"Danny!" Jane shouts as she runs into the kitchen and searches the room for the young boy.
I laugh as she looks around in confusion, her dress flowing with her movements. She has turned to be a very pretty girl, though with a slight stubborn jaw. But her long brown hair and large eyes make up for that.
"Mother," she speaks, approaching me where I sit on one of the dinning room chairs, "is Danny under your dress again?"
There's a sudden burst of laughter coming from under my large fabric that reaches the ground and slightly sprawls out.
Danny, my young and spirited boy leaps out and sprints out of the room.
I giggle as Jane runs after him, her braided hair bouncing against her back. Her and Danny have been playing Hide 'n' Seek all day, the game going on through out the house.
"You're happy," Edward speaks, entering the room dressed in his usual work clothes.
"Well, when you have such a brilliant husband."
He smiles and gives me a quick peck on the lips.
"I am still lucky to deserve something as beautiful as you."
[
Three months later
[
"Jane!" Danny complains, "Stop it!"
There's a few shouts and screams.
I sigh out, brushing my hand through my hair. It's been getting worse again ever since Edward left to attend another war.
The weight of depression has gathered faster this time with the help of my two children. But I'm trying to be stronger for Edward.
He made me promise to stay well and healthy.
So I am trying my hardest.
Though it doesn't seem to be making any difference. I'm still losing weight and growing sicker by the day.
[
[
"Mother!" Danny screams, racing into my room where I am sitting silently on a large double bed.
"What is it Danny?" I ask quietly, my voice cracking.
"Jane said that Peter Pan isn't real. She said there's no such thing as Neverland!" He complains, jumping up beside me on my bed.
Danny looks a lot like my father even though he's only 4 years old.
Another reason to be upset since I am no longer in his presence.
"Well, do you think it's real?" I say, brushing a shaky hand over his short hair.
"Yes! I believe in all the fairies and mermaids and pirates!" he speaks, "and Peter Pan!"
Danny loves the tales I tell of Neverland. I may have changed a bit about Peter Pan and made him more loveable like I had found him the first time we meet. I spoke of stories that Peter Pan had told me in his spare time.
"He's not real, Danny," Jane state, making her self seen.
"He is to!" Danny complains back, tears in his eyes and a frown set firmly on his features.
"He is not!" Jane argues, folding her arms over her chest.
She is very stubborn for a eight year old, her mind very closed off to the idea of another world. I tried once to tell her about Storybrooke. But she just told me she wasn't interested and walked off.
Danny seems to be very open to the idea of other magical worlds. That's why he finds it easy to believe in the existence of Neverland.
"Jane!" I exclaim, gathering up a bit of strength to put my child back into place. "Behave!"
She stomps her foot and storms out of my room with a loud huff. Danny watches her go before crawling up the bed sheets and snuggling deeply into my side. It's these nights when Danny decides to spend a night cuddled up by my side, that I find myself gathering more strength to last another week without Edward.
I know Jane is feeling the pressure of her father not being home. She connects with him the most, going on daily walks and adventures into the garden. He's been talking about letting her begin horse riding and fencing when she reaches the right age.
I'm worried that Jane will never be lady enough to attract a man and bear a child so I can be a grandmother. It was once Jane's dream to marry and have kids. But now days, I don't know what's running through that girl's head.
[
[
More shouting from the children makes me sink deeper into the pillows surrounding my bed. There's a large steaming cup of tea on the bedside table that is slowly getting cold.
It will be room temperature by the time Danny and Jane have stopped bickering.
Pulling slightly at my hair, I sigh and stare up at the ceiling of my room.
How easy would it be to disappear right now.
Just leave and never come back.
Edward could take care of Jane and Danny.
He wouldn't miss me.
For months I questioned whether Edward was missing me.
Or if everyone would be happier if I was to leave.
It's turning worse, the suicidal thoughts racking through my brain as Jane and Danny continue to shout at each other whenever something goes wrong.
I am on the edge.
And only Edward can pull me back.
[
[
Danny's here