Chapter 9
Second Chance
Peter, the Lost Boys, and Little (sitting on Peter's lap), sat around a burnt-out camp fire, settled in the center of the Indian Village, waiting for news of Margaret.
It has been almost thirty minutes since she was taken in by the Indians' Medicine Man to take care of her wound. Peter had almost crashed done into the Indian Village earlier until he quickly controlled his rapid flying. He immediately cried for help, yelling that his friend covered tightly in his arms (who fell unconscious from blood lose) needs assistance quickly. Then, the Indian Chief approached to him and, seeing the state Margaret was in, he requested for his Medicine Man and ordered him to calmly take her to his tent and heal her. Peter reluctantly passed Margaret to the Medicine Man and the Medicine Man, along with the lifeless girl in his arms, disappeared in his tent.
Eventually, the Lost Boys and Little came and Peter told them everything that happened that morning and their cheerful personality vanished into smoke and misery and concern overwhelmed them. The puppy was the worst; she wore a heartbreaking guise as she ran to the tent where her dearest owner was in. But Little was seized by Tiger Lily, the Indian princess, who wordlessly gave the devastated and struggling puppy to Peter, a sign saying no one was to enter the tent until Margaret was healed.
And there they are now, waiting as patiently as they could for any answers, hopefully good ones. Each of their faces had not change since they first heard of Margaret's condition, only their anxiety was increasing every minute. Peter's and Little's face was much worse.
Actually, Peter's face was completely blank, emotionless. The Lost Boys had never seen their leader look like that; it scared them to some extent. Even Tiger Lily, who tried to comfort Peter, backed up and walked away after seeing his face. All he did was stare at the fireplace, subconsciously petting Little, who whimpered every once in a while.
"Hey, look!" Cubby piped, pointing at the tent Margaret was in. All the boys and Little turned their heads to see Margaret herself walking out of the tent.
Every one of the Lost Boys cheered as they jumped up and ran to her. Little, with her wildly shaking tail and huge smile, barked happily and jumped off of Peter, running to join the Lost Boys. Peter, at first, didn't; his eyes were on Margaret. Finally, when he saw her surrounded by the Lost Boys (and Little trying to push through the wall the boys created around her owner again), Peter got up and slowly made his way to them, a relieved smile crawling up on his face.
Margaret, with a gigantic smile, hugged each of the Lost Boys. She wore a bandage around her arm, where she was shot earlier. After she hugged all the Lost Boys, and kissed their cheeks, she fell to her knees and opened her arms for Little. Little ran and jumped up to her, almost pushing her human friend down. She licked Margaret's face like crazy and barked joyfully, her wagging tail never ceasing.
The Lost Boys crowed around her, asking thousands of questions, such as, "Are you okay? What's that on your arm? Did you really kick a bunch of pirate's butts? Did you bring pie?"
Margaret didn't pay attention to any of them, or their questions to her. She was staring at Peter, with a gentle smile on her lovely face. Peter tried to push down the redness of his cheeks, but his eyes dropped to the ground, ashamed of himself for letting her down, blaming himself for her getting shot and breaking his promise to Wendy (and to avoid blushing again). It wasn't until he felt a body embracing him that he looked up, seeing that it was Margaret who was hugging him warmly.
Without a thought, Peter wrapped his arms around her, closing his eyes in peace and relief. It was then that he knew that Margaret is here, in his arms, and alive.
He pulled back to look at Margaret. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Peter." She gave him a peck on his cheek in gratitude. "Better than I was before." She looked down on her bandaged arm, placing her hand on it. "The stitching was a bit painful, but it obviously worked." Her eyes returned to Peter. "I should really thank your Indian friends for healing me."
"That is unnecessary," a strong, but low, voice broke in. Peter and Margaret turned to see the Indian Chief, with Tiger Lily by his side. "It is our honor and duty to aid Little Flying Eagle and his friends if they are in need of our assistance."
