Disclaimer:
I Aslansphoenix declare that I do not own 'Peter Pan', Neverland or anything that you find familiar. Technically some of the characters did come from my head ... but I think they belong to Neverland just as much as any canon characters.
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Author's Note:
This chapter went on for a little longer than I had intended, but it felt necessary to me. And I'm not sorry for that.
I should give warnings (?) for this chapter. Umm there is one sentence that is slightly homophobic; due to the time this set. There is alluding to some children knowing about the 'birds and the bees' – which is only a warning if you think children can't handle the knowledge. I'll say more on that in the Author's Note at the bottom.
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"All Children Grow up Except One"
Everyone Knows about Neverland,
About the home of Peter Pan.
Second to the Right, and Straight on till Morning.
To the place between dreaming and awakening.
There are rules in Neverland
Rules that must be obeyed.
Boys forget much easier than Girls.
"No Girl can resist Peter Pan,
When he uses a specific voice."
One more thing, which is True ...
In Neverland, You learn all about You.
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Chapter Five.
Later George would scowl and think – impolite thoughts about the possibility of Mitch being around. For the time being though, it was more fun to run around like crazy.
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Of course they were on time – bang on the hour.
It had been a nice few days at Granny Wendy's; just Margaret, Angela and George. In a couple of the evenings many others dropped by to listen to the stories. But between those times, it was just them, and it was nice – it was fun. Encouraged to be children, but always helping build up their moralities.
Granny Wendy had offered to let George have a single room, as George was used to sleeping alone. It had been very thoughtful, and when George needed some alone time it was able to be taken. For the most part they were able to play some fun adventures while sharing the old nursery room.
Then there came the knock at the door.
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George scowled back at Mitch. Mitchell was alternating between glaring at his cousins and pretending to be a 'perfect-little-angel' for his Mother.
Aunt Ruthless was spouting off a list of rules and expectations for Granny Wendy to follow, Granny Wendy just smiled and nodded reassuringly; and George was pleased to note that the stars in her eyes were twinkling in amusement.
Margaret held on to a humming Angela and stood near Eliza. She was looking around the house, trying to look bored, but George didn't think that she was containing her curiosity, or awe very well.
Eventually Aunt Ruthless said farewell to her children and, with one last judgmental look, left the old Darling home. Granny Wendy watched her leave then turned to the restless children. She gave them a warm smile.
"Well now. Your mother has left a list of rules. That is her right as your parent. But I only have only three.
Remember that we are family. Whatever fights you have, whatever issues there may be between you, whatever you may think of me, at the end of the day we are family. We do not have to be related by blood to be family; we just have to care. Remember that."
George kept glaring as both Mitchell and Eliza rolled their eyes. Inwardly George ignored that this rule would have to apply to George and Mitchell as well. Granny Wendy ignored the scowls and continued.
Know that you can always return here. The door, or window, will always remain open to all the children that pass through here. Whatever adventures you through, whatever life throws at you, you will always have a home here to return to. "
This rule had always made George feel warm and cosy on the inside. This time; because George was watching the others, there was a little bit of confusion. Mitchell and Eliza both look confounded, but Margaret and Angela … well they looked like they were aware of some added meaning, more than just a welcome home. George didn't have time to ponder this, as the third rule was being spoken.
"And Finally - No growing up allowed."
That apparently was enough for Mitchell, who burst out "That's a stupid rule! You can't stop people from aging, that's impossible."
Granny Wendy gazed at Mitchell who (George was slightly smug to note) did take a step back. Granny Wendy wasn't powerful or terrifying, but she did have a way about that made you want to NOT disappoint her. But she didn't scold Mitchell, instead she gave him an understanding smile.
"True, you cannot stop the aging process. But what does that have to do with growing-up? Now I'm sure you want to put your stuff away and explore without adult supervision. Try not to break anything and dinner will be at seven."
She left. That was the nice thing about Granny Wendy; she trusted the children. There was no smothering, no feelings of being caged, no iron-clad expectations to sit and appease the little old person, just trust and respect. And that usually inspired the children to treat her with respect in turn.
George reluctantly trudged after the group, as Margaret showed the twins around. Angela skipped along and chattered about random everyday adventures that there had been within the Old Darling Home. George was fantasising going treasure hunting when Mitchell gave a disgruntled mumble.
"I can't believe I have to be stuck with a bunch of stupid girls and an old crazy lady."
