Hey Guys! I'm back in business again and decided to update my story for what little reviewers I have. I know you guys have been waiting a long time for this, so enjoy!
Walworth's School for Young Ladies…
The news had been all over the school. Wendy Darling had been kidnapped! Madeline had chewed her nails down to the quick over it. She hoped Wendy was all right and still…alive…No! She would not think of that. Her and Alice had stayed. She was orphaned and had nowhere else to go besides her aunts, but she rarely ever was able to leave. Her aunt wasn't exactly accommodating. Alice's parents were on a business trip in Rome, and wouldn't be back for some time.
Alice appeared in their room. She was just as worried about Wendy as Madeline was, and could be spotted biting her lip in a nervous fashion. "Madeline, yesterday I had a very strange dream. It wasn't like the others." She had jumped at the sound of Alice's voice, so startled was she. Then the words sunk in. A different dream. Neverland. "What was it about Alice?" She was very curious indeed.
"Well, I was at a tea party with the March Hare. Mad Hatter, and Mock Turtle when Wendy suddenly appeared! And then, this odd man dressed in funny clothing was next to her. He had a hook on his hand, and an extremely large hat on. It was so very strange."
"Odd clothing? Hmmm." She thought of this for a moment, and then it hit her, "Captain Hook! Alice, Wendy might be in Neverland! Maybe the both of you shared this odd dream? Yes, very strange indeed..." Alice looked up at Madeline, hope shined in her eyes. Alice and Wendy had always been special, and part of this is what drew Madeline to them. They never did fit in the perfect society that was put in front of them. Some might look at this with disgust at such a flaw, but they knew it was a special gift.
There was still hope yet for their dear Wendy.
Back in Neverland…
It had almost been a week since Wendy first woke up in Neverland. Peter had never come. She, somehow, wasn't too surprised by this. Captain Hook had been very much a gentleman. They had somewhat of a disagreement over her sleeping arrangements, but once finalized, Wendy had taken over Captain Hook's sleeping quarters until further preparations were made for her. Yes, Wendy Moira Angela Darling had braved herself and won a battle against the dreaded Captain Hook! Even after a few threatens from him, upon which he mentioned bringing his first mate, Starkey into the room. He apparently didn't like to put up with women who didn't comply, as to what she had gathered from Captain Hook's argument. There were no further words said.
Captain Hook had some dresses stored in a multitude of trunks that she would wear until they docked at the port. Why he had the various dresses in random trunks, she was sure she didn't want to know. They fit her, if not a little big on her. She still used her chemise from the night before. Her nightgown would also suffice for her sleeping arrangements. Sometimes she had nightmares of Captain Hook walking in on her in whilst she dressed. She still shuddered at that thought.
She had taken up the habit of sewing and hemming the clothes he graciously gave her, even going as far as to ask him if he needed any sewing on his clothes. He had given her the oddest look, but ended up handing over quite a pile. Every night she thought of Madeline and Alice, hoping they understood where she was.
She stood looking up at the night sky on the side of the deck farthest from where the crew had gathered to play sorts of card games and dance with drink and song. The Neverland nights were always so beautiful and captivating. She would never be able to get enough of it. If she could bottle Neverland's fragrance, she would. It smells of the adventure of childhood, freesia, and other magical scents.
The night sky was filled with stars of history, Peter once said. She remembered him pointing them out. Suddenly she longed to see him, if just for a moment. Just his smile could light up a room. Tears now flowed freely down her face, but she took no notice. Her tears hit the water and made a soft ripple. How she wished she were a fish. Then she could swim away and be free, not having to deal with all of the weight from her past.
A hand took a hold of her shoulder and she jumped, so lost in thought. Captain Hook must have come over sometime during her thinking, because suddenly he was right there, towering over her like he always was. "All right Miss Darling?" His hook came up and brushed the tears, which had fallen from their prison, down her face. She hadn't even flinched; completely over her fear of his deadly hook. They had long since come to an agreement, of sorts. He seemed pleased that she looked to him for a sense of comfort. His hand tightened comfortably against her shoulder, cupping it in his large palm.
"Yes, I was just…thinking." She replied, aware that there had been a few moments of silence. He was standing right behind her, and she could feel the warmth of his body clear through the seven layers of hell (known as proper woman's clothing) even though there was no contact. Her spine tingled at the sensation he caused, even if she was unaware. Even when he had come up behind her, she still held her ground, not even turning around to face him.
"You seem to be doing a lot of that, lately." Came his reply. How she was supposed to take that, the answer was lost on her. She still looked out at the blue night sky, perfectly reflected in the water. The air had become brisk and cold and she shivered, as if just realizing the weather. A heaviness settled over her shoulders, enveloping her in its' warmth.
