↠ The Love of the Darkness ↠ {Peter Pan}

(1)

AN:
These chapters are going to be memory sequences!

~*~

"Mal! Come and play!"

The tall boy turns to look at me with a large smile on his face.

"What do you want to play, Em?"

I pondered the thought. We could play tag, or hide-and-go-seek...

"Well, it's your 7th birthday today. Don't bother asking me whether we play tag or hide-and-go-seek."

"Mal, I don't like it when you read my mind." I cross my arms around my chest and hug myself, pouting at the boy. He walks over and leans down in front of me. His brown hair waves as his green eyes look into mine with guilt flashing in them.

"Sorry, lil' Em." 

I watch him with a pout still on my face. Then he pulls his hands up to his head— sticking his thumbs on his temples, and crossing his eyes. With his tongue out, he moves his head back and forth. I begin to giggle hysterically as he dances around me like a crazy baboon. Once he is out of breath, he fall to the ground while throwing his arms and legs out in the grass. I run towards him and fall stomach first onto his. He grunts as the wind is knocked out of him. I continue to laugh hysterically.

"Emily!" A thundering voice booms from a cabin not too far from where we played. I look to Mal who looks to me with a concern. My heart begins to race as my breath begins to quicken. Mal pushes me up and kneels in front of me.

"Remember what I taught you, Emily. If he shows any sign of threatening you, guard your body with you arms up." His hand rests against my cheek before he looks over my shoulder and vanished from plain sight.

"Emily! Did you hear me?!" The voice booms yet again. "Answer me, young lady!" I turn around and face the tall man. My body begins to tremble in fear as I look up at his dark eyes.

"N--no sir, I didn't hear you. I-- I was playing."

"Don't lie to me, girl!" He swings his hand up and back down at me. I throw my weak arms up and soften the powerful blow. Which still knocks me to the ground. A little gasp escaped his lips as he watches me tremble.

"What was that?" 

I back away slowly from him. 

"I said, what was that?! You deaf girl, listen to what I'm asking! Who taught you to fight back?!" He starts to swing again, but this time with his foot. It collides with my side and throws me. A pain erupts in my ribs and causes tears in my eyes.

"Please, Papa! Stop! You're hurting me!" 

He stops a few inches in front of me and squats down.

"Why, I'm just teaching you some damn manners, Emily! Get up and get inside before I hit ya' again!" 

I scramble to my feet and bolt into the house. I'm in my chair at the table just as Papa walks into the house. I begin to eat the little food that is on my plate as he sits down across from me.

"Who were you playing with, Emily? I heard you talking with someone." My father, who is now being passive aggressive with me, begins to eat.

"His name is Mal."

My Papa looks up from his plate and lands his elbows on the table.

"A boy?"

I look up from my food and nod slowly.

"Why are you playin' with a boy? How old is he?"

"I--" Tears begin to stain my eyes but I push them back, knowing my father will beat me if I cry.

"Answer the question!" His voice booms.

"I don't know how old he is. He's my imaginary friend--"

"Imaginary or no, you do not play with boys!" He pounds his fists against the table. My head shoots down until my chin is resting against my chest.

"What do you say, young lady?"

"Yes, s--sir." I answer loudly. He grunts before continuing to eat his sandwich. I finish quickly and ask to be excused. He grants me permission. I stand up and wash my plate in the makeshift sink and dry my dishes before waiting for him to finish. After what felt like hours, he finishes and puts on his cloak then walks towards the door.

"Sir?"

He stops in his tracks and turns to me slowly, an annoyed look stretched on his face.

"What?" Papa snaps.

"When will you be home, so I know what time to put out dinner?"

He breathes in sharply before pondering his thoughts.

"A few hours after sunset. And I want my food steaming!" He yells before slamming the door shut. I fall to the ground as tears fill my eyes.

I hate it here. Why can't I just leave with Mal and go to Neverland?

"Because your father knows who I am."

I look up to see Mal. His body is a shadow in the corner.

"He knows you? He believed me when I said you were imaginary. He knows I don't have real friends."

Mal's face pinches together in pain.

"Look, Em." He walks towards me and sighs before kneeling down in front of me. "I wish I could take you to Neverland-- I really do! You just need to wait."

With that, he disappeared.

And I didn't see him for years.