Four years ago. It has been four years since I updated this story. I know how bad I hate it when other people do it so I applogize for this. It was taking so long because I was trying to get these perfect and then I lost what I had done. So, these aren't perfect, but they are as done as they will ever be.

Part Two: Mr. Pevensie

I can feel my resolve melting as she looks up at me with those big blue eyes.

"Please don't go daddy." Her lower lip begins to quiver, I know she is trying to be brave like her mum and not cry.

"I'll be back Princess, don't worry." I lean down so she can wrap her arms around me.

"Tomorrow?" The innocence in her voice, the sincere hope that I will be back so soon further destroys my already broken heart.

"No baby, not tomorrow or the day after."

"When then?"

"As soon as I can." I know the promise is weak, it's just that hate to tell her I won't be home for months, that span of time is still beyond her.

She leans on me, wrapping her arms around as far as she can. "Please don't go daddy." She repeats, more of a whimper now than actual words. "Please."

"Sorry Princess," I can tell my voice is about to break. For a bleak moment I wonder if this is the last time I will hold my baby in my arms. I force the thought from my mind and give her one last squeeze. "Goodbye Princess." I wave goodnight and send her up to bed, we are just going to let her sleep tomorrow morning, she thinks I am leaving tonight, I only hope she does not wake up.

"Goodbye daddy, goodnight."

"Goodnight Princess, goodbye."

I decided to let my wife sleep in and went down stairs to make myself coffee. The bag setting beside the front door was a cold reminder of what I was doing today.

"Good morning dad." Peter's bleak voice greets me from somewhere in the vicinity of the kitchen.

"Good morning son." He is sitting by the table drinking a glass of water; the smell informs me that he has already begun the coffee. I wonder if I look as miserable as he does, I know I feel it.

I sit down across from him, knowing that we will not have another chance to talk alone before I have to leave.

"Peter," I began, unsure of what to say next. I paused for a moment, allowing my mind to collect itself. "I know you already know this," I paused again, knowing that was not the best thing to say. If he knew it why tell him? "I want you to look after your sisters, especially little Lucy, she will be starting school soon." Peter only nodded. "And look after your brother, he is still trying to figure out where his place is in this family, be nice to him." Once again, nothing but a nod. "Will you be okay son?" I knew it was a foolish question the moment it left my mouth, but I needed to know the answer.

"Yes," he sounded tired and I wondered if he had slept at all last night. "I will be." It was my turn to nod.

I stood and walked toward him and he stood in response. I wrapped him in a tight hug, "I love you son." I said quietly into the top of his head, I was uncertain if he even heard until he hugged tighter and said whispered something that sounded like "you too."

I held him at arms distance for a moment, he seemed older already, and I knew he would make a fine man for this family. One day. For now, he was still too young, far too young.

"Goodbye Peter, look after the family." He seemed unable to speak and once again only nodded.

I could hear footsteps on the stair that sounded like Susan. One more swift embrace, then we were no longer alone.

"Goodbye dad." Peter's voice was almost so soft I could barely hear it.

"Goodbye Peter." There were so many things that I wanted to tell him, remind him to look after his mother, remember to make Susan go outside at least once in a while, keep an eye on Edmund, tuck Lucy in each night, so many things to say, yet there was only time left for one word.

"Goodbye."

Susan looked so sad and lost as she stood there in the stairwell. I could tell she was waiting for Peter to finish talking to me before she came in. Peter glanced up at her than moved away so that I could have a moment alone with his sister.

"Susan," I said in way of greeting, "how come you're up so early?" I opened up my arms as she ran toward me.

"Do you have to leave?" I could barely hear her voice because her face was buried in my chest.

"You know I do." But even though I knew that she knew it did not make the parting any easier. "I will be back." I gently rubbed her shoulders where my arms were wrapped. "I promise, and you know I always keep my promises." I could feel her nod into my chest.

"I know, I just don't want you to leave." And I don't want to leave. The words were on the tip of my tongue, but I knew that if I actually said them I would never be able to go.

"I love you darling."

"I love you to daddy." I smiled through my sorrow, it had been so long since she had called me that, I hadn't realized how long until just now.

"I'll make you some breakfast." She said as she began to pull away. I pulled her back for one last hug.

"Goodbye Susan."

"Goodbye dad." I could hear the tears on her voice, she was trying to be strong but I knew she would break as soon as I was out the door.

I gave her one last squeeze and a last whisper: "Goodbye."

Edmund was the final child left to bid farewell to, and I awaited his awakening with some trepidation. We used to be close but ever since he came back from that new school he has been so distant. I can only wait to see what his response will be.

"Good morning." The voice of my youngest son breaks my reverie, forcing me begin a conversation I had no idea how to control.

"Good morning Edmund." For a brief moment I wondered if he would allow me to give him a hug, I brushed it aside quickly, that was a very bad idea to try. "How are you doing this morning?" I knew it was a horrible question, all of our conversations since he left had been this awkward.

"Fine." My mind struggled for anything to say. His answer was so simple that it merited no response.

"Edmund," I fished for a way to phrase my next thought that he would not fight against, "I know you and Peter do not get along very well, but while I'm gone he will be in charge." I paused for a moment and attempted to gauge his reaction. "Please listen to him." That last statement drove him over the edge. His face clouded and he took a step backwards.

"Peter is not my boss. I don't have to listen to him." I could see the defiance burning in his eyes.

"Edmund, please..." I knew he wouldn't listen to my plea so I fell silent. I decided that if I did not try now I would wish I had for the entire time I was gone. I stepped toward him and tried to give him a hug. The response was not quite what I had expected, in a good way. I had thought he would jerk away, instead he hugged me in response.

"Goodbye dad, I am going to miss you."

"Oh Edmund, I'm going to miss you too." I released him, not wanting to push my luck. "I love you Edmund." He nodded in response and I was struck at how alike he and Peter acted when they were sad, both resorting to nodding when they could not speak, neither of them even tried to speak at that point.

I knew that I was going to have to leave soon. I gave Edmund one last half hug and whispered into his hair, "Goodbye."

I hope this wasn't disappointing. Please review. I will put up another chapter tonight.