Angela and George made an abrupt turn to glare at him. Eliza rolled her eyes at her brother's words.
"Granny isn't Crazy!"
Angela seemed to care more about defending Granny Wendy than the fact the she had been insulted. George nodded in agreement.
"Yeah Mitch, it's not like we want to be stuck with you either!"
Mitchell opened his mouth, probably to say something insulting, but Margaret spoke first, preventing a fight from breaking out.
"That's enough All of you. Mitchell, you may think what you like, but if your opinion is hurtful to others, then please keep it yourself. George don't raise to the bait; you're better than that. And Angie …"
Angela crossed her arms and pouted "Maggie …"
The elder sister just gave her sibling a look and eventually Angela sighed; deciding that this fight wasn't worth having. Mitchell let out a "Whatever" and shoved past to enter the room. As they walked George heard Angela ask Eliza, "Wait, why does your brother think girls are stupid."
She replied dismissively "Because he's a boy, and they're stupid."
George groaned, if Eliza was currently mad at Mitchell for whatever reason, she would be less likely to keep him distracted.
George thought with a hint of bitterness that 'this is not going to be a fun vacation'.
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Actually it wasn't as bad as George feared.
Sure whenever Mitchell was around he scowled and let out insults, but George followed the advice given and was able to ignore him (mostly; there were a couple of fights, but only one vase got broken). But Mitchell also avoided most of the group as much as he could, so incidences weren't as often as they were at school.
Eliza had her own numerous friends with whom she socialised with. Eves-dropping one time had taught George that they just gossiped about their 'friends' and spoke about boys. Very weird in George's opinion. So, for the most part, George got to spend time with the family members that George actually liked.
There was one afternoon, where they all were together, that would forever stand out in George's memory.
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Angela had somehow convinced Margaret, George and Eliza to play 'tea-party'. Mitchell walked past and Angela (who rarely held a grudge, and was trying to make Mitchell be her friend) lit up "Mitchell, do you want to join our tea-party?"
Mitchell gave a huff of laughter and sneered "No. I would never want to do something so – girly, as to play tea-parties."
Eliza rolled her eyes, but George smiled smugly "Granddad does."
That was true. Granddad Jack was the father to Taran, Ruth and Anne, he was also the masculine, most alpha-male leader of a person that George knew. He didn't throw that knowledge around like some boys did, nor was he brash and rude about it. And he wasn't as scary as he looked (unless his family were in danger).
Apparently; (due to various influences) Granddad Jack had struggled to connect to Taran, so Taran had grown up doing everything to impress him. But it wasn't until he had met Jane, and gone through a semi-rebellious faze to see her, that things had started to change. There had been a bit of drama and some betrayal by a supposedly 'trusted-friend', but it had led to Jane proving her trust worthiness and, and Jack had admitted to being proud of his son.
Despite the distance between father and son when Taran was growing up, they were now close, and Granddad was good at being around his grandchildren. (George sometimes wondered if it was to make up for the distance there had been.) Granddad Jack and Grandma Kala lived in South America, so they weren't seen that often. But when they were around, they both took great care of the children.
And this included, playing tea-party.
They had even once seen Angela convinced their Granddad to wear a pink, fluffy tiara. The toughest, most masculine being went to a pretend tea-party, and managed to maintain all of his dignity. And because of that, George could not help but rub that in Mitchell's scowling face.
Even if it did mean that Mitchell pulled back a chair and sat down at the tiny table.
A grandparent having been brought up, led to conversation about all grandparents. Then Angela made a strange comment.
"Maggie and I are so lucky to have five grandparents."
Margaret choked on the biscuit she had been eating. "What? Umm Angie … we don't have five grandparents."
"Yes we do. Granddad Jack, Grandma Kala, Grandpa, Granny and Peter."
If Margaret had been shocked before, it was nothing compared to her at that. Her eyes went wide and her words came out spluttered, as if she couldn't quite believe what she was hearing. For that matter neither could George (though George was, admittedly more amused.)
Margaret opened her mouth and managed to splutter out one word "… Pan?!"
"Yeah." Angela's affirmative was slow and she looked around the group as if they were the ones that were saying something unusual.
Eliza placed her cup on the table, looking quite confused. "As in, the flying immortal boy from the stories that your grandmother tells?"
"That's him."
"Angie … Peter Pan is not our Grandfather."
"Yes he is. Don't any of you know how babies are born?"
