After indulging in an expensive shopping trip with her aunt and uncle, Wendy Darling stood in front of her now-full closet. She reached out and brushed her hand over the soft velvet dresses and the smooth silk scarves. They were the finest clothing she had owned in half a decade.

"Oh, Nana, isn't this wonderful?" She asked, turning to the St. Bernard that rested on her bed. Nana looked at her with lazy eyes, and then settled her big head back on the mattress. Wendy rolled her eyes. "Please, Nana. Contain your enthusiasm." She faced her closet again, marveling her collection when a loud shout made her jump in surprise.

"Really, Dear. We simply cannot afford a whole entire band and the finest champagne in London," Aunt Mary stated firmly in reply to whatever Uncle Howard had said.

"Fine. Then you choose which we have." Her uncle retorted.

She could imagine Aunt Mary resisting the urge to roll her eyes. "I pick the band. We can drink less expensive champagne but we cannot have entertainment anything short of perfect."

"Fine," Uncle Howard conceded. Then he raised his voice. "Wendy! Please come down here!"

Wendy rushed out of her room and down the stairs, purple velvet dress swinging out as she skidded to a stop before her mother's brother and his wife. "Yes?"

Aunt Mary was seating on the sofa, and Uncle Howard was leaning against its arm. "We would like to speak to you about the party." Mary said.

It took a moment for Wendy's breathing to slow down from her run. "Alright." She sank into the plush love seat across from them.

"We were thinking it would be best if we held it a fortnight from today, because that would give us time to book the band and order the food and cakes and get everything prepared." Howard explained.

"That seems reasonable," Wendy nodded.

"We would like your opinion on everything: the band we choose, the hors D'oeuvres, the flavor of your cake, anything and everything.

She dipped her chin in consent.

uuu

Over the next two weeks, Wendy and her family transformed her new home into a place in your dreams. Rooms were redecorated in ways that favored space for dancing, the chandeliers were all polished, and every available surface was crammed full with party supplies. Streamers, tin stars, and bouquets of flowers were scattered everywhere as Wendy scrambled to set up a party fit for a king.

She had always dreamed of this, laughing as she wrapped crêpe paper around John, sticking loose daffodils into Aunt Mary's up-do, and giggling furiously as Uncle Howard tripped over the decorations she had left strewn about.

Wendy loved the feeling of joy she experienced every time she woke up, the reassurance that she had a family and that she was safe.

She and Michael had really grown closer over her time spent there. He immediately turned to her for advice, even if it was something as simple as which type of pie he should eat for dessert. He also saw her as his protector, his big sister who had braved the world and would do everything to keep him from the harsh reality that was life for as long as she could.

And she sincerely wanted to. Wendy wanted to shelter him and John from everything she had suffered in her times in the Homes and on the streets. She felt pain in her heart whenever she thought about John or Michael bearing the horrible grief she had endured over the past five years. Losing her parents, getting forced into the orphanages, being tossed between foster homes with awful guardians. Wendy would rather she undergo the whole experience again than for her dear brother to have to.

And maybe, if she was lucky, she could shield them from the horror that is the world, for just a little while longer.

uuu

The party seemed to be a success, Wendy knew as she floated down the main staircase in the gorgeous petal pink gown her aunt had chosen for her. She was greeted by a smattering of applause, and then was engulfed in a sea of strangers. Wendy was hugged by so many women and shook hands with so many men, that by the time the ocean of people spit her back out by the fireplace, her hand was worn raw from all the contact.

"Are you enjoying yourself, dear?" Aunt Mary suddenly appeared by her side, holding a glass of champagne in her left hand.

"Yes, I am." Wendy smiled. "Are you, Aunt Mary?"

Her aunt twirled the glass in her hand, causing the liquid inside to circulate, before answering. "I've never been one to entertain, but I must admit the band is lovely."

Wendy just now noticed the faint sound of a violin playing with a piano accompaniment. They sounded just right together. "Yes, they are marvelous."

Uncle Howard, followed by John and Michael, walked up to her. "I believe it is time for a dance." Uncle Howard stated, his tone leaving no room for protest. He held out his hand. "Mary?"

His wife blushed a deep shade of scarlet, and Wendy was shocked to see her usually unflappable aunt so flustered.

"Howard, you know I don't dance," She whispered, eyes trained on the floor.

"It is a special occasion, Mary," Howard answered, hand still outstretched.

Aunt Mary sighed. "Fine. One dance."

Wendy's uncle's smile was so wide; she thought his face might crack. As the couple strolled over to the space cleared out, Wendy turned to her brothers. "Which one of you shall I dance with?"

The twin's eyes widened and they both fumbled for words. Wendy laughed and grabbed their hands. "We'll all dance together."

She dragged them onto the dance floor and arranged their bodies so they could all dance without tripping over each other. John held Michael's hand, who was latched on to Wendy like she was a life raft in a raging sea. She peeled her little brother off her side and snatched up his hand instead. She leaned over and grasped John's hand, feeling that his palms were sweating.

Wendy couldn't control the smile that spread across her face as they all rotated slowly at first, until her brothers got into it and they were a lively, swirling mess of laughter and joy.

By the end of the night, she was thoroughly exhausted and declared to her family as she tiredly trudged up the steps that she would care for the mess in the morning.

Wendy quickly changed into a soft blue nightgown and then climbed into her bed. She pulled the heavy duvet over her small body right before the memories of the night lulled her to a peaceful sleep.

ONE YEAR LATER

Wendy's serene slumber was interrupted by a loud crash. She awoke instantly, alert. Her eyes scanned the room for the source of the sound.

Her eyes were greeted by the sight of a young boy chasing his shadow.