Disclaimer: I do not own The Chronicles of Narnia or any of its affiliates. It all belongs to C.S. Lewis; I'm just a loyal fan.
A/N : Thanks for all the reviews!! I really appreciate it!
Chapter 3: Arriving
A few hours and many stops later, Emily and the Pevensies had arrived in the middle of nowhere. They heard a car beep its horn and quickly picked up their suitcases and rushed down the steps. Lucy raised her hand in the beginnings of a wave as the car passed by, leaving the five standing in the mud.
"The professor knew we were coming," stated Susan, clearly confused as to why there was no one there to greet them.
"Perhaps we've been incorrectly labeled," Edmund suggested reading the slip of paper attached to his jacket.
"I hardly think-,"but Emily never finished because the sounds of horses hooves could be heard.
A horse with a wagon attached came to stop in front of them.
"Mrs. Macready?" Peter ventured a guess to the older woman atop the wagon.
"I'm afraid so," said Mrs. Macready as she gave them the once over. "Is this is then? Haven't you brought anything else?"
"No ma'am. It's just us," Peter replied.
"Small favours," Mrs. Macready said smugly.
It was a short trip to the professor's house compared to their own train ride. The children were in awe from the moment they stepped in the door. The house was huge and clearly very old.
"Professor Kirke is not accustomed to having children in his house. And as such, there are a few rules we need to follow," lectured the house-keeper, "There will be no shouting or running. No improper use of the dumbwaiter-," Susan has reached out to touch a very old looking sculpture. "NO touching of the historical artifacts!" Mrs. Macready shouted, then dropped her voice to continue, "And above all there shall be no disturbing of the professor."
After settling in their respective rooms for the evening and enjoying a home-cooked mean, they gathered in the girls' room. Peter was listening intently to the radio and Emily was trying to look busy helping Lucy get ready for bed, but she was listening just as hard. The voice on the radio spoke of the air raids on London the night before. Lucy was visibly upset listening to this, but Emily was too distracted to notice. Susan saw this and shut the radio off, glaring at both Peter and her friend.
"The sheets feel scratchy," stated Lucy after a silence.
"Wars don't last forever, Lucy. We'll be home soon," comforted Susan.
"If home's still there," said Edmund sarcastically.
"Isn't it time you were in bed?" questioned Emily a little angrily. She'd had enough of Edmund's attitude lately.
"Yes MUM!" he responded with the same sarcasm.
"Ed!" warned Peter moving to stand behind Emily and Edmund stormed off the room he shared with his brother. Peter sat down on Lucy's bed and said in a kinder tone, "You saw the outside. This place is huge. We can do whatever we want here. Tomorrow's going to be great. Really."
Lucy gave him a small smile and Peter tucked her in. Emily left to go to the boys' room and knocked on their door.
"What?" snapped Edmund from inside.
"Can I come in?" asked Emily. After receiving no response she opened the door.
"I didn't say you could come in," the younger boy snapped again.
"I came to say I was sorry," started Emily. Edmund was about to say another smart remark, but Peter walked in and he quickly shut him mouth. "I'm sorry for being short with you and I hope you accept my apology."
Edmund hesitated and Peter glared at him. "Apology accepted." Emily was about to leave when he spoke again, "I don't know how you think you can get away with that. I mean, you're not even a member of this family."
"Edmund!" Peter yelled angrily.
"Goodnight Edmund," Emily said sadly and left the room.
Peter went after her, "Emily! Wait!"
"What do you want, Peter?" tears threatening to fall.
"Don't listen to him. He's being a prat."
"He's right though."
"No he's not. Right now you're acting like more of a member of the family than he is."
"Thanks. Goodnight Peter," she said and gave him a small smile and they both turned to go to bed when suddenly Emily turned back around. "I just miss him so much, you know?"
"Yeah, I miss my dad too."
"I mean, he's all I've got left," she sniffed a few times, tears falling down her cheeks.
"You've got us," Peter said stepping forward and pulling her into a hug. She buried her face in his shoulder and sniffed a few more times, trying to compose herself.
Emily took a few steps back out of his embrace and said, "I'm so sorry."
"For what?"
"For this. My dad told me to be strong and now look at me. I'm a wreck," she explained, holding her arms slightly away from her body, almost as if for an inspection.
Peter looked her over. Her clothes were wrinkled and her shoulder length, curly, brown hair was a bit of a mess from the long train ride. As well, her eyes were all red from crying, only making the green in them pop more. In all honesty, Peter thought she'd never looked more beautiful. "Your dad would be proud."
Emily had to laugh a
little at his statement, making her eyes twinkle. "And what makes
you say that?"
"I'd say you've dealt quite well with all
the adjustments in your life."
"Until now."
"You don't have to
be brave all the time. It's okay to tell someone you're
scared."
"I guess not everyone's perfect," shrugged
Emily.
"Speak for yourself. I on the other hand…" Peter trailed off.
"Oh shut up Peter!" Emily exclaimed as she nudged him.
"Hey!" he responded, rubbing his arm, although it really didn't hurt.
"Thanks again," Emily said on a more serious note.
"Anytime."
"Your dad would be proud too. Of all of you."
"Thanks."
"Well, goodnight."
"Yeah, goodnight," he replied and watched her walk down the hall to her room before returning his own room.
