“Did the Cheshire Cat study it?”
“Definitely. Tell me, what do you see around you, Alice?”
“Trees, pavement, and people walking outside my window.”
“And the passengers on the bus?”
“Normal people. I see an old woman who just bought some groceries. A young couple, probably heading to the university, too. A middle-aged man with a suitcase. He looks like a professor. And a few other regular people.”
“All sane?”
“I take this is a joke,” I smile as I write. “How do I know?”
“Sane people care too much about silly things, Alice,” the Pillar writes. “Is the professor checking his tie and jacket, maybe the suitcase? Does he look insecure about his looks?”
“He is checking his tie actually,” I write, and look around to see if the Pillar is on the bus, but he isn't.
“The couple. Are they holding hands? Do they look worried, not comfortable with others seeing them together?”
“No. They are chatting casually,” I write.
“Does one of them react more to the other? Look harder, Alice. Is one of them talking, making more of an effort to please the other?”
“Yes,” I write. “But that's normal. Why are you asking?”
“I'm not asking. I'm teaching you how to spot Wonderland Monsters. They don't have these human emotions and insecurities. A Wonderland Monster’s face is void of life. For instance, if you meet the Cheshire Cat, you'll know him from his grin. It will be an empty grin, void of these simple emotions you notice about the people on the bus.”
“The Wonderland Monsters look like normal people?” I write.
“At this time in history, yes. They are reincarnated in normal looking humans. It doesn't make them sane or friendly, though.”
“That’s reassuring :p.”
“Oh, you still remember emoticons. Where are you?”
“Close to Christ Church, like the map indicates. Should I get out there?” I write, making silly conversation. Having him on my phone isn't a bad idea. He keeps me company.
“Exactly. Once you reach St. Aldates Street, watch for the bus station closest to the Tom Tower, one of the college's most important entrances,” the Pillar says. I remember Dr. Truckle saying the Pillar made someone jump off the Tom Tower. “If my timing is correct, the bus should be stopping there in about five seconds,” he interrupts my thought.
The Pillar is right about the timing. I wonder how. The bus stops at St. Aldates Street. It's a beautiful entrance to Christ Church's College. A couple of students beat me to the door, as my stiffened legs are pondering if I really want to do this. I shrug, and it feels like I have a lump in my throat. Stepping out of the bus looks like a big commitment to catch a crazy killer.
Suddenly, a boy bumps into me from behind. "Don't act like a tourist," he whispers in my ear. "Or they'll figure out who you really are."
His voice sends a strange shiver to my soul. A good one, although I can sense he's arrogant, and too sure of himself. Before I turn around to look at him, I notice he smells of playing cards.
Chapter 18
St. Aldates Street, Tom Tower Entrance, Christ Church, Oxford University
It's not the most amazing smell, but it reminds me of old books and things as ancient as human souls. The boy pushes me ahead to get off the bus with the other students. I don't have a chance to tilt my head and see his face.
"Goodbye, fat, old, and obnoxious bus driver, whatever your name is," he salutes the driver and nudges me off the bus as it hits the road again. I am surprised the bus driver doesn’t slam back at the boy’s rudeness.
On the ground, I turn around and flash my angry face at the boy. Something I am very good at. "Who the heck do you think you...?" All of a sudden, I can't speak. The boy wears a hoodie like me, and he has this peculiar smile. Peculiar in what way, I can't put my finger on it. It's like a soft smirk of mischief that is softened by the dimples on both cheeks. It makes him look familiar and oddly trustworthy. I can't yell at him. I wonder if that’s why the bus driver took his insult lightly.
As the moment freezes, the boy looks down at me. A strand of black hair dangles on his forehead as he hangs onto his backpack. It's a funny bag with all kinds of playing cards glued to it. They're all Jacks of Diamonds. I guess that's where the smell comes from. It's really silly. It doesn't match his good looks.
"Wow, girl,” he breaks the silence. “We’re not even going to kiss yet. I need comfort, dates, and little cuddling before I go there.”
“What?” my face tenses. I can’t seem to shake off what people around me say. I feel insulted by his remarks. Did I really get lost in his attractive face that much? “I don’t even know you.”
“After all we’ve been through on the bus?” his eyes widen, and he cups his mouth with one hand. “I was so close to dying for you. All you had to do was ask.”