Alice's Story: Part 3 (Mattel The Twilight Saga Eclipse Alice)

So, now I know what Treesa was hiding. She didn't buy my Jasper because she already HAD a Jasper doll. But she couldn't just come clean and tell me that. She waited until Wedding Bells and Wedward were gone, then she introduced me to Joy.

I have nothing against Joy. I don't think Treesa told HER anything either, and when Treesa introduced us Joy seemed really friendly. Then Treesa left us alone. She probably didn't want to be there when I met Jasper because she knew I'd be upset.

Anyway, Joy and me were talking when Jasper showed up. I was so surprised at first all I could do was stare at him. Joy noticed where I was looking and said, "That's my brother Jasper. Don't mind him. He doesn't talk much. Jasper, this is Alice."

My head was spinning. Was this MY Jasper? Would Treesa have bought him and not told me, wanting to keep it a surprise? Then I noticed this Jasper was staring at me, staring at me in a way my Jasper never had. "Hello Alice," Jasper said quietly. That's when I knew he had to be a different Jasper doll. He didn't call me Allie, and his voice didn't have that playful, teasing tone my Jasper always had.

Part of me wanted to track Treesa down and give her a piece of my mind, and part of me wanted to burst into tears. I made some excuse and got out of there as fast as I could. It was probably really rude of me, but I knew I needed to calm down before I said anything I'd regret to Joy, or Jasper.

I have nothing against Jasper either. It's not his fault he looks just like the doll I fell in love with. And if he likes me as much as I think he does, well, that's not his fault either. He's tried to talk to me again once or twice. I want to be polite, but I don't want to encourage him, so it's easier to just avoid him. The thing is, I think Jasper realized I'm uncomfortable around him. If he sees me across the room he'll wave, but he doesn't walk over to me anymore. He lets me have my space.  Sooner or later though, I'll probably have to tell him about my Jasper. I just hope he'll understand.

Alice

Joy's Story (unidentified blond Barbie)

 

I know I'm not the oldest doll in the collection, but I've been around long enough to learn a few things. The most important thing I've learned is that dolls who want to live happier lives, need to learn to go with the flow. Dolls' lives are unpredictable. Any doll can end up separated from their friends and family, sold or donated, put in storage, or paired up with another doll they can't stand. Our human owners decide a lot of things for us, so it's easy to build up grudges against humans. But dolls who spend their whole life carrying grudges around with them usually end up angry and bitter. I know it's not easy, but dolls live much happier lives if they try to make the best of things. At least, that's my experience.

 

It took me a while to figure this out. It didn't really sink in until after Treesa bought me. Before that I was just as guilty of holding grudges as anybody. My first owner was a little girl who, like most little kids, wasn't very good at picking up after herself. She'd usually leave me lying on the floor in the nude. Then she'd end up accidentally stepping on me. There were other things she'd do, little things I always blew out of proportion. At the time I took it all personally. Then one day the family had a yard sale, and she sold me to Treesa. Even though my life with my first owner didn't match my ideal, knowing she didn't want me anymore did a number on my self-esteem. I felt like I might as well have been thrown away.

 

My downer mood took a turn after Treesa brought me home and found me something to wear. She spent a lot of time trying to find just the right look for me.

 

 

It had been a while since a human had given me that much personal attention, so I thought I would be showered with attention from then on. I realize now my expectations were a tad unrealistic. Treesa wasn't a kid anymore, so she didn't play with her dolls. She considered herself a collector (a deboxer sure, but still a collector). This was also before us dolls started talking to Treesa, before she started trying to see things from our point of view.

 

Anyway, Treesa sort of ignored me for a while after that. I ended up getting sort of broody and depressed. Then one day I realized there were other dolls in the collection who weren't getting any more attention than I was, but they were still happy. I decided I needed to change my attitude. From then on, I was going to focus on all the good things about my life. I started making a mental list of all the things I had to be grateful for. So what if I didn't get to do photo shoots like some of Treesa's other dolls? At least I didn't get left on the floor anymore. That was definitely an improvement.

