Disclaimer – I own nothing expect Sarah, other minor characters and
places. Everything else is by J. M Barrie. (What a great guy for thinking
up Peter Pan!)
AN – Well this chapter came out earlier than I expected so I'm over the moon. It's come to my mind that if the lost tribe did have girls in (which there are in my story) and considering that the time period of Neverland is pirates of the Caribbean style, (is that 16th century or near?) how would they cope with such things a personal hygiene? I mean wasn't it Queen Elizabeth in the Tudors who only took a bath once a year or something!? Well I've decided, because I know nothing about it, that people are conscious about hygiene and womanly things, (did people even shave their legs in the olden days?) so it creeps up in the story. So this chapter is a bit of a filler in on things. Nothing seriously R rated this chapter as descriptions aren't graphic, just implied.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter Twenty –Two: A deeper comfort with Nibs and the old underground.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The odd sound was caught by Sarah's ears as she shuffled in the dark, praying her eye sight would adjust to the mass of the tents. The closest tent had its light smoking from recently being put out. That meant that this tent was probably Summer's and Slightly's. One tent down, five to go. The most obvious thing Sarah decided to do was to actually call out Autumn's name, quietly. When no reply came, Sarah went onto plan B, just crawling into the tents one by one and hopefully not crawling into anything that she really didn't want to see. She wasn't the only one who had a sex life and she was positive there were a few randy buggers in this lost tribe.
The tents were actually spread out a good distance between each other, unlike what Sarah had expected. This was probably down to either tribe members talking too much or for privacy reasons. Sarah thought it was both.
The next tent that Sarah came across, still had hushed whispers coming from the inside. The voices were high pitched and Sarah knew the girls were in this one. Likewise for the boys when Sarah got to the tent after. Before heading to the next tent, Sarah thought she heard a sound. She looked around but dismissed it. Sarah crouched down and listened to the tent. It was silent and Sarah plucked up the courage to peek in, only after she'd whispered Autumns name.
The tent was empty and Sarah crawled in, surprised that the material of the walls made the small space feel quite warm.
This obviously wasn't her tent as Autumn wasn't inside.
Sarah turned around and made her way to the opening when a figure crouched down and looked inside.
Sarah did a silent gasp as the figure caused her to jump.
"Sarah?" The crouched figure asked.
Sarah grinned sheepishly at Nibs.
"What you doing?" He asked.
"Same thing for you."
"I was taking a slash if you'd like to know, but this is my tent."
"Oh. I was just checking this tent out to see if it was mine. I don't know which one I'm in."
By this time Sarah had moved back into the tent and Nibs had come inside. The worst of it was the fact Nibs was topless and his body could be made out if you looked carefully. Sarah mentally told herself to keep her eyes on his.
"Autumn is in the next tent."
"Oh, okay." Sarah said, her voice happy but disappointed at the same time. She made a move to crawl past Nibs but he started to talk.
"But I wouldn't go in that tent."
"Why?"
"Because that's Jake's tent."
"So?" It had taken a second to realise what Nibs was saying and Sarah noticed Nibs smile at her for her second of dizziness. "Oh." Sarah added, her eyes wider than they were.
"They're only talking, mind you, I heard them before." Nibs stated still smiling.
"So I take it I'm in the last tent on the edge?"
"Guess so." Nibs grinned.
They both looked at each other and Sarah felt a little uncomfortable with his piercing grey eyes boring into her green ones. She was thankful for the darkness that enveloped them both, that way Nibs wouldn't catch her blush.
It felt like a good few seconds before Sarah looked away, breathing out. Deciding to change her thoughts, Sarah started to make conversation.
"So, Jake and Autumn, how long has this been going on?"
Nibs blinked. "Not long."
"I think they seem good for each other." Sarah added.
The conversation was too short in Sarah's opinion.
"I miss him." Sarah muttered and Nibs silently agreed.
Sarah didn't know whether she was thinking things were to turn differently but the topic of Curly made her mind clear, if not a little sad.
"He's at peace now." Nibs replied.
"Yeah." Sarah added some time after Nibs had spoken.
"Well if you don't mind, I going to try and get some sleep. I think tomorrow may be a long day."
Sarah registered Nibs voice, her own mind filtered with thoughts of Curly.
"I don't think I can sleep." Sarah said, mainly to herself.
"You should try." Nibs replied. Sarah looked to him and smiled briefly, wondering if he noticed her smile.
"Good night." He said softly, a tone that Sarah never heard Nibs use with other tribe members.
Sarah picked up her bag. Nibs crawled out the tent to let her out and Sarah made her way out into the fresh night.
It seemed more tranquil than any place Sarah had been for a long while. It was obvious that guardian spirits or some kind of ancient magic lingered in the air over the Indian lands and one couldn't help but wonder how long Neverland had been around for with such deep history penetrating the surrounding air, for example, the Indians and their blood lines.
Standing up with Nibs, Sarah noted it some how seemed lighter than inside the tent.
On a glance to the skies, the stars that had been behind clouds had now been revealed and glimmered down with heavenly light.
Sarah caught sight of two particularly bright stars piercing the darkness with their light.
A small smile crept onto Sarah's lips, as at that moment, the two stars decided to twinkle in their wonder.
Nibs caught her glance and looked up too.
"The stars?" Nibs asked with curiosity.
"I think it's fitting to believe that while standing in the Indian lands with the founders of the Indians looking down on us, that Curly and Jack are there too."
Nibs' heart melted at the thought, with the added fact it came out in Sarah's soft tone. He believed it and at that moment the stars twinkled again.
Sarah turned to Nibs.
"You know, living in Ravens town really dampens your spirits on believing in enchantment and things. I don't think half of the people realise there's a flying boy living in the jungle or faeries or an Indian tribe."
"Maybe that's a good thing. It sets us a part because we believe in them and we know they're real."
Sarah let out a content sigh.
"When I was with James, I believed in a new life, a grown up one. It did start to make me feel lonely. I mean, not that I had any real friends but, everything seemed tedious after a while. There's only so many times that a dress shop can hold my attention or one of those fancy parties."
"Are you still thinking about him?" Nibs asked.
"Yes, I am, but only my memories of him." Sarah paused and took a moment before speaking. "Do you know why I left Nibs?"
Nibs shook his head slowly.
"I had to come back to my family. Now James had a new chapter in his life, a new baby with this woman Matilda maybe it was time for a new chapter with me. I wasn't just going to sit back and watch this woman slowly creep into our lives. Besides, I do have my own family, the lost tribe is my family. I still have a duty here, like yourself. I still have to take care of those who need my help or who are younger. I owe it to Wendy. After all she started this."
"Imagine what things would have been like if she never came?" Nibs asked.
"Maybe Peter wouldn't be how he is today for starters."
"I don't know. Have you ever seen a bunch of boys living together? It's reckless. We were irresponsible, out of control. Don't get me wrong but I think Peter would be how he is today, even if Wendy had never come onto the scene. All it was was for Peter to go on another adventure and find a 'mother'. Then she would have been his 'Wendy'. It just so happens that Wendy was the first girl he met and from seeing a real girl who he could actually mould and share his life with, it caused the strangest feelings for him and thus the way he is now."
"I think it's in a lost boys' nature to be scared of things. When it was only the boys and Wendy, everything seemed new. Here was this girl, who caused something to change in every one of us. I think Peter also became the way he did because of Jealousy. Wendy only had eyes for Peter and we all knew that, but gradually, Peter always wondered what we were thinking when she came and then time started to pass us by."