Tiger Lily nodded, staring admirably at Peter (much to Margaret's annoyance).
"Tonight," the Chief announced to Peter, Margaret, the Lost Boys, and Little. "We are to have a festival in remembrance of the day Little Flying Eagle saved my daughter and became part of our tribe. And it would be an honor if you all will join us."
The Lost Boys immediately said yes, accompanied with two barks from Little. However, Peter and Margaret have not answered yet.
Tiger Lily placed her hand on Peter's arm, pleading for him to stay for the festival, as well as blinking her eyes flirtingly at him. Margaret's eyes narrowed on, not just the princess' flirty eyes, but her hand gripping on his arm.
Peter thought about the Chief's proposal for a moment, then finally said, "Margaret, her puppy, and the Lost Boys can stay for the festival . . . but I can't."
Everyone as taken aback at Peter's answer. The Lost Boys started shouting questions at their leader, all asking why not (though Tootles just stared at Peter in disbelief). Little yapped repeatedly, as if asking the same thing. Margaret and Tiger Lily were gazing at the youthful boy with surprised looks, but hurt and sadness was also found on Tiger Lily's face. The Chief remain emotionless, as if Peter's answer had not affected him as it has to the others.
There was a long moment of pause, except for the Lost Boys' constant questioning. Soon, their shouting died down and there was silence.
Margaret stepped forward, staring intently at him. "Peter?"
Peter sighed and glance up at Margaret, who looked lovelier than ever.
"Margaret," Peter began. "Hook tried to kill you; he almost succeeded. What if he tries it again and I was too late to stop him? Do you know what would happen if you . . . died? Your mom and grandmom would be devastated, your puppy would be devastated, and so would the boys . . . and me. And I'll be breaking my promise to Wendy to protect you. Your . . . death . . . would be my fault. I can't let that happen. I won't let that happen."
Margaret, deeply touched by his speech, asked, "But what are you going to do about it? You can't simply stop Hook from hunting me down and killing me."
Peter's eyes dropped down, his finger wrapped around his chin in thought. "Or can I," he mumbled.
"What," Margaret spoke.
Ignoring her, Peter turned fully to the Indian Chief. "Can Margaret spend the night here in your village?"
Tiger Lily gasped in horror. Margaret was shocked to, though she couldn't help but sneak in a smirk just for the jealous Indian princess.
"Of course," the Chief replied. "I'll have a tent ready for your mate only for tonight."
Peter and Margaret's cheeks burned red at the word "mate," while Tiger Lily stared at Margaret the exact same way Tinker Bell looked at the girl.
"Thanks!" Peter turned back to Margaret. "Listen, I have to do something first to make sure you'll be safe. Stay here, I'll be back."
Margaret didn't know what to say, so she nodded understandably.
Before Peter left the village, Tiger Lily pulled him back and affectionately rubbed her nose against his nose, causing his whole face to turn red. Margaret's eyes burned with raging fire and her fists tightened so hard, tiny drops of blood appeared on her hands.
Shaking his head back to normal, and giving a smile to Tiger Lily and Margaret (not seeing her murderous look), Peter jumped up into the sky and he was soon gone.
*PPIII*
Tinker Bell observed all of the Lost Things she had found on beaches this morning and thought of what she could make out of them. But no matter how hard she tried, she could not stop thinking about Peter.
It has been exactly 24 hours since the last time she saw him and it was driving her mad. She had to see him; he was her everything. She missed the sound of his laughter, she missed the way they played together everyday. She missed his youthful eyes and his charming smile and his untidy red hair too. Basically, she missed everything about Peter Pan.
She tried busying herself with her tinkering work, whatever assignment she could find. However, the image of Peter Pan took over her mind and refuse to leave her again.
Not only was she thinking about Peter, she was also thinking about that pig-faced girl, Margaret. Tink was still increasingly angry at her for stealing Peter from her and getting her banished from him. Oh how she wanted to rip that girl's heart into pieces and burn her entire body and dance happily over the girl's ashes.
