The Redemption(65)

“No need to apologize, but Mr. Caggiano has planned something very unique and timing is everything.” He’s walking very fast, so I double my pace. “Mr. Disney built Main Street…”

I get a guided tour, although told very fast, of each main structure we pass and then through the castle. “The fireworks are about to begin.” He smiles. “So we have to hurry. Magic is in the air.”

“Magic?”

On the other side of the castle, the first fireworks shoot into the sky, lighting it up. I watch in awe of the grandeur of the huge display. Bob taps me on the shoulder, and says, “Don’t look there. The real show is over here.”

I follow the direction he gestures in and see Dex standing under the sign, Peter Pan’s Flight. His smile is coy, a bit nervous looking, which is so unlike his usual confidence. I walk over, taking my time, letting him sweat it out a bit. “Hi,” I say.

When he greets me, his smile grows. “Hi.”

“This is a surprise, Dex?”

“Everyone can use a little magic in their life.”

With an elbow nudge, I say, “You, sir, are a charmer.”

“Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

While he adjusts the mouse ears hat on my head, I reply, “How could I resist. I got a hat. I needed to show it off.”

His laugh is contagious, or maybe it’s because we’re at the Happiest Place on Earth… or maybe it’s because I’m happy to be here with him. He nods toward the entrance, and asks, “Wanna go for a ride?”

“Absolutely.”

Taking my hand, he leads me through the winding railings that shape the line, miraculously empty, and I’m having a feeling this was also planned. We walk inside and are greeted by more happy cast members working the ride. Dex guides me onto the little pirate boat and we’re off, through Wendy and her siblings’ bedroom window, starting our own adventure.

It doesn’t dawn on me until we’re in the dark, immersed in the magic. Turning to Dex, I ask, “You brought me to Neverland?” Memories of our Neverland fantasies of the past squeeze my heart. It’s a safe place for us, a place where our pasts don’t matter and the rest of the world disappears just for a little while. A lump forms in my throat as I hold back the heavy emotions wanting to be heard while holding onto the safety bar in front of me. “I don’t know what to say.”

“It’s not about what to say. Here in Neverland, I’m Peter and you’re Wendy, remember? All that other stuff doesn’t matter.”

“I do remember,” I say with a small smile. “In Neverland, no one can touch us.”

“In Neverland, we work.”

The pressures I feel when we’re apart are gone, happiness taking over. Knowing we don’t have much time in such a perfect place, I ask, “Why did you bring me to Neverland tonight?”

We cruise along in our flying pirate ship, past the ticking alligator before stopping over London. While staring out over the city below, he says, “How we left it at the beach that day… I make mistakes. A lot of f*cking mistakes, bad decisions, and sometimes have poor judgment.”

Tilting toward me, he adds, “But I’m getting better every day.” He pauses and by his expression, I get worried, gripping the bar even tighter. “I used to wish you and Cory would break up. I had convinced myself that if you did, I would tell you how I felt about you. But you guys never did, and I’m glad. What used to be selfish wishes turned into something else. I liked you two together. You guys had the kind of relationship I wanted, one I envied. I need you to know that because of you and the boys, I would have traded places with him on that plane if I could. I loved him, Rochelle.”

Looking down, I can’t bear to hear him say that. “I know you loved him, but no, Dex, don’t say that. He didn’t have a choice and neither do we, so there’s no point in thinking like that.”

“It’s the truth. Cory taught me to treat the ones we love with respect and to love them deeply.” He shifts in the seat. “So even though I’m breaking our rule and bringing the past into Neverland, I need you to know that I understand how much you loved him. I’m not trying to replace him. I can’t, but I want…” Dex looks away.

My voice is lower, just above a whisper when I ask, “What do you want?”

“I don’t want to lose you.”

Just as our ship begins to move again, I slide my hand across the hard plastic seat and find his. “You won’t. I promise.”

Our ship comes safely back into harbor and I hope our relationship follows the same path. I’m about to say something, but the attendants are excited to see him. He thanks everyone, shaking their hands and posing for three photos before we walk out.

Bob is waiting for us when we step outside. He claps his hands together once and asks, “How was Peter Pan’s Flight?”

Dex looks over at me and answers, “Perfect.”

“Are we ready for the magic to continue?” Bob asks.

I nod, excited to see what else is in store for us.

Bob starts walking quickly. “Stay close and follow me back this way. To the castle we go.” I love the adventure he takes us on. We find our way to a secret entrance on the side and go up an elevator. Dex is smiling and in this most unique and fun situation, I see the guy I met down on Sunset again. I’ve started to treasure these little moments that take us back to a time when life was so much easier.