"I think I was lucky to go to school while I was young before coming here. At least I knew, things." Sarah replied, pausing but then carrying on.
"It was a shock to us when, on Wendy's request, Peter find her companions. And when Peter found me, it seemed like a dream, a child's dream and that part of me which held my childhood and innocent fun urged me to go. At that point I was considered a young lady and I'd had a brief talk about grown up things and I'd studied a bit about the body's anatomy." Sarah blushed the tiniest bit when Nibs grinned at her.
"Oh I knew this would come into the conversation, it's not just innocent fun with Peter they want." Nibs joked.
Sarah grinned sheepishly before rolling her eyes playfully. "It all just seemed trivial then, but seeing Peter come to my window... The way he looked, how he smiled and charmed me, I knew there was something else urging me to go to Neverland, it was him, to be near him."
"A lot of the lost boys knew that about the girls."
"Were you all not bitter about it?" Sarah asked.
"No, because we didn't know any better. It wasn't until that something changed us, that came at different times, that I knew in myself, I had to...I dunno, try and break from my mould. That's when I started my exploring, going into Ravens town, seeing a different way of life. It was scarily beautiful." Nibs paused and took a breath.
"I envy you for how you are and what you've done."
"What?" Sarah asked confused
"You had an education; I didn't even have a proper one. Everything that we got taught was from Peter or the faeries."
"You didn't have a faerie did you?"
"Yeah, she taught me stuff, like how to talk, none of this tinkerling that Peter insists Tinkerbell speaks. She was nice but someone said they didn't believe in faeries and well, she went.
"Oh." Sarah said sadly "Did you know her for quite a bit?"
"Yeah for a good couple of years. She always said to me be yourself Nibs and follow your heart, kinda cheesy when I think back to it now but I always followed her words."
"I never had a faerie." Sarah stated with a mock pout.
"Boys get faeries remember? 'Cus they come when they're young to Neverland." Nibs paused and sighed very quietly but Sarah heard it. "I guess my parents didn't want me or something, because like all the other boys, I was never retrieved. When we were old enough to understand about life, my faerie told me about how we got here. I wasn't sad because I knew no different."
"I think it must have been a blessing for Wendy to be around, I mean she obviously taught you boys stuff too?"
"Yeah, she did. But Peter didn't want her to have time alone with us all, he wanted her for himself and as some kinda need grew for her, we all started to feel it and we all started to grow up at our own pace and things."
"When did you start to feel like a man Nibs?"
Nibs looked at Sarah and shrugged his shoulders slightly. "I'm just gonna get my shirt, it's a bit cold tonight."
Sarah didn't know why she'd asked Nibs that question but suddenly a need to know about the past of the lost boys had suddenly arisen. If she was to stay, Sarah wanted to really know about her family. She also wanted to know this information as a reassurance to prove that she didn't feel alone with those feelings about Peter, Neverland and growing up.
Nibs hadn't come out from the tent and so Sarah crouched down and crawled in.
"Nibs?" Sarah asked. Asking herself why she asked her previous question and had she frightened Nibs away?
Nibs sat crossed legged and was adjusting his shirt. "I don't think I want people listening to our conversation." He muttered.
"I know, I'm sorry, it's just, a lot of things are plaguing my mind now. It's because of Ravens town. When I saw the young women and their way of life style I just wanted to know why they thought different and what they knew that I didn't. I looked the part but I was still an outcast. It was as if they knew I grew up in the jungle, although James never told that to people."
"I wish I knew more about things, it feels if I only know half of what I need to know." Nibs said, a little frustrated.
"I know how you feel."
Both friends shared a mutual laugh at the amount of 'knows and knews' they had said in their sentences.
"Nibs? Do you still like me?"
A furious blush lighted Nibs' cheeks in the dark and although Sarah probably couldn't see it, Nibs was worried the heat in his cheeks was radiating so much that it would let her know.
"Of course I do." He said sincerely.
It was Sarah's time to blush.
"Who was the first girl that made you feel, like how Peter felt for Wendy."
Nibs frowned in the darkness.
"Are you saying it was girls who made us all grow up?"
"One way or another yes. Wendy started you all off because she's a girl and when you all saw what Peter was going though, you all must have felt a little bit of the same thing or a least a counter one, I mean, it's a primal thing isn't it?"
"It was exciting when you all arrived, I guess I wasn't quick enough though."
Sarah frowned but voiced her gesture so Nibs would know. "Oh?"
"Wendy never really interested me like it did Tootles. I think we all knew Wendy was a no go area. You did though, but Nav got to you before I did. In a way I'm glad because deep down I was confused. My mind couldn't agree with my body."
Sarah watched Nibs intensely, figuring out what he'd just said.
"You must be something special because, Peter obviously wanted you too."
"You know how some girls mature faster than others? Well I was one of those who did. I think boys or should I say young men, just know when a girl is a woman, then it becomes primal."
"Did you and Nav?"
"No. Peter got there first..." Sarah said sadly. "I had all these ideas, all the things coming back to me about school and what I learnt. The girls briefly whispered about it too. Said it was good. I wish I hadn't believed them now, because Peter shattered my illusion of it."
Nibs stayed quiet as he knew this was a touchy subject.
The pair stayed quiet for a couple of seconds before Sarah spoke up.
"Did you know Summer was pregnant?"
"Yeah." Nibs replied. "Slightly confided in me."
"I just found out tonight from them both."
Nibs smiled half heartedly for them but Sarah didn't really see the smile.
Yet another set of silence occurred and gave Sarah a brief period of time to think but her thoughts that were confused.
"Nibs?" Sarah asked almost out of the blue.
"Yeah?"
"Would you hold me?"
Nibs looked at her, his face blank. The only sign to say that he'd registered the comment was the fact he moved closer to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. She was then nestled into his warm chest while sitting up.
"Do you know what I'll remember?"
"What?"
"You were the one who went to John." Sarah stated, as if she'd just remembered.
"I had to, I had to get you back, and I wanted to know where you were, to see if you were okay?"
Sarah smiled at his words.
"Do you have any regrets about leaving Hook?"
"No. But it won't stop me from thinking about him every now and then."
"I don't know whether I'd like that."
"What?"
"You thinking about another man."
"So Peter isn't the only one who gets jealous?"
"Well, no but..."
"Who else should I be thinking about Nibs?" Sarah asked playfully, smiling at their little game.
Nibs stayed quiet and Sarah didn't know whether he was smiling.
When she turned her face, he was looking at her without smiling. Sarah saw how his grey pools looked quite stormy and that always meant he was in a serious mood.
The urge to kiss him there and then was stronger than it had been all night and with the softest of touches; Sarah leaned forward and touched his lips with her own.
Nibs didn't progress the kiss and neither did Sarah. It was almost a mutual understanding type of kiss. A one that said, 'there's something here but not now'.
Nibs broke the kiss first.
"Strange things always happen when events occur. I know that in myself I am still grieving and I can't do this Sarah, not yet. As much as I want you, I can't do this."
"I know." Sarah said feeling a little ashamed of herself for starting the kiss. "I'm looking for comfort and I have you, but you know that it's not just anyone I'd turn to, right?"
"I know."
"Are you thinking about Curly?"
"Yes."
"Me too. When I asked you to hold me Nibs it was just to hold me, to feel safe, I'm not a whore. I just feel secure with you."
"I've never said you were one, but I'm flattered that you feel safe."
Both looked at each other and their smiles lit up to each other.
