Wendy sat curled up on her bed, watching her window. The boys all went to sleep hours before. With their loud ruckus stilled, the house sat absolutely quiet. And THAT was just the way she liked it.
With her eyes closed and her nighty-clad legs pulled tight to her chest, she could hear the faint hum of pan pipes in her hears. That was a sound she often missed more than anything else.
Every day, she watched as the boys played and made their fun together though the halls of the Darling household. Nanna chased after them, barking and making a great fuss, trying to keep them within some semblance of "indoor appropriate behavior." Not that Lost Boys would have much familiarity with such a concept. And really, they didn't.
But the truth remained, even their lovely presence did little good to helping her not to miss some things about Neverland. The Lost Boys were only like Peter Pan in some ways. Actually, they were very normal boys, save for the lack of a mother's guidance up till now. They loved Mother and Father and food and games and tackling one another to the ground and laughing loudly till the neighbors made a complaint. But nary a one of them seemed to puff out his chest and grin, even in the face of embarrassment. Nor did they think up fantastic ways to have fun all on their own, most of them preferred to follow along and cheer anything John and Michael wanted.
Really, she missed Peter more than words. No one quite measured up.
And that hidden kiss... it belonged to him. Her Aunt once said that there was an adventure awaiting her, and she would take that adventure with the one the kiss belonged to. Peter... Peter Pan. Why of all people did it have to be the boy who never wanted to grow up?
Wendy didn't have a choice. She had to grow up. Actually, sometimes, when she looked in the mirror and saw her thinning face and changing shape, she thought it would be rather nice to be a fully grown girl. It was the grown up cares and worries that bothered her so much. Being in charge of yourself and standing a little taller was nice enough. And kissing... well, she decided that falling in love might be a small perk.
Rocking back and forth a bit in her curled up position, she concentrated on the faint memory of pan pipes and longed to hear them again.
She didn't mind growing up, she she wished she could have everything. If only life were fair, which it never is.