Chapter 4: Hide and Seek
The oldest Pevensie and I walked into his room laughing. He was telling me of all the funny times that happened while I was away. It was almost dinner by the time we had actually gotten to the room. We'd taken a handful of detours on the way.
"It was such a stroke of luck that we were sent here," Peter told me. "Otherwise, well, who knows if we'd ever see you again."
Before Peter entered his and Edmund's room, he told me he had something for me. Being clueless, I asked him what it was. Peter mumbled something rather inaudible. I turned my head to feel Peter's lips on my cheek. Kissed. My. Cheek. He stood up again and slipped into his room. My mouth literally fell open. I couldn't think straight, I couldn't even focus. I didn't even notice when Edmund stormed passed me. I walked up to my room on…oh, what is it called? Cloud Nine I believe it was. Once in my room, I grabbed a pillow and let out a shrill squeal of joy. So what if he was five years older than me…and a friend…okay, kind of like a brother. But I didn't care. Did I? I remembered the look on Ed's face. It was mad, no, madder than mad. Infuriated perhaps? Peter did mention that he wasn't the one who sent that letter. Oh bother it all! Now why did I ever let Peter kiss me? Edmund sent that letter; he's my best friend (I hope). Gosh, he was so mad though. I needed to escape!
"Maggie, Mrs. Macready says it's dinner time," Lucy stuck her head in my room. I waved her off and the young girl skipped down the hall. I looked to the corner of my room longingly. Grandfather found out I liked to pain so he brought up all kinds of supplies for me. I decided that, after dinner, I'd paint a gloomy day. After all, what I paint does tend to reflect on my mood.
I awoke the next morning to find it raining outside. Figures. I paint a rainy day…I get a rainy day. Since it was wet out, I decided to pay a good ol' visit to the library. Don't know why, but I was in a sulky mood. Like, I knew something bad was bound to happen. I slowly made my way to the book-filled room. When I got there, my haven was occupied by all four Pevensie siblings. I plopped down on the floor closest to Edmund and crossed my arms. I could tell Edmund's mood lightened, I didn't care at the moment.
"Gastrovascular," Susan read, holding the big dictionary on her lap. Peter lounged on the sofa, rolling his head side to side. "Come on Peter. Gastrovascular." My, my, she was impatient today. I put my hand to my mouth and coughed "Latin…Latin". Ed snickered and started picking at the bottom of a chair. Peter smiled at me.
"Is it Latin?"
Susan nodded while Ed moved out from under the chair. "Is it Latin for – worst game ever invented?" He smiled at me. Oh, how I loved to see him smile. Did I just think that? Su let out a frustrated sigh and slammed the big book shut.
"W – We could play hide and seek," Lucy suggested. I sat up. Anything sounded fun at the moment. Peter looked over at Susan.
"But we're already having so much fun," he replied sarcastically. The youngest pleaded with him. I saw Edmund roll his eyes when Lucy pouted her lips. I nodded signaling I was up for it. "One, two, three, four…"
I jumped up and grabbed Lucy's small hand. Ed was astounded by his brother's decision. Susan, Edmund, Lucy, and I ran out of the room to look for places to hide in the mansion. I pulled my friend along as we searched for the perfect hiding place. I couldn't help but think of my favorite Andrews Sisters song, Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny, Oh! When she spotted the curtains, Lucy ran ahead of me. I stopped. I could use the dumbwaiter! It was a tight fit, but I managed to get in okay.
"Ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one hundred," I heard Peter shout. I realized I was in a bad spot when I remembered I was just down the hall from the library. Not smart Maggie. I heard footsteps go passed me, for a moment I thought I was safe, and then they came back.
"Leave. Leave. Leave. Go away. Find someone else," I whispered to myself. The small door opened a crack, then all the way. There stood Peter with a wide grin on his face.
"Found you," he said happily. I groaned and tried to get out of the dumbwaiter. It took some effort…and Peter's help…but I got out fine. "Alright let's go find the others."
As we walked down the halls, I felt our fingertips brush up against each other. I stared at the floor hoping he wouldn't notice my beet red face. It wasn't long until we herd Edmund's voice. Peter and I rounded the corner to see Lucy standing in front of the curtains where I left her. Ed was behind them.
"You know, I'm not sure you two have quite got the idea of this game," he confessed to his siblings. Lucy looked sad and Edmund at last came out of the curtains.
"Weren't you wondering where I was?"
"That's the point. That was why he was seeking you!"
I looked back to see Susan running towards us. She asked if she had won. Peter did a double take, "I don't think Lucy wants to play anymore."
I walked up behind Lu and put a hand on her shoulder. Then, for the first time, I spoke up. "Where did you go Lucy?" The eight year old turned around and beckoned for us to follow.