"I better go to sleep." Sarah stated after casually running her hand over his shoulder and down his arm.
"You're welcome to stay if you want?"
"I don't think I trust myself." Sarah said before comically putting her hand over her mouth at what she had just said.
Nibs laughed and it was such a pleasant sound to hear.
"I want you to stay Sarah. I just want company."
"What will people think?" Sarah said jokingly raising an eyebrow getting a small smile from Nibs.
"I'll wake you up before anyone gets up, you forget I'm like a wake up call for this tribe, if it wasn't for me, Slightly would sleep all day and let everyone else sleep too."
It was strange that night because when Sarah decided to stay, she found that she held Nibs this time. The young man had started to cry in his sleep, probably about his best friend. Sarah now knew Nibs was very much a private person and she felt flattered that Nibs was able to share something like his tears in front of her. Soothing strokes came naturally for Sarah to give to Nibs and soon enough Sarah and Nibs were asleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Nibs was true to his word and got Sarah up at what Sarah decided was a ridiculous time. The sun wasn't up and neither were any of the Indians but maybe that was why Nibs had got her up. Leading her to her tent Nibs walked back to his tent and when the sun made an appearance, woke everyone up as the Indians were arising.
The new day was bleak and although the sun started burn brightly, the sky still held a dreary morning.
Sarah heard Nibs come into her tent and slowly shook her. Sarah smiled and moved to sit up but winced as she felt that horrible damp feeling that set her apart from being a girl. Praying Nibs wouldn't come closer in case he saw. She quickly struck up a question.
"Nibs where can I wash now?"
It must have been an odd thing to say because Nibs gave her a really unusual look. It then dawned on Sarah that she was still in a phase of being able to freely ask for a warm bath to be conjured when she wanted but this was something that she really felt she needed to bathe for.
"But I smell." Sarah stated quietly, obviously a little embarrassed to Nibs as he gave her another look.
"Sarah, I would have told you if you smell and you don't. Don't tell me you're scared of a little bit of dirt now?"
"Well, no it's not that it's just, I really need to wash myself. Where's the nearest water?"
Nibs gave her a quizzed look. "There's a hot spring that way." Nibs pointed in the direction of East. Are you not getting up for breakfast? You'll miss it." Nibs said lightly.
"Well I don't care I need to wash." Sarah's tone was harsher than Nibs expected and so he advanced with his own defensive tone.
"None of the other girls have to wash."
"Well maybe that's because none of the other girls have their period this morning!?"
Nibs made an 'oh' face and looked away before looking at her.
"Do you want me to get you anything?" He asked in a typical male, freaked out tone.
"Please." Sarah awkwardly said before asking him for a few things, thinking she'd have to ask Tiger Lily for a good supply of 'essentials' for the some of the girls of the tribe.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Breakfast was warm and pleasant to not actually think about going out to find it.
Although Autumn's cheeks weren't rosy, tribe members gave a couple of looks in her direction as she was sitting next to Jake that morning. Sarah knew that something very similar had happened between Autumn and Jake, like herself and Nibs last night. She had just sat down, feeling a lot better about herself now she had freshened up.
Autumn's blush did come when she got embarrassed as Del happened to mention a stupid comment about seeing Autumn sneaking into Jakes tent last night.
Slightly gave a disapproving look in his way but the rest of the tribe had now looked in the couple's direction. Jake was now blushing furiously, instead of giving a witty comment like he'd usually do when his brother was alive.
Sarah felt a bit sorry for the pair and so at that moment decided to help them out. She turned to get up and made her way over to Nibs. She sat down beside him and placed a kiss on his cheek before whispering sweet nothings. The sweet nothings were just Sarah telling Nibs that she wanted to direct the attention from Autumn and Jake. Nibs couldn't help but laugh and smile at her plan. His heart stopping smile with a blush, was added to the plan when she thanked him for helping her out that morning. It worked and everyone looked at each other to see if they were the only ones who had noticed. Slightly grinned and rolled his eyes while the rest of the younger girls looked in horror at Sarah being able to freely kiss Nibs without him taking offence. Summer looked interested and the other boys raised an eyebrow.
Jake at that moment gave a quick relieved looked at Autumn who did the same. He then looked at Sarah who gave him a wink when everyone had started to eat again.
Sarah stayed by Nibs' side for breakfast. Slightly then spoke to the tribe.
"The Indians have graciously let us stay, but we really can't impose any more."
"But what about Peter, we have no where to go?" Pitt asked.
"Is he still in the camp?" Sarah asked.
"As far as we know yes." Summer replied, possibly trying to get on good terms with Sarah again, though Sarah had forgotten about last night.
"It's a dumb idea, but what if we go back to the old underground?" Autumn asked.
Nibs and Sarah shared a look about who they had stayed with the last time they had been there.
"What if we could disguise the old underground to make it not look like the old underground?" Jake asked.
Slightly raised his eye brow as if it was a good idea but also a bad one. He looked over to Nibs to see what he was thinking.
Nibs looked at Jake.
Slightly decided that Nibs' look was half intrigued, half foolish and was what he was thinking.
Slightly looked at the other members and then smiled very briefly. "You know, I think it could work. Nibs?"
"I dunno, it's a good idea, but I don't think Peter's that stupid to forget where the old underground is."
"But if it's changed?" Sarah asked.
"But Peter still knows the location of it. It would only take a little time till he figured it out."
"But it might be enough time." Slightly stated with a resolved look in his eyes.
Seeing Slightly's look, Nibs nodded towards him, knowing Slightly would want an almost approval of the idea.
By the time breakfast was finished, tents were down and items were packed and the tribe were ready to leave. The Indians had given a few items to take with them like a few furs and food. Lily had completed Sarah's request and handed her what she wanted.
"Thanks so much. I wouldn't be asking if all of this wasn't going on." Sarah mentioned.
"It's fine, really. I imagine it's difficult to get hold of things when you're on the move." Lily replied.
"I guess so. I was fine with James, God, that house had everything and a maid to help out. I could shave my legs when I wanted and everything."
Lily smiled as did Sarah.
Before the goodbyes, Slightly had a word with Lady Quiller. She'd been in a council with other elders when he told her about the tribe's idea. She replied saying the time was right as the spirits had told them Peter had left Neverland for the moment, obviously in London. Slightly had the biggest smile on his features when he left the tepee.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The walk was fast and none of the tribe knew why Slightly was almost rushing to the old underground. Summer was then told who passed it onto the girls which then travelled through the tribe.
Like before Nibs and Sarah were at the back of the line. They would have talk about things, but Slightly's pace was causing the breath that they had, to go into controlling their speed walking. Loaded with a few more items, the tribe were happy to get a breather when they were half way there.
"So Peter's not in Neverland?" Nibs asked coming over to Slightly.
"Apparently not and I believe Lady Quiller. Fate must be on our side to do this Nibs."
"Well hopefully it'll carry on and let us get settled in and such. I'd hate to think Peter would return and think to himself he'd like a night in the old underground."
Slightly gave him a look that said he was thinking the same.
"And then what? Do we go looking for him?" Nibs asked.
"Well not him, but I want you to go to the camp, see if Winter is about."
Nibs looked at him and Slightly noticed he'd completely forgotten that Winter was obviously there. He had to laugh to himself at the fact Peter had gone and most likely left her there.
"What do you want me to do when if I find her?"
"Nothing, just don't let her know we're at the old underground."
"Do you think it's wise if I can get anything?" Nibs asked.
"Hmm, no, not at this point, one of them will know someone's been to the camp, even if both of them aren't there."
