Page 116 of Cut Me Down

“I didn’t get my story.” She says rubbing her eyes sleepily.

“Awe, come here.” She shuffles her way over with her blanket and her teddy bear, and I pick her up, set her on my lap, and start to swing her. She lays against me and rests her head on my chest as she curls up with her teddy bear, and I feel my heart swell with tenderness at the sight. “I’m sure she’ll be out soon.”

“Do you know stories?” She looks up at me and asks. Her big, green eyes pleading.

“Well, what’s your favorite story?”

“Peter Pan.” My heart sinks to my feet and flies to the sky all in one motion. Nostalgia smacks me face before a warmth soothes the sting.

“Oh, I love Peter Pan. He was my favorite when I was little. I don’t know many stories, but I know a song. Do you want me to sing it to you?” She sleepily nods her head against my chest, and I quickly look back to make sure no one else was outside or could hear me. I take a deep breath as I drape her blanket over her, and gently run my fingers through her hair.

“There was a time, when I was alone.

No where to go and no place to call home.

My only friend was the man in the moon

And even sometimes he would go away too.

Then one night as I closed my eyes

I saw a shadow flying high.

He came to me with the sweetest smile

Told me he wanted to talk for a while.

And he said, Peter Pan that’s what they call me

I promise that you’ll never be lonely

And ever since that day.

I am a lost boy, from Neverland.

Usually hanging out with Peter Pan

And when we’re bored, we’d play in the woods.

Always on the run from Captain Hook.

Run, run, lost boy

He’d say to me.

Away from all of reality.

Neverland is home to lost boys like me

And lost boys like me are free.”

I look down at Elena to see that she’s fast asleep. Looking like a perfect doll. She has sweet blonde hair and a cute little button nose that resembles her mother’s. She kind of looks like Cindy Lou Who, in a way, and that only makes her seem sweeter. Damn, Damien's going to make some pretty babies. His genetics are insane. Everyone in his family is so beautiful.

Standing gently, I hold her in my arms and turn to walk her back to bed, only turning to meet those baby blues staring at me from the open door. A soft smile is spread across his face and his eyes are wide and longing, looking like an adoring puppy.

“How long have you been standing here?” I whisper to him as I walk in that direction. Trying to hide the heat rushing to my cheeks.

“I came out just in time.” He whispers back as he visibly relaxes, and Lauren walks through the door.

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