|
The day continued on allowing Magey to begin what would eventually become the daily routine. But for now, she found herself content to wander around the underground house finally getting the chance to take in everything and get her bearings. Everything had happened so quickly that she didn’t have the chance to breathe. Now she did and she stood in the house hugging herself hoping and praying she wouldn’t wake up from a dream. But she knew it was real. She felt the wind against her face as it carried her across the sky. She felt the blue waters of the Neverfalls as it cascaded down over her. She saw the laughter in the lost boys's eyes as they knew she was going to stay to be their mother. And she saw the dark pools of curiosity that swam in Billy Jukes' eyes as he looked at her with a longing she felt quietly nagging at the back of her mind. She couldn’t get her mind off of him. Those eyes. They has seen so much is such a short period of time; had known so much hardship. More hardship than a boy his age should ever know. Yet she remembered how he had looked up at her from his fight again and again. “Oh, I’m just imagining things,” she said out loud. “He was just curious, like the rest of the crew. That’s all it was.” Or was it? Putting it out of her mind, she turned to how Peter had rebuffed her earlier. She knew his pain was great, Jane and Wendy had told her about that, but to have him shun away from her because of a simple gesture? Magey intuition couldn’t help but wonder. Is that an indication of what’s to come? “I’m not going to worry about this,” she said, brushing it all away with her hands, “Not now.” Around mid-afternoon she heard a distant crow, and she looked up from the spot she sat in on the top of her hollow tree. She could see ten small dots growing on the horizon, accompanied by a pink glowing light, and as they grew so did the sound of voices. She stopped the mending she was doing to watch them come closer until they were large enough to be in clear sight. “Hello, Mother,” Peter called to her as he came to fly around her. Grabbing her arm he flew down her entrance with her - with Tinker Bell at his side, now glowering at Magey - as the lost boys and lost girls descended down theirs. “Oh, Mother, you should have been there,” he implored, as they all came in to land. “It was magnificent! That old codfish didn’t know what to do. We outnumbered him this time. We haven’t done that in - oh, I don’t know. “And Amy and Anna were wonderful. They definitely are lost girls.” Magey stole a quick glance to Nibs and Slightly who gave her the faintest nod assuring her everything was all right. “The only problem was with this one,” he said as he darted up long side Amy and yanked hard on her ponytail. “Ouwch!” she wailed, bringing her hand to the back of her head. “Peter,” Magey scolded. “Well, she didn’t follow the rules,” he rebuked. “I’m sorry!” Amy hollered at him, still rubbing her head. “I just wanted to know what Hook was like to fight?” “You fought Hook?!” Magey’s eyes grew wide with fear as she turned on her daughter. “She tried to....but Peter brought an end to it,” Tootles told her. “Amy! You know better than to do that!” Magey scolded. “You know the rule regarding Hook. No one but Peter fights him.” “I know,” Amy replied sheepishly. “It’s just that-” “Just what?” Amy looked at her mother not able to give her an answer. She didn’t really know why she had decided she wanted to try and fight Hook, especially when she knew Peter’s rule and it’s consequences. She’d just had the sudden urge to do so. “I should banish you for this, Amy,” Peter started, but Magey interrupted him. “No! You will not be banishing my daughter, Peter,” she admonished. “I know that!” he cried, instantly upset that he was being spoken to in such a way. But upon looking at his mother he realized that if he were to banish Amy his mother would go too, and that was something he didn’t want to see happen. Although, she was Amy’s natural mother, he didn’t think it was fair that she should go if Amy does. After all he brought Magey here to be a mother to him and the lost boys. Her three just happened to be unexpected, yet welcome, additions. “I’m not going to. I just said I should.” He said this with clear irritation in his voice. Looking at Amy again he finished. “But it better not happen again.” The two stood there in a fixed eye lock, neither one giving the other an inch. The Twins looked at Nibs who was taking in the entire situation with a piqued interest. He then returned the Twins look as though saying to them, This will be interesting Amy and Peter’s stare down was cut short by Tootles request for food. “I haven’t eaten since