Chapter One
Wendy sighed bleakly as she gathered the washing. Great black clouds which she knew to be carrying their fair share of freezing rain hovered above, the first few flecks beginning to mark the cobblestones beneath her feet. The blistering winds came with these storm clouds, whipping up the bed sheets Wendy was collecting so they billowed like the Jolly Roger's white sails.
Quickly dropping the last of the sheets into a wicker basket she hauled it all back inside, remembering the last time she has seen those sails. Although her father and eldest brother, John, refused to believe that they had seen the pirate ship of clouds trailing through the sky three or so years ago, she, her mother and Michael weren't letting go so easily.
The broad grin and cock's crow of a certain russet haired boy lingered on in Wendy's memories and dreams. She had spent around a day with Peter and the Lost Boy's, including all the adventures in Neverland and flying to and from worlds; but it had felt longer than that, never since that day had Wendy ever felt so exhilarated or filled with so much emotion. The nervousness, fear, joy and awe, all centred around one green leaf clad boy. Only last night the blonde haired girl had dreamt she was being spirited away again, the scent of the ocean spray and Indian incense tantalising her nostrils.
Wendy continued whirling around in these thoughts as she stored the bed sheets in the airing cupboard, barely noticing John march past her, Nana on a rope at his heels and Michael whining along behind.
"But why John, your so mean," wailed the blonde seven year old, trying to tug back the fraying rope.
"Because, Michael, she is a dog, her continuous yowling is stopping me from writing my notes, what I'm doing is far more important than your games," replied the older brother, almost pompously.
This is when Mary Darling appeared; still securing her smooth honey hair with a ribbon that matched her dress, a petite frown on her face.
"Please boys, you know I'm taking Wendy and your father to a dance tonight, it's a very important occasion for your sister."
Glaring at the floor, John dropped the rope which allowed Nana to bound free happily, the dog and Michael skipping and tumbling round the corner back to the nursery. Smiling lovingly at her youngest son, Mrs Darling's gaze then fell upon her daughter.
"Good gracious, my dear why aren't you dressed!"
Wendy glanced down at her plain skirt and blouse, a dusty and slightly damp apron still tied round her waist from where she had been cleaning and tidying. Biting the inside of her cheek, she looked back up to where her father now emerged.
"Blasted cufflinks, Wendy, why do you look like a maid, your meant to look like a princess, tonight is the night you find a suitable man!"
Mr Darling's rage was obvious on his face, the relatively pale man glowing like the tomatoes in the garden. Wendy apologised, her words babbling out until her mother helpfully guided the girl into her own room.
"But mother, I really don't want to go to this ball," she complained.
Mrs Darling continued brushing her daughters light brown hair, teasing it into ringlets and smoothing down loose strands.
"You don't have to make any decisions tonight, just enjoy yourself to keep your father happy."
Wendy sighed and slipped on a pair of pretty silver slippers, wriggling her toes and wishing she could be barefoot in Neverland. She would give anything to get away from the party.
It was a warm evening, so the trio set of at a steady pace to Mr Waddlington's house, a business partner of Mr Darling. Wendy had the uneasy feeling he was going to embarrass her, and of course himself in the process.