The Land Never Lost

Chapter 5

James woke the next morning to the sound of little feet scuttling outside in the hallway. After rubbing his eyes he climbed out of bed and stretched his long thin frame. Out of habit he walked to Peter's bed to wake him. He had to double take when he saw that nobody was lying in it. James panicked thinking about where Peter could be. What in the world could he have gotten into at this time in the morning? James dropped to the floor and looked under the bed. He poked his head out of the window. Peter was nowhere to be seen.

Worried, he ran out of the room. James tripped over a couple of tiny bodies. Two wild identical red headed five year olds fell over each other and shouted simultaneously "OW!". James frantically picked the twins up and brushed their hair with his hands. The four orphans were standing in a line laughing wildly at James. In front of the line was Peter. He was dressed in his green pajamas with a white kitchen apron. The apron was turned around so it resembled a cape. A hero cape that was caked in flour. On his head, Peter wore a large metal bowl. In his hand was a long wooden spoon. Bang! Bang! Peter was hitting himself in the head. The sound of the metal bowl rang loudly throughout the hallway.

"Ah finally my crew is complete. Men please do not laugh at your vice captain. Even if he is very panicky. And goofy. And clumsy.". With every word Peter said the little excited boys snickered. James weaved his long frame around the mess of wild boys. When he reached the front of the line Peter smiled and handed him the wooden utensil. James whacked the metal bowl on Peter's head three times. Peter winced with every hit but laughed. The makeshift crew laughed as well.

"Listen men, today our goal is simple. We are to give Sister Angelina a peaceful breakfast. She has had a rough week. The culprit of this stress is unknown." Peter said while maintaining character.

"I know who the culprit is." James whispered quietly.

"It's always the captain." shouted a small voice from the line.

More laughter followed. Peter, still in character, continued his speech to his crew. "There is one thing I can promise you all. If this mission is successful, your vice captain has more little treasures for you all." James started to dispute that last statement but Peter was smacking the bowl on his head. The little kids all clapped in unison cheering on the captain and his promise. Peter turned to James and winked a bright blue eye. He leaned in and whispered to James, "Don't worry James. I'll take care of everything.".
"Crew! Move out!" Peter shouted. In a poor attempt at a march, the messy orphans walked downstairs to the kitchen.

When the kitchen doors opened, James was stunned. The dining table was set. The amazing smell of pancakes was a pleasant and new surprise. Each plate had one pancake on it, which was one more than the orphans ever had. It was taking every bit of charisma Peter had to stop the excited kids from rushing the table. The meal would have been enough. No mess from anything being cooked was left behind. Pots and pans were cleaned and put to dry. The floor was swept and mopped so it glowed as much as the ancient wood could.

James was gathering the kids to sit them down when Peter interrupted. "No vice captain, you deserve to relax. You have been the best first mate. Don't worry about doing anything, just enjoy the cakes.". James couldn't suppress his smile. Not because of the treatment he was receiving, but Peter must have taken the lecture to heart.

That morning was the least chaotic breakfast James could remember. The normally wild orphans were trying their hardest to behave. It was apparent that Peter's charisma did not only work for trouble. James ate with a huge smile plastered across his long face. His wispy mustache twitched as he laughed at Peter standing at the head of the table recounting the numerous adventures they had been on. James watched in awe. His captain was so captivating, James hadn't noticed all the boys were done eating. They were staring at Peter's performance. Peter acted as if he was hiding behind something. He peaked around a corner and crept up to the dining table. He snatched up an empty plate, glass, and utensil. He crept his way to the kitchen sink, all the while maintaining the flow of his story. His performance repeated until the table was all cleared.