George gave a burst of laughter and Margaret seemed to reach the line of being in absolute shock. Mitchell and Eliza were both gaping at their youngest cousin. George, being the only one to find a voice, choked back the surprised laughter and spoke up.
"Umm – Why don't you explain it to us, as to how Peter Pan is your grandfather?"
"Because how babies are made. See when two people are in love they have to do a special spell, it usually takes place at a wedding. They give each other a small object that represents their true love, often it's a ring, not always. They have to promise to love each other for ever, and they exchange a True Love Kiss and dance. Then whenever they are ready to have a child, their love magically combines to form a seed in the Mother's belly, which will with time, grow into a new born baby."
George was amazed at how Angela was both accurate and inaccurate, and how sure she seemed of herself when she was speaking. Angela glanced around at her speechless family, and shrugged – as if she knew everything.
"And that's exactly what happened with Peter and Wendy. They exchanged 'kisses' symbols of their true love, they promised to believe in each other forever, they shared a 'Thimble' and they danced the fairy dance together. Then when Wendy was all grown-up and ready to have her own child; their love turned into Mummy."
George was definitely the most amused of the group. Margaret seemed to be just focusing on breathing and the twins both looked had their superiority looks on. Eliza gave a huff and rolled her eyes.
"That is not even remotely how babies are made."
Angela turned to glare at the older girl "Oh yeah, then how are babies made, Miss Smarty-pants? Hmm."
Eliza opened her mouth, and paused. George and Margaret stared, wondering was she really going to tell Angela the truth. But after a moment of silence, Eliza shook her head and just said "Grown-up stuff that doesn't involve magic."
Unsurprisingly; Angela didn't look convinced "Uh huh, well at least you didn't try to tell me some story about storks or cabbage babies."
George leaned forward "So let me see if I've got this straight – when two met and fall in love, no matter who they are or what age they are; if they follow those steps you listed, then … that's how you say babies are made?"
"Yep."
"But well … weren't your Grandpa and Granny Wendy married before Aunt Jane was born, so if they did the 'ceremony' and were in love …?"
"Granny and Grandpa weren't in love though.
They got married because of society expectations; their marriage was just for show. Don't get me wrong; they loved each other a lot, but not Peter and Wendy. Granny and Grandpa were each other's best friends, and they loved each other, but they weren't in love. Like – I love you all, but I'm not in love with any of you. And, it meant that Mummy had a grown-up Daddy to love her, which is something we all need. So Mummy got to have Grandpa who was her Daddy AND she got to have Peter Pan as her other Daddy. That means we have five grandparents, who all love us very much."
Margaret didn't seem to have control over her vocal chords, she just kept staring in shock and Eliza looked like she had decided to just ignore the 'craziness'. George was rather amused by everything; it was a ridiculous story of course, but in a very sweet way.
But then Mitchell had to open his mouth.
"That's stupid. Even ignoring your dumb beliefs on how babies are made - this Pan person is just a figment of your Grandmother's imagination. He's not real."
George huffed "That's what you think." Admittedly it was more for the sake of arguing with Mitchell than because George actually believed, but the smile from Angela was worth it as well. Mitchell just rolled his eyes.
"You're stupid."
Instead of getting angry, Angela just shook her head sadly "Oh Mitchell, it's so sad that you're at the age of not believing*, but it's alright – I'll believe in you for you."
Mitchell glared; he looked like he was going to try and start a fight, but then he rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Thanks for the tea." And with that sarcastic thank-you, Mitchell got up and left the room. Angela sat up and abruptly changed the subject; her mind already dancing beyond the conversation.
"Oooh, speaking of tea, we're almost out of fairy biscuits. I'll run and get some more, come on Maggie."
And in a blink, the youngest cousin had grabbed her sister's arm and dragged her from the room. George could hear Angela chatting down the hall. Margaret didn't seem to be responding, but at least when she left she had appeared to be breathing. Unfortunately this left Eliza and George alone.
Unusual because, due to George and Mitchell's distaste for each other, George didn't willingly spend that much time with Eliza. But as neither could be bothered moving, they sat in an uncomfortable silence until Margaret returned. Well almost.
"You don't seriously believe it, do you?"
"Believe- Er What?"
"That Peter Pan is real. He's a fictional character. Right?"
George blinked. Oddly; considering the family, the question of if George believed the tales had never actually been asked. Maybe because most everyone knew that to George: it didn't matter if the stories were true or made-up, what mattered was that they were enjoyable.
