Disclaimer: This is a REALLY old fic of mine that I haven't worked on in ages. (If I get lots of reviews I just might work on it again though lol.) I don't own Peter Pan or the characters of J.M. Barrie's story: Peter Pan. I do own Serena, her mom, and Miss Miller. I hope you like the fic. Please read and review ttyl :)
~Sprite~

Jealousy

Our story begins on a cool October morning when the day was still crisp and fresh.
Seventeen year old Serena, rolled over on her small cot and gazed at the much hated alarm clock.

"It's four o'clock, it's the middle of the night. I should still be asleep," grumbled the young girl as she swung her long legs over the side of her much too tiny cot. As she rubbed her eyes with the backs of her hands, she mentally went over her list of things to do for the day. First and foremost, to get dressed and downstairs so she could prepare breakfast and wake Ms. Miller. She also had a vague idea that today was the day the inspectors came, which meant a heap load of cleaning for the poor girl.

Her suspicions deemed correct when Ms. Miller informed her it was "cleaning day". Serena went through her daily chores much quicker than usual so she could get to work on the tremendous job ahead of her.

This was not always the way it had been. Before Serena was six years old, she lived with her mother in a small apartment in downtown New York. As far back as she could remember, there had been no father, and too much debt to go around. On Serena's sixth birthday, all that changed.

"Darling, pack your suit case with some clothes. We're going on a nice trip to a very pretty building for your birthday." Serena's mother said with tears flowing down her pale sunken in cheeks. "Here I got you a present. Open it now Sweetie."

Serena looked up at her mother, her big blue eyes glistening.

"Oh, but Mummy, how did you afford a present? We have never done this before. It will set us back weeks." Serena exclaimed. Even at a young age she had experienced true poverty and hardship.

"Don't you worry your pretty little face Muffin. I ... I mean we, will make it through. Now just open it and let me see your beautiful smile. It's your birthday, be happy." Her mother told her through her tears. The little girl eagerly opened her gift.

"What is it Mummy?" Serena questioned. For in her hands lay a very beautiful, but old detailed book. Her mother stroked the cover of her once most prized possession.

"Peter Pan, my favorite story. My mother used to read it to me when I was a child. And when I was old enough, I read myself. Then when you were first born, I read it to you. And soon I think, you will be able to read it yourself. My, you are growing up so quickly. Now hurry up and get ready because I'm leaving soon." As soon as the child exited the room, her mother started to cry again, although she couldnÕt understand why. She was doing this for her daughter. She was really doing the best for her. She could never have a good education or a good life for that matter if she stayed with her mother. But, if this really was for the best, why was she so upset?

After Serena's bags were packed, they left in the old station wagon that was about ready to break down.

The pair stopped in front of a beautiful old school covered with vines. Serena tried to make out what the sign said, but was having trouble so her mother read it for her. It read: J. M. Barrie's Finishing School for Princesses and Young Ladies. Poor naive Serena still didn't understand what was going on. This looked like a school; and although she had never been to one, she knew a little about what they were. In fact she had never been with out her mother before.

"Goodbye Sweetheart. I'll miss you but I'll never forget you and I hope you do the same. Maybe we'll see each other some day in the future. If not, I love you very much and I hope you know that this is for the best. Goodbye Sweetie Pie."

"Mummy! Wait please don't go! I'll be better I promise! I won't make you upset! I won't cause all the bills! Please don't leave me! Please. Mommy come back! I'll be good I promise! Just don't leave me" Serena's cries went unanswered; but not unheard.

"I promise you Sugar, I'll come back. I promise you on my heart I will." Her mother whispered softly to herself.

That was the first day Serena was alone.

TBC Peter is introduced in the next couple chapters. Please oh please review!!! ttyl :)
~Sprite~