Peter was one to make big speeches, or so Wendy had learned early in their friendship. There really was no way to stop him once he began to ramble: all she could do was stare at the stars and listen, that was, until he took her hand and she turned her head to him. There it was: the spark that would never extinguish, no matter how hard she tried and willed for it to go away. Even after kissing Cubby at midnight, with how something had shifted in her heart away from the person who she thought had held it forever, there still remained something. In all of his speeches to her, Wendy could usually tell the direction where it was going from the way he spoke, which was always in the direction of disappointment. Peter spoke about how much he loved her, needed her, but he couldnât love her in the way she loved him. It was something she had to accept, but couldnât seem to no matter how hard she tried.
For a long time, Wendy was convinced that there was nothing that Peter could say or do to change how much she loved him. There was only one thing that could accomplish that feat, and somehow, he managed to hit it on the head. Wendy sat up straight, pulling her hand away from his as she wrapped her arms around her knees. Time stopped for a moment, and she wasnât even sure she was hearing things correctly with how his voice began to blur. He had kissed Tiara at midnight, and what had been one of the best moments of her time with the Lost Boys simultaneously, unbeknownst to her, had been the worst. Wendy knew he thought he was doing the noble thing, what he always tried to do, but this time, he had gone too far. âOh, Peter, what have you done?â she asked quietly, finally looking to him.Â
"What needs to be done. At long last, I'm letting you go." Peter nodded slightly, feeling the distance between them widen more as the minute went by. He had thought about it more than anything else he had ever considered in his life. Peter was always one to jump head-first into decisions with little to no regard for the future consequences. However, this time, he could actually tell that he had planned this out according to what was best for the group. He could admit he liked Wendy, but he also needed to choose what was best for anyone else involved. "Iâll see you, Wendy, in time." The boy finally felt like a boulder had been lifted off his shoulders. People stared at him, waiting for what would happen next, which had been looming over him like a dark cloud for the past few days. This time, Peter Pan finally felt free. Oh, how he would have loved to be with Wendy, but with Phil, Tommy, and Colin all coming after her at some point, all of whom he considered his dear friends, the heart had grown satisfied to know that it was simply going to be better off this way.
Peter jumped to his feet, forcing himself to smile and act like the typical Peter he was. "Tiara and I will be okay. Itâs a rough patch, but I have full confidence weâll get through it. Sheâs sensitive, and I havenât been doing my due diligence. As for Cubby, heâs the smartest lost boy. If you were to take himâŚ." He paused momentarily. Peter didnât know why he used the word âtake himâ but he felt like he was somehow moving away too, earning himself a rightful position away from the world they built at the orphanage. "Take care of him," was all he could say. With one final exhale, Peter Pan was back. "Well then, Wendybird. This has been truly the most difficult conversation I've ever had. I have other worlds to explore. Iâll see you when we cross paths again." It was difficult to admit that this time, she wasnât going to come. Peter took his traditional bow, smiling at her once more. "See you, I won't ever forget you. Wendy."