Island of Lost Girls - Jennifer McMahon [62]
I could get used to this, she thought, but then stopped herself. Who knew where this was going?
What are you watching?
A video one of the parents shot of our lastPeter Pan performance. Tinker Bells father, I think.
No way! Warren said, settling in on the couch. Rewind, I want to watch from the beginning.
He snuggled up to her and she pointed out the key players, the best scenes, the details of each costume.
They studied the few minutes of footage that followed the play: the parade of cast and audience through the woods, up the narrow path to Rhondas yard, then shots of the party in the backyard lit with luau lights and tiki torches. The camera panned the yardthe feast laid out on the picnic table; the players and audience mingling, drinking, laughing. There was Rhonda in her white nightgown talking with AggieRhonda looked both embarrassed and terrified by whatever Aggie was saying. And then the camera caught Peter and Lizzy having a quiet argument. Peters hand was wrapped around her arm and he was leaning in, whispering something in her ear. Lizzy shook her head, the only audible words Rhonda caught were Lizzy saying, I cant. She watched as Peter tightened his grip on his sisters arm, giving it a slight twist. You will, he told her. Then the camera zoomed in on Tinker Bell eating cake, frosting covering her tiny nose and chin.
WHEN THE VIDEOwas over, Rhonda told Warren about her dream. I feel like, one way or another, Ive been chasing that rabbit for years, she said.
Warren nodded. Maybe youll catch up to him one of these days. What were the slips of paper in your dream?
Rhonda reached up and touched the scar on her forehead. Its silly, really. We had this this pretend funeral in the woods that summer. We buried this stuffed bogeyman. And Peter had us write down our fears on little scraps of paper, then dump them in on top of him. It was like we were having a funeral for fear.
Do you remember what you wrote on your paper? Warren asked.
No.
Youve given Peter an awful lot of power, both in your life and in your dreams.
Rhonda nodded. I convinced myself he was innocent. I believed it so much that I refused to look at the evidence. But now I see that we cant just go around creating whatever truth happens to suit us.
Warren nodded grimly and fell silent.
Say something, Rhonda begged.
I think He hesitated. Rhonda?
What? she asked, taking his hand.
He bit his lip. I think youre right. We cant just invent truths that dont exist. We have to face the reality of the situation, no matter how grim.
Rhonda nodded. Thats why Im going to Peter with what I know.
Warren shook his head. No. I think you should wait.
Wait for what, Warren? Ive spent my life waiting for shit that doesnt happen. What if Peter knows something? What if hes got Ernie locked up somewhere?
Then you should start with Crowley. Tell him what you know.
No. I need to talk to Peter first. I mean, what if Im wrong?
And what if youre not? He could be dangerous, Rhonda. At least let me come with you.
No, said Rhonda. I need to do this alone. The one thing I know for sure is that there are things hes not telling me. If we both go, hell feel cornered and shut down. I might have a chance of actually finding out something if I go alone. Can I meet you later?
Of course. Im going to go back to Jim and Pats and get cleaned up, then Ill be at the Mini Mart. Why dont you head over when youre through with Peter?
Its a date, Rhonda said.
We can have microwave burritos and Twinkies for dinner. My treat, Warren said.
Ooh, so romantic.
You aint seen nothing yet, he promised, taking her in his arms and kissing the top of her head.
In spite of everything, she was happy. But still, a little voice in the back of her head warned her not to get used to it, that the rabbit wasnt finished with her yet.
JULY 21, 1993
GO AHEAD, LOOK,Peter instructed, pointing to the dark space under Lizzys bed.
Lizzy and Rhonda had turned eleven the week before, and the remains of Lizzys balloons were tied to