Both young men ended the conversation and parted.
Slightly headed over to Summer who was talking with Jake and Autumn.
"What did Nibs want?" Summer asked.
"He was just checking up on things. While Peter's away, Nibs is going to go to the camp."
"What if Winter's there?" Jake asked. "I mean not that she's a threat but if word gets to Peter about Nibs being there."
"Well, we're just gonna have to take the risk. I trust Nibs. I mean, I know he'd probably want to kill her if he sees her, but I told him not to make it seem likes he's been around."
"So what of him and Sarah, huh?" Summer asked, hopping to get a conversation going.
Autumn and Jake, although not a couple but confiding in each other to be more than just friends, stayed quiet having any respect for whatever was going on between them.
"I don't think it's any of our business." Slightly replied.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They made it in good time to the old underground and although, Sarah and Nibs were at the back of the line, they held back a moment before they went in.
Inside was just the same as anyone remembered it. It was dark because of the lack of light via candles and lamps. The bed which Curly had slept on was still there as well as the fallen or broken furniture. The bowl and table that Sarah had set up to wash Curly's wounds was still there and Sarah sighed sadly when she noticed it.
The tribe were looking around; many memories flooding back as to why they left. There weren't as many rooms as Slightly remembered but with the tribe declining in number, there would probably be enough room for people to have their own sort of breathing space. The old underground really was an amazing place with little tunnels that lead to little coves, which acted as little nest type beds. The larger space that was a meeting area still held the broken throne that belonged to Peter when he used to sit in it regally.
The blankness of burnt areas still lingered and it was thought of as a miracle that the underground wasn't completely destroyed by Hook and his pirates to get to Peter. Sarah then thought that maybe like the Indian lands, the old underground was a special part of Neverland and was to last forever.
Sarah took her bag off her shoulder and decided to wander like everyone else. It was only Nibs who stood rooted before finally checking the contraption of the door to see if it was really safe. Slightly then joined him and the pair took up conversation about making the place inhabitable.
As soon as the tribe had arrived, Slightly had set orders to immediately refurbish the place. Everyone did all they could but with little resources, not much was really done. The majority of the day was spent by the boys chopping and changing the main tree entrance itself. There were no more ropes or anything that made it look like a tree house and inside they decided to try and build another entrance.
The girls tidied the place trying their best to salvage anything they found inside. The metal pot that Summer found was the one that Nibs and Sarah had used to boil water. As requested, Slightly decided that any cooking that needed the use of a large fire and that would produce a lot of smoke was to be done out of the underground, a fair bit away. Boiling water and such would be fine though. A fire was stoked up and soon, the underground felt a warmer and brighter.
As remembered, Sarah found the old sewing kit that had belonged to Wendy which she had hidden. She also found a candle along with it and set up the light and got to work on mending a few things. As well as finding Wendy's battered sowing kit, Sarah found the medicine and ointment that was used for Curly. She never realised it had been left behind. Sarah frowned at the fact she'd forgotten it, but then remembered what made her leave in a hurry. She wished she'd never gone now.
Time passed by quickly and although Nibs asked whether or not he should make his way over to the camp while Peter was still gone, Slightly said no.
The tribe, a little more relaxed now, had settled in considering the circumstances. A broth of some kind had been made in the underground and was pleasant to eat as the tribe hadn't eaten since the morning.
Slightly sat a little tense as the dawning on the fact that Peter could easily arrive if he wanted to. The only thing that reassured him was the new entrance and exit that was built. Instead of sliding down like they usually had, the entrance was now from a tunnel on the other side of the underground that linked from one of the tunnels in the mini maze.
Jake finished off his broth and belched loudly causing many to giggle and soon others joined in on the childish game. It was good to see him try to make people laugh. In a way, it was one step closer to being himself and over coming the recent events. A smile appeared on Sarah's lips as she watched the antics carry on and memories of happier times in the lost tribe flooded her mind. Sarah was thankful that Nibs didn't join in on the escapade but before she finished thinking her words, he, deciding that he wouldn't be beaten by others, belched loudly causing all the boys to cheer. Sarah rolled her eyes disapprovingly and instead thinking she'd try to get one better than him, all eyes turned to Autumn who had burped the loudest yet. Nibs jokingly looked defeated and Slightly spat out the remainder of his broth to stand up and clap as did Jake who looked very proud of Autumn. The whole room was in cheers of laughter and joining in on the high spirits; Autumn stood up and curtsied in a lady like fashion.
Although you couldn't tell whether or not it was night in the underground, people soon started to feel sleepy. Conversations had been going on since the burping and all in all, the night had been very cheerful and successful. The tribe wandered off to bed to the little coves that sat around in the tunnels. The Indians had given more furs to the tribe and although there wasn't enough to be completely comfortable. The underground was warm so the furs were used to mainly lie on.
Sarah pouted when she realised she'd missed out on the dibs of the coves. Again, there wasn't enough for people to have their own but with people deciding to pair off, there was one spare. Although it had been left for her choosing or possibly Autumn, Sarah knew where she'd like to be sleeping normally if it wasn't for her period, which even now she still felt embarrassed over the fact she'd shared her bed while on her period with James. Every time, praying she wouldn't stain the expensive sheets or having to remind James she was on her period as she didn't feel comfortable with him touching her while she had it.
Sarah turned to Nibs who turned to her as he was casually resting back on his arms, his legs stretched out. Whispering for him to come outside, Sarah grabbed her satchel and walked with Nibs.
After taking some time to wash her face outside by the near by stream and setting herself up for the night, in the privacy for some bushes, Sarah was thankful for the fact Nibs was watching over the area, that was why she'd asked him to come out in the first place. Being by yourself in the dark when you haven't been in the jungle for a while felt daunting to Sarah. It also gave her some time to get some fresh air before they retired to the underground, which in all honesty was still very stuffy.
Slightly had seen the pair leave and had only let them leave because he knew the pair weren't that stupid to draw interest and notice to themselves. The new rule stated that going outside was for important reasons only. For example, no one was to wander off or make too much noise in case it attracted attention.
"Are you finished?" Nibs whispered.
"Hold on, I just need to wash my hands." Sarah whispered back.
"I don't suppose you stated that you had a room to everyone?"
"No, I forgot to. But there was one cove free, but I didn't know whether it was for Autumn or me?"
"I was thinking the same thing. Where do you want to sleep?"
Sarah had now emerged. "Where do you think?" She smirked.
"By yourself?" Nibs teased.
Sarah tutted before hitting him playfully.
"Hey." He called.
"But truthfully I'm going to sleep by myself, is that okay?"
"Sarah, why are you asking for my permission?" Nibs asked frowning.
"I dunno?" Sarah shrugged sheepishly.
"I'll see you in the morning then?"
"Yeah, thanks for watching my back out here, I didn't want to be by myself, alone."
"No problem."
"Good night." Sarah smiled and hugged him briefly before she hugged him more tightly, feeling Nibs hug her just as close. Sarah closed her eyes at the content, she loved hugs.
They broke apart and walked into the underground. People were still awake chatting or trying to get comfortable and the fire had been put out.
Sarah started to walk to one of the tunnels to her room but turned around to Nibs.
"You never did tell me which girl made you feel like how Peter felt for Wendy."
Nibs smirked at her. "I think I'll let you figure that one out for yourself, but to help you... I had a dream about her and that's when I felt like a man. I think I've just answered another one of your questions." He said grinning before he walked away.
