The OutsideTheLines Home Page -
Feature of the Month

For January, 1999

"Second Star to the Right"
By Jason Kenney

Disclaimer: None of the characters are mine.


It's probably best not to tell Mom. God knows how she'd react to it. I'm still not sure how I should react to it. I mean, I'm glad I didn't break anything and what not. It's not every day you fall from a tree.

But, it's not everyday you don't hit the ground after falling, either.

I'd heard about people like that. People who could fly. Some were superheroes, like Superman or an Avenger! Some were evil though. Like an alien.

Or a mutant.

But, I ain't no mutie! No, my Mom isn't, so I can't be. And Dad, well, he died, so he can't be a mutie. Mutie's don't die, at least, that's what the papers say.

Maybe I was adopted or something! Yeah! I'm really a space alien who crash landed here when I was little and "Mom" and "Dad" found me out in a field or something! Yeah!

Or maybe I was a mutie's kid . . .

I'm special. Yeah. Not a freak. I'm special.

Yeah, I think I shouldn't tell Mom.


Some guy came by the house today. He was bald and had this really neat wheelchair that didn't touch the ground. He and Mom spoke for a long time, and I heard my name a lot, so I know it was 'bout me.

He wanted to take me away. Take me away from Mommy and put me in some school for smart kids.

Mom didn't say much. I mean, yeah, I was smart and all. But, still. I wasn't leaving Mom. I'm all she has left.

I didn't hear what Mom said, but the guy left a card with her and went away.

She was crying.

Then she asked me about my flying. I didn't know what to do. That man, he knew, and he told Mom!

I started crying.

Then she hugged me. Mom hugged me and said everything was going to be all right. She didn't hate me or anything. She still loved me.

We sat there crying for a long time.


Mom and I talked about that man's school. Well, Mom talked, I listened. She aid things like it was for the best and I'd learn things there I wouldn't learn anywhere else.

She wanted me to go away.

I nodded and held back tears. If she wanted me to leave, I would. If Mom would be happy like that.

When we were done, I went to my room and cried.

Mommy didn't love me anymore.


I'm supposed to leave tomorrow. I don't know where I'm going, really. Somewhere in New York, up north. I've never been to New York. I don't want to go to New York.

But, Mommy wants me to leave.

So, I will.

I remember a story Mom used to tell me so long ago, when she loved me. I even remember the movie. This boy lived in this land with all these other boys. They never grew up.

And he could fly, too! That's it! Maybe I'm Peter Pan! I just need to find Tinkerbell and I'll be set! But, I've got to get there first. To NeverNever Land.

The screen comes off my window easily and makes a little noise as it clatters to the ground below. Now, let's see...

Second star to the right.

One, two, there!

I step out the window and close my eyes a bit, hoping not to fall, and let go.

I don't fall.

Then I open my eyes, find my second star, and go.

Straight on 'til morning.

The End Sign

  • Back To The Feature of the Month Index Page
    "Second Star to the Right"
    ©Jason Kenney
    Jason Kenney@netwiz.net

    The Official OutsideTheLines Home Page
    ©David D. Amaya
    DavidAmaya@Hotmail.com
    All characters & publications mentioned in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, and all copyrights are held by them as applicable.

    This information is not endorsed in any way or form by; Marvel Comics Group, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Image Comics or any other publishing entity.

    The OutsideTheLines Home Page, its parent mailing list, Tripod Corp., nor those who own or assisted those groups, will be held responsible for any problems caused by information contained within this document.