breakfast,” he whined. Magey quickly got him a mam-mee apple and some Neverberry juice. With this action, the rest of the lost boys - and the lost girls as well - suddenly realized they were hungry too, so Magey proceeded with a mid-afternoon meal. Once all this was done questions rose up for what to do next. Suddenly acting on a childish whim, Magey suggested a game of hide-and-seek. “That’s a great idea,” Peter bellowed. “And I know just the spot to play it.” “The clouds!” all the lost boys cried. So off they all went, soaring into the sky to have in their fun. One by one the guards of The Legion of Fae stood by, slowly, carefully deliberately bowing as the two figures came forward through the ivory pillared white corridor. A male and female, they acknowledged each guard as they passed them in turn. The two moved effortlessly as though floating on air. Their long white robes shimmered with an iridescent breeze and their wings, transfixed to their backs, sparkled and shined a white silvery transparent radiance. The female, with her long white-blond hair, cascading down her back; decorated back with braids and beads, reached for the handle holding the crystal door at the end of the corridor shut. Her gray eyes turned to meet those of her companion, whose own hair fell down his back in a similar fashion - pulled back in a braid with beads. His eyes - as gray as hers - spoke to her without words. Reaching his hand out for the handle to the adjoining door, silently they pulled them open. When they did, a brilliant rainbow of color burst through. Prisms of light danced and were captured in the beads that decorated the small tiara and halo that rested upon the two figures heads. The rainbow shot down the corridor, engulfing it in a sea of color. As it did, the tall ivory pillars turned to trees wrapped with vines, and the white walls and crystal doors receded revealing a scenery of green. A blue sky canopied where a ceiling once was. Birds sang and butterflies flitted about as the two figures found themselves standing in wooded beauty. Before them rested a pool of luminescent liquid that shined with a light unlike any ever seen in Neverland. Faery dust. One of the many elixirs that brought life to the world that maintained its existence within and along side Neverland. The world of the Fae; the land of the fairies. Quietly, the two moved forward. Before the pool sat an old tree stump covered over with moss. On this stump sat two glass bowls. Each picking one up, the two went to the pool and knelt down, carefully filling the bowls up with the radiant liquid. Just as silently, they turned about and walked away from the pool. As they walked and went further away, the two crystal door suddenly reappeared and fell shut without a sound. Slowly, the wooded tranquillity began to change. The blue canopy returned to the white ceiling above, and the walls and pillars returned sending the trees and greenery back into hiding. Still moving in silence, the two reached the end of the corridor. With just a thought, the walls changed and turned allowing the stoic figures to enter a room as black as night. In the center of the room stood a large pedestaled silver cauldron. A soft languid glow came forth from it laying a soft shadow throughout the room. The two looked at each other once more and approached the cauldron. Looking into it, their reflections spoke back to them from the liquid that rest in the large silver cup. The silence that filled the room was disrupted by the sound of the liquid breathing in the contents of the two bowls as they were poured into the cauldron. Silence returned once more, but was quickly replaced by the bubbling sound that now began to emanate forth from the cauldron. It grew louder as the bubbling grew in force. Along with this, the languid glow began to grow with a brilliant intensity, casting its bright light throughout the room, and illuminating the faces of the two that calmly watched the display. Then, as quickly it had come alive, the cauldron died, leaving only the soft glow to reveal its existence. Now, at long last, the two spoke. The female spoke first. “I, Shevra Di’O, elder of the Fae, the Fae of Neverland, summon forth from the dust so I may see!” Then the male spoke. “I, Norcu Di’O, elder of the Fae, the Fae of Neverland, summon forth from the dust so I may know.” As one voice now, they spoke. “We, as one, elders of the Fae, the Fae of Neverland, summon forth from the dust so we may understand.” With these words, Shevra Di’O and Norcu Di’O, the elder fairies of Neverland, placed a hand over the cauldron and motioned upwards. Like pulling up a curtain, a swirling mass of liquid dust rose into the