Never Grow Up

to the floor and back up again. Liza’s mom had added sequins to all the Dancing Queens’ shirts and they each wore black jeans. “I feel like a mermaid.”
Ashley turned her head so Mom could do another curl. “The sparkly sequins are altogether effervescent.” She gave Mom a thumbs-up. “P.S.… I still like that word.”
Mom laughed. “Almost as effervescent as you, Ashley.”
“That’s very kind, Mother.” Ashley took a long breath. “Good news, by the way. I’m not the only one who’s been running lines all week.” She stayed still. “I believe Mr. Garrett’s class is truly ready to visit Neverland tonight.”
Ashley told Mom and Kari how her class had practiced every day. Over and over on the days when props didn’t work or Mr. Garrett had to keep Chris in line. “Also… a plus…” She flopped her hand around in front of her. “Landon’s hook isn’t flying across the room anymore.”
“That’s good.” Mom held the curling iron in place. “Captain Hook isn’t very menacing without his hook.”
Kari giggled. “I can’t wait to see it.” She studied Ashley’s hair. “You’re becoming Wendy before our eyes!”
“Well…” Ashley gave her sister a look. “I already was Wendy. But now I’m more play-pared.”
Mom set the curling iron down and picked up the hair spray. “Play-pared? What’s that?” She shook the can.
“Prepared… but for a play.” Ashley tapped her head. “Get it?”
“Hold your breath.” Mom sprayed Ashley’s hair. “You’re the perfect Wendy.”
Kari turned around and faced Ashley. “But it’s just a little skit, right?”
“To some people.” Ashley watched Mom fasten the blue ribbon in her hair. Ashley looked at her reflection. “To me it’s a lifetime, Kari. Neverland couldn’t ever be just a little skit.”
“I see.” Kari smiled. “Are you nervous? About a lifetime in Neverland?”
“Nervous?” Ashley’s look was complete. She stepped back and lifted her arms to her sides. “I can’t wait.”
“Good.” Kari stood still as Mom began working on her makeup. Pink glitter for her eyelids and blush for her cheeks.
“I’m glad”—their mother kept her focus on Kari—“that this lifetime happens in just one night. I’d miss you, Ashley.” Mom was good at playing along. “You know… if you moved to Neverland forever.”
Ashley twirled round and round, her arms still out like she was flying. “You would come with us, Mom! You and Kari and Dad and the whole family!” The bathroom was spinning, so she stopped twirling. “Wouldn’t that be a great adventure? And we would all stay young forever.”
“Yes.” Mom sighed a little. “That would be something.”
Brooke popped her head into the bathroom. “Wow! You look so pretty, Ash.”
“Thanks, Brooke.” Ashley smoothed her dress. “It’s a very twirly costume. Good for flying through Neverland.”
“Okay.” Brooke laughed. “Anyway, Dad wanted me to get you two. We’re getting in the van.” She yelled as she ran off, “Hurry, people! I could be doing homework right now if we didn’t have this talent show.”
When she was gone, Ashley looked at her mom and Kari. “Is it just me… or is Brooke acting very old these days?”
“She’s fine.” Mom put a few finishing touches on Kari’s face. “She’s just going through some tough classes. It’s all part of growing up.” Mom unplugged the curling iron and shut off the light. She led the way down the hall to the stairs.
Kari stayed close to Ashley’s side as they trailed behind. “I’m worried about her.” Kari sounded sad. “Brooke has to learn to do the next thing. The same way I did. Then she could enjoy the talent show instead of worrying about homework.”
“Exactly!” Ashley could’ve stopped and hugged her sister. Finally someone agreed with her about staying young. She linked arms with Kari as they hurried to the van. “We all need to settle down and enjoy being kids.”
In the van, most of the family was giddy with excitement about the talent show. Luke said he hoped someone did a basketball routine. “That’s what I’m going to do when I’m old enough. I have it all figured out!”
Erin said she was going to sing a duet with one of her friends when she was old enough to be in the talent show.
“As thrilled as I am to officially be Wendy and… as ready as I am to take flight in Neverland”—Ashley pointed at Kari—“I cannot wait to see you and the Dancing Queens tonight! Your dance will be the hit of the show!”
Dad agreed, and Mom looked over her shoulder at them. “It’ll be a night to remember.”
Ashley peeked at Brooke, who sat in the back row studying her science flash cards. Poor Brooke, Ashley thought. And poor Kari, too. Having so much homework and having to make so many decisions. Which reminded Ashley that she hadn’t written out the Never Grow Up pledge. As they pulled up to the school, she made a promise to herself. She would write it tonight.
Before they got another day older!
Backstage was a zoo as Mr. Garrett wrangled everyone together for their portion of the night. Some of the students were at the snack table while a few made last-minute adjustments to their costumes.
Ashley went over her lines with Natalie, Elliot and Amy, who were dressed in their Tinker Bell, Peter Pan and Tiger Lily costumes.
One highlight was when Chris walked up in his baby blue footie pajamas. He had never looked younger. “Mr. Garrett!” Chris shouted and waved his hands. “I can’t find my teddy bear! It’s my only prop!”
Just then Landon walked up to Ashley. “Ahoy, matey!” He used his best pirate growl and swished his hook in the air.
Ashley tugged at his hook. “Make sure that doesn’t fly into the audience.”
“My mom used duct tape.” Landon made a face. “Hopefully it comes off when I actually need it to.”
“If not, we can call you Landon Hook.” Amy giggled. She took over the conversation. “Kinda sounds like your last name… Blake.”
“Not really… not at all,” Ashley muttered under her breath. Rake or Break sounded more like Blake Hook did not.
Amy needed to work on her humor.
Even so,