Chapter Four
That night, Mr. and Mrs. Darling had another social engagement. The boys were left in Wendy's care while they were out. She fed them dinner and then got them ready for bed. Before they went to sleep, they lay in their beds and listened as Wendy told them a story. By the time she finished, they were all asleep.
Wendy quietly crept out of the nursery, shutting the door behind her. When she returned to her bedroom, she saw that Peter was there, waiting at the window. She hurried over and opened it for him.
"I'm glad you came back," Wendy said.
"Any doubt that I wouldn't?" Peter asked.
"None at all. Come in, and watch your head this time."
"Of course."
Peter came into the room and stood in front of Wendy.
"I want to tell you something," they said in unison. Then they laughed.
"Ladies first," Peter said.
"No, no," Wendy said. "You go first. I insist."
He took a deep breath. "I've had a lot of time to think…about what you asked me last night. And, I think that I finally understand."
"What do you understand?"
"I understand that…I love you."
Wendy smiled. "I was going to say the same thing."
"What? That you love me?" Wendy nodded. "Wow. Well, that's…that's great!"
"You're happy?"
"Very much so."
Then they were quiet for a moment.
"So, what do we do now?" Wendy asked.
"Might I suggest a kiss?" Peter asked.
Wendy giggled. "I think a kiss might be appropriate in this situation."
Peter gently put his hands on her waist. He pulled her closer and placed a kiss on her lips. That warm, tingling feeling washed over his body.
"Wendy," he whispered.
"Yes?" she whispered back.
"I like kisses."
"So do I. Especially yours."
Peter smiled and they kissed again. Suddenly, that familiar feeling started to creep up. Peter could feel the fire in his belly as he became hard. He quickly pulled away from the kiss and turned his back to Wendy. Then he started to recite the knot-tying instructions quietly to himself. Wendy, startled by his actions, took a step towards him.
"Peter?"
He held up a finger to her, asking her to wait as he continued his recitation. Once he was calm, he turned to face her.
"I'm sorry," he said.
"Whatever for?"
Peter's face started to turn red. "About…what just happened."
"What did just happen?"
"Well, um…It's, uh…" He scratched his head. "I'm not really sure."
"Can you describe it?"
Peter thought for a moment. "Are you sure you want to know?"
"Peter, you can tell me anything."
"Promise not to laugh?"
Wendy drew an X over her heart. Peter took a deep breath.
"Sometimes," he said. "This…thing happens to me. To my body. When I have thoughts of you, it happens."
"Is that what happened just now?" Wendy asked.
Peter nodded. "If I think of something else, I can make it go away."
A thought came into Wendy's mind. "How much do you know about what happens to you?"
"Not a lot. I learned a little from spying on the pirates." He paused for a moment. "I don't think they have any high regards for it."
"No, I suppose not." Wendy sighed. "You do have a lot to learn."
"Would you teach me?"
Wendy thought for a moment. "Do you know how to read?"
"I don't remember. I have been in Neverland for a very long time."
Wendy went to her bookshelf. She selected a book and handed it to Peter.
"What does this say?" she asked.
Peter looked at the cover. It took a moment for his brain to process the letters and turn them into words. Then he looked up at Wendy.
"Human Health and Anatomy," he said. "Is that right?"
"Yes," Wendy said. "That's right. Everything you need to know is in that book. Take it with you and read it. Let me know it you have any questions."
"Alright. I'll go and start it right away."
"Will I see you again?"
"Of course. As soon as I finish the book."
Wendy frowned. "That's going to take a few days."
Peter touched her cheek. "I love you. You know we will see each other again."
"I will miss you."
"And I, you."
Peter placed a kiss on Wendy's forehead and then took off out the window.