lunam et stellas

chapter three

believe me now...

Alex's long auburn hair flew around, the breeze buzzing around her every so often. She would have cared, but she had pinned her hair just far back enough so that it wouldn't bother her.

She had to be prepared to win this game. Peter needed to be humbled.

He smirked and began speaking in an announcer's voice. "Peter winds up, poised to take another wicket." He throws the ball, and- and he hit Edmund. Alex winced.

"Whoops." Peter laughed. "Wake up Dolly Daydream!"

Alex yelled out. "You alright Ed?"

He nodded, scowling at Peter. "Why can't we play hide and seek again?"

Peter turned around, winking at Alex quickly before speaking again. "I thought you said it was a kid's game."

Susan smiled. "Besides, we could all use the fresh air."

Edmund rolled his eyes, murmuring under his breath. "It's not like there isn't air inside."

Alex choked down a laugh, and Edmund smiled. Barely. She looked over at the trees, frowning when she saw Lucy sitting underneath one alone, and ran over quickly, crouching down. "Lu? You okay?"

She smiled faintly. "I'm alright." Alex sighed, and Peter tapped his foot impatiently. "Are you playing Reed, or are you out?"

"I'm playing, I'm playing." She pat Lucy on the arm and ran back. "Hold your horses Pevensie."

Ed cleared his throat, and Peter grinned mischievously. "Are you ready?"

"Are you?"

Peter wound up and threw the ball. Edmund drew back the bat, and let go. The ball flew through the air, and Alex frowned. Peter was definitely going to win now.

But then they had bigger problems. The ball kept flying and flew straight through a stained glass window. Susan gasped. They all ran into the house and assessed the damage.

Alex tried not to laugh when she looked at Peter and Edmund's pale faces.

Peter sighed. "Well done Ed."

Edmund yelled. "You bowled it!"

A voice was heard in the background, and a shiver ran down Alex's spine. "What on earth is going on over there?"

Susan gasped again. "The Macready!"

Peter sighed. "Come on!"

They ran out of the room, and down the hall. They ran into the family room, and Edmund shook his head. "Back, back, back!"

Lucy grabbed Alex's hand and ran to the main entrance. Macready's footsteps could still be heard. They tried another hallway, but her steps still echoed through. Alex grinned, recognizing the curtain in front of them. "Come on, this way!"

Peter shut the door behind them, and Edmund ran up to the wardrobe, gesturing to the inside. "Oh, come on!"

"You've got to be kidding me."

Alex sighed. "Well, unless you've got any better ideas-" She gripped Lucy's hand firmly. "We're going in."

Peter ushered them all in and watched carefully for the door. Susan hissed. "Get back!"

Peter shushed her, and Susan spoke up again, complaining. "Get off my foot."

"I'm not on your foot, Su-"

"You're squishing me!"

Peter turned around. "Quiet!" He sighed. "Just move further back!"

"Ow!"