"A dream?" Sarah asked frowning before raising her eye brows. "Oh, I'll err; take that as a compliment then."
AN – Well this chapter came out earlier than I expected so I'm over the moon. It's come to my mind that if the lost tribe did have girls in (which there are in my story) and considering that the time period of Neverland is pirates of the Caribbean style, (is that 16th century or near?) how would they cope with such things a personal hygiene? I mean wasn't it Queen Elizabeth in the Tudors who only took a bath once a year or something!? Well I've decided, because I know nothing about it, that people are conscious about hygiene and womanly things, (did people even shave their legs in the olden days?) so it creeps up in the story. So this chapter is a bit of a filler in on things. Nothing seriously R rated this chapter as descriptions aren't graphic, just implied.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter Twenty –Two: A deeper comfort with Nibs and the old underground.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The odd sound was caught by Sarah's ears as she shuffled in the dark, praying her eye sight would adjust to the mass of the tents. The closest tent had its light smoking from recently being put out. That meant that this tent was probably Summer's and Slightly's. One tent down, five to go. The most obvious thing Sarah decided to do was to actually call out Autumn's name, quietly. When no reply came, Sarah went onto plan B, just crawling into the tents one by one and hopefully not crawling into anything that she really didn't want to see. She wasn't the only one who had a sex life and she was positive there were a few randy buggers in this lost tribe.
The tents were actually spread out a good distance between each other, unlike what Sarah had expected. This was probably down to either tribe members talking too much or for privacy reasons. Sarah thought it was both.
The next tent that Sarah came across, still had hushed whispers coming from the inside. The voices were high pitched and Sarah knew the girls were in this one. Likewise for the boys when Sarah got to the tent after. Before heading to the next tent, Sarah thought she heard a sound. She looked around but dismissed it. Sarah crouched down and listened to the tent. It was silent and Sarah plucked up the courage to peek in, only after she'd whispered Autumns name.
The tent was empty and Sarah crawled in, surprised that the material of the walls made the small space feel quite warm.
This obviously wasn't her tent as Autumn wasn't inside.
Sarah turned around and made her way to the opening when a figure crouched down and looked inside.
Sarah did a silent gasp as the figure caused her to jump.
"Sarah?" The crouched figure asked.
Sarah grinned sheepishly at Nibs.
"What you doing?" He asked.
"Same thing for you."
"I was taking a slash if you'd like to know, but this is my tent."
"Oh. I was just checking this tent out to see if it was mine. I don't know which one I'm in."
By this time Sarah had moved back into the tent and Nibs had come inside. The worst of it was the fact Nibs was topless and his body could be made out if you looked carefully. Sarah mentally told herself to keep her eyes on his.
"Autumn is in the next tent."
"Oh, okay." Sarah said, her voice happy but disappointed at the same time. She made a move to crawl past Nibs but he started to talk.
"But I wouldn't go in that tent."
"Why?"
"Because that's Jake's tent."
"So?" It had taken a second to realise what Nibs was saying and Sarah noticed Nibs smile at her for her second of dizziness. "Oh." Sarah added, her eyes wider than they were.
"They're only talking, mind you, I heard them before." Nibs stated still smiling.
"So I take it I'm in the last tent on the edge?"
"Guess so." Nibs grinned.
They both looked at each other and Sarah felt a little uncomfortable with his piercing grey eyes boring into her green ones. She was thankful for the darkness that enveloped them both, that way Nibs wouldn't catch her blush.
It felt like a good few seconds before Sarah looked away, breathing out. Deciding to change her thoughts, Sarah started to make conversation.
"So, Jake and Autumn, how long has this been going on?"
Nibs blinked. "Not long."
"I think they seem good for each other." Sarah added.
The conversation was too short in Sarah's opinion.
"I miss him." Sarah muttered and Nibs silently agreed.
Sarah didn't know whether she was thinking things were to turn differently but the topic of Curly made her mind clear, if not a little sad.
"He's at peace now." Nibs replied.
"Yeah." Sarah added some time after Nibs had spoken.
"Well if you don't mind, I going to try and get some sleep. I think tomorrow may be a long day."
Sarah registered Nibs voice, her own mind filtered with thoughts of Curly.
"I don't think I can sleep." Sarah said, mainly to herself.
"You should try." Nibs replied. Sarah looked to him and smiled briefly, wondering if he noticed her smile.
"Good night." He said softly, a tone that Sarah never heard Nibs use with other tribe members.
Sarah picked up her bag. Nibs crawled out the tent to let her out and Sarah made her way out into the fresh night.
It seemed more tranquil than any place Sarah had been for a long while. It was obvious that guardian spirits or some kind of ancient magic lingered in the air over the Indian lands and one couldn't help but wonder how long Neverland had been around for with such deep history penetrating the surrounding air, for example, the Indians and their blood lines.
Standing up with Nibs, Sarah noted it some how seemed lighter than inside the tent.
On a glance to the skies, the stars that had been behind clouds had now been revealed and glimmered down with heavenly light.
Sarah caught sight of two particularly bright stars piercing the darkness with their light.
A small smile crept onto Sarah's lips, as at that moment, the two stars decided to twinkle in their wonder.
Nibs caught her glance and looked up too.
"The stars?" Nibs asked with curiosity.
"I think it's fitting to believe that while standing in the Indian lands with the founders of the Indians looking down on us, that Curly and Jack are there too."
Nibs' heart melted at the thought, with the added fact it came out in Sarah's soft tone. He believed it and at that moment the stars twinkled again.
Sarah turned to Nibs.
"You know, living in Ravens town really dampens your spirits on believing in enchantment and things. I don't think half of the people realise there's a flying boy living in the jungle or faeries or an Indian tribe."
"Maybe that's a good thing. It sets us a part because we believe in them and we know they're real."
Sarah let out a content sigh.
"When I was with James, I believed in a new life, a grown up one. It did start to make me feel lonely. I mean, not that I had any real friends but, everything seemed tedious after a while. There's only so many times that a dress shop can hold my attention or one of those fancy parties."
"Are you still thinking about him?" Nibs asked.
"Yes, I am, but only my memories of him." Sarah paused and took a moment before speaking. "Do you know why I left Nibs?"
Nibs shook his head slowly.
"I had to come back to my family. Now James had a new chapter in his life, a new baby with this woman Matilda maybe it was time for a new chapter with me. I wasn't just going to sit back and watch this woman slowly creep into our lives. Besides, I do have my own family, the lost tribe is my family. I still have a duty here, like yourself. I still have to take care of those who need my help or who are younger. I owe it to Wendy. After all she started this."
"Imagine what things would have been like if she never came?" Nibs asked.
"Maybe Peter wouldn't be how he is today for starters."
"I don't know. Have you ever seen a bunch of boys living together? It's reckless. We were irresponsible, out of control. Don't get me wrong but I think Peter would be how he is today, even if Wendy had never come onto the scene. All it was was for Peter to go on another adventure and find a 'mother'. Then she would have been his 'Wendy'. It just so happens that Wendy was the first girl he met and from seeing a real girl who he could actually mould and share his life with, it caused the strangest feelings for him and thus the way he is now."
"I think it's in a lost boys' nature to be scared of things. When it was only the boys and Wendy, everything seemed new. Here was this girl, who caused something to change in every one of us. I think Peter also became the way he did because of Jealousy. Wendy only had eyes for Peter and we all knew that, but gradually, Peter always wondered what we were thinking when she came and then time started to pass us by."
