Promises of Gold

8. Answers & Wondering

Cordelia looked at Oliver curiously. What was he here for? She walked towards him and sat on the bed beside him.

"Is everything ok? Why are you here?" She asked worriedly.

"Everything's great. Better than great. I don't need to do a task, I've been accepted. He said he wouldn't want to separate us" Oliver said not meeting her eyes.

"That's amazing! Oliver we can stay!" Cordelia exclaimed excitedly.

"I know, it is great" Oliver agreed less enthusiastically than Cordelia.

"Is something wrong?"

"No. Everything's great. How was your walk?"

"Oh Oliver! He kissed me! He claims he loves me because of the past memories, but I cannot remember anything. He said that they said I would remember when my true love kissed me but his kiss did nothing. I can't make myself love him" Cordelia cried.

"Oh wow. I'm sorry Cordelia. So you do not reciprocate his feelings?"

"No. I wish I could but I felt nothing by kissing him. He said he would not let me go so easily though. I do not know how to face him tomorrow"

"I'll face him with you. Cordelia it will all be okay. We have been accepted in Neverland and we have freedom" Oliver reassured her.

Cordelia nodded and tried to let his words truly sink in. She was free. No more being shunned and judged by her family. No more arranged marriage. She felt more relief when she let it truly process. She was able to live happily now. So why did Oliver look so worried and upset? What had James told him?

"What is with you?" She asked

"Nothing. I'm good. We should get some rest. Goodnight Cordelia."

He left without another word. Cordelia felt so confused and did not know what to think. Something seemed to be bothering him. She wanted to be there for him, but he told her nothing about his feelings. She sighed and begun to prepare herself for the night. She wanted to be happy. As she laid in her new bed, she focused on a new future, where she could be herself.

***

"Hey, could I speak to you?" James asked Cordelia as soon as they had finished breakfast.

Breakfast in Neverland was also exquisite. The children would go and pick berries while the magic that Cordelia hadn't remembered producing, would help produce pancakes or waffles. They all sat together at breakfast at another large tent that was much bigger on the inside. Cordelia was delighted to be with such lovely and happy people. She had been stuck with cold and harsh parents' all her life.

"Yes, you may. What about?" Cordelia asked, following him to a private area nearby.

"I want to make it clear that I am not who you thought I was at first. I only do those tasks because I want to help you grow and become better. I also wanted to see if you really wanted to be here. The children have been here for years. Because of your magic, no one ages. They know you as well. They love you, as we all do. I did not want to get them attached to any of you unless you were one hundred percent respectful of us and sure you wanted to stay for the right reason." James explained.

"I understand. I also have to ask you something. My magic is responsible for so much. What exactly have I done?"

"There is too much to tell you. In short, everything. The magic responsible for making us fly with pixie dust? You. You came up with the idea and enchanted it so belief could allow us to use it as the fairies do. The fairies can't really pass on their magic and allow humans to use it in the same way on their own. You helped. As well as staying young, again as I said, that was you. You also helped us come up with the idea of using Neverland as a safe place for children with horrible lives. You were almost responsible for everything." James responded, looking uncertain about telling her.

"I did that all? How could I not remember?"

"I knew you wouldn't. I don't understand why Peter is so surprised. We knew there was a large chance that once you left, you would believe you dreamed it all or it was your brain injury."

"I don't even remember a dream. It's faint and so distant." Cordelia admitted feeling defeated.

"Take your time. You can make new memories here."

"Thank you James."

"Also are you and Oliver?.." James began to ask.

"Oh.. no we aren't. We were arranged to marry but that is why we ran. Why? Do we give that impression?" Cordelia replied, catching his implication and beginning to panic.

"No. I was just being curious. I must go but you have the day for yourself. Except for dinner. There are limits to where you go. There is a part of the island called the East. You shall not touch the soil. You had protected us those two years ago, but now you have no more knowledge on the inhabitants."

"What inhabitants? What happened?" Cordelia demanded.

"When we were rescuing some children, some were from more bad parts. Orphans who grew up on the street and conversed with the wrong people, children who were also very disturbed because of their past. There was nothing we could do to help them move forward and become better. Except keep them safe and be patient. However, at one point they all left overnight and never came back. We searched and searched. They were not found. We kept bringing in more children, who were brought up similar to the others. They also disappeared. Now we know they inhabit the east wing and have their own king as well as rules. They despise us and try to hurt us upon contact. We think that the founders of what they call themselves, have stolen and manipulated some of their members" James explained sounding distraught.

"They're dangerous?"

"They may seem like harmless children but they have a king. Who seems as if he knows what he is doing. We have never met the king and hopefully I never have to. We keep to our own side and respect the boundary you put. They cannot exit their side and younger children are flung back if trying to enter. We can exit and enter as we please since we have business to deal with and are older by looks. Please respect this and do not be curious." James told Cordelia urgently.

"Alright." Cordelia agreed suddenly overwhelmed.

There was evil, even in Neverland.