Becoming Peter

Chapter 19

My body slammed against the water. I squeezed my eyes shut as my thigh was stinging painfully. The water pushed me down farther as my mind told me over and over and over again: I can't swim! I can't swim!

My calf skidded against the rock and it took all my strength not to scream. Time passed too quickly and my chest started to burn. Something large moved next to me and I finally opened my eyes. I kept sinking lower and lower. Then a red-headed boy linked his arms under mine and yanked us upward. He struggled to carry my weight but we finally broke the surface. I coughed and spat as Peter dragged me to shore. He immediately got to his feet. I copied him on shaky legs. I was finally able to breathe mostly normal again.

"Don't ever do that again!" He screamed, storming away. I flinched.

I kept my voice small, still unsure if water was still in my lungs. "I didn't fall on purpose, Peter. I-"

"Shut up!"

My whole body was trembling from fear, outrage, and the cold. Peter had never gotten this angry before and I was slightly afraid of him. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around myself.

"Thank you." I whispered, not sure if he heard me.

He stopped walking. I expected an outburst but he just slumped his shoulders. "I have to do something. Don't move!" He said that last part with force that planted me in place.

But I could leave. Peter vanished behind the waterfall, probably into some sort of cave. My stash of pixie dust wasn't far. I could sprint and by the time I got there my wings would be dry. After sprinkling some pixie dust on myself, I could fly away from the island. The only issue was the shadow, but it joined Peter behind the water. Oh, and the Dream Dust! He still had it hidden away somewhere. I could never return to DreamWork without it. But... I never seemed to belong there. I fought so hard against my instincts to be a godmother. I'll just have to be a Tinker like everyone thought I would. Or live among the humans in the country? My mind couldn't concentrate on future plans. I could leave right now in this moment. But my feet didn't budge. I fought with myself as I bit my lip till it started to bleed. I tried to picture Peter's face when he first washed up on the island. A little less defined. More meat on his bones. Neatly trimmed hair and shoes keeping his feet warm. A tiny thirteen year old. Alone. Scared. Helpless.

He'd gone to this waterfall many times. Curiosity nagged at me. Instead of fleeing, I walked right into the danger. Anger boiled my blood and I tried to swallow it so the harsh temper didn't come tumbling out. He had the nerve to be furious with me yet it was his shadow that nearly killed me! So no more secrets. No more hiding behind... well, a waterfall in this case.

I realized I was stomping like an elephant with my hands bunched into fists when I reached the mouth of the cave. Easing in an unsteady breath, I lost the forceful steps and relaxed my hands. Trudging through the knee deep water then ducking into the curtain of water, I instantly felt cooled. The cave was dimly lit by a hole in the ceiling that revealed the sky. It created a patch of sunlight over a small mound of dirt. The space was circular and slightly larger than a nice living room. My bangs dripped water onto my face but I barely noticed.

Peter was kneeling in front of that mound, his back facing me. I nearly held my breath for fear he would hear me. His quaking voice drained away all my anger and refilled my body with guilt.

"-me to do terrible things, Sully. I can't drown it out. It told me to let her fall. To let her die. Forget she ever came along. But she helped me remember my promise to you. I will find your sister Sully. Even if it means leaving this island." He shuddered. "Even if it means I have to leave you. A promise is a promise."

I debated whether to back away or go forwards and comfort him. Making people feel better was never my strong suite. I let my eyes wander as something caught my eye. Carvings in the wall. One side was thousands of tally marks. On the opposite wall was names, each with a word underneath them.

Sullivan Panington. Friend.

Spencer Lewis. Funnyman.

Archer Clifford. Puppy love.

Max Myler. Runt.

Oliver Smith. Loner.

Sam Tilby. Jokester.

Horace Dane. Soldier.

Delvin Harley. Brat.

Winston King. Bully.

Griffin Mendes. Dummy.

Brady Ackerman. Bubblegum

Connor Hudson. Scared stick.

Felix Gardner. Ghost.

Patrick Strong. Hugger.

I couldn't help but let my feet drag me towards it. It was carved in years ago. I traced my finger in each sloppy word.

I didn't notice Peter turn around and spot me. I didn't notice him doubt himself. I didn't notice how vulnerable he felt in that moment.

I did notice his arm graze mine as he stood next to me. I nearly jumped out of my skin.

"I-I'm s-" I started.

He breathed out slowly, settling my thoughts.

"Who are they?" I didn't let my voice waver.

He sighed and wiped at his cheeks with the backs of his hands. "I suppose I can't keep it a secret forever." He whispered.

Peter joined me in gazing at the names, our shoulders touching. "I was kidnapped by pirates from my hometown. They were taken too from the orphanage I grew up in. I can't remember some of their faces anymore. So I wrote all their names and something to remind me of what they were like, with the help of my shadow, before I forget. I'm afraid I'll forget them."

"Where are they now?"

"Hopefully dead. We were being taken to Tortuga, to be slaves. Death would be better than that fate."

For the next few minutes, the only sounds were gushing water, Peter's muffled sniffles, and our quiet breathing.

Finally interrupting the serenity, I asked, "Are you ready to tell me your story now?"

"Yes."

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That's it! I hope you guys are enjoying the story. It's only a first draft so if you guys have any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated!

Please vote and comment below how your day has been so far. I'm stuck at school when I'd rather be home watching Netflix and eating food 😂