"I think I was lucky to go to school while I was young before coming here. At least I knew, things." Sarah replied, pausing but then carrying on.
"It was a shock to us when, on Wendy's request, Peter find her companions. And when Peter found me, it seemed like a dream, a child's dream and that part of me which held my childhood and innocent fun urged me to go. At that point I was considered a young lady and I'd had a brief talk about grown up things and I'd studied a bit about the body's anatomy." Sarah blushed the tiniest bit when Nibs grinned at her.
"Oh I knew this would come into the conversation, it's not just innocent fun with Peter they want." Nibs joked.
Sarah grinned sheepishly before rolling her eyes playfully. "It all just seemed trivial then, but seeing Peter come to my window... The way he looked, how he smiled and charmed me, I knew there was something else urging me to go to Neverland, it was him, to be near him."
"A lot of the lost boys knew that about the girls."
"Were you all not bitter about it?" Sarah asked.
"No, because we didn't know any better. It wasn't until that something changed us, that came at different times, that I knew in myself, I had to...I dunno, try and break from my mould. That's when I started my exploring, going into Ravens town, seeing a different way of life. It was scarily beautiful." Nibs paused and took a breath.
"I envy you for how you are and what you've done."
"What?" Sarah asked confused
"You had an education; I didn't even have a proper one. Everything that we got taught was from Peter or the faeries."
"You didn't have a faerie did you?"
"Yeah, she taught me stuff, like how to talk, none of this tinkerling that Peter insists Tinkerbell speaks. She was nice but someone said they didn't believe in faeries and well, she went.
"Oh." Sarah said sadly "Did you know her for quite a bit?"
"Yeah for a good couple of years. She always said to me be yourself Nibs and follow your heart, kinda cheesy when I think back to it now but I always followed her words."
"I never had a faerie." Sarah stated with a mock pout.
"Boys get faeries remember? 'Cus they come when they're young to Neverland." Nibs paused and sighed very quietly but Sarah heard it. "I guess my parents didn't want me or something, because like all the other boys, I was never retrieved. When we were old enough to understand about life, my faerie told me about how we got here. I wasn't sad because I knew no different."
"I think it must have been a blessing for Wendy to be around, I mean she obviously taught you boys stuff too?"
"Yeah, she did. But Peter didn't want her to have time alone with us all, he wanted her for himself and as some kinda need grew for her, we all started to feel it and we all started to grow up at our own pace and things."
"When did you start to feel like a man Nibs?"
Nibs looked at Sarah and shrugged his shoulders slightly. "I'm just gonna get my shirt, it's a bit cold tonight."
Sarah didn't know why she'd asked Nibs that question but suddenly a need to know about the past of the lost boys had suddenly arisen. If she was to stay, Sarah wanted to really know about her family. She also wanted to know this information as a reassurance to prove that she didn't feel alone with those feelings about Peter, Neverland and growing up.
Nibs hadn't come out from the tent and so Sarah crouched down and crawled in.
"Nibs?" Sarah asked. Asking herself why she asked her previous question and had she frightened Nibs away?
Nibs sat crossed legged and was adjusting his shirt. "I don't think I want people listening to our conversation." He muttered.
"I know, I'm sorry, it's just, a lot of things are plaguing my mind now. It's because of Ravens town. When I saw the young women and their way of life style I just wanted to know why they thought different and what they knew that I didn't. I looked the part but I was still an outcast. It was as if they knew I grew up in the jungle, although James never told that to people."
"I wish I knew more about things, it feels if I only know half of what I need to know." Nibs said, a little frustrated.
"I know how you feel."
Both friends shared a mutual laugh at the amount of 'knows and knews' they had said in their sentences.
"Nibs? Do you still like me?"
A furious blush lighted Nibs' cheeks in the dark and although Sarah probably couldn't see it, Nibs was worried the heat in his cheeks was radiating so much that it would let her know.
"Of course I do." He said sincerely.
It was Sarah's time to blush.
"Who was the first girl that made you feel, like how Peter felt for Wendy."
Nibs frowned in the darkness.
"Are you saying it was girls who made us all grow up?"
"One way or another yes. Wendy started you all off because she's a girl and when you all saw what Peter was going though, you all must have felt a little bit of the same thing or a least a counter one, I mean, it's a primal thing isn't it?"
"It was exciting when you all arrived, I guess I wasn't quick enough though."
Sarah frowned but voiced her gesture so Nibs would know. "Oh?"
"Wendy never really interested me like it did Tootles. I think we all knew Wendy was a no go area. You did though, but Nav got to you before I did. In a way I'm glad because deep down I was confused. My mind couldn't agree with my body."
Sarah watched Nibs intensely, figuring out what he'd just said.
"You must be something special because, Peter obviously wanted you too."
"You know how some girls mature faster than others? Well I was one of those who did. I think boys or should I say young men, just know when a girl is a woman, then it becomes primal."
"Did you and Nav?"
"No. Peter got there first..." Sarah said sadly. "I had all these ideas, all the things coming back to me about school and what I learnt. The girls briefly whispered about it too. Said it was good. I wish I hadn't believed them now, because Peter shattered my illusion of it."
Nibs stayed quiet as he knew this was a touchy subject.
The pair stayed quiet for a couple of seconds before Sarah spoke up.
"Did you know Summer was pregnant?"
"Yeah." Nibs replied. "Slightly confided in me."
"I just found out tonight from them both."
Nibs smiled half heartedly for them but Sarah didn't really see the smile.
Yet another set of silence occurred and gave Sarah a brief period of time to think but her thoughts that were confused.
"Nibs?" Sarah asked almost out of the blue.
"Yeah?"
"Would you hold me?"
Nibs looked at her, his face blank. The only sign to say that he'd registered the comment was the fact he moved closer to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. She was then nestled into his warm chest while sitting up.
"Do you know what I'll remember?"
"What?"
"You were the one who went to John." Sarah stated, as if she'd just remembered.
"I had to, I had to get you back, and I wanted to know where you were, to see if you were okay?"
Sarah smiled at his words.
"Do you have any regrets about leaving Hook?"
"No. But it won't stop me from thinking about him every now and then."
"I don't know whether I'd like that."
"What?"
"You thinking about another man."
"So Peter isn't the only one who gets jealous?"
"Well, no but..."
"Who else should I be thinking about Nibs?" Sarah asked playfully, smiling at their little game.
Nibs stayed quiet and Sarah didn't know whether he was smiling.
When she turned her face, he was looking at her without smiling. Sarah saw how his grey pools looked quite stormy and that always meant he was in a serious mood.
The urge to kiss him there and then was stronger than it had been all night and with the softest of touches; Sarah leaned forward and touched his lips with her own.
Nibs didn't progress the kiss and neither did Sarah. It was almost a mutual understanding type of kiss. A one that said, 'there's something here but not now'.
Nibs broke the kiss first.
"Strange things always happen when events occur. I know that in myself I am still grieving and I can't do this Sarah, not yet. As much as I want you, I can't do this."
"I know." Sarah said feeling a little ashamed of herself for starting the kiss. "I'm looking for comfort and I have you, but you know that it's not just anyone I'd turn to, right?"
"I know."
"Are you thinking about Curly?"
"Yes."
"Me too. When I asked you to hold me Nibs it was just to hold me, to feel safe, I'm not a whore. I just feel secure with you."
"I've never said you were one, but I'm flattered that you feel safe."
Both looked at each other and their smiles lit up to each other.
"I better go to sleep." Sarah stated after casually running her hand over his shoulder and down his arm.