He had given her his coat, graciously, and the warmth from his body was still clinging to the coat. She turned around then, wanting to be polite, but the words died in her throat. He stood there in black breeches and a white poet shirt-half unbuttoned revealing tanned chiseled skin that was by no means unmarked. A gasp escaped her lips before she could hold it back. There was long ropey-looking marks on his skin, disappearing into the folds of the shirt he wore. Her hand rose of its' own accord, reaching out to touch the marked skin and soothe it. She was so wrapped up in the new discovery she made of him that she hadn't noticed the look that came into his eyes at her perusal. His hand shot out and grabbed her wrist. Not forcefully, but enough to guarantee her that she wasn't going anywhere soon.
She looked into his eyes then, as if just realizing where she was. Not aware that she had even moved, she had found her wrist prisoner of his grasp. His long fingers wrapped around hers lightly, thumb stroking the back of her hand lightly, making her dizzy. She suddenly didn't feel so well. Grasping his coat in the hand that was not imprisoned, she sunk to her knees, spots appearing before her eyes. Her head pounded in an uncomfortable way, enough to make her feel as if she herself was going down the rabbit hole her friend had mentioned. A sharp gasp escaped her throat. Her body felt lighter than usual. Somebody was calling her name, and just as soon as it started, it stopped. Her head still throbbed uncomfortably, but the dizzy feeling had passed.
"Wendy? Wendy! Are you quite all right, my beauty?" Came the all too familiar voice of Captain Hook. She was still gripping his shirt hard, the material soft in her clutched hand. His hands were underneath her elbows, holding her up, and he helped pull her upright once again so she was standing. They were so close almost no moonlight shown between them. These feelings that arose around him scared her; it was wrong. After all, it was Captain Hook. Her tormentor and the dreaded pirate that had tried to make her walk the plank. Where was Peter when she needed him?
"I'm fine, thanks. Oh sorry!" Immediately she let go of his shirt, as if just realizing she was still holding it in a death grip. Some strange, unrecognizable emotion flickered to life in his eyes, enchanting her. She had to keep control. He would not win. Not ever.
"I-I think I will retire. I...yes." She finished, lamely. The look was out of his eyes now, and she felt somewhat better, but his presence still lingered, making it harder to think. Her mind was like one of those globes that you shook up and watched the confetti rain down; A whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She needed to get out of there, and fast.
"Hmm. Well if you are sure Miss Darling. I'll accompany you there." He didn't leave much room for debate, and held his arm out, expectantly for her to take it. She couldn't help but roll her eyes. An action which brought a small, deep chuckle from him. Of course he had to have seen her do it. They walked the short way to the rooms she was staying in. His quarters, as it were.
He was still giving her that odd look, so she opened the door and turned to him. "Goodnight Captain." She walked in the room and was about to close the door, when a firm hand stopped it from moving. He was still there.
"C-Captain Hook?" she questioned. He moved into the room, and she stepped back, unconsciously. This was not good. He was in the same room as she. 'What did he want?' Then he was talking. She mentally slapped herself across the face and listened. Closely. Nothing was ever what it seemed with him.
"-You see Miss Darling, I have been sleeping in the crew quarters, and it's very uncomfortable. I've decided to take my room back."
He left no room for questioning. He had apparently made up his mind with no room for judging.
"b-but where will I-"
"You may sleep in here. After all, there is enough room for two in my bed."
She absolutely needed reminding that she had been sleeping in his bed. Her mouth hung open with his audacity. There was no way that she was sleeping in a bed with him! It was…. it was inappropriate! While another part of her brain whispered that inappropriate had nothing to do with it. She would gladly…'NO! Don't even go there.'
"Absolutely not! I refuse to sleep there with YOU!" Her voice echoed around the room, banging off the walls. He sighed deeply. She was making this difficult. On the other hand, if she had accepted, he would be suspicious of her.
A great sigh heaved its way out of his chest. "Miss Darling, be reasonable-"
Her eyes were fire, stretched open wide, waiting for the victim. "REASONABLE? Reasonable! I AM a proper lady Captain Hook and I will not sleep in the same bed as you! It's not proper conduct." When she was done there, his mouth had almost completely dropped to the floor. She may appear to be an innocent wench, but she surely new how to get what she wanted. Spoilt brat.
"Then for all I care, you may sleep on the hard floor! You must remember Wendy Darling, you may stay here, but I am STILL Captain. I will not tolerate that kind of behavior on my ship."
And with that last thought in mind, he left the room.