But there was something deep inside her that felt very much like guiltiness and regret. After all, that girl did put all her faith in the famous Tinker Bell. And Tink had shattered her faith. A fairy was suppose to bring child-like faith and happiness to each of the children. And Tink had ruined the very girl who was so joyful to see her for the first time.
Why did it have to be the same girl who liked Peter as much as she does?
"Tinker Bell," a voice called out, interrupting her thoughts. Tink jumped in surprise, dropping a small medal screw she was holding, and quickly turned around to see Fairy Mary flying toward her, her hands on her hips. "What are you doing at this time a day?"
"Uh, just, um, tinkering?" Tink ended up saying, not intending to actually tell Fairy Mary the truth. "With the Lost Things here?"
Fairy Mary shook her head disapprovingly. "Honestly, Tinker Bell. There's a lot more work to be done and all those Lost Things are not one of them. Now, get to your station and help Clank and Bobble weave some baskets." Without waiting for Tink's reply, Fairy Mary flew off.
Tinker Bell sighed. Maybe weaving baskets would get her mind off of Peter for just a few minutes.
Reluctantly, she flew up and soared over the Tinker homeland until she reached to her station. There, Clank and Bobble were struggling on weaving a single basket and ended up arguing over something stupid (again). Tink ignored them as she gathered up a few long string leaves and began weaving them in silence.
It took the duo a while before they finally noticed Tink and how depressed she was as she did her work.
"What do you think is wrong with her," Clank asked Bobble, his voice cockney.
"Well, isn't it obvious, Clank," Bobble responded in a thick Irish accent. "She's forgotten how to weave a basket."
"She has," Clank asked in disbelief.
"Well, of course. Actually, weaving baskets aren't that difficult to make. However, they can be quite challenging when you got you mind on something else."
Tink winced at Bobble's last comment.
"Maybe her mind is on other Tinker stuff, like acorn kettles," Clank suggested.
"Now how can they be on acorn kettles, Clanky? I believe they are on all those Lost Things she found this morning."
"But what if there's nothing on her mind at all?"
Tink's annoyance grew higher and higher the more Clank and Bobble talked about her behind her back.
"What do you mean there's nothing on her mind at all?"
"What if she has forgotten how to tinker? Maybe that's why she can't weave a basket?"
"Now that is the silliest thing I have ever heard from you! And I've heard plenty from you each day!"
"But-"
"Tinker Fairies do not 'forget' how to tinker. It's impossible. Besides, Miss Bell is too cleverer to forget how to tinker."
"Then how come she won't weave a basket?"
"It's like I told you before, Clanky, is that-"
"You know," Tinker Bell finally interrupted them, facing them with her voice in deep fury. "I'm right here and I can hear everything you're saying! If you have something to say about me, then why don't you say it to my face!" As Tink spoke to them, her voice rose until it turned to shouting. "I don't need anyone talking about me behind my back and especially those who think they know what's wrong with me! Did you even asked me? No! You just assumed! Why are all boys such idiots when it comes to me and how I feel! They don't know me at all! They just consider me as a friend and nothing else! So don't you dare talk about me as if I'm not here! And it would help me so much IF EVERYONE IN THIS ENTIRE UNIVERSE WOULD JUST LEAVE - ME - ALONE!"
Tink breathed in heavily, glaring hard at the two. Clank and Bobble were now staring at her with frightened eyes. She suddenly realized that it was deadly silent. All the tinkering noises from working fairies had stopped. She looked up and saw all of the Tinker Fairies froze on the spot and looked at her with the same expression Clank and Bobble wore.
Tink felt very guilty for scaring them and regretted raising her voice like that. She felt very uneasy under their stares. They were not helping her with her problems. She had to get away from here.
She turned to Clank and Bobble. "I . . . I'm sorry. I just . . . I can't take this anymore." And without another word, she miserably flew high above the Tinker's home and disappeared over the flowers.
