B2. Peter Pan: Part 9

Chapter 17: The Good bye

The Lost Boys waited outside the bedroom to let Wendy introduce them first. Then, they marched inside, hats off, looking as respectable as possible in their mismatched pirate clothes.

The Darlings quickly agreed to adopt all of them. Mrs Darling hugged Tootles, Nibs, Curly and the Twins with deep tenderness, and they experienced a feeling they had long forgotten — a mother's love.

Peter hovered outside the window until Wendy opened it.

"Hello old lady," he said. "I've come to say goodbye."

"Oh Peter," Wendy said. "I'll always leave the window open for you."

Mrs Darling joined them at the window.

"Peter," Mrs Darling said, "I've adopted all the other boys. Please let us adopt you too."

Peter thought for a moment. "Would I have to go to school, then work in an office, and wear a tie?" Mrs Darling nodded yes.

Peter saw the love in Wendy's eyes and the warmth of Mrs Darling's smile. For a moment, he was unsure. Then, he shook his head. "No, I never want to grow up."

Mrs Darling said, "How about Wendy stays with you one week each year to do your spring cleaning?"

Peter agreed. A smile spread across his face. Then, he soared into the sky.

He looked back at Wendy, his eyes meeting hers for a long moment. In that instant, Wendy saw the boy beneath the bravado, the one who wanted to be loved. With a final crow, he disappeared into the clouds.

A single feather fell from him. Wendy caught it, and held it close to her heart.

Chapter 18: When Wendy Grew Up

Peter's visits to Wendy became less frequent, until his last visit was a distant memory. Wendy wondered if he'd forgotten about her.

Years passed, and Wendy grew into a beautiful woman, just like her mother was. Now, Wendy had her own daughter named Jane who loved hearing stories about Peter Pan.

Sometimes, Wendy wondered, What would Peter think if he saw me now?

Then, one evening, Peter flew in through the window.

"Hello old lady," he said, hovering into the bedroom with his cocky grin. "I've come for you to do the spring cleaning!"

The room was dark, and Peter didn't recognize the person sitting in the armchair. As Wendy reached for the light switch, Peter pleaded, "Don't!" It was the first time she'd ever seen him afraid.

"Oh Peter, I'm old. I cannot fly anymore," Wendy's heart broke for the boy she loved so long ago.

"But I came back for you," Peter said in a vulnerable voice. "You promised you'd always wait for me."

Peter glanced around, "Where's John? Is that Michael asleep?" He pointed at Jane, who was now sleeping. His face was a mixture of confusion and hope.

"That's not Michael." After a moment, Wendy said, "That is my daughter."

Peter looked down at the sleeping child, then he collapsed onto the floor, "You promised not to grow up," he sobbed.

"Peter," Wendy said, "I have grown up. I'm now so much older than twenty. But, I will never forget our stories. They are kept alive through my children. You will always be part of me." Wendy's words couldn't comfort Peter, and he continued crying.

Jane woke up, "Boy, why are you crying?"

"I came for my mother." Peter sobbed.

"You're real!" Jane cried out excitedly. "I've been waiting for you, Peter."

Hearing his name, Peter's eyes twinkled with mischief. They talked and played together. They jumped up and down on the bed, and crowed with joy.

"Fly me to where the stars never grow old." said Jane.

"The second star to the right and straight on until morning!" said Peter. "Let's go!"

Wendy watched them fly out the window, until they disappeared into the night sky.

"It is just for spring cleaning time," Jane called back.

Part of Wendy longed to join them, to feel the wind in her hair once more. But Wendy's time in Neverland was over, and one day, Jane's would be too.

Part of Wendy would always belong to Neverland, and to the boy who had taught her to fly.

Enjoy the magic while it lasts, she thought.