Neverland's Angel

Chapter 10

   She woke with a start...a tiny scream escaping her lips as she pulled her blankets up over her head and clung to her Teddy Bear as tightly as she could. Her little chest heaved as she tried to calm down...hair plastered to her forehead with cold sweat as she tried to block out the frightening visions of her parents from her dreams. Her parents chasing after her...always chasing. She could never hide...never run fast enough. They always got to her in the end...and she would wake up right before they pounced on her...Peter awoke to a cry and sniffling, sitting up his eyes adjusted, spotting her makeshift bed where it had been placed for the night. Peter could see a lump underneath her blanket, and reaching down with his finger, he gently lifted the blanket to see her tear filled eyes looking up at him. "Bad dream?" Emily sniffled and nodded, she raised her arms indicating she wanted to be held. Peter quickly complied, gently scooping her up he brought her to his chest where Emily buried her face into his skin. His heart sank, wondering what her nightmare had been about, but decide against asking. He could feel the wetness of her tears, causing him to frown. Peter went back to his bed and sat on the edge of it, looking back down at his chest he saw the quivering figure under the blanket. "Emily? It's ok, I'm here. I've gotcha."  His finger gently stroked her back through her blanket, after a bit she lifted her head out and looked up at her Peter's concerned face, her eyes red from crying she hugged his chest as much as she could, still shaking. "I'm sorry." Peter looked at her confused, furrowing his brow, "What are you sorry for?" Emily was quiet for a moment, very quietly she responded, "For waking you up." He frowned and brought his finger down to comfort her, "You never have to be sorry for that sweetie."  She nodded and snuggled closer to him. Peter brushed her back with a finger when he felt something odd. Emily panicked when she felt him pinch her shirt. "No, don't-!" Her plea came too late as he lifted her shirt up and he stared at her back. It was covered in tiny white scars. She heard him murmur something softly, but she couldn't make out what it was. She felt his fingers gently stroke each scar. It was the gentlest way she'd ever been touched in her life and it brought tears to her eyes. She pulled her top back down and felt Peter's finger under her chin. " That's another thing they do...They'll get violent with me. " she whispered. The expression on Peter's face was one of sheer horror and disgust. Emily started sobbing again, but Peter then started rocking her like an infant, humming a song until it turned into words. "Come stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hand
And hold it tight

I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry

For one so small,
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you,
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry

'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart
Always

Why can't they understand the way we feel
They just don't trust what they can't explain
I know we're different, but deep inside us
We're not that different at all

And you'll be in my heart
Yes you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

Don't listen to them
'Cause what do they know
We need each other, to have, to hold
They'll see in time, I know

When destiny calls you, you must be strong
I may not be with you
But you got to hold on
They'll see in time, I know
We'll show them together

'Cause you'll be in my heart
Believe me you'll be in my heart
I'll be there from this day on
Now and forever more

You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart
Always

Always I'll be with you
I'll be there for you always
Always and always

Just look over your shoulder
Just look over your shoulder
Just look over your shoulder
I'll be there
Always..."

Emily rested her head against Peter's chest, letting his tenor voice lull her to sleep. She had no idea he could sing.  Peter let his voice fall gently for her, comforting her and reminding her she wasn't alone. It didn't take long before the tiny teenager had drifted off to sleep after a few minutes...Emily was so sound asleep, she didn't even stir as she was settled onto Peter's chest with the utmost of care...all she knew was that she was safe and warm. And Wonderfully loved...