Neverland

Chapter Seventeen

The colors of twilight stream through my window, blue, purple, and black. I jump off the bed and race to the parlor, where Wendy and Mrs. Darling are talking in soft tones. Both fall silent when I enter the room. I raise my eyebrows.

"Well, don't let me douse this festive mood."

Wendy doesn't meet my gaze. Mrs. Darling, however, glares at me.

"I was just having Wendy," Mrs. Darling says. "Explain to me why you are to be leaving in such a hurry." By the look on her face, I don't think Wendy has told her anything. This pleases me somewhat. I catch Wendy trying to hide a small smile. I rub my hands together.

"I am glad that you are all caught up," I say with a grin. "Thank you, Mrs. Darling, for letting us stay. I bid you well." I turn to Wendy. "We had better be off." Wendy stands abruptly. I see that her mother has bit her into a more modern wardrobe. The dress is plain, but reaches the floor. Her leather satchel hangs at her waist. It seems strange to see Wendy in such an outfit. Apparently, Mrs. Darling either didn't have anything for me to wear, or she simply did not care. That's fine, I am much more comfortable in my Neverland attire.

Mrs. Darling waves us goodbye, determined to not cry. As we slowly walk down the steps, I pretend to not see Wendy wipe away a tear. We round the corner, and break into a run. My boots pound on the cobblestone street. Our path maneuvers as we make our way to a clearing, where no one can see us. Wendy's dress catches on a brush, and tears as she untangles it. She leaves the ripped portion behind. The dress is left at her knees.

The sky is dark now. Only a few stars show, but I can clearly see the two stars, though the one on the right is a little fainter than the one on the left. Wendy is shaking. From cold or fear, I don't know.

"You don't have to do this, you know." This startles her.

"What do you mean?"

"Here, in London, you have a family," I say. "It's obvious your mother wants you to stay." Wendy nods stiffly.

"I know," she says. "But I can't let you die." She tilts upward, and kisses my cheek. A moment later, she is in the air, already flying to Neverland. I blink, trying to make sense of things. Mrs. Darling couldn't be right... could she?

I fly after Wendy. When I catch up to her, she doesn't look at me. I try to think of something to say to her, but I can't.

The air feels colder up here. I suppose that's what happens when you increase height, but this feels unnatural. The air is thicker. It seems to be pressing on me.

Rain begins to fall, quickly drenching me. The precipitation chills, leaving me shivering and shaking. I push wet hair out of my eyes and concentrate on flying upward. Wendy is struggling beside me. Her eyes are straining for some light, for something to hold on to.

"Wendy!" I shout over the wind. She turns to me, and I see a wild look in her eyes. The look scares me. I grab her hand to keep her steady, and Wendy seems grateful for the support. Our hands are freezing and numb.

The two stars become brighter. I can almost taste the freedom of Neverland. I am so close.

A streak of lightning cuts through the air. I smell singed hair, and vaguely realize it might be me. Dark spots form in front of my eyes. No, not now. In every trip to or from Neverland, I always end up unconscious. Not this time.

The star shines bright before me. Wendy and I pass through the magical boundaries and enter in the realm. Something is not stable here, and it's taking all of my energy to complete the journey. I can't get stuck between both worlds. I have heard terrible things could happen.

Air shimmers in my eyes. I am almost there. Wendy is still tightly gripping my hand. This give me more motivation. With a yell, I push into a world of magic. Then I fall through the sky.

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