Chapter Six
Peter stood on the shore of the Lagoon. He watched the sky, waiting for Wendy to appear. Thankfully, it was a clear night without any clouds.
Then, a speck appeared on the horizon. It was barely visible at first, but it started to grow. When her face came into focus, he smiled. He flew up to her level, waving and yelling her name.
"Wendy!"
Wendy saw him hovering above the shore. She flew faster, right into his arms. As they embraced, tears began to fall from her eyes. Peter could feel the wetness on his shoulder. He tried to comfort her as they descended to the shore.
"Please, Wendy. Please don't cry."
"Silly boy. I'm not crying because I'm sad. I'm crying because I'm happy."
Their feet touched the sand and Peter released Wendy from his embrace.
"You're happy?" Peter asked.
"Yes," Wendy said. Then she slowly turned a complete circle, glancing at the scenery around her. "I never thought I would see this place again."
"You can come back, you know."
"Well, I can now." Wendy patted her pouch of pixie dust.
"I hope you've brought an appetite."
Just then, Wendy felt the emptiness in her stomach. She hadn't eaten dinner and the flight from London was a little lengthy.
"Famished," she replied.
"Excellent," Peter said. "Let's go."
He took her hand and they flew off to the hollow tree. Through a secret passage and down a slide they went, into the main room. Wendy was a bit taken aback by what she saw. The table was set with a great spread. There were bowls of nuts and berries, and a pitcher of juice. Flowers and candles adorned the table. There was a small boar roasting on the fire. The smell made Wendy's mouth water.
"Sit down," Peter said as he pulled a chair out for her.
Wendy sat and Peter pushed in her chair. The he went to the fire to get the boar. He carved it and brought the serving platter to the table.
"Help yourself," he said as he took his seat.
"Why such a feast?" Wendy asked, and she started to fix her plate.
"It's a special night. You're here."
As they ate, they talked. It was the first time that they were able to catch up on the past five years. Peter had spent his time with the Indians. They taught him many new skills, like how to preserve meat and weave blankets. Wendy was finished with her schooling. She stayed home with her mother. Mrs. Darling was teaching Wendy how to cook, clean and sew, as well as many other wifely duties. Peter frowned when she spoke of becoming a wife.
"What's wrong, Peter?" she asked.
"Nothing," he replied, and he decided to change the subject. "I've finished the book."
"I figured as much. What did you think?"
Peter blushed. "It was very…um…informative. How did you come by it?"
"My father is friends with a doctor."
"Wendy, could I do the things in that book?"
"What? Like, intercourse?"
"Well…yes."
Wendy thought for a moment. "Yes, you could."
Peter perked up a bit. "Really?"
"Of course. But you would have to be married first."
"Married?"
There it was again. The mere mention of marriage stabbed Peter's chest, made his stomach churn and constricted his breathing. Even the sound of his own voice saying it hurt his ears.
"Yes, Peter," Wendy continued. "Men and women only have intercourse with the person to whom they are married."
Peter sighed. "It's hopeless then."
Wendy looked at him curiously. "Why do you say that?"
"Who are you going to marry, Wendy?"
She was a little bit surprised by such a direct question. "I don't know."
"Well, this much I know. You are the only person that I love."
"Yes, I know that."
"Then why can't we be together?"
"What are you talking about? We can be together."
"For how long?"
Wendy was silent. She finally understood Peter's anguish. In just a few short months, she would be of legal age. Her parents would arrange a marriage for her, most likely to a young man with wealth and in good social standing. Peter would be left behind, forgotten.
Tears started to fill Wendy's eyes. This time, they were not tears of joy. Peter started to feel guilty. He got up from his seat and went to her side.
"I didn't mean to make you cry," he said.
"I know," Wendy said. "Peter, you must understand that I have very little control over what happens to me in my future."
"I just don't want you to forget about me."
"I couldn't possibly forget someone like you."
"Nor I you."
"I meant what I said before. That first kiss will always belong to you."
"I love you, Wendy."
"I love you, too, Peter."
Then Peter took Wendy in his arms and held her close. They silently embraced each other for a while before Wendy spoke.
"I think I should go home now."
Peter pulled away from her. "Alright. Have you had enough to eat?"
"Yes, and it was delicious. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Shall I escort you home?"
"That would be wonderful."
They quickly cleaned up the table and went up to the surface. Then they took each other's hand and flew back to London.