Island of Lost Girls - Jennifer McMahon [39]
Rhonda chased them through the sea, but couldnt keep up. Her arms turned to rubber. The candle in her tiny submarine flickered, showing her oxygen was running out. But she couldnt remember what she needed to do to surface. She yanked levers, struck buttons, but just kept sinking. The candle went out and through the portholes was nothing but black.
WHAT DO YOUthink it means? Rhonda whispered into the phone. It was seven in the morning, and she had rolled over in bed and called Warren on his cell phone.
I dont know. But I think you should listen to your dream. Study it. Write it down. Draw it. Youre an artist. Make a picture showing what happened.
And this is going to help how exactly?
Maybe itll take you deeper, Warren said.
Deeper where?
Down the rabbit hole, he said.
JUNE 16, 1993
THEY WERE ONthe wooden stage. Peter was leading Rhonda and the OShea boys out the window of the bedroom, yelling at the boys toSpeak up, damn it! and sprinkling fairy dust on them, which was actually gold glitter. The kids from the lake were not around (much to Peters frustration), so they went over the nursery scenes again and again while they waited for the lost boys, pirates, and Indians to wander in, no doubt to be reprimanded for choosing boating with their families overPeter Pan .
Lizzy was on a nearby stump, holding a mirror while she practiced her pirate scowl and drew on a thin, curling mustache with one of Aggies eyebrow pencils.
Before rehearsal, Rhonda had found Lizzy in her room, hanging upside down from the bar in her pirate costume. Her hat was lying on the ground beneath her. Lizzy had barely spoken to her since the day she spied on Rhonda and Peter in the cemetery.
Away with you, lass, or Ill take an eye out with me hook! Lizzy threatened.
Are you mad at me or something? Rhonda asked.
And why would I be mad at you, Miss Wendy Darling?
I dont know. About me and Peter?
Lizzy reached up with the hand that didnt have the hook, grabbed hold of the bar, and unhooked her legs, dropping to the floor. Her huge boots made a loud thump when she hit the ground.
Ah, Pan, Lizzy said through gritted teeth. One day, hell get his. Ill smite him. You mark my words, my wee lass! She reached down and got her hat off the floor, carefully placing it on her head, then stopping to eye herself in the mirror on her closet door. She gave herself her best pirate sneer.
Do you like it? she said to Ronnie, in her own voice now.
Ive been practicing.
Rhonda nodded. Its good. Very piratey.
Its still missing something, Lizzy said. I think what I need is a mustache.
Rhonda followed Lizzy down the hall to her parents bedroom, where she rummaged through Aggies makeup on the dressing table until she found an eyebrow pencil. She also took a gold hoop earring.
Wanna see something? Lizzy asked, once shed put the earring in her left ear. She reached into the pocket of her pants and pulled out a little drawstring bag. She opened it up and pulled out a stack of coins. Silver dollars. About ten of them.
Whered you get those? Rhonda asked.
Theyre my pirate treasure, Lizzy explained. Look how shiny they are. I polished them with toothpaste. Its just as good as silver polish. She spat on a coin, shined it up on the sleeve of her jacket, then returned it and the others to the pouch. Then she was off, wooden sword drawn as she raced out of the house and into the woods, shouting lines to the trees in her pirate voiceMake them walk the plank! Aye, matey! Rhonda followed silently behind.
PETER, RHONDA, ANDthe OSheas were just about to jump off the stage and start flying when the arrow hit.
It was a huge wooden dowel, three feet long, and at the tip was a ball of flames made from gauze soaked in lighter fluid. It hurtled through the air from above, missed Malcolm