 

Now that Treesa is actually trying to figure out what us dolls want, things have gotten even better. But Treesa still has a habit of meddling with our lives. It's like she can't help herself. I still remember how she introduced me to my brother. One day I was minding my own business when Treesa came over and whisked me off to another part of the room. "Hey Joy," she said. "Sorry to bother you. I just want to compare your skin tone to Jasper's." It wasn't the strangest thing I'd ever heard come ou of Treesa's mouth. And I'll admit I was a little curious who Jasper was and what our skin tones had to do with anything.

 

Treesa set me down next to a male doll I assumed was Jasper. He definitely had a unique look going on. His skin was even paler than mine, and there was something really different about his eye color. Treesa studied us both and said, "Not quite a match, but still pretty close." Then she smiled, and I realized I was in trouble. I knew Treesa liked playing matchmaker, even though she'd never tried to match me up with anyone before.

 

Then Treesa said, "You two could be siblings!" Somehow, I managed not to roll my eyes. Treesa was just as notorious for pairing up siblings as she was for her matchmaking. Just ask her Build A Bear collection.

 

Treesa turned to me with a smirk and said, "I always said you looked like a vampire." It wasn't the first time she'd said something like that. It was one of her private jokes, like the one about Dandelion's parents being hippies. I don't exactly get it, but I think it has something to do with my pale skin, red lips, and red painted fingernails.

 

Treesa turned towards the door and said, "I've got to go. Joy, would you mind showing Jasper around? He's new. Thanks." Treesa left the room before I could answer. So there I was, expected to play tour guide to a doll she hadn't really bothered to introduce me to. I'll admit, even with my improved attitude, I was still annoyed. There's a difference between going with the flow, and getting walked over.

 

I was still staring at the door Treesa had left from when Jasper caught my attention by saying, "Sorry". I turned to him and smiled lightly, trying not to let him see how annoyed I was. After all, it wasn't his fault. "Don't be sorry," I said. "It's not your fault Treesa bailed on us."

 

"I meant about the vampire comment," Jasper said. I probably looked as confused as I felt. "Why would you be sorry about that?" I asked.

 

"I'm a vampire," Jasper said. "At least, my character is." This wasn't something I'd expected to hear. For a few seconds I just stood there blinking. "Oh, you're a character doll?" I finally said, since I didn't know what else to say.

 

"From the Twilight series," Jasper said with a nod. I wasn't sure where to go with the conversation after that, so I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "I guess that explains your funny name," I said. Jasper looked puzzled. "My name?" he asked. I realized then just how rude I'd been. "It's just...kind of different is all," I said, hoping Jasper wouldn't be insulted. "I've never met a doll named Jasper before."

 

"It's the name I came with," Jasper said, still sounding puzzled. "Didn't you come with the name Joy?"

 

"No, Treesa named me that," I said. "Treesa couldn't i.d. me, but she thought I might be a holiday doll, because of my skin tone and coloring."

 

"Are you?" Jasper asked, sounding genuinely curious. I actually had to think about that. Finally I said, "To be honest I don't remember." I was really embarrassed now.  I tried to brush it off by saying, "You know how it is once you're redressed and your kid starts playing with you."

 

Jasper didn't say anything for a while. Finally he said, "No, I don't. Treesa just took me out of my box a few minutes ago." Now I was even more embarrassed. "I'm sorry," I said. "I didn't realize...Treesa usually buys used dolls," I explained. Now that I was really looking, I noticed Jasper's clothes still looked crisp and neat. That should have been a giveaway.

 

It was an awkward first meeting, but as I showed Jasper around we slowly got more comfortable with each other. After about two months, we decided we wouldn't mind being brother and sister. If Treesa had been trying to play matchmaker we would have fought her. But they say you need to pick your battles, and me and Jasper agreed it was easier to just go along with what Treesa wanted.