"So," Clank at last spoke. "Does that means she can weave a basket?"
Tinker Bell had been flying for a long time over hundreds of the flowers, not really sure where she was going. She was lost in her mind. When she later looked up, she found herself at Pixie Dust Tree. Sighing, Tink flew up and sat on one of the branches of the tree.
She sat there for a long moment in peace, thinking. She soon looked over her shoulder to see a few fairies gathered around a pool of pixie dust. There, flying over the edge of the golden pool, was one of her best friends, Terence. Tink watched him scooped some pixie dust into a tiny cup, and poured the cup over one of her fairy friends, Silvermist, who held her nose to prevent herself from sneezing from the dust on her face. Terence repeated this action to other fairies, all ready for their daily cup of pixie dust.
Tink stared at Terence. She wondered if she should tell him about her problem. Terence was sometimes a great help to her and she felt comfortable talking to him. But she wasn't sure if she should tell him about her "anger issue"
She sighed, looking away as she closed her eyes and bowed her head in misery.
"Is something wrong, Tinker Bell," a kind and motherly voice spoke. Tink jumped in surprised and turned her head. Across from her right side, she spotted a nest settled over two crossed branches, overlooking the sparkly pool. Resting in the nest was a dove that was two inches larger than normal doves. The dove was looking at Tink with soft, beady eyes.
Tink smiled for the first time. "Mother Dove!"
She had forgotten about the magical dove. Mother Dove had lived in Pixie Dust Tree with the fairies for a long while. Years ago, the fairies had saved her from a terrible storm that would have taken her life. The fairies revived her by using their pixie dust and it transformed her into a magic dove. Not only did she grew bigger, she could communicate to all of the fairies, exhibit vast wisdom, and provide additional pixie dust from her feathers in case the fairies needed them.
During her stay in Pixie Hollow, Mother Dove had laid an egg. Unlike any egg, it sparkled like it was protcted by a shield made of pixie dust. The egg held ultimate magic and, if cracked, it could endanger, not just Pixie Hollow, but the whole Neverland.
Each of the fairies grew closer to Mother Dove as they took care of her. One of them was Tinker Bell herself. Whenever she was troubled and didn't want to talk to her friends about it, she would go to Mother Dove for help. Mother Dove is the only one who knows of Tink's feelings for Peter Pan. She would always make Tink comfortable when the fairy reveal her secrets and deepest problems and the wise dove never judge her or tease her, but offered words of comfort and wise advice, something Tink is in need of right now.
Tink hurriedly flew up to Mother Dove.
"Why hello, Tinker Bell," Mother Dove warmly greeted.
"Hi, Mother Dove," Tink said happily as she wrapped her arms around the dove's neck. "How are you?"
"Oh, I am well, thank you."
Tink looked down at the bottom of Mother Dove's belly. "And your egg?"
Mother Dove lifted her belly to reveal her sparkling egg. "Still warm and healthy." She covered her egg again. Mother Dove looked up at Tink. "And what about you, Tinker Bell? Are you alright?"
"What? Me? Oh, I'm doing swell! I'm as happy as ever! Can't you see how happy I am! Yep, yep, happy as can be!"
Tink stopped rambling when she spotted Mother Dove staring at her as if she could see through the fairy and know that she isn't really happy. Tink moaned in depression.
"Come sit with me, Tinker Bell," Mother Dove said. Tink nodded and sat on the edge of the nest. She looked back at the golden pool, where Terence was now pouring pixie dust on Fawn, who closed her eyes in bliss.
"What's wrong, little one," Mother Dove cooed. "You can tell me anything that is troubling you."
Tink looked down at her lap and shook her head. "I can't. It's too . . . I just can't."
"Is it about Peter Pan," Mother Dove asked her, shocking Tink.
"What? No, no! Why would it be about him? Nope, not him!"
"Then why won't you look at me?"
