on Charles, along with the marriage certificate to Alice everything was all set.

Sighing Ethel took a swig of whiskey, breaking her no drinking rule.

"So let me get this straight, the cops are supposed to believe that Alice's parents had gone and killed Charles and then that nosey neighbor."

Shrugging Paul walked back to the truck, more worried about what was to come.

"All the murder weapons are there, there are no other suspects, Alice is far too small to take down a bloke that size, not to mention get across the street to get that neighbor."

Running up to Eve, Ethel pulled on her sleeve. "What about my Jimmy? What happens when the cops find out that she married so soon, he'll be the number one suspect then for sure."

Tired, worried also about what was left to do, Eve got behind the wheel.

"No one will be believe that Jimmy could have the dexterity to wield a gun and knife with those claws, besides no one but us will know they've gotten hitched, he'll be fine, I promise you. We've gotta get back, we don't have much time to clean up before the ceremony starts, you know we can't afford to be late."

Sliding in the backseat Ethel rung her hands nervously, terrified that they would all be caught, and not by the cops.

aJa

Standing before her mother's antique full length mirror Alice spun around in a simple white sundress.

Holding a mixture of daisies, violets, and dandelions, she smiled into her reflection while her flaming curly hair flowed around her sun kissed shoulders.

She looked lovely, like the Alice she was always meant to be, without a stitch of makeup and bare feet, just a simple country girl.

The days of girdles, high heels, fancy stiff dresses and the suburban life she loathed had faded away with the rest of the dark memories she held at a distance.

Hearing the sound of Elsa's car, Alice rushed to the window holding her breath watching as Jimmy helped her from the passenger seat.

Lifting her chin, refusing to show fear, to compromise the plan she slowly made her way down the stairs.

Peeking out the window as darkness covered the hills she sighed at the sight of paper lanterns that covered the meadow and all around the flowered arch where she was to stand and take her vows.

Her heart began to pound as a cloud of blonde hair emerged from the shadows.

It was Elsa holding Ma' Petite in her arms.

"Well, don't you look stunning, I hope you don't mind our intrusion, we just wanted to make sure you weren't suffering from a case of cold feet."

Forcing a smile, Alice shook her head confidently as she spotted Elsa's pistol hidden beneath a velvet cape she was wearing special for the occasion.

Staring at her unflinchingly, Alice knew that Elsa wanted to waste no time, it was clear that she would be coming that night, she wanted everything for herself, to own the farm and all its land outright, even if it meant killing Jimmy too.

"No ma'am, I'm ready if Jimmy is."

Nodding Elsa gave her a long hard stare before disappearing back to her seat.

Hearing her cue as someone turned on some wordless music, Alice took a deep breath.

Feeling the cool green grass between her toes Alice made the long journey through a trail of flickering lights to the boy who had stolen her heart.

Jimmy looked as handsome as ever in a deep blue suit that was preserved for shows where the need was prevalent.

A audible sound of ooh's and ahh's washed over the small crowd as Alice appeared.

Everyone was there, anxious to see Jimmy finally get what he deserved, what they all deserved, a chance at happiness.

Taking her time keeping her eyes locked with Jimmy, Alice did her best to smile, acting like the blushing bride they were all expecting.

"Alice… you… you're so beautiful." Jimmy breathed out sweetly making everyone sigh feeling swept up in the romance of the night.

With Paul standing between them, dressed in his best formal wear the ceremony was finally set to begin.

Keeping a sharp eye on Jimmy, still worried that he would duck out of his promise, Elsa was distracted as Eve took Ma Petite from her, safely placing her out of harms way.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here, among friends… family really, to unite our own Jimmy Darling with lovely Alice … "

Soon the exchange of rings and words were made cementing them together forever under the stars.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss your bride!"

Smiling widely, happier than he'd ever been, or ever imagined he'd be, Jimmy took Alice in his arms kissing her with all the love in his heart, nearing taking her breath away.

His family, the ones he had protected most of his days, erupted in applause and cheers so loud that it drowned out the sound of a sharp razor slicing across skin and the bright red gush of blood.

Taking Jimmy's hand, Alice held her bouquet up in the air celebrating, while everyone threw a mass of rainbow confetti over them.

Jimmy was completely oblivious as they walked down the aisle, Elsa was silent, locked in a wide eyed look of shock, never did she think her monsters would betray her, but she was wrong, dead wrong.

Her life faded fast as several organs were stabbed and diced repeatedly with years of vengeance unleashed.

Looking back over her shoulder, Alice made eye contact with Ethel, a silent bond was made between them.

In exchange for Elsa's death, they were no longer freaks, but people who would always have a place to live, working and living on Jimmy and Alice's farm, being treated as equals, with dignity and respect.

It was Jimmy's dream from the beginning, a way out, not just for him, but for everyone.

Ethel thought it was impossible, unattainable, now she knew different.

Now Ethel truly understood that her boy was special, and very much loved, and when there is love, anything is possible.

the end

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thank you to all that followed this story, once again I apologize for taking so long to finish it, Dinah and latinangel38, thank you so much for your wonderful replies :)