Pan's Never-Neverland

Silent Gratitude

Chapter Thirteen – Silent Gratitude

Wendy was anxious for Friday night. She was dying to get to Never-Neverland again, to get some answers, to get away from the town, and most of all, to see Peter again. Since Fred's confrontation, she hadn't spoken with him since, seeing him with his jock buddies most of the time. Asher hadn't come back since they went to Never-Neverland, and he seemed to want to keep it that way. As for Mandy, she finally got the message and stayed away from Wendy and Violet, casting angry, hateful glares to the girls. The most distressing and frightening thing about all this, though, was whenever Wendy had to go to her English class and face Mr. Fuller. She had no clue what he was thinking, but she could feel the disapproval and disdain in his eyes even when she wasn't looking at him. He didn't treat her any different from the other students, of course, but there was an unspoken objection and warning in his gaze and tone.

When Friday came at last, she and Violet split ways, Violet promising to be at her house as soon as possible after she gathered her belongings for the sleepover they intended to have.

"Hi, girls!" Mikey grinned, running out of the living room and to the girls. Nana wagged her tail, panting as she went to them and licked them as to say "hello."

"Hi, Mikey, Nana, Jon," Violet smiled.

"Is Dad gone already?" Wendy asked Jon.

"Left right after he dropped us off, not fifteen minutes ago," he shrugged. "Said he wouldn't be back until Saturday evening or so."

Wendy nodded sadly, doing her best to smile. "Well, then finish your homework, get cleaned up, and we'll have a snack before we leave with Peter tonight."

"Yay!" her younger brother exclaimed, running upstairs to take a bath. Nana followed, hot on his trail, huffing as she climbed up the steps.

"Your dog gives your baby brother a bath?" Violet asked, laughing. "That's awesome! If only all dogs could do that."

Shrugging with an impish smile, Wendy set off to the kitchen to prepare some sandwiches and fruit for the group.

The hours dragged on, and on, and on…Wendy found herself constantly checking her watch, or even the windows. Darkness could not come soon enough.

"Hey, you ok?" Violet asked as last as they were sitting in her room.

"Fine," Wendy responded, braiding her hair to no avail.

Rolling her eyes, Violet tapped her friend's shoulder and motioned for her to sit on the bed. Brushing her hair, she began to braid the wavy raven locks. "You're excited to see Peter, huh?"

"…yes," Wendy admitted, biting her lip. "I don't know why…I've been anxious for this whole week to go by just for this day."

"I think I know why," Violet smirked, tying off the end of the braid. When Wendy looked back at her with a questioning glance, Violet said, "Isn't it obvious? You're in love with Peter!"

"What? No! I mean, I wouldn't say 'love,' I barely know him!" she protested, her face covered with blush. "I…I just…I worry about him. And I do care for him…"

"You blush a lot when we talk about him, even when you think of him," Violet sighed, going to Wendy's mirror to apply more eyeliner. "And when you're around him – you become as red as a rose…in a good way, of course." In the mirror's reflection, she could see Wendy cover her face in embarrassment. Giggling, she spoke, "Listen, I can tell he likes you back. Just keep being yourself."

"It's just…I don't know if I'm ready for anything like this," Wendy murmured, lowering her hands. "…I've been the mother figure here since Mother got sick and died. I feel like if I see anyone, I'll be abandoning them…" Her voice became soft as she whispered, "The same way my father seems to be abandoning us."