Tinker Bell froze, realizing Mother Dove was telling the truth. It was one of her secret lying traits. Slowly, she turned her head to the direction of the magical dove. Just one look at the bird and the fairy felt safe and relaxed.
"Tinker Bell, you know you can tell me anything. And you that I wouldn't tell anyone of our discussion either. Just, if you are willing to talk, I will listen."
Tink nodded, knowing it was all true. So, gathering as much courage as she could, she took a deep breath and spoke.
"Well, Peter brought a girl from the mainland here and . . . I think he's beginning to fall for her. I got so mad at that girl that I . . . almost squashed her." Mother Dove didn't speak a word, silently requesting Tink to continue. "Then Peter came and saved that girl. He found out about what I did and . . . banished me again. Only, it was more than one week. Now I'm stuck here and Peter is spending all of his time with that girl instead of with me! It's not fair!"
As soon as she finished, it was as if a giant weight she had carried for hours had been lifted through her confession. Tink felt so much better with everything out in the open. Especially to someone she trusted.
Mother Dove stayed silent for a moment, in deep though. This made Tink very nervous.
"Tinker Bell," she began. "Remember when you saved Peter Pan's life by taking a bomb inside a present, but ended up almost sacrificing yourself?" Tink nodded, not sure where the wise bird was going at. "And did you remember when Peter Pan begged you to stay alive for him and that he couldn't leave you? What was the exact words he used again?"
Tink stayed silent, clearly recalling that memory. "He said I had to hold on and that . . . I mean more to him than anyone in this whole world," she said, her voice low as if afraid to admit it.
Mother Dove smiled. "Well, it sounds to me that he really cares about you."
"But he doesn't love me the way I love him," Tink complained. "Even though he won't admit it, I can see that he's falling in love with that girl."
"But you will always have that special place in his heart that can never be replaced by this girl. Listen, back at the mainland, I've heard of a saying from the humans that, if you love someone, set them free. And if they love you as well, they will come back." Tink took the moment to let it sink in. "Answer me this, Tinker Bell: do you want Peter to be happy?"
"Of course, I do," Tink replied instantly.
"Then what if this girl brings happiness to Peter? Would you accept it or take it away from him?"
Tink opened her mouth, but stopped. She never really thought about that. However, at the thought of someone else bringing happiness to Peter instead of herself only infuriated Tink even more.
Mother Dove must have seen Tink's angry face, because next she said, "What's more important, Tinker Bell? His happiness or yours?"
Once she heard that, Tink suddenly felt overwhelmed with guilt. She knew it was wrong to think of oneself and what one wants; she had thought of her own fairy friends before herself many times. But, when it came to Peter . . . now that Tink thought about it, she realized she hadn't been a very good friend to Peter, all because of her selfishness and jealousy.
She uncomfortably looked back at the pixie pool, where Terence was now pouring pixie dust on Iridessa, who waited patiently for it to be over.
"I want Peter to be happy," Tink admitted. "But I love him so much. There just isn't anyone like him."
"Tinker Bell, if you love him, then maybe you should set him free, and possibly allow him to fall for this girl. However, that doesn't mean he'll replace you or forget you. If you show him how much you care for him by letting him go, then he will never forget you and you will always be a part of him, no matter what happens."
Tink looked up at Mother Dove and smiled warmly.
"Furthermore, give this girl a chance; get to know her. You two could very well be friends if you are ready to let it happen."
Tink turned away, scowling. She was definitely not ready to be kind to that girl.
"And perhaps, you may find someone else who is willing to accept your heart for him."
Tink looked back at Mother Dove, questionably. But Mother Dove's head was directed at the small pixie lake. Tink looked at her direction and saw Terence now pouring pixie dust on Rosetta, who used her powder to apply more pixie dust on her face.
Before she could ask Mother Dove what she meant, a faint voice called from above. "Tink! Tinker Bell! Where are you!"
Tink's heart suddenly lifted excitedly.
