Wendy lay not far from the house, sobbing into her arms. If she stopped crying, she would be able to think about it logically and admit to herself, she had known that Peter would say that. He was right; in a way, he was still a child. And he certainly wasn't ready to grow up that much. She had seen the way he had flinched at his reflection…the fact that he had grown still bothered him, despite the fact that they could be together. But Wendy had always wanted a family and she thought she would make a wonderful mother one day. Not that she couldn't love the Lost Boys as her own but there was something magical about having a child, feeling that child grow inside your womb. She longed for that kind of magic and she would love it if Peter were the father of her children. Right after he confessed he loved her, she dreamed all night long about their future children and she just could not get that image out of her mind. Pushing herself up, she wiped at her face and sniffled for a moment, glancing up at the stars. Could Peter be enough for her? Or would she long for more? In truth, she didn't know. She knew she loved Peter with all her heart…but if he couldn't give her what she wanted…and what if there was a way to return him to boyhood, so that he may forget everything he was now and go back being a little boy and having fun. It sent a pang to her heart to think of that but what if that was what he really wanted?
As Wendy lay there, a bright light appeared in the sky not far from where she was and it got so bright that Wendy had to shield her eyes. Wendy gasped as a beautiful fairy, the most beautiful she had ever seen, hovered right over her. Wendy couldn't think of anything else to do but bow low. The fairy smiled.
"Rise, my child and look at me. Wendy Darling, welcome back to Neverland. You have grown into such a beauty."
"T-thank you…but…who are you?"
"I have many names, child. But the Neverlanders call me Elphame and that is what you may call me."
"Elphame," Wendy repeated.
"I am the Queen of the Fairies and the Woodland Folk of the Neverland. I remember seeing you in my Glade nearly four years ago. You were at my Tree."
"When I was there with Peter! We watched you dance!" Elphame nodded, a smile on her stunning face.
"That's right, my child. Now, Wendy, tell me what's on your mind." Wendy bit her lip.
"What makes you think anything's on my mind?"
"Oh Wendy, your mind and heart are both screaming and I am not the only one who can hear them. I am, however, one who would like to help. You are connected to the island, do you not know?" Wendy looked stunned.
"How am I connected to Neverland?"
"You are the chosen bride of the Prince of Neverland. He is connected to this island and so are you. The island can feel what your heart feels."
"You talk about Neverland as if it is a real breathing thing."
"Of course it is. Peter has shown every love and care to Neverland for hundreds of years. Under his tender precision, Neverland has flourished beautifully. Though for the past several years, his unhappiness has plunged the island into a darkness. He yearned for you to be by his side. Now that you have returned with him, the island has started to bloom again."
"Surely…surely I have nothing to do with that? I mean, with the island blooming?"
"Haven't I just told you that your return has made Peter's heart glow? And that is what has made the island well again. So now, dear Wendy, tell me: why are you considering leaving Neverland and Peter again?"
There was a sharp gasp from off to the side and Elphame's eyes flicked to the bushes where Peter was hiding. Peter tensed, afraid she would reveal him (for he knew she knew he was there) but Elphame looked back at Wendy and Peter let out a deep breath of relief. He had been listening to their conversation the whole time, having been there to check on Wendy. Elphame's words made his heart stop. He had no idea she was considering leaving. Why? Because he said he didn't want to be a real father? She would leave him because of that?! His heart started to thump painfully against his chest and he resisted the urge to jump out and shake Wendy and demand an explanation. He decided to remain hidden and listen to what she had to say.
Elphame turned back to Wendy and folded her hands patiently. Wendy looked uncertain.
"What makes you think I considered leaving?"
"As I said, dear one, we can all feel what your heart feels. You would do well to try to mask that though. There are some on this island who will try to use those feelings of yours to their advantage. There are some who would do harm to you and the Prince."
'When you say Prince…do you mean to say that Peter is royalty?"