 

Jasper turned out to be a great brother. He doesn't have much of a sense of humor, but I know I can count on him if things get tough. Lately though, I've noticed something a little...off about Jasper. I can't really explain it, but it's like he's...quieter than he used to be. I mean, Jasper's always been a little quiet, especially when he first meets someone. It takes time for Jasper to warm up to new dolls. We met Alice last week and Jasper barely said a word to her.

 

But like I said, this is different. It's like there's something going on he doesn't want to talk about, but he's still carrying it around with him. I've let him know he can talk to me about anything, anytime, if he wants to. But so far, whatever it is, he's keeping it to himself. I really hope he's ok.

 

From: Joy

To: The World





Quick Update from Shade (rebodied blue-haired Mattel fairy)

 

Remember how I said my brother needed a girlfriend? Ever heard the expression, 'be careful what you wish for'? That's right, my big brother Orlando's in love. Her name's Celeste and she's an Evening Star Princess Barbie. Treesa found her at the thrift store.

 

The thing is, I've met Celeste and she just seems so...distant I guess. She doesn't talk much, and when she does she's really formal to everybody. And I haven't really seen her hanging out with the other dolls much either. She's always by herself. Not to mention she keeps getting this look in her eyes, like her mind's somewhere else.

 

I know she just got here, so she's probably still trying to 'find her feet' or whatever. And I know firsthand that used dolls can come with 'emotional baggage' they need to deal with before they can 'move on'. Treesa was MY second owner too, so I sort of know what Celeste might be going through. I just wish I knew for sure what her deal was. Forget figuring out if she likes Orlando back.  Right now I haven't got a clue if she even knows Orlando likes her. It's not like I can ask her. Why? 'Cause if she doesn't know I might get in trouble with Orlando for giving it away.

 

I really don't want to see my brother get hurt. It's tough liking someone who might or might not know you exist. I know. I've been there with Carlos. I just wish I could talk to Orlando, without looking like a jealous little sister.

 

Well I guess that's all for this update. I'll let you know if there's any 'further developments'.

 

See Ya, Shade



Lois' Story (Superman Returns Lois Lane Barbie)

 

The problem I have with being a character doll is character dolls don't get as much variety. Your average playline doll stars in a ballet, marries the prince, and saves the world all in the same day. But character dolls are usually stuck as whatever character they were modeled after. Between you and me I was getting really tired of being Lois Lane day in and day out.

 

I also had a 'super' annoying neighbor to deal with. I know statistically there must be plenty of Superman Ken dolls who can accept when they've been turned down and move on. This guy wasn't one of them. He wouldn't stop asking me out, even after I told him no. But what had really bothered me was the way he would ask. He kept using lines like 'we're part of a set' and 'we were made for each other'. He made it sound like he was only interested in me because I was a Lois Lane doll and he was a Superman doll. Personally I'd rather date someone who took the time to get to know me and then decided to ask me out. Supes didn't get that.

 

When I ended up at a thrift store I was really hoping whoever bought me wouldn't know who I was. I was nude, stuffed in a plastic bag, hanging from a wall rack with about half a dozen other nude, bagged dolls. I really thought no one would recognize me, that I was just another face in the crowd. I didn't get my wish. Treesa knew exactly who I was. When one of her sisters saw me later and said I looked familiar, Treesa told her I was a 'Lois Lane Barbie'. At least Supes didn't end up in the bag with me. I'm not sure what happened to him. Treesa didn't see him in the store or I would have heard about it by now. I have my sources.

 

I learned pretty quickly that Treesa is full of surprises. Before she picked out my new outfit, she asked if I had any preferences. I thought it over and decided I wanted something simple, comfortable, and practical. I wanted to get away from long gowns, ruffles, and anything else that reminded me of my original outfit. So I asked for jeans and a tee shirt. Treesa did her best, but you would not believe the trouble I had finding a decent pair of jeans. I'm a standard sized doll with a standard figure. You would think it would be easy for me to find clothes. But the retail, off the shelf Barbie jeans Treesa bought me were a no go. Let's just say, they didn't flatter my hips. But Treesa didn't give up. Eventually she found some decent, second hand jeans that actually fit well.