air. A picturesque form began to take shape as colors danced and spun around. Silently, the dancing colors came together and created an image for the two to see. Suspended before them, Shevra Di’O and Norcu Di’O observed as an image of a young boy, clad in brown, darted through the air followed by a small group of boys. Accompanying these boys were two girls who were followed by another female. This last female was the one the elders fairies were interested in. “She has a spirit and a life that is intoxicating. An energy and youth I’ve never felt before,” Shevra Di’O said. “Yes, but she is also pained,” Norcu Di’O replied to her. “That could find a way to strike out against her.” Contemplating for a moment, the female elder answered. “Peter will be the one to make that happen should it ever come to pass. She then looked at the male elder. “But for now, let’s not judge her - or Peter - too harshly.” Nodding his head in agreement, Norcu Di’O responded, “She will be good for him....if given the chance.” “I agree,” Shevra Di’O replied. “I only hope Peter will do the right thing. He’s the one who needs a mother....more than the lost boys.” Flatly, Norcu Di’O stated, “Only time will tell if she will become Mother Of All Neverland.” It was late evening by the time they all returned to the house, and once again they were all hungry. Fortunately, they had stopped on the way back and checked the fish nets that Hard To Hit had set up for them. This turned into an unexpected evening bath as Peter began a water fight with the girls. Soon everyone was in the water splashing around; even Tink got wet from the walls of water spraying around. “Fairies don’t look good wet!” she grumbled as everyone laughed at her. Finally back home and dry, a catch of fish was being prepared for dinner while Magey sang softly. “Does she always do that?” Curly asked, looking at Christopher as the two of them and Tootles played a game of marbles on the ground. “Ah-huh, all the time. Mama always sings when she’s in a good mood. No matter what she’s doing.” Looking up to her with a smile, Tootles replied, “She has a pretty voice. I hope she’s always in a good mood.” The Twins were busily working on their latest invention. Amy was talking with Peter and Nibs about the adventures they had been on that day while Slightly, though part of the conversation, kept peering over to Anna who was helping her mother with the meal. Anna would look up to see Slightly watching her only to have him look away real quick. But then she’d catch him looking her way again. She couldn’t help but smile at him everytime he did this. And everytime she would catch him, she would get a warm, funny feeling inside. She had pretty much decided already he was her favorite out of all the lost boys, but she didn’t quite no why. She wondered if it had anything to do with the way she was feeling just then. Once dinner was over and everything was back in its place, Magey embarked on the night’s story. At Peter’s request she told the story of the Echo Cave, and in the fashion as when he heard it outside the window. Curly and the Twins smiled, distantly remembering that adventure while Magey submerged herself in the tale like she had done so many times before. Soon, Curly and the Twins had taken their places as they had when the whole thing happened, and it was Amy’s turn to be Jane. Peter and the others laughed and smiled as they watched the story play out before them. “Mother you were incredible!” Peter crowed, flying around her. “If I didn’t know better I would think you really were me.” “Oh no,” Slightly chuckled. “One Peter is slightly more than enough. We don’t need anymore.” Everyone but Peter responded to this barb with laughter. “And why not? I think it would be a fantastic adventure if there were more of me.” “No, Peter,” Magey chimed in. “One of you is all we need. I can only pretend to be you, and that’s all I’ll ever want to do.” “All right,” he agreed. “As long as you keep pretending so well, I’m fine with that.” For the next four, five days the routine was played out with a mix-match array of chaos and confusion, and establishing herself proved to be quite the task for Magey. Her children, especially Peter asked for so much of her time. “Come with us here. Go with us there. You have to be a part of this. Why won’t you come?” In time the demand for her company did die down, but at first Magey had to pick and choose which adventures she went on and still be able to maintain the house and all the lost boys and lost girls needs; as well as Peter’s, the most demanding of all her brood. It also proved to be a task to establish times when certain tasks would be done, like gathering