Forever Land

Part 8

Now of course the reason no one missed Bella was because she wasn't exactly popular. Her notorious temper scared most away and the one person, meaning Peter, who might miss her was, as usual, with Wendi. In fact, while Bella was sneaking off for her nefarious dealings, Peter was showing Wendi one of the few places on the island that she had yet to see, Mermaid Lagoon. It wasn't to far from Hangman's Tree and fortunately for Bella, not exactly in the same direction. Not that she knew where they were going of course, but little girls nefarious plans often rely strongly on blind luck.

Nearing the lagoon Peter called back, "Hurry up Wendi!"

Wendi had lagged behind some when she chose to walk the long way around a large tumble of rocks, rather than scramble over them like Peter had done. Her laughter floated from somewhere behind him and a few moments later she skipped out from between the trees.

"I was just taking the scenic route." She teased.

When she reached his side Peter caught her hand in his and swung their joined arms between them. Wendi laughed, her eyes sparkling with happiness, which prompted him to swing their arms more widely. They continued their walk that way, giggling and swinging their joined hands, until the sound of water and feminine laughter could be heard ahead of them.

"Come on Wendi, we're hear!"

"Oh, real live mermaids." Wendi sighed.

He pulled her hand urging her into a run. Peter always loved visiting the mermaids. Excited to make a grand entrance he released her hand to rush ahead. He broke cover from the trees and leaped onto a large rock. Momentum nearly sent him tumbling nose first into the water on the other side, but he skidded to a stop just in time, threw his head back and let out a rooster's crow.

"Peter!"

"Oh, it's Peter!"

"It's been so long since you've visited."

"Did you bring us any presents?"

Four mermaids were perched around the lagoon, each beautiful yet completely different from the others. One was dark skinned with fiery orange tail and hair, another was olive skinned with a green tail and purple highlighted black hair. A fifth mermaid popped up from the water and perched her arms on the rock.

"Hello Peter," She chirped. Every thing about her was blue. The rippling shades making her near impossible to see under the water. Peter knew she was hoping to startle him, but she never did.

"Hello Aqua," He replied, "Hi girls. I've brought a friend to meet you all."

"Ooooh a friend," a pale silvery mermaid called Shimmer teased, "It's not often we receive such an honor."

"Best greet our new friend proper then," Aqua snickered slipping below the water.

Peter could hear Wendi walking up behind him. He tried not to laugh or look at the blue ripple in the water. Aqua would be very put out if he gave her prank away. The other mermaids preened and posed themselves as elegantly as they could on their rocks, hopping to eek some compliments out of their new visitor.

Peter turned and reached a hand out to help Wendi onto the rock. She took the offered hand and offered a sweet smile in return as she delicately made her way up next to him.

The mermaids were pretty, but Peter was certain that no sight could be more wonderful than Wendi smiling. Not that he would ever dare admit it out loud, besides, the mermaids might just drown him if he did.