The Entertainment

“Everything is so—big…” Jenna whispered, tiny hand resting against the trellis brace. Her head didn’t even reach the top of the sign standing beside it. 

Striding through the garden, feeling the hem of my Edwardian costume tugging along in the grass behind me, I stop beside her. “That’s the idea Jen.” 

“Why’d I have to be tiny for this anyway?” She whined, folding her arms around her torso. Her burberry blazer folding like origami beneath the pressure. “Couldn’t we have just played croquet normally?”

Shaking my head, I stoop and gently pull her hands down to her hips. “Where’s the fun in that, half-pint.”

“Don’t call me that Karen.” She hissed, gently pulling her arms away. 

Smirking, I pinched her little chin, lifting it a bit higher. “Why not? It suits you.” Purring, I release her and stand. “For now anyway.”

“You know she wasn’t tiny for the whole story.” She groaned, looking up at me. “I still don’t know why I have to be shrunken for this event.”

“Payback, and it’s funny.” I say, folding my hands in front of my waist. “Next time, I’d be more careful with your wagers.” Snickering, I look around the garden. Various stalls and games line the border, leading to a small croquet course along the south hedgerow. “Now, do you understand your role today?”

“Ugh, Alice in Wonderland.” 

“That’s her name, yes. But you’re playing a particular role. The timid little thing playing with the Red Queen and her guests.”

“She won that if I remember correctly.”

Rolling my eyes, I nod. “And maybe—you—will.” Chuckling, I gesture to the house. “Remember, the scenario will play out, if you see a guest with a playing card pinned to their garments, interact with them. You’ll find cue cards in your apron.”

“Apron?”

Grinning, I nudge her towards the kitchen door. “Alice has a distinct look my dear. She’s blonde too. So I have a wig waiting for you.”

“I never agreed to any of this Karen.” 

Smirking, I stride ahead. “Maybe not technically…” Opening the door, I nod for her to enter. “Maybe I should have been more explicit with the stakes. But you’re here now, and you won’t be normal sized until the end of the party. So—chop chop!”

The little brunette snarled, stomping passed, grumbling as she moved across the threshold. ‘I wonder if I could convince her to stick around for the weekend. She’s awfully cute like this.’ I beam. Tilting my head as she flinches, avoiding a caterer carrying a tray of endives, a crooked smirk crossing my cheek. ‘Dare I try another bet? Croquet will be awfully hard for her right now…’