fruits and berries, and sending some of the boys to check the fish nets and gather eggs, and doing the washing and mending. But, by the end of the sixth day, Magey felt she had created a pattern that allowed for a harmonious balance between work and play. And one she was certain everyone would benefit from. Yet in all this new found structure, Magey had discovered ways to help her brood create or improve their wondrous adventures. The morning of the third day she asked them what was to become their daily question, “So, what will you do today? Where will you go?” Always an answer was given, usually by Peter, and she either nodded her head in acceptance, or she indulged them and helped them find a way to make their adventure more fun and exciting. But it was other days when she would ask the question, “What will you do?” and the answer was given, she would tell them, “No, today you go on a treasure hunt.” This was a game she had invented quite by accident, but one she took great pride in. The routine of her morning visits to the Neverberry Fields and fruit orchards gave her the perfect opportunity to explore Neverland and scour its landscape. Quickly becoming familiar with her surroundings, within days she noticed little spots, and nooks and crannies that were ideal for hiding - or better yet - burying things; burying treasure. So, her fifth day in Neverland she had chosen a spot, picked a treasure and promptly buried it. That night, after storytime was over and all her children were in bed, Magey stole to the kitchen block situated by the fire and spent several long hours making up a map good enough for her children to understand and follow. Come the next day after everyone had eaten and all the dishes were clean and in their places Magey asked her question. “So, what will you do today?” “I thought we’d go pay a visit to Captain Codfish,” Peter said casually. “Mother do you want to come with?” he added with a glint of mischief in his eyes. “No, not today Besides, I don’t think you should go see Hook right now. I think you should do something else.” “Do something else!” the flying imp cried with irritated surprise. “Mother why would we want to do that?” “I told you, Peter. She’s going to try and ruin your fun,” Tinker Bell interjected. “Tink, be quiet,” he snapped at her. He was not in the mood to hear her complaints at that particular moment. In a huff, the little fairy flew into her apartment and did not come out. Looking at Magey crossly, he asked, “Mother, how come you don’t want us going to see ol’ Codfish today?” Knowing he was upset by her words, she quickly brought forth the map from behind her back. “Because I thought you might like to go on a buried treasure hunt instead.” Instantly his tiny orbs lit up, along with nine other pairs and they all beamed, “Buried treasure hunt?” Before Magey could say anything, Peter had lifted off the ground and swiped the map from her hands. “We’re going to go on a treasure hunt? What a wonderful idea, Mother....Why didn’t I think of that.” Stopping in mid-air, he began to unroll the map when Magey swiftly rose up to him and snatched it out of his hands. “Hey!” he yelled at her. But he couldn’t help but smile when he saw the mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “You’ll all look at it together,” she informed him as she handed the map to one of the Twins. So, alighting the floor, he joined the others as they looked over the map. “Hey, that’s Slightly Gulch!” Slightly squealed. “I’ll bet the treasures buried there?” “I don’t know. You’ll just have to go there and find out. ” Magey said with mirth in her voice. “Or maybe it’s here,” Christopher replied, pointing to Rainbow Falls. “Again, I don’t know.” “Or here. Or here. Or here.” these words chorused through the lost boys and lost girls until Peter piped up, “Mother, where’d you bury it?” “I’m not telling,” she laughed. “That’s why it’s called buried treasure. Just follow the map and I’m sure you’ll be able to find it.” Peter crowed, flipping over backwards in the air. “Come on! Let’s go! We have buried treasure to find!” he exclaimed as he rose through his door. “Peter! Wait!” Tinker Bell yelled as she bolted out of her apartment. Flying past Magey, she stopped short and looked at her. “Maybe there is hope for you,” the little fairy said dryly, then flew away. Letting out a disgruntled sigh, Magey turned to her other children as Tootles asked her, “Are you coming with?” “Um, I don’t know. I thought it would be fun to see how well you all do on your own with this. As well as see how good I am at drawing maps,” She softly laughed through her last comment. “But if you want me to come with I will.” “Please, please, yes