Once Upon a What If

The Truth of Neverland

Hook's piercing blue eyes stared into mine, "Your eyes hold so many questions." His hook traced my jaw line, "What have you come to ask me?"

I swallowed, "Remove your hook from me." He smiled and lowered his hook. I cleared my throat, "Thank you." He bowed his head at me. My eyes wandered, "My brothers, John and Michael... they aren't aging."

Hook laughed, "Wendy, darling. No one ages here in Neverland."

I clenched my fists, "You did."

"I was a man when I arrived here."

My eyes watered, "I... I see."

Hook tilted his head at me, "I am confused... what is your question?" I stared at the floor of the ship, concentrating on not crying. I looked up when a tiny gasp left Hook's lips, "Have you aged?"

"No!" I screamed. Smee, and the rest of the pirates stared at me. Hook walked to the door across from where we stood, "Let's continue this in here." I did not want to continue this conversation. But I didn't want to have stares on me either. Hook opened the door for me, and I walked in.

He shut the door, walking to me. "Wendy... I know I have always been the villain to you and Peter... but right now, you need me. You are in more danger than you know."

"Danger? How?"

He sighed, "Think about it. Are there any lost girls on Neverland?"

I shook my head, "No."

Hook stared at me, "There are."

I blinked, "There are?"

Hook nodded, "Mermaids."

"Mermaids?"

"Mermaids are grown up lost girls. If Peter finds out a lost girl has grown up, he turns them into mermaids, so he gets to keep them forever."

My lips parted, "Forever?" I whispered.

Hook tilted his head at me, "Mermaids cannot run, they cannot fly..." He played with my hair, "They cannot leave him. Peter describes me as lonely. But I am not the one turning the women he loves into fish for his own keeping."

"If I become a mermaid... I'll be evil."

Hook nodded, "You would. Now, there is a way to stay on Neverland even if you age." He placed his hat on my head, "I hear that you've always wanted to be called 'Red Handed Jill."

My throat felt thick.