"That's Peter's voice," she exclaimed, jumping up into the air, staring up in the sky with a huge smile on her face. "I know that voice anywhere!"
However, Tink paused unexpectedly, her smile turned upside-down into a frown. "But why would he be looking for me," she thought aloud. "He banished me, didn't he?"
"Maybe he wishes to remove your banishment and possibly, he wants you back," Mother Dove suggested, giving hope to the fairy.
Tink looked back at the dove, still hearing Peter calling for her. Happily, she wrapped her tiny arms around Mother Dove's neck and hugged her.
She pulled back. "Thanks, Mother Dove."
Mother Dove smiled tenderly at her. "You are very welcome, Tinker Bell. You have always been a special fairy since the first day I have met you."
Tink gave her a huge smile before flying upward.
"Oh, and Tinker Bell," Mother Dove stopped her, causing her to turn around to face her. "Please learn to control your anger next time. It could very well lead you to more trouble."
Tink smirked. "Mother Dove, you know me; I'm a trouble seeker." With that, she rocketed up into the sky until she disappeared, leaving Mother Dove shaking her head, grinning.
Once Tinker Bell was high above Pixie Hallow, she looked around the island, searching for Peter. Finally, she spotted him flying closely over the forest trees surrounding the Never Peaks.
Tink's smile brightened at the sight of him and prepared to go after him, but stopped. A strange feeling of uneasiness filled her tiny body. Dozens of thoughts went through her head. Why would Peter want me? Does he want me back? Or does he want something from me? What would he say? What should I say?
After hearing Peter calling for her again, Tink drew a determined look on her face, sucking in her breath. He's still my best friend. If he needs me, then I will be there for him, no matter what.
With that final thought, Tink took off and flew toward Peter, who was ducking his head down through the trees.
"Peter?" Tinker Bell spoke to him when she reached to him.
Peter pulled his head out of the roof trees and spotted Tink. He grinned dazzlingly at her. "There you are, Tink! I've been looking everywhere for you!"
Tink gave him a puzzled look. "Why were you looking for me?" She crossed her arms. "I thought I was banished from you . . . by you!"
Peter rubbed the back of his neck. He was always cute when he did that. "Yeah, I know. But you deserved it," he reminded her. "Anyway, I think I know of a way to take back your banishment."
Tink's pointed ears perked those possibly hopeful words. "Really? You mean it?"
"Absolutely! I just need you to do something for me and I promise, I'll take away your banishment."
Tink's glow brightened with excitement. She can finally come back to him! "I'll do anything, anything! What do I have to do?"
"I want you to watch over Margaret."
It was as if a joyous music from her heart scratched to a dead halt. Tink froze in the air, her exhilarating glow turned dull. She crossed her arms and gave him a death stare
"Look," Peter said as he held his hands up as if calming her. "I know you hate her . . ." Hate was an underestimate. "But you have to understand. Margaret's in danger."
Tink's eyes popped open. Looks like someone else was doing her job on hurting that girl.
"And I need you to look after her while she's staying at the Indian Village tonight."
Tink's eyebrows crossed in puzzlement. "Why me? Why can't you do it?"
"Because I have business to deal with. That's why I can't stay at the Indian Village. Please, I really need your help!"
Tink shook her head. "Peter, as much as I want to help you, I can't watch over that girl. No way possible. Besides, why do you want me to do it, after I almost squashed her?"
"Because you're the only one I can trust. I know you don't like her, but she's my friend, and it would mean a lot for you to do this." Tink smiled warmly at him. "Plus, if you don't kill her by the time I get back tomorrow morning, I'll take away your banishment. We have a deal?" he finished, spitting into his hand and raised it out to her for her to shake it in agreement.
Tink stared at his slimy hand, unsure on doing this for Peter (and, of course, disgusted at his slimy hand). She was touched that she was the only one he trusted. But to watch the girl he was falling for? That's something Tink didn't think she could handle.