 

I thought I was finally getting the fresh start I wanted. Then I heard from a reliable source that Treesa was looking for a Superman Ken doll online. I felt so betrayed that instead of calmly talking things over with Treesa I just gave her a piece of my mind. She couldn't get a word in. When I stopped talking to catch my breath, Treesa grabbed her chance. She said that just because she wanted a Superman Ken doll for her collection didn't mean she expected me to pair off with him. She pointed out that in a collection this big I wouldn't even have to talk to him if I didn't want to. Treesa also argued that just because two dolls had the same mold, didn't mean they had the same personality. She said that if she did manage to get a Superman Ken he could turn out to be a perfectly nice guy.

 

She's right; I shouldn't judge other dolls because of how they look or who they look like. I wouldn't want to be judged for being a Lois Lane Barbie. If or when Treesa gets a Superman Ken I'll do my best to be polite, and I'll try not to let my past experiences affect how I treat him. I just hope whatever doll fate decides to send Treesa's way, doesn't turn out to be my old neighbor.

 

 

By Lois

Fashion Doll Memoirs Staff Writer





Liebster Award Nomination

Hello again friends and visitors. This is Treesa. Queen Elsa, at the blog A Doll's Life For Me, was kind enough to nominate me for the Liebster Award. Thank you so much Queen Elsa! I know that technically I'm more of a moderator for this blog than an actual blogger, since my dolls are the ones writing the posts. But Queen Elsa's nomination specifically said, "Treesa at Fashion Doll Memoirs". Besides, getting every doll who has posted on this blog so far to answer the provided questions would take way too long. Not to mention the resulting post would BE way too long.

The rules for accepting a Liebster Award nomination seem to vary slightly depending on who you ask, but the general consensus seems to be this.

Step 1: Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog.
Step 2: Copy & paste the award to your blog.
Step 3: Answer 11 questions posted by the blogger who nominated you.
Step 4: Nominate up to 5 (or 11) bloggers who have less than 200 followers and post 11 questions of your own for your nominees to answer.
Step 5: Be sure to inform your nominees that they have been nominated by leaving a comment on their blog.

There is an additional step where you post 11 random facts about yourself, but this seems to be optional.

The following is a list of the 11 questions posted by Queen Elsa, along with my answers to said questions.

Question 1: How do you compare with your zodiac sign, personality-wise?
Answer: I'm a Sagittarius. According to my internet resources a Sagittarius will, "crave adventure and excitement and welcome change with open arms". Um, me, not so much. I'd rather curl up with my laptop or a good book than go out, and I don't do well with change. A Sagittarius is also supposed to have an, "encouraging, positive nature". I do try to encourage people when they're down or going through a rough time, but I'm also a bit of a pessimist at heart.

Question 2: What's your favorite book you have read at least twice?
Answer: This is a tough one, since I love books. But as far as multiple readings go, I guess my favorite would have to be 'Home Is The Sailor' by Rumer Godden. Not surprisingly, it's a story about dolls.

Question 3: How do you relax and unwind at the end of a long day?
Answer: This may sound a little strange, but at the end of a long day I like to lie down, close my eyes, and let my mind wander. I come up with some of my best ideas that way.

Question 4: What is your favorite part of being a blogger?
Answer: Honestly, it's the feedback. I love it when someone leaves a comment on the blog. We live in a busy world and knowing that someone not only read a post but then took the time to respond, it makes me feel like I matter, even though my dolls should get most of the credit. I have low self esteem, so I take what I can get.

Question 5: What do you do to fix writer's block or you just don't feel like writing?
Answer: Ah writer's block, usually when I get stuck I try moving on to something else for a while, which is probably why I have so many unfinished fanfics taking up space on my laptop. When it comes to finishing things, whether writing projects or craft projects, I have a terrible track record.