"You're welcome to stay if you want?"
"I don't think I trust myself." Sarah said before comically putting her hand over her mouth at what she had just said.
Nibs laughed and it was such a pleasant sound to hear.
"I want you to stay Sarah. I just want company."
"What will people think?" Sarah said jokingly raising an eyebrow getting a small smile from Nibs.
"I'll wake you up before anyone gets up, you forget I'm like a wake up call for this tribe, if it wasn't for me, Slightly would sleep all day and let everyone else sleep too."
It was strange that night because when Sarah decided to stay, she found that she held Nibs this time. The young man had started to cry in his sleep, probably about his best friend. Sarah now knew Nibs was very much a private person and she felt flattered that Nibs was able to share something like his tears in front of her. Soothing strokes came naturally for Sarah to give to Nibs and soon enough Sarah and Nibs were asleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Nibs was true to his word and got Sarah up at what Sarah decided was a ridiculous time. The sun wasn't up and neither were any of the Indians but maybe that was why Nibs had got her up. Leading her to her tent Nibs walked back to his tent and when the sun made an appearance, woke everyone up as the Indians were arising.
The new day was bleak and although the sun started burn brightly, the sky still held a dreary morning.
Sarah heard Nibs come into her tent and slowly shook her. Sarah smiled and moved to sit up but winced as she felt that horrible damp feeling that set her apart from being a girl. Praying Nibs wouldn't come closer in case he saw. She quickly struck up a question.
"Nibs where can I wash now?"
It must have been an odd thing to say because Nibs gave her a really unusual look. It then dawned on Sarah that she was still in a phase of being able to freely ask for a warm bath to be conjured when she wanted but this was something that she really felt she needed to bathe for.
"But I smell." Sarah stated quietly, obviously a little embarrassed to Nibs as he gave her another look.
"Sarah, I would have told you if you smell and you don't. Don't tell me you're scared of a little bit of dirt now?"
"Well, no it's not that it's just, I really need to wash myself. Where's the nearest water?"
Nibs gave her a quizzed look. "There's a hot spring that way." Nibs pointed in the direction of East. Are you not getting up for breakfast? You'll miss it." Nibs said lightly.
"Well I don't care I need to wash." Sarah's tone was harsher than Nibs expected and so he advanced with his own defensive tone.
"None of the other girls have to wash."
"Well maybe that's because none of the other girls have their period this morning!?"
Nibs made an 'oh' face and looked away before looking at her.
"Do you want me to get you anything?" He asked in a typical male, freaked out tone.
"Please." Sarah awkwardly said before asking him for a few things, thinking she'd have to ask Tiger Lily for a good supply of 'essentials' for the some of the girls of the tribe.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Breakfast was warm and pleasant to not actually think about going out to find it.
Although Autumn's cheeks weren't rosy, tribe members gave a couple of looks in her direction as she was sitting next to Jake that morning. Sarah knew that something very similar had happened between Autumn and Jake, like herself and Nibs last night. She had just sat down, feeling a lot better about herself now she had freshened up.
Autumn's blush did come when she got embarrassed as Del happened to mention a stupid comment about seeing Autumn sneaking into Jakes tent last night.
Slightly gave a disapproving look in his way but the rest of the tribe had now looked in the couple's direction. Jake was now blushing furiously, instead of giving a witty comment like he'd usually do when his brother was alive.
Sarah felt a bit sorry for the pair and so at that moment decided to help them out. She turned to get up and made her way over to Nibs. She sat down beside him and placed a kiss on his cheek before whispering sweet nothings. The sweet nothings were just Sarah telling Nibs that she wanted to direct the attention from Autumn and Jake. Nibs couldn't help but laugh and smile at her plan. His heart stopping smile with a blush, was added to the plan when she thanked him for helping her out that morning. It worked and everyone looked at each other to see if they were the only ones who had noticed. Slightly grinned and rolled his eyes while the rest of the younger girls looked in horror at Sarah being able to freely kiss Nibs without him taking offence. Summer looked interested and the other boys raised an eyebrow.
Jake at that moment gave a quick relieved looked at Autumn who did the same. He then looked at Sarah who gave him a wink when everyone had started to eat again.
Sarah stayed by Nibs' side for breakfast. Slightly then spoke to the tribe.
"The Indians have graciously let us stay, but we really can't impose any more."
"But what about Peter, we have no where to go?" Pitt asked.
"Is he still in the camp?" Sarah asked.
"As far as we know yes." Summer replied, possibly trying to get on good terms with Sarah again, though Sarah had forgotten about last night.
"It's a dumb idea, but what if we go back to the old underground?" Autumn asked.
Nibs and Sarah shared a look about who they had stayed with the last time they had been there.
"What if we could disguise the old underground to make it not look like the old underground?" Jake asked.
Slightly raised his eye brow as if it was a good idea but also a bad one. He looked over to Nibs to see what he was thinking.
Nibs looked at Jake.
Slightly decided that Nibs' look was half intrigued, half foolish and was what he was thinking.
Slightly looked at the other members and then smiled very briefly. "You know, I think it could work. Nibs?"
"I dunno, it's a good idea, but I don't think Peter's that stupid to forget where the old underground is."
"But if it's changed?" Sarah asked.
"But Peter still knows the location of it. It would only take a little time till he figured it out."
"But it might be enough time." Slightly stated with a resolved look in his eyes.
Seeing Slightly's look, Nibs nodded towards him, knowing Slightly would want an almost approval of the idea.
By the time breakfast was finished, tents were down and items were packed and the tribe were ready to leave. The Indians had given a few items to take with them like a few furs and food. Lily had completed Sarah's request and handed her what she wanted.
"Thanks so much. I wouldn't be asking if all of this wasn't going on." Sarah mentioned.
"It's fine, really. I imagine it's difficult to get hold of things when you're on the move." Lily replied.
"I guess so. I was fine with James, God, that house had everything and a maid to help out. I could shave my legs when I wanted and everything."
Lily smiled as did Sarah.
Before the goodbyes, Slightly had a word with Lady Quiller. She'd been in a council with other elders when he told her about the tribe's idea. She replied saying the time was right as the spirits had told them Peter had left Neverland for the moment, obviously in London. Slightly had the biggest smile on his features when he left the tepee.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The walk was fast and none of the tribe knew why Slightly was almost rushing to the old underground. Summer was then told who passed it onto the girls which then travelled through the tribe.
Like before Nibs and Sarah were at the back of the line. They would have talk about things, but Slightly's pace was causing the breath that they had, to go into controlling their speed walking. Loaded with a few more items, the tribe were happy to get a breather when they were half way there.
"So Peter's not in Neverland?" Nibs asked coming over to Slightly.
"Apparently not and I believe Lady Quiller. Fate must be on our side to do this Nibs."
"Well hopefully it'll carry on and let us get settled in and such. I'd hate to think Peter would return and think to himself he'd like a night in the old underground."
Slightly gave him a look that said he was thinking the same.
"And then what? Do we go looking for him?" Nibs asked.
"Well not him, but I want you to go to the camp, see if Winter is about."
Nibs looked at him and Slightly noticed he'd completely forgotten that Winter was obviously there. He had to laugh to himself at the fact Peter had gone and most likely left her there.
"What do you want me to do when if I find her?"
"Nothing, just don't let her know we're at the old underground."
"Do you think it's wise if I can get anything?" Nibs asked.
"Hmm, no, not at this point, one of them will know someone's been to the camp, even if both of them aren't there."
Both young men ended the conversation and parted.