"Peter," she spoke gently. "I really don't think that's a good idea. I mean, what if I can't stop myself from . . . well, you know."
"Then, if you hurt her, or attempt to hurt her, then I'll have to banish you forever," he answered casually. Tink's eyes widened in surprise and disbelief. He was very serious.
In truth, Tink couldn't trust herself around that cow-faced girl.
"Come on, Tink," Peter's voice turned softer. "I know you can do this. I believe you can hold it in. You're the strongest fairy I know."
Tink blushed at his comment. It was then she knew that she would do anything for him and, perhaps, if she does help him, then she could impress him.
Finally, Tink said, "Alright, I'll do it. But only for you," she quickly added. "You owe me big time."
To avoid touching Peter's mucus hand, she gripped on his bare and clean finger and shook it instead.
Peter smiled. "It's a deal! Now come on, let's go!" Once he said that, he flew off to the Indian Village and Tinker Bell hesitantly followed him.
*PPIII*
"Okay, let me explain this to you again," Margaret said to the Lost Boys, holding a thick stick that was tied to a five feet board. "The object of this game is to hit the ball with this thing called, the bat," she raised the object in her hand. "And you have to run to base before the opposing team catches the ball and hits you out with that ball. Now, do you get it?"
The Lost Boys just stared at Margaret, clueless.
At last, Slightly lifted his hand high up over his head.
"Yes, Slightly," Margaret said.
"What's this game called again?"
Margaret rested the top end of the bat on her other hand as she answered, "Well, back home, the game is called, 'Cricket.'"
"Why would they name a game after a bug," Nibs asked, the others nodding in agreement.
Margaret shrugged. "I'm not sure. The game had existed before my time, so I don't really know."
"But that doesn' make alotta sense if there's no crickets in the game," Cubby commented.
"Maybe there's crickets on the ground when they play," Twin 1 piped.
"Lots and lots of crickets," Twin 2 piped also.
"Yeah," Slightly grinned. "And if you squish the most crickets, you'll win!" He exclaimed as he stomped his feet as a demonstration.
"I thought if you don't get tagged by a ball you hit, then you win," Cubby said, scratching his head, confused.
The whole time the conversation went, Tootles nodded his head in an agreement to the one who was talking, as if they were right.
Margaret and Little just stared at the Lost Boys, who had gone astray in their discussion about crickets. Margaret and Little glanced at each other, both like-minded that they weren't going to play Cricket anytime soon.
All of a sudden, Little barked out loud, startling Margaret and the Lost Boys.
"What is it, Little," Margaret asked her puppy. But Little ignored her, now jumping up and down. Margaret noticed that her puppy was barking at the sky and she had a huge smile, as if a delicious bone was falling from the sky.
"Hey, look," Slightly exclaimed, pointing up at the sky. Margaret and the rest of the boys looked up.
There, they saw a figure flying in the sky and was approaching to them.
"That's Peter!" Nibs shouted, pointing his finger at the flying figure.
"He's back," cried out Twin 1.
"He's back," Twin 2 repeated.
All the Lost Boys jumped up and down, shouting for Peter (well, except for Tootles, who just jumped excitedly).
Margaret smiled as the form of Peter flew closer and closer to them. It wasn't until he landed in front of them that she finally noticed that he wasn't alone. Next to him, flying beside his head, was Tinker Bell, beaming at the boys who crowded around Peter.
Margaret was so shocked at seeing the fairy again that she dropped the "bat". Unluckily, it fell on top of poor Little's head. The puppy shook her head as if to shake off the painful blow on her head.
"Hey," Slightly finally piped up, grabbing the boys' attention. "Tink's here!"
"WHAT!" the Lost Boys shouted at the same time, shocked to see the presence of the exiled fairy right before them. Right then, they immediately threw questions about Tinker Bell at Peter.
"What's she doin' here?"
"Yeah, wasn't she banished?"
"For two whole weeks?"
"Did you bring food with ya?"
