END A

so i met leaf, killed her and soon as i go back i find node at the library door. i killed the cat, died to it, killed alice, didnt. it's the same confusing ending. now im wondering if i want to get another ending how? if i find node waiting at the door does that mean i cant go with other endings at that point? my other save is much less progressing and the bigger issue is i dont even know what triggered the ending. is it leaf? should i not meet her? is it the rabbit key? also is the cheshire cat covenantable? im very confused right now.