Mother, please,” they all begged. “Then we had better catch up to Peter,” she responded. “Oh, he won’t get too far.” the first twin said. “We have the map.” the second one finished. So out they flew to catch up with Peter who was impatiently making his way back towards the house. Letting her children enjoy the excitement and revelry of this new game, she trailed back and observed her brood. Peter, being the arrogant little imp that he is, took control of the hunt, bringing them to places far away from where Magey had buried the treasure. He had even taken them close to the Jolly Roger which she didn’t exactly like, especially when they were fired on. “Not now, Captain Codfish,” Peter yelled down to him. “I have a game to win.” After this, she couldn’t help but laugh when the others unanimously agreed to make someone else the map reader. So, now with the Twins in command everyone was on the right track again and closing in to where X marks the spot. Once they reached the edge of Slightly Gulch, Magey knew they were close, so she decided she would stop and let them all continue on while she waited. But never did she expect the response she got when Peter and the others came bolting to her, cheering uproariously as he held the treasure in his hand; a large brilliant agate, flooded with designs and hues that resembled a rainbow. They were all laughing and exclaiming that was the best adventure; the best game they had ever played. “That was fantastic! I want to play it again!” Peter crowed. “I found the treasure. I’m the best treasure finder in Neverland. When can we play again?” “Soon,” was Magey’s response. “Soon? I want to play now!” he said indignantly. “Sweeting, you can’t.” Magey said. “What do you mean I can’t? Why not?” he demanded. “Because I need to find the treasure, find a spot, bury the treasure and make a new map. And that takes time.” “Then we’ll just use this one again, and you can bury something else,” Peter told her. “But it isn’t the same,” she reasoned. “So! I want to play again.” Peter was getting insistent. “We’ll just do the exact same thing. You just find a different treasure and bury it.” “But Peter it’s not that easy.” Magey was trying to hide the irritation that was growing inside her. “Yes it is. I’ll even find the treasure for you. You just bury it and we’ll play it all over again.” “Peter, No,” Magey finally said firmly. “Why not?” he yelled. “I want to play again, and since I make all the rules here I say we will play again.” “But what fun is there when you already know where the treasure is? Wouldn’t you rather have a different treasure hunt all together?” Magey was trying any explanation now to get her indignant imp to let go of this train of thought he was running on. “I don’t care. Just as long as I’m able to find it. And since we know where this one was, it’ll make it easier for me and the lost boys and lost girls.” Finally seeing an opening, Magey dove in. “But how do you know the lost boys and lost girls even want to play this again; with the same map I mean.” “Why wouldn’t they?” Peter asked. “Because it’ll be slightly boring doing the same thing over again. I like the idea of Mother doing this again, but with a different treasure and stuff.” Slightly looked around and everyone nodded their heads in agreement. “Then I’ll go by myself!” With this Peter began to take off on his own. “Peter, please,” Magey begged him. By this time Amy was furious. How dare he talk to Mama that way! she said to herself. Who does he think he is?! I don’t care if he’s Peter Pan, no one talks to Mama that way - including him - and gets away with it. She was ready to give the flying brat a piece of her mind when she felt a firm yet gentle grip on her arm. Turning to see who it was, she looked right at Nibs who was pleading with her with his eyes not to say anything. Why not?! her own eyes spoke back for her, but Nibs merely shook his head at her as though saying Not now. Looking away, not wanting to back down, but knowing she probably should and that Nibs was right about asking her to do so, she turned back to the lost boy and nodded her defeat, knowing it would make him happy. Relieved, he half smiled at her, and Amy couldn’t help but smile back. We don’t need them to bickering as well, Nibs said to himself, looking at Amy. He didn’t quite know how, but he knew Amy would have said something had he not intervened, and having one ruffled arrogant pride at that moment was more than enough. As he looked at her, Nibs tried to figure out what it was about Amy that drew him to her. She was nothing like him, in fact she was more like Peter, not quite as arrogant though. But she had a boldness and daring