"He has always been the Prince of Neverland and therefore is connected to this island in a most intimate way that no one can possibly understand. It is a love connection between the Neverland and Peter and that is why he has never left it. It is why he could never come to London to grow up with you. Neverland is his first love and I hope that does not offend you but realize this: if Neverland ever died, every living creature on this island dies with it. And it would be a horrible, suffering death. More painful than you can possibly imagine. Because once something so beautiful and precious is destroyed, all of the beauty of the world is gone. Peter can never leave this island because Neverland would suffer without him. He would have grown up for you long ago, you know." Wendy looked up quickly at the fairy and Elphame smiled at the young woman's shocked face.
"You don't believe me? Ask him. Ask him if he has ever considered leaving the island and growing up. He loves you so he won't lie to you."
Under the bushes, Peter's heart was racing. Why was Elphame telling Wendy all of this? What if Wendy still wanted him to go grow up elsewhere? Would he do it for her? But no, he decided his Wendy would never be that selfish. Elphame had told Wendy what would happen to everyone if Peter left…surely Wendy would understand now.
"Now then, now that you know who Peter is, tell me why you're afraid of staying with him."
Peter's heart sank at the Queen's words and he listened intently for Wendy's answer.
"It's not that I'm afraid to stay with Peter. I love him with all my heart and I know we're meant to be together. But I have dreamed of a family ever since I was a little girl. I want a child of my own. Peter said we can be Mother and Father to the Lost Boys and that's wonderful but it's not the same. Is it impossible for us to have children?"
"This is Neverland. Anything is possible. And I think you and Peter would make wonderful parents one day. You must give him some time. Remember, these feelings are very unfamiliar to him. Even though he is your age now, he is hundreds of years older than you. He has had centuries on the island just being a little boy and having fun. Then all of a sudden you come into the picture and change everything about him." Wendy's head hung low as guilt filled her.
"No, dear child, don't feel guilty! You have given Peter Pan the most wonderful gift anyone could give him. You are the only one he has ever let into his heart. Your love is the only love he has ever accepted. I have no doubts that you will be great parents and that the Prince will have a son or daughter to dote on. But as I said, you must give him time to come to terms with all of this."
"You think he will change his mind," Wendy asked hopefully.
"Be patient, Wendy. Be patient with him and be patient with yourself. You both have a great deal to learn about being with someone. But as you said, you can learn together. You have each other now and you have made Peter whole again. If you leave, I fear he will fall into a worse despair than we could hope to bring him out of."
Peter grew angry at the Queen's words. Don't make her stay out of pity, Elphame! If she wants to go home, she can go home! I don't need her. I want her but I don't need her. But Peter scowled at himself, scowling at the battle between his head and his heart. Of course he needed her. He was lost without her, he knew that. And he knew Wendy loved him. She wouldn't stay out of pity; she would stay out of love.
"I could never leave him," were her next words and they made him want to crow. Elphame smiled and nodded.
"I am glad to hear it, dear. Now I suggest you return to him straight away. It is not safe for you to be out here on your own. And we have to prepare the island for your arrival."
"Prepare? What's to prepare? I'm here already."
"Right now, dear Wendy, to the island and many of its inhabitants, you are just another girl Peter has brought to amuse himself. Please don't take that the wrong way, it is just how the world would see you. We must plan your nuptials immediately and once you are Peter's wife, Neverland will accept you as their Future Queen. It will stop fighting against you."
"Fighting against me? Why on earth is the island fighting against me?" Elphame glanced back at Peter and did not seem to want to continue. Peter listened in silence, his heart racing in anticipation for the fairy's answer. He had no idea his beloved island was against his Wendy. Elphame took a deep breath before she went on.
"You must understand, dear, this is not personal. The island is not against you, it is against grown ups."
"You mean-"
"You are nearly eighteen. At that time, you will be considered an adult and at that time, Neverland will try to banish you. Forever."
Once again, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your endless support and kind words! Now I need to apologize for anyone who has been offended by Wendy's thoughts and wishes. I feel that I need to explain really quickly.
I have had medical complications that might make children a difficulty...and it's my greatest wish to be a mother. Not that I'm opposed to adopting in any way but as I said in the chapter, there is a special kind of magic that comes from bearing a child. So that is the way I decided to take it and apologize if it offends anyone. Again, I think adoption is a wonderful thing and Wendy does realize it-but she, like me, yearns for a child of her own more than anything.
Hope you enjoyed and please continue to review-I'm very happy with the way the story is going and hope you are too! :-)
