Authors: Zoe Barton

Always Neverland (18 page)

BOOK: Always Neverland

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Peter took it and turned it over and over in his hands. He began to unwrap it, much more slowly than the Lost Boys had unwrapped theirs.

I tried to think of something to say, something other than good-bye. “Am I your favorite Wendy girl?”

“No.”

He sounded so sure that I felt stupid for even asking.

“You're my favorite Ashley,” he said quietly, with a very small smile.

The wrappings fell to the floor, and Peter stared at the framed picture in his hands.

“It's us. All of us. At the mermaids' dinner.” I couldn't keep myself from babbling. “Button helped me make the frame.”

When Peter looked up, I saw his eyes glittered a little, and I knew I wasn't the only one who was sad.

“It's to remember me by,” I said softly, but my voice cracked. I knew exactly where he would put it, and I couldn't bear to think that I would be just another memory in his bookcase.

“Why?” Peter said, straightening up with a fierce glare. “Aren't you coming back?”

“
Can
I come back?” I said, beginning to smile.

“I suppose you don't want to
now
,” Peter said, folding his arms over the frame and scowling so hard that I knew his feelings were hurt.

“I thought you didn't
want
me to come!” I said happily, throwing my arms around him.

His shoulders stiffened, and I let him go, embarrassed. Then Peter smiled so widely that I was tempted to hug him again.

“I mean, I got three people kidnapped,” I pointed out.

“You specialize in rescue,” Peter said, and my smile grew. Then he ruined it by adding, “I must've rubbed off on you.”

I shook my head fondly. So I wasn't ready when Peter tossed me something. I just barely caught it in time, but then I opened my hand to find another wooden whistle, almost identical to my mother's but a little longer and more slender. I looked up in surprise.

“Use that to call me when you need to.” Peter ducked through the window, hovering just outside, with a fist on each hip. “You're pretty good at having adventures, you know.”

He waved once and flew faster, the frame tucked under his arm, joining a little zigzagging light. Clutching the whistle, I watched as he and Tink disappeared through the clouds, and then I watched a little longer.

I was sorry to see him go. After everything that had happened in Neverland, it was hard to believe that I could have any adventures in normal life.

But I was wrong. After all, it was Christmas Eve.

“Ashley!” my mom called up the stairs as the front door creaked open. “Hurry! I called the Christmas tree placeâwe only have half an hour before they close.”

“Your mom is making them hold a pretty one for us,” Dad added.

I tore my gaze away from the sky. “Coming!” I shouted, sprinting for the stairs.

Acknowledgments

I have
so
many people to thank that I hardly know where to start! Many readers don't realize how many individuals work on a book before it hits the shelves, but I feel lucky to have met several of the following in person.

First off, I want to thank the lovely team who supported this novel when it was just an idea. Barbara Lalicki, my wonderful editor, who wanted to hear Wendy's story and asked me to tell it. Maria Gomez, who read an early version of the first chapters and laughed in all the right places. Laura Arnold, who always had a sympathetic ear when I got overwhelmed. Rosemary Brosnan, who said some kind words that gave me a lot of confidence. And Jena Rascoe, who knew I could do it before I did.

Countless other people at HarperCollins Children's Books have worked hard behind the scenes. Alexandra Bracken, former editorial assistant and copywriting queen, who suggested many brilliant solutions to our revision troubles. Maggie Herold, who is probably the kindest production editor I know. Kathryn Hinds, my fantastic copy editor, who did a really wonderful job of entering Neverland and untangling some fuzzy time lines (among other things). And Erin Fitzsimmons, who made this book look prettyâboth inside and out.

Last but definitely not least, I need to add a special thank-you to my family and friendsâespecially Mom and Dad, who should get the Most Supportive Parents in the World Award. I don't know where I would be without them. And Angela, my dear ex-roomie, who endured me taking over our big yellow couch and talking her ear off about mermaids and Never birds while I worked out the plot of this book.

Thank you all so much!

About the Author

ZOE BARTON
grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and graduated from Vassar College. After working in publishing for a year, she left New York City to write full-time. She currently divides her time between North Carolina and Montana. This is her first novel.

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Credits

Jacket design by Oceana Garceau

Always Neverland

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Barton, Zoe.

Always Neverland / Zoe Barton. â 1st ed.

Â Â Â p. cm.

Summary: Ashley is whisked away from her home by Peter Pan to help the Lost Boys with spring cleaning, but this “Wendy Girl's” love of adventure brings changes that are not enjoyed by all of Neverland's inhabitants.

ISBN 978-0-06-196325-4 (trade bdg.)

[1. Adventure and adventurersâFiction. 2. Peter Pan (Fictitious character)âFiction. 3. Never-Never Land (Imaginary place)âFiction. 4. FairiesâFiction. 5. Sex roleâFiction. 6. ChristmasâFiction.] I. Title.

PZ7.B28562Ash 2011

[Fic]âdc22

2010045623

CIP

11Â Â 12Â Â 13Â Â 14Â Â 15 LP/RRDB 10Â Â 9Â Â 8Â Â 7Â Â 6Â Â 5Â Â 4Â Â 3Â Â 2Â Â 1

EPub Edition Â© SEPTEMBER 2011 ISBN: 9780062093172

First Edition

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Australia

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Pymble, NSW 2073, Australia