Slightly headed over to Summer who was talking with Jake and Autumn.
"What did Nibs want?" Summer asked.
"He was just checking up on things. While Peter's away, Nibs is going to go to the camp."
"What if Winter's there?" Jake asked. "I mean not that she's a threat but if word gets to Peter about Nibs being there."
"Well, we're just gonna have to take the risk. I trust Nibs. I mean, I know he'd probably want to kill her if he sees her, but I told him not to make it seem likes he's been around."
"So what of him and Sarah, huh?" Summer asked, hopping to get a conversation going.
Autumn and Jake, although not a couple but confiding in each other to be more than just friends, stayed quiet having any respect for whatever was going on between them.
"I don't think it's any of our business." Slightly replied.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They made it in good time to the old underground and although, Sarah and Nibs were at the back of the line, they held back a moment before they went in.
Inside was just the same as anyone remembered it. It was dark because of the lack of light via candles and lamps. The bed which Curly had slept on was still there as well as the fallen or broken furniture. The bowl and table that Sarah had set up to wash Curly's wounds was still there and Sarah sighed sadly when she noticed it.
The tribe were looking around; many memories flooding back as to why they left. There weren't as many rooms as Slightly remembered but with the tribe declining in number, there would probably be enough room for people to have their own sort of breathing space. The old underground really was an amazing place with little tunnels that lead to little coves, which acted as little nest type beds. The larger space that was a meeting area still held the broken throne that belonged to Peter when he used to sit in it regally.
The blankness of burnt areas still lingered and it was thought of as a miracle that the underground wasn't completely destroyed by Hook and his pirates to get to Peter. Sarah then thought that maybe like the Indian lands, the old underground was a special part of Neverland and was to last forever.
Sarah took her bag off her shoulder and decided to wander like everyone else. It was only Nibs who stood rooted before finally checking the contraption of the door to see if it was really safe. Slightly then joined him and the pair took up conversation about making the place inhabitable.
As soon as the tribe had arrived, Slightly had set orders to immediately refurbish the place. Everyone did all they could but with little resources, not much was really done. The majority of the day was spent by the boys chopping and changing the main tree entrance itself. There were no more ropes or anything that made it look like a tree house and inside they decided to try and build another entrance.
The girls tidied the place trying their best to salvage anything they found inside. The metal pot that Summer found was the one that Nibs and Sarah had used to boil water. As requested, Slightly decided that any cooking that needed the use of a large fire and that would produce a lot of smoke was to be done out of the underground, a fair bit away. Boiling water and such would be fine though. A fire was stoked up and soon, the underground felt a warmer and brighter.
As remembered, Sarah found the old sewing kit that had belonged to Wendy which she had hidden. She also found a candle along with it and set up the light and got to work on mending a few things. As well as finding Wendy's battered sowing kit, Sarah found the medicine and ointment that was used for Curly. She never realised it had been left behind. Sarah frowned at the fact she'd forgotten it, but then remembered what made her leave in a hurry. She wished she'd never gone now.
Time passed by quickly and although Nibs asked whether or not he should make his way over to the camp while Peter was still gone, Slightly said no.
The tribe, a little more relaxed now, had settled in considering the circumstances. A broth of some kind had been made in the underground and was pleasant to eat as the tribe hadn't eaten since the morning.
Slightly sat a little tense as the dawning on the fact that Peter could easily arrive if he wanted to. The only thing that reassured him was the new entrance and exit that was built. Instead of sliding down like they usually had, the entrance was now from a tunnel on the other side of the underground that linked from one of the tunnels in the mini maze.
Jake finished off his broth and belched loudly causing many to giggle and soon others joined in on the childish game. It was good to see him try to make people laugh. In a way, it was one step closer to being himself and over coming the recent events. A smile appeared on Sarah's lips as she watched the antics carry on and memories of happier times in the lost tribe flooded her mind. Sarah was thankful that Nibs didn't join in on the escapade but before she finished thinking her words, he, deciding that he wouldn't be beaten by others, belched loudly causing all the boys to cheer. Sarah rolled her eyes disapprovingly and instead thinking she'd try to get one better than him, all eyes turned to Autumn who had burped the loudest yet. Nibs jokingly looked defeated and Slightly spat out the remainder of his broth to stand up and clap as did Jake who looked very proud of Autumn. The whole room was in cheers of laughter and joining in on the high spirits; Autumn stood up and curtsied in a lady like fashion.
Although you couldn't tell whether or not it was night in the underground, people soon started to feel sleepy. Conversations had been going on since the burping and all in all, the night had been very cheerful and successful. The tribe wandered off to bed to the little coves that sat around in the tunnels. The Indians had given more furs to the tribe and although there wasn't enough to be completely comfortable. The underground was warm so the furs were used to mainly lie on.
Sarah pouted when she realised she'd missed out on the dibs of the coves. Again, there wasn't enough for people to have their own but with people deciding to pair off, there was one spare. Although it had been left for her choosing or possibly Autumn, Sarah knew where she'd like to be sleeping normally if it wasn't for her period, which even now she still felt embarrassed over the fact she'd shared her bed while on her period with James. Every time, praying she wouldn't stain the expensive sheets or having to remind James she was on her period as she didn't feel comfortable with him touching her while she had it.
Sarah turned to Nibs who turned to her as he was casually resting back on his arms, his legs stretched out. Whispering for him to come outside, Sarah grabbed her satchel and walked with Nibs.
After taking some time to wash her face outside by the near by stream and setting herself up for the night, in the privacy for some bushes, Sarah was thankful for the fact Nibs was watching over the area, that was why she'd asked him to come out in the first place. Being by yourself in the dark when you haven't been in the jungle for a while felt daunting to Sarah. It also gave her some time to get some fresh air before they retired to the underground, which in all honesty was still very stuffy.
Slightly had seen the pair leave and had only let them leave because he knew the pair weren't that stupid to draw interest and notice to themselves. The new rule stated that going outside was for important reasons only. For example, no one was to wander off or make too much noise in case it attracted attention.
"Are you finished?" Nibs whispered.
"Hold on, I just need to wash my hands." Sarah whispered back.
"I don't suppose you stated that you had a room to everyone?"
"No, I forgot to. But there was one cove free, but I didn't know whether it was for Autumn or me?"
"I was thinking the same thing. Where do you want to sleep?"
Sarah had now emerged. "Where do you think?" She smirked.
"By yourself?" Nibs teased.
Sarah tutted before hitting him playfully.
"Hey." He called.
"But truthfully I'm going to sleep by myself, is that okay?"
"Sarah, why are you asking for my permission?" Nibs asked frowning.
"I dunno?" Sarah shrugged sheepishly.
"I'll see you in the morning then?"
"Yeah, thanks for watching my back out here, I didn't want to be by myself, alone."
"No problem."
"Good night." Sarah smiled and hugged him briefly before she hugged him more tightly, feeling Nibs hug her just as close. Sarah closed her eyes at the content, she loved hugs.
They broke apart and walked into the underground. People were still awake chatting or trying to get comfortable and the fire had been put out.
Sarah started to walk to one of the tunnels to her room but turned around to Nibs.
"You never did tell me which girl made you feel like how Peter felt for Wendy."
Nibs smirked at her. "I think I'll let you figure that one out for yourself, but to help you... I had a dream about her and that's when I felt like a man. I think I've just answered another one of your questions." He said grinning before he walked away.
"A dream?" Sarah asked frowning before raising her eye brows. "Oh, I'll err; take that as a compliment then."