"Wake up sleepy head."
I said as I waved my hand in front of young boy's face. He had the most orange colored hair I've ever seen. He yawned as he stretched his arms. Morning was going to be the time dreaded.
I love being a lost boy but my days are numbered. I'm fifteen, boys here usually leave when they turn eighteen. However I've become den mother to the lost boys. Not much of a childhood if you're raising kids.
"Scales, it's too early."
Scales wasn't my real name, it was just the name Peter called. Yes, thee Peter Pan, Peter. The older kids called me Scales the younger ones called me Ma.
"If you get up, I'll let you take me flying."
He perked up.
" I thought you hated it."
"Third try's a charm."
He smiled and jumped out of his hammock. You take things for granted when your in a situation without beds and running water. I walked to the small ledge outside of his treehouse like room and sat there letting my feet dangle. Downfall of treehouse rooms is there's no door for privacy however it's a bonus for the boys.
"Catch me if you can!"
He yelled as he threw pixie dust on me. I'm not crazy about flying let alone falling. I took a deep breath. Yes, I believe I could fly but I also believe I could fall. I stood up on the ledge and closed my eyes and took a step forward.
I opened them to find I was flying or at least floating in the air. I rushed after Peter. It was dark probably twelve or so. The whole island was asleep except for the pirates. They thrive in the dark. Cowards, who can't face their victims head on.
"Peter!"
I yelled as we passed skull rock. He was skimming his hands on the slight waves. I however kept myself out of splash distance. One drop on my skin could cause so complications. I don't transform unless I'm completely drenched. I just get a rash of scales. Imagine how bathing works.
"Come on Scales."
He quickly made a U turn back to skull rock. Passing me with a snarky grin. As he flip onto his back as I slowly followed.
"Slowpoke." He teased.
"I'm a beginner."
"Wendy and Jane learned quicker then you in a day."
"They weren't afraid of falling."
"You mean heights." He teased again.
I rolled my eyes. They are clearly two different things. He sat up into the right socket of the stone skull. I sat next to him.
You could see a clear picture of Neverland's landscape. A unforgettable scene.
"Scales, there's something I want to ask you."
"Okay."
"What's your really name?"
"If I give you a real name I'm no longer replaceable."
"Who say's I would ever replace you."
"You replaced the other lost boys. Never asking them for their real names and giving them a name of one of the last ones. Don't think I haven't noticed. I'm not going to be a Wendy or a Jane."
"I never thought you were."
"You fell for them in a day, you cheeky idiot."
"Can you blame a guy?"
"Guess not."
"So, gonna give me that name?"
"Three years have passed and you still wanna know?"
"Yes."
"How bout this I promise you I'll tell you in the morning."
"Seriously? All I have to do is wait."
I nodded of course I didn't tell him I was leaving. I told everyone else but told them not to tell Peter. He would talk me into staying and probably the only person that would succeed.
"Scales, I have a question."
I sat with one knee close to my chest and the other dangling off the edge. He sat cross-legged like the Indians taught him.
"Um... it's kind of a adult question."
He said before he yawned and his lids struggled to stay open.
"Do you what to spend..."
Before he could finished he fell asleep. He stretched himself out on the slightly curved surface. I watch him sleep. Sounds creepy but this twelve year old boy was actually much older then me.
Light of the sun rise crept up behind me before I knew it. I kissed the top of Peter's head and whispered the word 'Goodbye'. I jumped of the rock into the water turning into a mermaid. Mermaid transformations suck there not a smooth process. It hurts a lot. I looked up to the blurred surface to see Peter standing looking down. I swam away my tears of leaving this life behind blended with the water.