Peter tried to answer each question, but, every time he opened his mouth, more questions are blown to his face. Tinker Bell just silently stared at them.
"Why did she come back?"
"Did she follow you home?"
"Why aren'tcha doin' anything about it?"
"Did ya bring a banana or a coconut?"
"SILENCE!" Peter hollered, instantly quieting the Lost Boys.
"Look," Peter began. "I brought Tink here so that she can watch over Margaret."
"What!" Margaret finally spoke, stepping forward. A gasped was heard from all of the Lost Boys (except Tootles, who covered his tiny mouth in shock). Little's head tipped sideway in confusion.
"But wasn't Tink baniss . . . uh, banisty . . . eh, I mean gone for a long time?"
"Well," Peter explained. "Tink and I made an agreement that, if she watches over Margaret and keep her safe, promising not to harm or attempt to kill her, then I will lift my banishment from her."
"Oooooooh," the Lost Boys said in unison, understanding.
However, Margaret shook her head, not believing this was happening. And, after spotting Tinker Bell not happy about this treaty, Margaret knew this was a very bad idea. Sad to admit, she could not trust that fairy who tried to kill her with a giant boulder.
"Peter," Margaret spoke up. "I really don't think this is a good idea. It's obvious she doesn't want to do this and, quite frankly, I don't want this either. I just can't trust her with my life."
Tinker Bell crossed her arms and looked away, but Margaret could tell she agreed with her.
"Besides," Margaret continued. "I don't need a babysitter to watch over me. I am fully capable of taking care of myself, so there's truly no need for her at all."
"Come on," Peter said positively. "This would be a great way for you two ladies to get to know each other! Who knows, you two can become best friends!"
Margaret and Tinker Bell gave Peter an 'are-you-kidding' look. Even though, deep down, that was what Margaret had wanted from the start. But she had accepted the fact that that will never happen as long as Tinker Bell hates her.
Peter looked at both faces looking at him, puzzled. "What?"
"Either way, I can take care of myself," Margaret said stubbornly. "I don't need anyone to take care of me."
"Margaret," Peter said, suddenly serious, which startled her. "You almost died this morning. If I wasn't there on time, you would have drowned."
"But I didn't," Margaret argued.
"Yeah, thanks to me. Face it, you couldn't survive one minute without me," he said confidently, crossing his arms.
Margaret rolled her eyes. "Oh please, I could have found a way to escape. And I'm not helpless; I knocked out more than three pirates and most of them were muscular!"
"That's not true and you know it!"
"How can you be sure; you were too busy fighting Hook, you never got the chance to 'protect me'!"
As Peter and Margaret argue, the Lost Boys and Little silently glanced back and forward from one speaker to another. Tinker Bell was doing the same, but she was smiling in amusement.
Suddenly, an idea popped in Margaret's head, shutting her up. She narrowed at Peter and said, with a smirk on her face, "Alright, you win. I'll do as you ask. I'll allow Tinker Bell to watch over me while you're gone."
Peter grinned, proud of himself for winning the argument, until his smile turned upside down when he noticed an obvious hint of sarcasm in Margaret's words. Margaret continued to smirk at him.
"Okay, Margaret, what do you want?"
Margaret smiled brightly. "If I allow you to let Tinker Bell protect me for . . ."
"Just until I get back tomorrow," Peter told her.
"For until you get back tomorrow, then you have to promise me that you will to teach me some sword fighting."
"Sword fighting," Peter said, surprised. "You want to learn sword fighting?"
Margaret shrugged. "Why not? It'll be fun. Plus, it will help me defend myself more." She knew that last bit would convince him.
"So?" Margaret held up her hand to shake Peter's in agreement. Peter stared at her hand and did something totally disgusting: he spitted his hand and used it to shake hers. Margaret's eyes tightened in repulsion, trying to ignore the now gross substance on her hand as she quickly rubbed it off on her hip.
"You got yourself a deal," Peter declared.