But now the question had been asked; George felt an honest answer was required.
"I don't know. I mean, I know it seems … like a complete fantasy … but … but.
If the stories are just fiction, then there are things that just don't add up. As Sherlock Holmes said 'if you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable must be the truth.' I did some research and – my Grandfather, Great-Uncle Michael and Granny Wendy did disappear one night as children. All the evidence suggested they could have only left through the window. And; you can't climb or jump from it can you."
At that George gestured to the nursery window; which indeed one could not jump or climb out it. George continued with the other reasons.
"Months later they back with children the Darlings adopted. Some of their school mates said they saw the boys flying. Plus Granny Wendy does have an acorn neckless, with a hole in it. Then there's Aunt Jane as well as Margaret and Angela. If it is only a fantasy made up by Granny Wendy; why do they speak of Neverland as if they have been? It's not often; but I have heard Aunt Jane speak of flying through the jungle. And the stories never change. Sure they may get exaggerated in play, but the details stay the same. Why after all these years do the details not change?"
Eliza sighed patriotically "Listen Georgina, there is an answer to all your concerns.
People who make-up stories don't always change them. Your Grandfather and siblings either snuck out the front door, or there was a tree or ladder or something that they climbed down. Aunt Jane met Uncle Taran in the jungle, they were probably uncivilised and swung through trees. She must have just used her past experiences to indulge in her mother's stories. And that is exactly what Margaret does – she indulges Angela's childish fantasies."
Sure, those were all reasonable explanations, but George was still doubtful. "You know what Elizabeth I think you're trying to grow up too much."
Eliza glared, she hated being called Elizabeth as much as George hated being called Georgina, and it was usually a way to get Eliza to stop with the 'full name' calling. "At least I don't believe children are made by a kiss."
"I have no idea where Angie came to think that." The two looked up as Margaret re-entered the room, looking far more calm than before and carrying the home-made biscuits the children referred to as 'fairy-biscuits'. George glanced at Margaret with bemusement and spoke up.
"I'll be honest; I'm confused as to why Angie doesn't know the truth. I mean with your Mum being so smart and understanding of life; I would have thought you two would have been like me, given the logical scientific answer when you asked."
Margaret shrugged "I don't think Angie ever asked, I think she just made up her own mind about how babies are made. When did you ask anyway, George?"
"I was about Angie's age. I think Dad thought; that if he told me before I wanted to kiss 'boys' then it would be okay. He didn't have to worry; I still don't want to kiss boys. That seems gross."
Margaret and Eliza both gave a giggling smirk (that smile that obviously hid laughter). George knew that both girls didn't think kissing was gross. Eves-dropping on Eliza had proved that she and her friends mostly gossiped about wanting to kiss boys (ew).
And, as private as Margaret was; she hadn't been able to hide the fact that she had, for luck, willingly given a quick peck to the lips of a boy performing in a Christmas play. A group of the cousins had caught her and liked to tease her about her first kiss. Margaret always ignored them whenever anyone tried to bring the boy up though.
George didn't get it.
Angela danced back into the nursery, holding her fake tea-pot with imaginary water. "What seems gross?"
"George thinks kissing boys is gross."
"I understand that, boys are gross. What about girls though?"
Eliza scoffed at Angela's question "Girls can't kiss girls."
Angela pouted then changed the subject to a random things about teddy bears and flowers. George sat quietly; that odd feeling of discomfort had formed again.
Yes it was certainly a conversation that George would never forget.
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End of Chapter Five.
Author's Note:
Here this chapter ends.
*The idea (and wording) also not mine – Came from Bed-knobs and Broomsticks. Technically the film, but only because it's been years since I read the book and don't remember if it was part of the book.
I knew how babies were born when I was 7 or 8, I was given the analytical answer, and that was fine. I wasn't freaked out and I didn't have any interest in exploring it further. Though that may be, in part, due to me being grey-a-sexual; a fact I only came to understand when I was about 20.
My point is; children can handle quite a lot, and knowing the facts of how babies are born, is not as traumatising as some make it out to be.
Of Course Peter Pan can't be Jane's biological father, but I like the idea of Angela believing she has three grandfathers.
Thanks to pretty in Rose red, Ghost Wolf 114, Jimena Campos Abadie, and to elven buddy.
The next chapter picks up a bit.
Hopefully this story is not too horrible.
If you have read this, then thank-you.
I will update whenever I update.
Sunday 15th April 2018.