Question 6: Where is one place you have always wanted to go (outside of home)?
Answer: I actually have a short list of places I would like to visit some day. Right now at the top of the list is the 'Princeton Doll And Toy Museum' in Hopewell, New Jersey.

Question 7: What is your favorite holiday?
Answer: Christmas, absolutely. I love the decorations, the music, the many Christmas television specials (though I tend to watch those on dvd rather than broadcast television). However, I tend to prefer the buildup to Christmas over Christmas itself. It probably helps that my birthday is in December.

Question 8: What is your pet peeve?
Answer: I suffer from sound sensitivity. So hearing the tv on in the other room when I'm trying to work on something drives me absolutely crazy.

Question 9: If you had the choice, what kind of climate would you like to live in?
Answer: I'd actually prefer the climate I live in now. It's hot in the summer, and cold in the winter, and I really look forward to the changing seasons. I don't think I'd like living somewhere where it's warm year-round or cold year-round.

Question 10: If you're falling from a fiery building, who would you want to save you?
Answer: Do fictional characters count, because Superman would be a good candidate? He has a lot of 'life-saving' experience. Plus he can fly, so I might not have as far to fall. I never liked the sensation of falling. It's one of the reasons I won't go on roller coasters.

Question 11: What is your favorite treat (to smell or to eat)?
Answer: Little Debbie Fudge Brownies

Now on to my nominees, this was difficult because most of the blogs I follow have already been nominated. In the end I decided to go with...

Rapunzel at Rapunzel's Ramblings
and
Charlotte at Charlotte La Bouff's Blog

Here are my questions for my nominees.

1. Who do you consider your best friend?
2. What is your favorite animated movie?
3. What is your favorite live-action movie?
4. Which do you usually do first, see the movie or read the book?
5. If you could be someone else for a day, who would you want to be?
6. What is your most prized possession?
7. What is your favorite type of music?
8. Why did you decide to start blogging?
9. Due in part to competition from Ever After High, Monster High, and Disney princess dolls, Barbie is not as popular as she used to be. Do you think Barbie can make a comeback?
10. Have you ever made a pop culture reference that your friends didn't get?
11. Do you want to build a snowman? (Sorry, I was running out of ideas for questions.)

My thanks again to Queen Elsa at A Doll's Life For Me.
Signed, Treesa



Vi and Viv's Story (Pretty Sweet Fairy Dolls, redressed)

(Just a quick note for you readers. Vi and Viv wanted to do this post together, so the format is a little different from previous posts. I wanted to make it easier to tell which doll was talking, especially since Vi and Viv have a habit of finishing each other's sentences. So I typed the name of whichever doll was talking at the beginning of each line. I also color coded the text, purple for Vi, blue for Viv, and green if both dolls were saying the same thing at the same time. Hopefully this will help avoid confusion.

Signed, Treesa)

Vi and Viv: Hi!

Vi: I'm Vi,

Viv: and I'm Viv.

Vi and Viv: We're twins!

Vi: We look a lot alike, but I have purple hair,

Viv: and I have blue hair.

Vi: Treesa got us at a store that sells stuff for a dollar, but she didn't get us the same day. Treesa got me first,

 

Viv: and me second.

Vi: We used to be fairy dolls,

Viv: with fairy wings.

Vi: Treesa took our wings off, but it didn't hurt,

Viv: 'cause the wings are bendy.

Vi: We both still have a knob on our back, where the wings go.

Viv: But we can wear lots of other clothes now that we don't have wings! I like that we only have to dress fancy if we want to.

Vi: Me too. Treesa says our fairy dresses weren't made nice. Our new dresses are a lot nicer,

Viv: and they match our hair! Vi has a purple dress and I have a blue dress.

Vi: And our shoes come off too, so we can change them if we want to.

Viv: Lila and Buffy can't do that! They have molded shoes that don't come off.

