Hooked

Chapter Thirty-Nine

... Madeline ...

I awoke the next day to a knock on my door. I half expected for Smee to walk in with a friendly smile to greet me good morning... My heart sank as I was reminded of yesterday's events.

Smee is dead.

I heard a loud voice from the other side of my door say, "Madeline! Time to get up! We are short a few crew members, so-"

"Can't someone else help you?" I snapped, fighting back tears.

"There's no one else to help us... Princess," He spat.

I groaned, "Fine. Just... give me a minute."

I heard him walk away, mumbling something under his breath.

I told myself to get up, but my feet wouldn't move.

I reminded myself that I needed to talk to Hook about going back to London. That boosted my motivation.

I quickly got dressed and headed to his quarters, trying to exude confidence. I knocked on his door, my heartbeat thumping at a curiously high rate. Soon after, I saw him open the door widely, gesturing for me to come in.

"Hello, Madeline." He smiled.

It seemed odd to see his genuine smile. It caught me off guard. So much so that, for a second, I forgot what I came to talk about.

"Hook... I need to talk to you-"

He interrupted, "About breaking my curse, I know."

I shook my head, scowling. "...about returning home."

I expected for him to become angry with me... Maybe even break a few pieces of furniture. But he caught me off guard, once again, when his genuine smile grew.

"I understand that you want to return home, but... Madeline..."

I almost fell over when he said the next three words. I tried to wrap my head around what he just told me. I'm almost certain that he said the same words to me before, but this time... It was so real. So intense.

My heart beat faster as I replayed what he said.

"I love you."

No, it wasn't just what he said, but the way he said it. It was so heartfelt.

"But..." I said, speechless. I thought of what I should say next. 'It won't work out.' 'No you don't. You don't love me. You can't say that. That's unfair.'

"...completely."

I returned my gaze to him, and I shook my head, tears brimming my eyelids. I felt too vulnerable. I didn't enjoy this one bit. "You can't..."

"But I can." He smiled, his own tears beginning to fall, knowing what I was going to say next.

"But you can't! It'll just make this all the harder on me. It won't work, Hook... We live in different worlds..."

He looked down and bit his lip to keep from crying. I could see the sadness in his eyes. He sucked in a breath, and looked at me.

"If you truly want to return... then so be it, Princess," he said, choking up.

I gave a sad smile, and approached him. I gave him a kiss on his cheek, and I left. Not another word was passed between us.

...

I awoke the next morning in my own room, my head spinning. I gasped and sat up. It's all over. I'm out of Neverland. I'm finally home.

Was it all a dream?

I looked down at my arm.

No, my scars were still there.

My heart ached as I realized just what this meant. I would never see Hook again. Or, at least, it was very unlikely.

It was my decision. I told him this was what I wanted. Now I had to live with it...

... The End ...

Oh my goodness, guys. I can't believe you all stayed this long. I'm soooo thankful for all of you guys and your support for Hooked. It's been unbelievable! Oh and please don't hate me for this ending *_^

Btw, guys, I'm going to make a second book (although it won't have much to do with Hook or Madeline). I'm so excited!

Also, I am currently making a book called Dust. It's not up yet, but make sure you guys check it out when it is! ;)

~StarrySkies7