3
CHAPTER TWO: CLOSING WALLS AND TICKING CLOCKSThe morning was brisk and unhappy, as the newly invented taxi's wheels rolled over puddles, splashing homeless beggars and pedestrians. Not an inch of sun peeked out from behind the grey clouds, as a gloomy feeling silently passed the Darling house. Not a soul was happy that morning, every child and adult dwelling in the home, even Nana, wished this day would be over with.
"Wendy Darling, you get in the cab!" Mr. Darling boomed, grabbing onto the newly thirteen year old's waist, pulling with all his might.
Wendy's hands stayed glued onto the window pane, tears running down her eyes and screams coming out of her mouth.
"No! You can't make me!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, voice becoming hoarse. "What if he comes, and I'm not here?!"
George's head looked like it was about to explode. Yes, the children knew it well. Soon, the steam would come out of his ears and nose, as a lion's roar would escape his lungs. The boys couldn't help but laugh at the idea.
"I can, and I will! You are coming with me, only for fifteen minutes!" He yelled, tugging and tugging. "I've just about had it with you!"
"NO!" Wendy shrieked, feeling her hands slip as she fell backwards. Mr. Darling jumped at the chance, as he grabbed onto Wendy's legs and carried her out the door like a sack of potatoes.
"It'll be fine, sweetheart." Mrs. Darling cooed, bidding goodbye to the rampaging girl as Wendy was carried out the door. "Father is only trying to help you."
With the quiet thud of the oak door closing, all Wendy saw was no hope. How could they betray her? Peter promised he'd come back once in a while, right? He promised! Promises were supposed to be kept. Had Peter already forgotten about her? What then? Would she have to find another love?
The possibilities were unthinkable. Wendy felt like fainting from exhaustion and depression. What was worth living for if you knew your only true love would never see you again?
Too many questions... too many riddles... too many thoughts on the girl's mind. The taxi cab drove away from that corner house, over to the office of Mr. Edward Parter. The black, thick letters on the brick, large building looked overpowering to the small, speck of a girl standing infront of the golden doors. Emerald eyes widening, with an uneasy gesture, Miss Darling walked into the area, gloved hand clutched onto her father's.
Up the many marble stairs, down what seemed to be thousands of hallways, Wendy finally turned the knob to look into an elegantly decorated, unwelcome room. A slightly overweight man, seeming to be in his forties, sat at the plush, red armchair. His crooked, hooked nose reminded her of the man in her nightmares, a pirate captain. Wincing, Wendy uncomfortably slipped into the leather couch, fingernails digging into her skin.
"Hello, Miss Darling." Mr. Parter carefully stated, a kind smile upon his features. Mr. Darling tipped his top hat, before removing it from his head and seating himself down at a green stool. Wendy gazed at her father, frantic panic in her eyes. Sadly, George ignored it and focussed his attention upon Dr. Parter. "Now what seems to be the problem?"
"Dr. Parter, do you promise to keep this information to yourself, as well as your workers, if possible?" Mr. Darling asked, right eyebrow raised as a hard hand went to stroke his chin.
Another chill went down Wendy's spine as she saw the eerie smile of Mr. Parter. His smile seemed to state "I know something you don't know".
Surprisingly, Dr. Parter released a laugh, eyes not leaving Wendy for one second. It was like a hungry beast carefully watching baked ham inside a window. Not a comfortable feeling whatsoever.
"Mr. Darling, please. Whatever goes on in this room, stays in this room. You have my word."
George hesitated before beginning to speak. It was hardest to get things out of grown-ups, especially things that didn't seem to realistic.
"Well, you see..." He leaned in, and began to talk in a quiet voice, "Wendy has been thinking that she and her brothers have been on an adventure, meeting a boy named Peter Pan."
Dr. Parter anxiously flipped through filled papers in his notebook, before beginning to scribble down notes. "What kind of adventure? Could it be an adventure at the home, or somewhere in the town?"
"I'm guessing-"Mr. Darling started. To his astonishment, Dr. Parter interrupted.
"I wasn't asking you, sir, I was asking Wendy." It was rather odd to see a man behave with such softness in his voice, with such sharp words. Wendy scooted back in her chair, knees urging to be tucked under her arms.
The red of her father's cheeks became apparent, as he quieted himself down before straightening his posture. "Oh, dreadfully sorry. Wendy?"
All eyes were on her. She could sense it. Soon enough, Wendy's face was beginning to turn as red as her father's.
"It was far away." She whispered, emerald green eyes glued to the floor.
Dr. Parter shifted around in his chair, before nodding, taking more notes. "Yes, an adventure far away. Tell me, Wendy, what was this place called?"
Wendy paused as she tasted the word at the tip of her tongue. Gulping the air from inside her mouth, the once bright and youthful Miss Darling was now the helpless, puppy of the bunch. Would she dare say it? Her father would want her to...
"Neverland." A glimpse of a whisper was heard from the vocals of the British child. Dr. Parter widened his eyes at the girl, as curiousity began to work its magic.
"I see. Neverland. And where does Mr. Pan come into this adventure?" The man tried to sound soft and believing, but it didn't work out as well as he had thought. Of course, all doctors and therapists think their patients are crazy. Why else would they be ranking the payment so high?
Wendy's eyes caught her father's for a moment, fear lurking them both.
"Peter took me there. Along with my brothers."
"Definately true. Mr. Darling, could you please take Wendy back to your home, and meet me back here by six? I'm sure Miss Darling is quite tired."
Eye language was contacted by Mr. Darling and the therapist, Mr. Darling looking confused and angry. Parter, however, seemed to have convinced Mr. Darling to follow his directions. No sooner than five minutes later, the Darling pair had left the office building.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: More to come, sorry for the delay! Again, thank you for the reviews. I appreciate them! Hehehe :D