Vi: Lila is a Sparkle Girlz doll. She has purple hair too, but her head's bigger than mine. When Treesa got Lila, I was scared. I thought Treesa didn't want me anymore. But Treesa said she loves me and Lila the same.

Viv: We don't know what kind of doll Buffy is, but she's lived with Treesa a long time.

Vi: It's nice having a twin sister. I always have someone to play with,

Viv: and someone to talk to.

Vi: We get mad at each other sometimes, but we don't stay mad for long.

Viv: I like how we're more than just sisters. We're best friends AND sisters!

Vi: We've only lived with Treesa for a little while so far, but it's nice here.

Viv: Yesterday, Treesa took us outside to take our picture,

Vi and Viv: for the blog!

Vi: We felt so special,

Viv: and important.

(Silence)

Vi: I can't think of anything else to say.

Viv: Me either.

Vi: I guess we should say goodbye.

Viv: Ok.

Vi and Viv: Goodbye!





Alice's Story: Part 2 (Mattel The Twilight Saga Eclipse Alice)

(A Note From Alice: I'm going to pick up right where I left off. Be sure to read Part 1 before you read Part 2. That should help cut down on confusion.)

I was really happy to see Wedding Bells again, but I was really confused too. "How'd you get here?" I asked. "I found her in the toy department for $2.90," Treesa said. "I guess whoever bagged her didn't realize she was Twilight." Wedding Bells grabbed my hand to get my attention. "Did you see Wedward?" she asked. "Was he alright? I mean, I know he probably got sold already, but did you see him before that?"

For a while, all I could do was stare at her. Thoughts zoomed through my head one after another. Had Wedding Bells mentioned Wedward (Breaking Dawn-Part 1 Edward) to Treesa? Was HE what Treesa was looking for back at the store? If he was, why had she bought ME instead? Was it just because I was rare and valuable? I could see Wedding Bells' emotions on her face. Based on what she'd said, she must've thought someone had already bought Wedward and taken him away. She looked unhappy about it, but she also looked like she was trying to accept it. How could I tell her Wedward had still been at the store, but Treesa had passed him up to get me instead? I just knew that would break Wedding Bells' heart. But I didn't feel right lying to her either.

"He misses you," I said, which was the truth, just not all of it. Then I turned to Treesa. "Can I talk to you for a minute, alone?" I asked. Well actually I was demanding more than asking and I think Treesa knew it. But I tried to act casual so Wedding Bells wouldn't get suspicious. "Sure," Treesa said. She reached over to pick me up. Then I saw the look on Wedding Bells' face. I can't really explain it. It was like she was worried she wouldn't see me again. "I'll be right back," I promised before I let Treesa pick me up and carry me out of the room.

Treesa took me into the bathroom with her and shut the door. I glared at her, launching questions one after another. "Did you know about Wedward?" I asked. "Did you know how special he is to Wedding Bells?" Treesa nodded, looking uncomfortable. "Then why didn't you get him?" I asked.

"I'm a little short on doll funds right now," Treesa said. "I couldn't afford to buy all of you even if I wanted to."

"Then why didn't you just get Wedward?" I asked "Why did you get ME instead?" I was getting pretty emotional, so I didn't stop to think how Treesa would react to being interrogated by a doll. Most humans aren't in on the secret that dolls are alive. But even the ones that are don't always see dolls as equals. Humans seem to think, because they're bigger than us, that they know what's best for us. To be fair, humans treat their children that way to. The point is, Treesa ended up getting really annoyed. "It was a calculated risk," Treesa snapped. "There's a good chance Wedward will still be there if I go back later. You wouldn't be. You're too rare."

"Is that why you bought me," I asked, "because I'm rare and valuable?"

