Just Make Believe

Chapter 8

Grogginess clung to me like stench on a skunk. My eyes felt like anvils were taped to their lids, my head weighed approximately equal to that of a whale, and I couldn't even feel my legs. Or arms. Or anything for that matter. By just breathing my chest ached with pain, a pounding in my head increasing. I whined softly and used all the strength I could muster out to lift my head.

I was in somewhere cool and dank. It was dark, only small slit spots of sunlight showing through the wall. A rusted iron gate locked me in the cell.
Crap.
I sighed and looked at my whereabouts. I was leaning uncomfortably against a stone wall, surrounded only by air particles, shining in the light. there wasn't anything else in the room for me to see. No bed. No pail. No window. Only darkness.
So this is what a cell in pirate land is like... Ew. Well, at least I don't have to deal with any other men.
I sighed and tried to stand. Only to just see black surround my vision and sink back against the wall.
Well, now I'm stuck in a dark corner, great........ I wish Peter were here...
I shook my head, maybe too forcefully because my headache multiplied itself by twenty thousand. I laid harder against the wall, trying to stop the pounding only to make it worse.
Why did this have to happen to me?
Tears start to drizzle down my face as I silently cried to myself, over everything. The ache in my chest, the pain clinging to my limbs, the pounding in my head, and the hurt in my heart. I cried for Peter, wishing that I had just rescheduled that day, wishing that I had just cancelled and maybe this wouldn't have happened. He would be swinging in a tree above me, mocking me about reading too much, or we would be sitting on a thick branch, talking about anything and everything under the noon sunshine. He would still be here.

My tears started to flow harder and faster, making me take deeper breaths. I finally came to my senses and wiped the heel of my palm across my face frustratedly.
Crying's not gonna solve anything. Thinking will.
I sat against the wall, trying to think up a plan, only to fail at every attempt. I decided to just lay against the wall, and torture myself with memories of Peter.

I closed my eyes and brought up an old memory.

"Peter, tell me a story.." I whined, hoping he'd fall for the puppy eyes again.
"Dean, I already told you all my stories, I have no more.." he replied, still staring up at the bright stars above us.
We were in a grassy field out where we usually played together. It was maybe around midnight, but neither of us wanted to go home.
"Then tell me about Neverland again." I attempt at begging, I knew that Neverland was always his favorite topic for stories.
"Alright. I'll tell you one last time." he started.
I laid my head against his arm and listened to his soothing voice speak of a fairy tale land of mermaids, fairies, pirates, and boys that never grew up.

My eyes shoot open and I gasp at my idea.
The lost boys! How could I have forgotten?! If the pirates are here, then the lost boys will have to be too!
I smile to myself knowing what was to be done.
I can lie my way out of this cell, and get onto the Captain's good side, then I can venture out far enough to find the lost boys' hideout! How come it took me so long to remember?!
I attempted at a laugh, only to remember my failed voice box. Instead I readied myself for begging for my life, working on making myself convincing to anyone.
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I woke to the noise of iron against stone. Someone was coming into my cell, it was time to start my plan.

"Leave us alone please." I heard Ash mumble to the guard who must've opened the lock.

As he stepped forward, I shrank back further to the corner. He seemed taken back by my sudden fear.
"Hey, you okay?" He asked softly, reaching his hand toward me, and I flinched as if he was making to hit me. I saw something in his eyes, something like when a woman sees a beaten puppy.
Good. It's working.
I tried to whine softly at my sudden movement but all that came out was a soft groan-like sigh. I really did hurt still, but I was definitely over exaggerating. And damn the look on his face.
Priceless.
He sat Indian style in front of me, but I kept I the corner.

"What did they do to you?" He asked, pain in his voice.

I stayed close to the wall, slowly loosening every now and then, showing that I was giving him some trust.

He just shook his head and reached out his hand, hope in his eyes.

"So, like I said, you have the choice to get out of here, if you want. And I inquire you to because I know it'll be better out there than in here."

I hesitate long enough for him to almost lower his hand, and then I slowly nod my head up and down.

Just gotta play hurt little girl for a little while... Just long enough to find the lost boys. They'll help me I hope.