that impressed Peter, especially when they visited Captain Hook. Yet, it frustrated him as well. Nibs, being the second-in-command to the most conceited boy in Neverland took this all in stride. His position as the right hand boy to Peter gave him the experience needed to understand someone like Amy. After all he had been second-in-command for as long as he could remember and he knew Peter better than Peter knew himself. He wondered if this was why he and Amy had become so close in the short time since she had arrived; he knew how to deal with her and her own arrogance. He was pretty certain it was. Upon hearing Magey’s plea, Peter stopped and turned around. “You say we’ll do this again?” he grumbled at her. “Yes Peter. And with you and the others liking it the way you do, we’ll do this as often as we can. I just need time to get everything ready.” “All right! How soon before we can play again?” “I’ll let you know.” “How. Soon?” “I don’t know,” she implored. “Please Peter, just give me some time. I promise I’ll have another one soon.” Suddenly his eyes found a life once more as he reiterated her words, “You promise?” “Yes, I promise.” This seemed to do the trick for him because Peter was now suddenly carrying on about the next treasure hunt, and he was joined by a chorus of other voices as the lost boys and lost girls discussed what and where about the next one. Even Tink seemed to have gotten caught up in the fun of it all because she warily approached Magey and told her. “Two things you’re able to do right; not stopping Peter from coming and going as he pleases, and now creating a whole new game for him. Hm? I could be wrong about you, Magey. I doubt it. But I could be.” Then she was gone again. So, now Peter and the lost boys and lost girls eagerly anticipated their buried treasure hunts, and looked forward to those days when their mother would tell them the words they so longed to hear. But along with the fun and games came the encounters with Hook. Upon her first impression, Magey had decided less contact with him the better, but she would soon realize that to be next to impossible. Some kind of encounter with the captain, whether on land or at his ship; directly or indirectly, would turn out to be an almost daily occurrence. With Peter insisting she go with them on their adventures, Magey all but refused to go with when it was to the Jolly Roger-at first, always finding a reason why she couldn’t go. She felt it was safer to stay behind in the protection of the island, only to then encounter Hook on land somewhere. But it was during her fourth day in Neverland when she encountered Hook once more. One of many encounters she knew was to come. She was at the blossom apple orchards late one morning when she heard the captain approaching with some of his men; Noodler, Skylights-whom she had never seen before. He wasn’t present during the scuffle that occurred her first day in Neverland-Smee and Jukes. Knowing she was alone and defenseless, she quickly rose into the air and safely out of the reach of the pirates before they could spot her. Greeting her with the proper courtesy and respect, Hook informed her he had no intentions of harming her - just Peter Pan - and that she needn’t fear him at that moment. Despite this, she wasn’t thrilled to find herself in the situation she was in, and she didn’t trust the pirate’s words. Cautiously, she scanned over Hook and his men, still keeping a safe distance above them. When her gaze fell to the young gunner, she noticed the wonder in his eyes that he had displayed that first time she had encountered them all. It was like they were reaching out to her, and Magey softened towards the young pirate. He’s just a boy, she said to herself. He can’t be much older than....than Slightly! But to have such a hard life. To know nothing else. There has to be something more for him. Yet she remembered how her mother had told her Billy Jukes was just as harsh and ruthless as the rest of Hook’s men, despite his age. He was a pirate, just like the rest of them. But, looking at him now, she didn’t know what to think. He was just a boy after all, not knowing any better. “I was your age once,” she said to him, remembering the hard life she had endured while growing up under the strict rules of her grandparents. “What?” Jukes asked, momentarily bewildered. Suddenly realizing she had spoken her thought out loud, she blushed and stammered. “Oh, n-nothing.” Then she recomposed herself and swiftly looked at Hook informing him, “Sorry, I must cut this meeting short, but I have other things I need to tend to.” Then she curtsied down to the captain, telling herself she may not like him, but she would