To Neverland

Chapter 3: Andrew Hook's Offer

Chapter 3

     It was Christmas break, and Wendy had decided to borrow some books from Mr. Parrish who owned the local book store.  He always let Wendy borrow them, as he trusted her to always return them once she finished.  Wendy rather liked Mr. Parrish.  He didn't treat her like a child, like one might treat Micheal.  But he accepted that she wasn't quite a lady yet.  He treated her more like, a friend.  Yes a friend. 

     Though it was still quite early in the morning, Wendy was confident Mr. Parrish had already arrived at his store, since she had visited this early many times before.  Sometimes, Mr. Parrish had confessed, he had spent the night there a few times, staying up late to read a new book that had recently came in.  Mr. Parrish was always so honest.  She wished one day she could be just as honest as he.  But that day would not be today.

     "Good morning, Wendy!  Quite cold out today isn't it?"  The small bell above the door rang as she entered, greeting her arrival. 

"Mr. Parrish, no need to lie to me.  I know you haven't set foot out of this store since you came in yesterday morning."  She wandered off towards the adventure section.  She was running out of stories to tell John and Michael. 

Mr. Parrish let out a friendly chuckle.  "Indeed, you've caught me this time Wendy!"  A...B...C...D...the tips of her fingers ran along the edges of the books.  Most with gold engravings that drew Wendy in. 

"Got any new books in?"  She peered around the edge of the bookcase to check with Mr. Parrish.

"Yes actually.  Top shelf!  Umm...I believe it started with an A..."  Mr. Parrish tried to recall.  She scanned the top shelf, passing over the ones she had already read.  There it is.  The dark blue binding and silver engraving, made Wendy's eyes light up.  She stepped on the first row of books, as she wasn't quite tall enough yet to reach the top.  Almost there.  Wendy was focusing so hard she didn't hear the bell ring as another customer entered. 

"Would you like me to get that for you?"  The all to familiar voice called from behind her.  She stepped down from the shelf and nodded, straightening her dress as he reached up to get it.  "Here you are,"  He handed her the book.  Wendy beamed, running her thumb over the fancy writing.  Stories Of Neverland was written beautifully in the middle of the cover.

"Thank you Mr. Hook."  She nodded in appreciation.

"Oh please, do call me Andrew." 

Wendy rocked back and forth on her heels.  "Alright, Andrew."  He studied her for a moment.

"Say, you look to be about 15?"  He guessed.  One more truth couldn't hurt anymore than a lie.

"Yes, just turned 15 actually."  It was almost more truth then Wendy could handle.

"You are out of school for the holiday correct?"  He questioned.  What an odd question, but once again harmless.

"Yes."  He moved his mouth to one side as if in thought.

"Say, how would you like to be my assistant over the holiday?  It wouldn't be anything too hard, I'd just show you how to do a few simple jobs around the office.  If you decide to accept, just come by after you leave this place in the morning any day you can.  I have a feeling you come here quite often.  That is if your parents are alright with it."   An assistant?  Oh, Aunt Millicent would have a fit!  Wendy couldn't wait.

"Sounds exciting!  I'll ask my parents."  Andrew only nodded before handing her a small business card he had pulled from his pocket. 

"Very well,"  He said tipping his hat to her.  "Did that book I ordered happen to arrive?" 

"Why yes as a matter of a fact Andrew, it did."  Mr. Parrish pulled a book wrapped in brown parchment paper out from behind the counter.  Andrew proceeded to pay for the book.

"Mr. Parrish,"  He nodded to him as he walked out the door.  Wendy waited for a couple seconds before Andrew's offer finally sunk in.  She walked up to the counter, containing her excitement.

"Mind if I borrow this Mr. Parrish?"  Wendy held up the book for him to see.

"Of course Wendy, why do you even bother asking?"  This put a smile on Wendy's already happy face.

She shrugged.  "To be polite I guess.  Thank you Mr. Parrish!"  She added skipping out the door.

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     "An assistant!"  Aunt Millicent screamed dropping her spoon back into her bowl at the breakfast table.  "Absolutely not!  An assistant for a seamstress or dress shoppe, not a bloody office!"  She patted her head with her napkin in horror.

"It's only over Christmas break, just for the experience!"  Wendy was determined to beat Aunt Millicent in this battle.

"Darling, what do you think?"  Mrs. Darling asked her husband.  Was Aunt Millicent crying?  Wendy wondered.

"How does she ever expect to be a lady if she's running around some office..."  Cried Wendy's aunt.  "That's it!  I'm done! I've failed..."  Wendy thought all those drama books were going to Aunt Millicent's head. 

"I think it's a perfectly good idea.  I know the Hook family.  They're perfectly trustable.  And besides, Wendy could do with some time out of this house."  Mr. Darling added his opinion sipping his coffee.

"I agree."  Mrs. Darling nodded.  "Then it's settled. Wendy I will walk you to the Hook family's office in the morning."  Wendy couldn't be happier. 

"Oh thank you, Mother!"  She lept up to kiss each of her parent's right cheek.  She even kissed Aunt Millicent's feeling a little sorry for her.  Well maybe not, but Wendy could pretend she did.