Chapter 1
The wind ran through Peter's hair tossing his laughs through the air. The puddles splashed about with each of his bounding footsteps. James grunted beside him as they weaves their way through the vendors booths.
"We've finally done it!" James shouted with a shrill laugh leaping over a wheelbarrow of fruit a man had been pushing.
"Done what?" Peter called sliding under a booth selling golden pocket watches. He may just have to stop back there for James, he loved the new pocket watches so much.
"Driven the coppers to arresting children," once again jumping a barrel grabbing an apple from a booth and taking a bite.
"Well with your smudge stained face," Peter said catching the tossed apple and finishing it off. "They probably thought you wore an old geezer."
"Look who's talking rat nose!"
"Spider snout!"
"Lizard breath!"
The boys were so busy laughing and calling each other names, they both did not see the wall they collided with. Their heads rang as they sat up and rubbed their heads. Peter felt a firm grip on his shoulders and was pulled to his feet.
"Peter and James Panford," a man in uniform with a thick mustache said looking between them. "I might've known."
***
Their Father Mr. Panford had been a successful naval captain retired due to his injuries from war. He now worked for a small publishing company while his wife taught primary school. There were not many occasions to account for when he was angry, but that day was one.
"I am totally ashamed," he said back hand slapping each boy. "Do you care nothing for your father's health?"
"Maybe we wouldn't have to if you took your medicine!" Peter chimed in thinking it would help. It didn't, instead Mr. Panford got angrier.
"Hush boy. James, you are the oldest, you must guide Peter." Panford said shaking his head his wife rubbing his shoulder. "You show no responsibility or sense of duty. Your unstructured, uncivil, and bring shame to this family."
"Father," James began. But he was cut off by their fathers hand.
"Go to your rooms and pack, you leave in the morning," he said turning away so only his black hair was showing. What James had inherited from him. Peter took more after their mothers auburn hair.
"To where?" Peter asked fearful of the answer.
"I am sending you on a voyage on a ship. You'll learn to duel, have good form, and fine manners. When you get back you'll both have finally grown up," he turned on James. "You especially. Now go!"
James ran off Peter traipsing behind him. Peter found him outside their window sitting on a tree branch, his skin glowing. Peter grabbed his pan pipe and started playing a tune.
"You know it could be worse. He could be splitting us up," Peter said walking along the window sill keeping steady.
"I'm surprised he hasn't," James said.
"Come on Hook, it'll be fun. You and me, the open sea and Neverland in our sight!" Peter said using his brother's nickname and the place they made up for games. Hook just sat their, brooding.
"Well, if we're to leave, I should like to get something first. Enjoy your brooding," Peter said grabbing his small bag of money and dashed out of the house. He laughed again.