(Authors Note '07 – I have started writing a sequel to this story but thought I should come back and have a final proofread of this story first. My writing technique has developed considerably since I started writing this and it feels good to go back and make the changes to the parts that I had never been fully happy with.)

---

Authors Note - Hey guys. This is my first Stand By Me fic so don't be too rough on me. I hope you enjoy it. I'm gonna post just the first 2 chapters and see whether you guys want me to continue it. Also sorry this chapter is so short. The next one is longer. Also i don't own Stand By me or any of those fantastic characters. So far i just own Leslie. thanks and please review.

Summary - A new and strange girl named Leslie appears in Castle Rock over the summer. Horribly antisocial, Chris, Gordie, Teddy and Vern just don't know what to make of her. As the saying goes 'people always want what they can't get'. Will our boys ever be able to get close to her and discover why she is so strange and distant? Or will she just push them away?

Summer Heat

It had been a scorching start to the summer in the small town of Castle Rock and today proved to be no different. At this very moment the sun was beating down on the backs of four boys. These boys of course were Chris, Teddy, Gordie and Vern, their friendship still going strong 3 years after the summer they went to look for the body of a kid called Ray Brower. Right now they were headed for the lake, looking forward to the cool water that would refresh their sweaty, sticky skin.

'Man this heat is just fucking unnatural.' said Chris, the leader of the gang.

'Oh I hear you man. I can't wait to hit that water. Hey if we're lucky some chicks might already be down there.' replied Teddy with a slight evil glint in his eye.

'Geez Teddy, do you ever think with something besides that thing in your pants?' said Chris with a mock look of exasperation on his face.

'Hey, I'm a man, and I have needs', exclaimed Teddy.

'Oh really? Cause from here you look like a horny 15 year old boy. And a sweaty one at that.' said Chris a chuckle in his voice.

'Fuck you Chambers!' was the only reply he got.

'Uhh guys, I think we better hurry it up. I'm pretty sure Vern is melting back there.' said Gordie suddenly.

They all looked around at Vern who was a few steps behind them puffing and wheezing with the effort of walking in this heat, sweat pouring down his round, still baby-like face.

'You know what Gordie, I think you're right' said Chris and all the boys broke into laughter while Vern muttered something along the lines of 'screw you guys!'

'Well c'mon ladies, hurry it up, I wanna get to the lake before Christmas!' (A.N. I'm australian guys so I don't know whether american kids summer holidays are before or after Christmas. forgive me.) Teddy exclaimed running ahead laughing his crazy laugh.

Chris and Gordie looked at each other, rolled their eyes and ran off following Teddy. Vern let out a long sighed and started to jog slowly after them.