"I bought you because I like your character," Treesa said. "I've actually wanted an Alice doll for a while. But my Dad has a big mouth and I don't want my sisters to find out I'm buying Twilight dolls for myself. They'd just make fun of me." Treesa took a deep breath to calm herself down. Then she looked at me. "Is there maybe another reason you're so upset?" she asked. "Did you leave someone behind too?" If dolls could blush I would've. "Jasper never loved me that way," I said. "I was just his little sister." Treesa looked sort of relieved. I guess she didn't realize that just because Jasper didn't love me back, didn't mean I wasn't heartbroken. It was sort of nice of her to ask though.

"So, you're a Twihard huh?" I said, not really sure what else to say. Treesa looked sort of embarrassed. "Full disclosure," she said, "never read the books, never saw the movies. I did read the official illustrated guide, well, parts of it anyway. I have a friend who's a big Twilight fan, and I wanted to know what she was going on about."

Now I was really confused. If Treesa wasn't really a Twilight fan, why did she buy TWO Twilight dolls? "Did you buy Wedding Bells because you 'like her character'?" I asked, using the same words Treesa had. Treesa looked uncomfortable again. "Alice," she said quietly, "I bought Wedding Bells as a birthday present for my friend. I just thought you two could hang out 'til it was time for her to leave. She's been really lonely..." Treesa sort of trailed off, but the damage was done. Her words hit me like a wrecking ball, knocking my world apart. Wedding Bells was the only family I had left, and now Treesa was going to separate us to. I felt like crying. "Does Wedding Bells know she's not staying?" I asked. "Yes," Treesa said, "but she probably doesn't realize you are staying." Treesa turned towards the door. "I'll take you back now," she said. "You and Wedding Bells have a lot to talk about."

That's when I realized Treesa expected ME to tell Wedding Bells I was staying. "Oh no," I said. "YOU'RE telling Wedding Bells I have to stay. I'm not doing it for you." Treesa looked unhappy, but she nodded and brought me back to the bedroom. Treesa explained things to Wedding Bells, who took the news even worse than I did. After that Treesa pretty much left us alone. That was fine with us. We really didn't feel like talking to Treesa anyway.

The next Monday morning, Treesa left the house early. Me and Wedding Bells were talking in a corner when she came back later that day. "Ladies, sorry to interrupt," Treesa said. She didn't look sorry. In fact, she looked pretty pleased with herself. She pulled a doll from behind her back and put him down in front of us. It was an Edward doll in a wedding suit. He looked a little dazed, and when he saw Wedding Bells in front of him he froze. "Wedding Bells?" he asked. He said it sort of half-heartedly, like he didn't really believe it was Wedding Bells, like he was afraid to get his hopes up.

Wedding Bells got this sort of teary-eyed look on her face. "Wedward?" she asked. Her voice was so soft you could barely hear her, but Wedward heard her loud and clear. He knew then he'd found his Wedding Bells. Only dolls in our family knew that nickname. The next thing I knew they were holding each other, laughing and crying at the same time. Then they both looked at Treesa, and Wedding Bells asked the question that was on all our minds. "How?" Treesa smiled. "The showcase is one third off on Mondays," she said.

I was happy for Wedding Bells and Wedward, of course. But the flicker of hope I felt had nothing to do with them. "Did you get anybody else?" I asked Treesa a little too eagerly. Treesa frowned. "You said..." but she trailed off when she saw the look on my face. Yes, I'd said Jasper never loved me back. He probably never even knew I was in love with him. But that didn't mean he never would have fallen in love with me to. Maybe someday he could have loved me that way, and not like a sister.

Things have sort of settled into a routine here at Treesa's house. I spend most of my time with Wedding Bells and Wedward. I give them some alone time as a couple, but I want to have as much time as possible with my old family before they go live with Treesa's friend.

 Wedward, Wedding Bells and Alice

Treesa promised to introduce me to some of her other dolls when Wedding Bells and Wedward leave. She tried to act casual when she said it but, do you ever get the feeling someone's hiding something, but you can't figure out what it is. I'm not sure why, but that's how I feel. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. Too bad I can't see the future.

"Curiouser and curiouser," said Alice