I was in a debating mood. A rock in a hard place.
I had to tell Peter about my dream, my memory. I had to tell him that there was a reason why he had gotten sick. Why he had gotten into such a despondent state. He needed to know.
I rushed out of bed, full of energy for the morning. But when I opened the flap of my tent, it was still dark. The sun was barely peeking, and the stars twinkled like diamonds. The campfire was empty, no flames or embers licking the night sky. The boys were all inside their tents, hopefully sleeping soundly. I walk to the tent next to mine. Taking a deep breath, I place my hand on the flap of the tent, wrapping my fingers around the thick and rough cloth.
I knew very well that I was not allowed to walk into Peter Pan's tent. It was one of the most major rules according to Blondie. I could just peek in. He's sleeping, he would never know that I was in there. Maybe I could throw something to wake him up.
Taking another deep breath, I walk into the tent of Peter Pan.
It was dark inside, that did not surprise me. I could faintly see my surroundings. A shelf stacked messily with books and strange trinkets. A chest that appeared to be locked at the foot of a large bed. A nightstand that had an unlit candle perched on top. And inside the bed, laid Peter. Curled into a little ball, his slender fingers wrapped around.... I tiptoe closer...
His fingers were wrapped around a teddy bear.
I instantly smiled. My heart warmed as I saw him sleeping like an alluring angel. His chest rising and falling and his fingers gripping the bear tightly as if he was afraid to lose it in his sleep.
At the corner of my eyes, I saw something glimmering in the darkness. I turn around facing the scintillating object. Walking closer to the object, I noticed that it was a bracelet. It wrapped a bouquet of neatly picked wildflowers that were now dull, withered, and fragile. It laid carefully on the shelf.
Sticking out from the bouquet of sorrow, was a piece of parchment. Carefully, I picked it from the flowers and brought it to my face, trying to read in the darkness.
On the parchment, it wrote....
To you, whom I would live for, yet die for in my never ending love.
I place the parchment back to where it belonged. My hands coming to my face as I tried to breathe steadily and keep tears from rolling down my face.
I knew who this was for. And I was almost envious...
It was for his first love, Summer.
Yet, the most heartbreaking part, was that he still loved her. He had to of.
I sigh and turn around. I could not tell Peter. How could I? He was already heartbroken and fearful enough. Wouldn't telling him make it worse?
A strong breeze blew in the tent. My teeth chattered as goosebumps formed on my arms. I glance at the bed, hoping to see Peter fast asleep and cuddling with his bear.
But he was no where to be found.
My breathing quickened. He saw me in his tent. He is going to kill me. He is going to send me to Dark Hollow.
I take a step back, a lump forming in my throat as I scanned the room for another human in the shadows. But I only ended up bumping into something.
Or someone.
My heart pounded in my head as I slowly turned my body to face a pair of prepossessing green eyes.
"Peter," I managed a whisper.
He places his finger on my lips. "What are you doing here?" He asked quietly but sternly. His green eyes were calm, it was almost disturbing.
"I-I... I-I need to um... I need to tell you... something," I stammered.
He cocks a brow, "Do tell." He drops his finger from my lips.
I bite my bottom lip and shut my eyes.
"Winter?" Peter questioned somewhat compassionately.
I shake my head and open my eyes. "Um.... I remember something from my past."
He steps closer to me. "What is it?" He inquired.
I hesitate. "I remember that I've been here before. In Neverland as a little girl. I remember being good at archery. Not as good as Archer, though."
It was true. Memories were coming back to me about the boys and my time in Neverland as a child. The only thing a little hazy were my times in the real world and with Peter.
He raises both eyebrows. "You remember?"
I shrug my shoulders. "It's still hazy. I remember being with the boys.... But not with you."
He stiffens, his lips pursing into a thin line.
"Peter? What's wrong?"
He opens his mouth, only to clamp it shut and stumble back into the shelf, coughing violently. He sinks to his knees hacking more than coughing.
"Peter?!" I questioned frantically. I place my hand on his shoulder and he immediately stops his coughing fit.
"I-I can't s-s-stand," he stuttered weakly.
I sigh, "I'll help you." I help him stand up and slowly make our way to his bed. He slumps into the mattress, grunting.
I stared at the bear that laid next to him. It was light brown, with little black eyes and a dirty red bow around it. As I examined it, I realized how familiar it looked. I had seen this bear before.
But I was not sure where.
"What are you looking at?" Peter interrupted, glaring at me like I just stole a diamond from him.
I switch my gaze to Peter's eyes. "That bear. It looks so familiar."
Peter glances at the bear. He scoffs and tosses it to the ground, it hits with a thud. "I don't know who dared you to come into my tent, but you should have known better. I made the rules clear, did I not?"
I could feel my body full of irate. Steaming and burning up as I glared a cold stare at him. "Why does it matter so much to you? What's so special that no one can possibly enter?'
He does not answer. Only scoff and look away.
"Peter, you are one stubborn boy," I asserted.
He grumbled, "It's not my fault you're nosy."
I shake that one off and sigh. "Go to sleep, Peter."
He closes his eyes, rolling to his side so that his back was facing me. I roll my eyes and make my way to the flap of the tent.
I only stop when I see the teddy bear on the floor. Sighing, I scoop it up and place it into Peter's hands. He immediately wraps his fingers around it and pulls it closer to his chest.
My smile was plastered back onto my face.
He is no demon, I thought in my head. No matter how much he tries to deny, he is not a demon.
***
A/N: quick chapter because I honestly am tired and yeah. BUT TYSM BECAUSE WE ARE ALREADY AT 116 READS AND IT'S THE FIFTH CHAPTER OMGGGGGGGG I FREAKING LOVE YOU PEOPLE. I thought the teddy bear thing was cute. Don't judge. If you enjoyed this chapter, please consider on giving it a vote. Thank you.
-Kayla
Word count: 1,244