Happily Ever After

Chapter 19- Peter's lie

The next day, I did not speak of what happened to me. I went along with the boys to climb some trees and pick some frilos, I went swimming with them in a lake nearby, I even went on a little flight with Peter. I put a smile on my face and enjoyed the fun, although inside, my heart was conflicted.

Arista said that Peter knew about the whole Neverland curse thing and he didn't tell me, so technically he's been keeping me here on purpose. I wanted to confront him, yet I didn't know how to bring it up. So I let the day fill me with it's joys and didn't mention a word about lost memory.

That night, though, was my opportunity. We were all returning from the long day and Cubby and Slightly were heading off to prepare the frilos and bread that we gathered from the day. I watched as everyone separated before we met for dinner. Nibs took Tootles and started climbing one of the long branches of the huge tree house, probably to show Tootles the stars, since Tootles loves to see the night sky and it's one of the few things that makes him talk to people. The Twins ran off, sword fighting with wooden sticks. That left Peter, Tink, and me all alone on the wooded bridge, amongst the lanterns that brightened the tree.

Peter watched them all go with a grin, I watched them all go with uncertainty. This was my chance to talk to Peter and get some answers.

Peter turned to me, still smiling until he noticed how weary I looked. Concerned, he looked down at Tink and said, "Hey, Tink, why don't you go help Cubs and Slightly with the food, eh? I don't want any soggy bread tonight, ya hear?"

Tink nodded her miniature head and flew off, leaving behind a trail of glittery dust. Peter turned back to me and reached up with his hand and caressed my face. "Wendy, what's wrong?"

Lowering my eyes, I moved away from his gentle hand and turned towards the horizon of darkness and bright stars. I rested my hands on the railing of the bridge and took a deep breath, the smell of salt water reaching it's way to my nose. I could feel Peter's green eyes looking at me, but I refused to look at him.

"Peter, do you know how long I've been here?" I asked.

He cocked his head. "Uh...well...no, not really. I don't usually keep track of time."

"It's been six months, Peter. Six months." I said, tersely.

His eyes widened. But I continued, "I was given a mission to find the Elemental gem, yet I've been here for six months."

"You remember?" He asked.

I turned to him, shocked. "Yes, I remember! And I wouldn't have because apparently this island is cursed! And you knew!"

"Okay listen, there's a reason I didn't tell you." He said, putting his arms up in defense at my sudden aggressiveness.

"What could possibly be the reason you didn't tell a child of the Elemental that she is on a cursed island?!"

"I-I-I don't know. You just looked like you needed to have some fun in your life. I mean I realized from the first moment I met you that you think too much and I thought some risk taking would help you. And Neverland's the perfect place to get away from too much stress."

"Yeah, it's the perfect place to go to forget your entire life and never want to leave!"

"Listen!" Peter said, starting to actually look frustrated, a trait Wendy never saw in him before. "I don't remember my life at all, okay? None of the boys do! One day we all woke up here, in this tree, no memories of families or a home. The only reason I know of the curse is because of this." He took out a little parcel of paper from his pocket. On it was written "Your name is Peter. The island hides your memory, so remember your name."