NeverWonder

Chapter one: Charlies pov

Opening a book is like opening a whole new world. You could be exploring vast oceans, or forbidden forests, maybe even a dessert. The words carry you to a different world; a better world. And that's what it's like to read.

The ticking of the clock filled the room. I sat on my bed with an open book in my lap, staring out into the distance of the living room. My grandmother pasted away a few weeks ago the pain still weighed heavily on my heart. I jerk awake from my thoughts as the door bell rang. I yawned and stood up slowly the couch calling back to me telling me to come sit down again. I walked to the door looking like I haven't slept in days. I open the door but not enough for someone to run in.

"Hi Charlie, I got a package for you, you okay darlin'?" The mailman asked.

bringing me back from my thoughts. I looked at him and plastered a fake smile on my face.

"oh hi Jerry, I'm fine, who is it from?" I motioned to the box.

He looked at me concerned. His white hair shine slightly in the sun, the wrinkles from his old age finally showing themselves.

"it's from Washington, I didn't know you knew someone from Washington" he said innocently with a smile.

My heart stops, I take a breath "I did know someone there" I almost whisper putting emphasis on did. He handed me the small rectangular box. His old hands were gentle and loving.

"well, have a good day Charlie" he said waving goodbye and getting into his small mail truck.

I watched him leave before I shut the door. I slowly walked over to the kitchen counter staring at the package confused. I sat down and started opening it scared on what was in it. I pulled out an old dark brown book. It was adorned with gold swirls along the edges. I big bold title said "Peter pan" my mouth flew open in shock. It was my grandmothers favorite fairy tale book and no one could touch it. A note fell out of the book and onto the floor. I picked it up and read:

My dear Charlie, I know it will be hard for you when I die. I can feel death creeping up on me. Even though I'd hate to say it I know I won't be here for long. But as a gift I want to give you my favorite fairy tale book of Peter Pan. Now warning, this book holds the most magical things. Use it well. I love you my beautiful Charlie. I hope I see you in another life.
-love grandma

I could feel the tears start to well up. The pang in my heart was stronger than usual. I held the book tightly. This book will never leave me as long as I live.  I got up and walked into my room I carefully placed it on my bed. I stared at it for a few seconds before I heard the front house door open. I run out my room and peer around the wall. My mother looked up from her shoes and smiled.

"very eventful day for you?" I scoff "unfortunately no" she laughs.

"that makes two of us" she stands up and walks over to the kitchen "take out or homemade?" I raise my eyebrow.

"I'm kinda craving pizza right now" my mom smirks "with ice cream" I nod.

My mom and I always had a very similar mind it was never hard for us to choose what we wanted to do, eat, watch, where to go, and even what to buy. I watch my mom as she orders a large pepperoni pizza, and grabs the tub of ice cream and a beer.

"So any new guy?" My mom questions me. I shake my head no "you?" She also shakes her head, we both chuckle.

My mom hands me a spoon and we start eating our big bowls of ice cream and every once in a while she'll take a sip of beer. By the time the pizza delivered we had finished our ice cream. We ate dinner laughing at horrible jokes each other made. After an hour my mom was passed out drunk on the couch. She had curled herself in a ball and was snoring with her mouth open. I slilently chuckled. I grabbed the red blanket on the back of the couch and gentle laid it over her, I turned down the tv. I gave her a soft kiss on the forehead. I stood up and quietly picked up the trash and dishes. Once that was done I looked over at my mom and whispered

"goodnight, love you"

before walking into my room and slowly closing my door.