I walked with a purpose over to the boy's door and knocked, before barging right in. I went straight to Oakley's bunk. He was snoring on the bottom bed; not at all disturbed by me coming in or by all the protest form the other boys.
"Oakley wake up," I shook his arm gently then harder when he ignored my attempt to wake him.
"Huh? What-" he looked around and noticed me and Peter staring at him. "Why are you-"
"Get up," I told him pulling the blankets off him.
"Hey! Watch it," he argued as he covered his underwear. His face turned red as he covered back up under the blanket.
"Come on Oakley I need your medical expertise," I pleaded as I handed him his glasses.
"Why?" He asked.
"Yeah, why?" Peter echoed touching my arm looking concerned.
"Not for me. I found someone who was marooned here. He has been beaten and can't move from the beach," I explained to all the listening faces form their beds. "He claims to be Smee's son."
They all irrupted in detest.
"A dirty pirate!"
"Just another trap!"
"Let him rot!"
"Not worth the chance!"
"Let's kill him!"
They all spoke at once and all had only negative things to say. They all yelled their opinions to me and to each other. Most of all they told it to Peter. They wanted him on their side right away. It had spiraled out of control so quickly. I needed to regain order if I wanted to keep my promise to the boy.
"Listen up!" I screamed. My voice stuck out amongst all the boys yelling. "Is he not a person? He is a human being that was beat half to death and then left to die on a beach. How is that okay with you? Have some compassion," I persuaded trying not to sound so angry. Of course I was, but how could I not be. I was supposed to bring help and now all of my friends picked that day to lose all sympathy.
"Riley," Peter's voice from behind me broke the silence. I faced him. "It's a trap."
"You don't know that."
"I do." he said with sympathy for me but not the boy waiting on the beach. "I'm sorry, but this has your father written all over it."
"Don't you talk about my father!" I screamed. "You're no better. You won't go help someone who is out there dying right now."
"I'm sorry, sweetie," he tried to pull me into another hug, but I blocked it. I felt tears come to my eyes, but this time I let them fall. In front of everyone I stood there crying like nothing but a sad little girl.
"He is just like me, but you won't help him," I told Peter angrily.
"No, I'm sorry, I can't take that chance. It's a trap Riley. I don't know how else to convince you." The others remained silent. This private argument had become public and all I could do was try and stand my ground.
"He is dying!" I screamed.
"He is deceiving." Peter responded calmly.
I stormed out of the room and into the living room, ignoring Peter's calls for me to come back. They all followed me still trying to convince me. "Fine," I spun to face their waiting eyes. "I'll go help him myself."
"No I can't let you go back and be in danger." He seemed angry, but was trying not to be.
"Well someone has to help him and since you won't I will do it alone," I spat not caring how mad he was. I was focused on helping my new friend and I didn't care what anyone else thought or did about it. "So I'm going."
I reached for the door to leave the hideout, but Peter pushed my hand back. He stood between me and saving Kenner. "No!" He yelled into my face. I shoved him and he hit the door, but wasn't fazed. "You're not going Riley! It's a trap. Why can't you just believe me?! Is this the type of relationship we are going to have? It's only been half an hour and we already fighting!"
"We would be fighting anyways!" I screamed back now even angrier because he was questioning our relationship so early. "If you try and keep me from doing what I think is right we are going to fight regardless of if we are dating," I informed him as he continued to block the door. "Now get out of the way!" I shoved him into the door another time.
"Shove me one more time and I swear to God-" he started to threaten through clenched teeth, but then stopped himself.
"You'll what?" I pressed him. "You hit me? Try I dare you! I'm not afraid of you!" I screamed.
Peter clenched his fists and raised one ready to follow through. I didn't bat an eye. He held his fist like that for a long minute. I could hear him breathe and see me fuming. Neither of us moved.
Finally he sighed. The sigh lowered his fist and brought his relaxed hand to the back of my head. I was pulled into his face and our lips met. At first I didn't know if I should kiss back. I was so mad at him, but yet when he kissed me things changed. It's like we were back in our room sharing stories and jokes. The connection what sparked again. I knew right then that I was in love with Peter Pan.
We parted after a few seconds. And met eyes for a moment. Smiles were exchanged and words through the mind.
"I'll go and check on the boy," Peter promised and kissed me on the forehead.
Suddenly a loud roar of disapproval from the boys came like a title wave crushing our perfect moment. They had been watching this whole time.
Peter pushed passed all the boys glaring at him to grab his sword and dagger. Their eyes followed him as he was leaving. "I'll be fine guys it's just Smee's kid. I'll be back in an hour tops." He told the boys who stood with their arms crossed over their chest. Peter turned back to me. "I'll see you when I get back," he winked and gave me a quick peck,before disappearing behind the door.