The Pevensies: The Art of Adjusting

'That Bastard' Returns ('Mature' Chapter)

WARNING: Mention of sexual assault

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Wednesday 11th December, 1942 (17:16)
57 Eversleigh Road, Finchley, NW London

"Look, Peter, I really don't want to talk about it right now."

"Su, come on. What happened?"

The Gentle Queen sighed. "Fine, I know you won't stop until I tell you. Promise this is between you and me? Even Madeline doesn't know..." Susan shifted on her bed, uncomfortably. It'd taken Peter half an hour to calm his usually completely composed sister down.

"Of course, Su, it's completely between you and me. Please tell me what that swine did- you're in a terrible state."

"Yes. Well... we've been together since last November, as you know... when you left for University the first time and well- Oh, Peter, you can't tell a single soul!"

"I won't, Su."

"And please don't do anything stupid."

Peter tensed, his suspicions building, "why would I?"

"Well, he invited me to his house, he said his Mother had invited me for tea! But when we got there, she wasn't there- no one was. He invited me upstairs to give me a tour of his house-"

"Well it was bloody big enough-"

"He showed me his room and- and he locked the door..." the Gentle Queen erupted into tears once more. The former High King moved along the bed so he was closer to his sister, taking her hands in his.

"Susan, tell me what happened next. I need to know." He pushed with a soothing sternness.

"He sat me down and said he loved me. Even after how he played Lucy. I thought he'd changed! I listened and- Oh I was ever so nieve, Peter- I believed him! But he started kissing me- and he... nothing happened. Not really. I slapped him, grabbed the key and ran. I didn't want to have to run, I wanted nothing but to leave with dignity.. but he didn't listen! I told him 'no' but-" She took a deep breath, "he wasn't listening."

Peter's eyes burnt into hers, "The bastard." He practically growled.

"Look, Peter. Please. Calm down, nothing happened."

"If it had been down to him it would have!"

"I'm almost 20!"

"That's not the point, Susan!"

"Peter, please." She pleaded as her elder brother got to his feet and began shoving his feet in his shoes.

"Give me 10 minutes. 10 minutes to get to his and-"

"What's going on?" Lucy's voice came from the door, Edmund right behind her.

"Nothing. Look, tea's nearly ready-"
Susan cut in calmly, standing up from the bed.

"Is it about Michael?" Lucy asked, causing an outburst from Edmund as Peter frantically searched his room for something.

"What's he done? Peter, get the cricket bats- we'll go teach that ass a-"

"Edmund! Language!" Susan cried as Lucy snickered.

"I can't find them, Ed. Looks like fists will have to do."

"Will you two stop! That isn't going to sort anything! Look, if you must, talk to him. But no threatening and certainly no fighting!"

"C'mon, Su, he deserves it!"

"What's he done?" Queried a confused Lucy, of whom was ignored.

"Perhaps he does, Peter. But he isn't worth you getting into trouble over," his sister spoke sense, taking his hands in hers. "I appreciate you caring so much, I really do. You too, Ed, but it's over now. All I want is for us to move on and never speak of him again- can we?"

"Of course, Su." Peter replied with a smile. He then caught his younger brother's eye to send him a warning glare. Edmund got his message and mumbled agreement to Susan.

Susan beamed, giving both her brothers a kiss on the cheek, "Thank you, you two. Now Lu, how about we go plate up that tea?"

"Oh, yes! Peter, can you still help me with the History paper afterwards?" Lucy asked as she left the room with Susan.

"I'll be down in a minute, Lu!" He called after her before continuing to trash the room.

"You're still looking for the bats, right?" Edmund checked, peering over his brother's shoulder.

"Of course."