a/n- PLEASE DON'T KILL ME! I have been soooo busy with the schools production of "The King and I" lately. So now that the play is over, I'm back to updating all my fics to make everyone happy! So here is chapter 9 of my beloved Finding Neverland story. ENJOY!

Chapter 9- Some Bonding Time

As the summer slowly slipped away, word spread of James' and Rose's engagement. At the end of August, James, Rose, and the boys returned from the cottage and back to the reality of London. To Rose, all the time she had spent at the cottage was beyond reality. Being back in London meant no more magical times to build memories off of. Everything about her first summer at the cottage now seemed as if it were a fantasy. But as she sat looking out the window of James' parlor, into the rain, falling down onto the cobblestone streets, she thought of the lovely things that await her. Getting married for example. She smiled to herself and imagined the day. "It will be perfect," she thought to herself. The sun shining, herself in a snow white gown, though it didn't matter what she wore, Rose still pictured herself in a gown with a flowing skirt. And then she pictured James. "Oh what a sight for sore eyes!" she thought, and cracked a smile. Though she had seen James in a tuxedo amny times at opening nights, something about getting married just changed her vision of James in a tux. It was their wedding, after all.

"Perfect.." Rose murmured under her breath.

"What was that, dear?" Emma asked, suddenly appearing in the doorway to the parlor. Rose, who was now blushing, tried to cover up her mistake of daydreaming.

"Uh, nothing," Rose said nervously while sitting up properly, for she knew that slouching while looking out a window was not suitable for a young woman of her age.

"Alright," Emma said. "Here is your tea." Emma slowly handed Rose the china.

"Thank you, Emma," she said and carefully took the cup gratefully. Emma sat down in an armchair watching Rose sip the tea, and look out the window. Emma hadn't been able to get to know Rose very well and thought it might be a good idea to get to know her better. And Emma had just the idea.

"Rose, my dear," Emma said with a smile. Rose turned her head to look at the old woman.

"Yes, Emma?"

"I have been thinking,"

"Uh oh" thought Rose.

"We haven't really been able to become aquainted since we met, and now that we are about to become family, in a way. So I thought that we could go pick out your wedding dress tomorrow together," Emma said with a soft smile.

Rose just stared at her. Emma was very nice, but there was just something about her that intimidated her. But as Rose looked into Emma's hopeful eyes, she smiled.

"That sounds lovely, Emma. I would love to," Rose said smiling.

"Wonderful!" Emma said with a twinkle in her eye. As Rose thought about it, maybe she could give Emma a chance. Maybe she had to overcome being a tad bit afraid of Emma. After all, she wasn't a child anymore. James then appeared in the doorway, his hair tosseled in every direction. His neck tie was untied and his suspenders where hanging by his sides. His shirt's sleeves where rolled up to his elbows. James greeted the two women and made his way over to Rose, who smiled at the sight of him. He took both of her hands and dragged Rose of the couch and led her into a dip as if he was dancing with her.

"Good evening my love." Rose giggled.

"Good evening," Rose said back kissing him, still in the dip. He pulled her up and kissed her again.

"Rose and I were just talking, and we decided that I would accompany her in purchasing her bridal gown tomorrow," Emma said happily, and pleased with herself. Both James and Rose looked at her as if coming out of the trance they were both in.

"Really?" James questioned, and looked at Rose.

"Oh, yes. I'm sure it will be very pleasent," said Rose. "Why don't we go to bed now, James. I don't want to be tired for tomorrow," continued Rose adding a smile at Emma.

"Yes, bed sounds very good right now. Goodnight Emma. We'll see you in the morning." James and Rose walked upstairs, kissed a long kiss goodnight, and made their way into seperate rooms. Rose had taken Mary's old room seeing as how Mary left James and was, at the moment, pregnant with her and Gilbert Cannan's first child. Rose ran and jumped onto the bed smiling. She soon found herself drifting off to sleep with warm, happy, thoughts of her wedding day.

The next morning, Rose woke up, the sun's beaming rays shining through the window, eluminating the room with the brilliant glow of morning. Rose wiped the sleep out of her eyes and stretched, after which she promtly fell back into bed, her wavy red hair falling over her pillow. After 10 minutes of just lying there, Rose decided to get up and get dressed. Rose pulled on a navy blue skirt and white blouse. (Picture Sylvia's green skirt and blouse in the movie). As she walked down the stairs, Rose was alarmed to see everyone eating breakfast at the table.

"Oh my! How long have I been sleeping?" she asked.

"Pretty long acually," said Jack.

"Yeah, we've all been up for hours!" George said as well.

"Don't worry my dear. We wanted to let you sleep this morning. Here, have a biscuit and some tea," Emma offered her kindly. (Whatever. I don't know what they ate ofr breakfast back then).

"Thank you," Rose said politely and sat down between James and Peter.

After breakfast, the two woman got ready to leave.

"Alright ladies," said James putting Porthos' leash on. "We'll be at the park if 'ya need us." He stood up and gave Rose a quick peck on the check.

"Ok, goodbye everyone!" Rose said. With which the boys all responded in different ways. After kissing each boy (including James), the women were on their way. Rose and Emma soon stopped at London's finest bridal boutique. As soon as Rose stepped into the shop, a cheerful employee rushed over to her.

"Good afternoon, ladies! Oh, you must be Rose O'Malley Mr. Barrie's fiance'! What a pleasure! Come, come! I have some wonderful dresses for you today!" Emma and Rose looked at each other and followed the woman up the stairs. The woman's name was Anita and she was awfully skinny with long, blonde hair and blue eyes. When the three arrived in the loft where the dresses were kept, Rose's mouth fell open. Every inch of the room was covered in a dress. In the center of the room was a mirror.

"Well, lets get started shall we?" said Anita with a smile, and shoved a dress into Rose arms. Both Anita and Emma helped Rose put the ensemble on. It was an off-white dress with large sleeves and meshy fabric detailed with glitter covering her arms. It had a low neckline and a very long train. When the fitting was complete she turned to look at herself in the mirror. The dress was pretty, but Rose didn't like it that much. Apparently, Emma did.

"Oh Rose...You look angelic," she said as if in a trance.

"Why, thank you Emma, but I really do think it's not my type." Before Emma could protest, Anita started. She obviously liked her job very much.

"Oh alright then. Try this one." Once again the women helped Rose put on the gown. But this time when the gown was fully on, it was Rose who was utterly surprised at what she saw. The dress was pure white with cap sleeves and a normal neckline. The ensemble clung to her waist and then gracefully bellowed over into a soft, smooth, bottom. This dress, was absloutely, perfect.

"Emma, this is the one." Rose walked over to Emma and gave her a kiss on both cheeks and a hug. She was so excited!

"Rose this must be the finest dress in all of London! Anita! Ring this one up!" Emma said. From that moment, Rose knew that Emma was going to be a good friend.

A/N Hoped you liked it! Once again sorry for not updating in such a while and sorry that it's not very long. I promise the next chapter will be longer! REVIEW!

Caroline

aka TheatrePirate