at least show proper manners with dealing with him. Hook then graciously removed his hat and bowed to her in return. “Very well, Mistress Magey,” he replied. Agh, don’t call me that! she said silently. As she flew away from them Hook called out to her. “However, I still insist you rethink this proposition Peter Pan has offered to you before you stay in Neverland much longer.” Anger shot through her as these words reached her. But rather display what rage he had invoked in her, she simply, coldly called back to him. “There’s nothing to think about, Captain Hook. I’m here and I’m staying. Thank you for your concern, though.” Then she flew off, leaving the pirates behind her. Later in the underground house, everybody lounged around while Magey prepared the meal. As she had been doing for as long as she could recall, Magey sang softly to herself, but loud enough for her children to hear her. They loved listening to her sing , and the lost boys enjoyed it as well, so she willingly obliged them. Suddenly Peter, who was sitting on a mushroom stool got an idea; a clever one as far as he was concerned, one that made him proud of himself for thinking of it. Quietly, he flew to where he kept his pipes. Making some quick notes with it he flew towards Magey as nine pair of eyes watched him in anticipation. Magey had heard the sounds but didn’t realize what they were until she saw Peter floating in front of her with his pipes to his mouth playing very sweet and soft music. The song she was singing was the same one she had sang every evening so it took little effort for Peter to come up with a tune to accompany her. Pleasantly surprised, and pleased by this addition, she continued to sing the song as she continued on with dinner. Peter floated and hovered around her, his blue eyes twinkling like two dancing stars as he played. Meanwhile the lost boys and lost girls watched with excitement and glee as Peter and Magey went on with their duet. Half way through the song Peter began to swirl around Magey making her wonder what his intentions were. She smiled at him as he took away the wooden spoon she was using and took hold of her hand. Carefully, so not to miss a note, Peter drew her out into the center of the room where he started to swirl around her once more. Still singing, Magey couldn’t help but smile at him. As the two of them continued on, she turned to the rest of her children who were all smiles as well. Seeing the joy they were all receiving, Magey went to Christopher and pulled him up of the floor and into the air, beginning to dance with him. Within moments the rest of the lost boys and lost girls were in the air flying and dancing about as Peter dodged and weaved his way through everyone never missing a note. Tink peered out from her apartment and scowled as she watched Peter enjoying himself with his new mother. Letting out a “Hurumph!” she pulled the curtains shut and pouted, bitterly jealous that Peter was having so much fun with Magey and not her. The Twins approached Magey - smiles on their faces - and each took turns holding her by her hand over her head and spinning her around in place as she sang. Peter then came to hover at Magey’s side once more as the song came to an end. Cheers echoed throughout the house, and Magey smiled from ear to ear with a joy she had not felt in a long time. “Mother, that was wonderful!” Peter cried, throwing his arms around her in a big embrace. A bit surprised, because Peter had rebuffed any bit of affection she had tried to show him already, she welcomed the hug and returned it in full. This sent looks of surprise through the lost boys who had never seen their leader act in such an affectionate way before. But here he was, fully embraced in a hug with their mother. But this was short lived. As though suddenly realizing what he was doing, Peter squirmed out of Magey hold and backed away from her, a look of surprise and disgust covering his face. “Um.... that was very nice, mother,” he said, curtly. “We’ll have to do it again.” Silence fell over everyone as Magey looked at him. Upset by his retreat from her, she couldn’t help but smile to herself though. He had actually shown her affection, something she wasn’t certain if he would ever do. But he had, and she now wondered if her first intuitive instinct about him was wrong. Wanting to ease the silence, she said to Peter. “Yes, we will. But for now, could you please play your pipes. I’d love to hear some more. You play so well.” This lit up Peter’s face once more, removing any sign of the discontent it displayed. “Of course I’ll play,” he beamed. So Peter played a merry tune while Magey went back to making dinner. Chapter 6 Back
|
