Images of Broken Souls

Chapter Eleven: Forgotten Girls

Life is an unrelenting comedy. Therein lies the tragedy of it.

- Dean Koontz -

Two days later, and Nicole was once again forgoing the promise of adventure. Besides not being one for fighting, which was typically involved in those outings, she was hoping to talk to Tinker Bell about something that had been bothering her.

Consequently after the others left, Nicole sought out the fairy. And after ten minutes or so, the tiny girl was found.

The two chatted pleasantries for a short while, before Nicole finally asked what she had been meaning to. "Why did you do it, Tink?"

"Do what," the fairy questioned with feigned innocence.

"You know what." Nicole sighed, as Tinker Bell continued to pretend she did not know what she was talking about. "You helped Peter drag me back here. Why?"

The fairy grew serious. "Because your brother was going to want to visit eventually and this was the last time I knew for certain you'd be able to show him. And because I knew you needed closure."

"How could you know that?" Her tone held a slightly bitter humor, but she did not deny the accuracy of the supposition.

"I've been watching you occasionally over the past few years and seen how depressed you've, but it doesn't seem like being here has helped."

"How would it? To know that I don't matter. To know I'm just a poor man's Wendy. Um… poor boy's Wendy. You and her are the only people who really matter to Pan."

"And he doesn't remember her," Tinker Bell contradicted. "Not anymore. If a month after you leave someone asks Peter what Wendy looks like he won't really know. He might give her your hair, or Bell's eyes, or the girl before her's nose. Maybe even all three. Maybe he'll remember something about Wendy Darling, but it's just as likely that he won't.

"I don't know if he'd remember me if I wasn't here, either."

Nicole thought about Tink's claim for a moment, then asked, "Is that why you don't bother fighting with Wendys anymore? Pan probably sees us get along and forgets that you and Wendy never did."

"Forgets?" Tink scoffed. "He already forgot. But what you said is part of the reason. Possibly also how your world's society has changed. Some I still don't get along with, others I do. But that's not all of why you don't like it here."

"It kind of is actually," Nicole answered. Seeing Tinker Bell's look she admitted; "Mandy. I know it's stupid, and she's my best friend, but Peter remembers her name. And I can't help but envy her for it. I'm just a Wendy."

"There's nothing 'just a' about being Wendy to Peter. Mandy's like one of the Lost Boys to him. He remembers her name and is friendly, but distant. He's not distant from you or me. We matter to him. Even if it is only temporary."

Tinker Bell was silent, before adding, "I'm glad you remember who you are. Most girls do fall into the trap of being Wendy, forgetting their own names until they're back home."

"I would probably forget if I was here by myself. Ian's been remembering for me."

"He's such a sweet boy."

"Wait until he's a bit older before you sweep him off his feet."

"Oh, darn. I thought I already had."

What neither girl knew was that someone was listening to their conversation. Had, in fact, heard all of it. "Nicole," Mandy shouted frantically, running over to them. After finally hearing the brunette's name, the person left. To think over what he had heard. And, in the case of Peter Pan, thinking is not only a dangerous pastime, but a rare one, as well.

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AN: Okay, I know atleast a couple people are reading this story. Here's the problem. I don't know if the reader(s) like the chapter or are just bearing through because the chapter before was good and they think they should give me a chance to fix it. That's why reviews are so important, in my opinion.

I'm not always the most diligent reviewer myself. There've been times when I read something and didn't know what to say, and consequently didn't review. It's a habit I'm trying to fix. Because, since I've started posting stories, I've come to realize that just saying "hey, I like that" can help encourage the writer or "I didn't understand that part where…" can help strengthen the writer's abilities.

Not reviewing is an easy habit to fall into and a hard one to get out of, but they do help.

I'm not just referring to myself either. Reviewing helps every writer. Some really feel the need for feedback, others not so much. But regardless of whether they believe they need it or not, it still can make things better.

So again, please review.