Haunted
Chapter One
'I guess Jess is just too busy to come today, PT.' Leslie said amiably. She was sitting on the roots of the crab-apple tree, twittering a moist leaf through her fingers. She had been waiting for Jess to show up for nearly over an hour. But there came no sound of Jess running down the sneaker-beaten path, his black hair a mess, his cheeks burned and his eyes shining at the prospect of spending the day in Terabithia, with his best friend. No, Leslie thought, his dad must have given a long set of chores and he wouldn't have let him go until they were finished. Jack Aarons was awfully strict about that sort of thing, and he was very hard on his son.
'Come on, PT!' Leslie called, getting up. Even though Jess wasn't here yet, Leslie couldn't wait any longer. Terabithia was calling to her. At once, the black and white mutt ran to her, wagging its tail joyfully. Leslie knelt down, picking up the dog and nestling him gently in the left side of her jacket. Leslie climbed up onto the log, and picking up a stick, she stood on her tippy-toes and just managed to grasp hold of the enhanced rope. Leslie tugged hard, and it gave a loud groan. Leslie's eyes widen, and PT struggled. 'It's OK, PT! The rope will get across like always, don't worry.' Leslie assured the dog. After all, it was an enhanced rope; it couldn't break, no matter how weak it was.
How very wrong she was.
Taking a deep breath, Leslie jumped on the lower knot, swinging in a perfect knot. She looked up and saw the wonderful heavens. Leslie's heart swelled with joy and she laughed. Swinging on the enhanced rope was like sky-diving- so fun and daring and amazing, and yet terrifying at the same time.
Then it happened.
She was now seeing water, not sky. Leslie didn't have time to scream, she and PT were effulged into the dark, dirty, and treacherous waters. PT was yelping loudly for its mistress, staying a float. But Leslie was being carried away, further down the creek.
Her lungs were screaming for air, she felt her body bump and push against sharp rocks, and glass, and rubbish. She tried in vain to overcome the swift current, but it was too strong.
Leslie sobbed hopelessly, just for the water to come in and choke her. She tried more then ever to escape, but she was dragged deeper into the horrible depths, something she had once thought as beautiful and lovely.
This wasn't a game, like Terabithia. Jess wouldn't be able to come rushing in, and save her. PT's loud stressful barks and yelps were rapidly fading, and she could no longer hear them. She was going to die.
Leslie's eyes closed, and she gave herself to death's welcoming arms.