Again In Neverland

Chapter 29: Threads of Destiny

"An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, and circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle. But it will never break." -Ancient Chinese Proverb

PETER'S POV:

I held Lilith tighter as I felt her body tremble with tears. She's afraid - or more like, she's confused.

I have to admit, holding a girl is different than I expected. Well, not that I ever fantasize about it or anything... I just... oh forget it!

My arms feel awkward around Lilith, but whatever I'm doing must be helping because she begins to slow her rapid breathing. I feel her warm tears on my shoulder but I don't mind. Her head is buried in the crook of my shoulder but I can feel the bit of reluctance she has being so close to me.

Believe me, Lilith. This is new for me too.

Madelyn's speech about her destiny and this and that made Lilith upset. Before she even stood up from her chair I knew that the Queen's words had an effect on her. I sensed her tensing up and could tell by the look in her face that she was, needless to say, overwhelmed with the information.

Quite honestly, this is all news to me. No one's ever told me anything about a prophecy? And especially one that I apparently have nothing to do with.

What happened to Neverland being 'my responsibility'? What about how I need to 'take care of it'? Huh? So, what now Majesty? I'm just tossed aside like scraps at dinner because there's a better version of me just waiting to find herself?

Good. She can have it. I don't need that pressure. I don't need people to be counting on me to do anything and me living up to fill those standards. I'm perfectly content doing whatever I want, and that does not involve 'changing Neverland'.

Lilith brings a scraped hand up to her face to wipe away some tears.

The sight of her like this makes my insides feel funny. I feel... bad. Like this is somehow all my fault. After all, I'm the one who brought her here. Maybe if I had never said anything to her she wouldn't be in this predicament. Maybe her destiny would have been different.

But how could I have gone on?
Seeing Lilith all those nights, watching her from a distance and wanting to know what she sounded like... what she was like to be around.

The sheer thought of it almost kills me.

No. I don't regret getting involved with her. I just regret not being able to do anything about it.

Lilith pushes herself away from me and looks me in the eye. Her face is covered in dirt, and her lip is spilt open. I resist every urge in my body to pluck a stick dangling from her red curls.

Lilith truly does do a number on me. It's like I can't control myself when I'm with her. She makes me... different.

Maybe this prophesy really is about her.

"Did you know?" She softly says,
"Did you know about the prophecy?"

I shake my head, "No. If I did, I wouldn't have thought for a moment to bring you here. To put all that weight on your shoulders."
Her lip quivers, "Are you telling the truth? Because, Alina lied to me. The very first friend I made from Neverland and the one I trusted the most... she lied to me and I just... I don't know what to believe anymore and I... I..."
I put my hands on her shoulders.
"Lilith, listen to me," I say as I rub a smudge of dirt on her cheek, "I'm telling you the truth. I had no idea there was this prophesy. And I had no idea the prophecy was... was about you."