Disclaimer: This is my first Fanfic, and I don't own ANY of the characters portrayed in this story. The beginning of this fanfic is just like in the novel. The dialogue is the same as well. But…it all changes when Jess gets the phone call from Miss Edmunds. In essence, this Bridge to Terabithia fanfic is about what would have happened if Jess never went to the museum with Ms. Edmunds. Hope you all like it.
Chapter 1: Unexpected
Jess's POV:
I woke up to the sound of Dad's truck pulling out of the driveway. It was way too early to be awake, but the pounding rain couldn't get me back to sleep.
I might as well get up now…I thought to myself. Since I was up earlier than usual, I put on my T-shirt and overalls on and got out of bed. That didn't stop May Belle from butting into my business—again.
"Where you going?" May Belle asked.
I rolled my eyes. "Go back to sleep, May Belle."
"I can't. The rain makes too much noise."
That's exactly why I got up. "Well, get up then." If you were up this early, I wouldn't have asked you anything.
May Belle frowned. "Why are you so mean to me?" she whimpered.
Because I just woke up...you of all people should know that I'm grumpy when I first wake up. "Will you shut up, May Belle? You'll have everyone in the whole house woke up with that big mouth of yours."
May Belle didn't say a word, but it looked like she was going to cry. I hated it when she did that.
I sighed. "Oh, c'mon, I'm just gonna milk Miss Bessie. Then maybe we can watch cartoons if we keep the sound real low."
She threw her jeans at me. "I'm gonna tell Momma!" May Belle threatened.
I was flabbergasted. Did she seriously throw her pants at me? I threw her pants back at her. "Tell Momma what? How you stand there staring at me when I ain't got my clothes on?"
May Belle got a kick out of that. All she did was laugh and smile as I crossed the kitchen. I darted outside in the pouring rain to milk Miss Bessie.
I really wish it would stop raining soon.
As I was milking her, I was thinking about if I should tell Leslie I didn't want to swing across the creek since the water was too high. I know she wouldn't make fun of me, but I'd feel pathetic—in a way. Maybe when summer comes around, I'd ask her to teach me how to swim. After pondering all of that, May Belle called me.
"I called ya three times already."
What did she want now? I wondered."Called me for what?"
"Some lady wants you on the telephone. I had to get dressed to come get you."
I raised my eye brow. I never got any phone calls. Leslie called me ONCE, and all of the other times the phone rang, it was for one of my parents. But the way May Belle said "lady" it had to have been her: Miss Edmunds.
"Jess?" her voice rang through the receiver. "Miserable weather, isn't it?"
My heart was beating so fast, Miss Edmunds could have heard it through the speaker.
I blushed. "Yes'm" was all I was able to say.
"I was thinking of driving down to Washington-maybe go to the Smithsonian or the
National Gallery. How would you like to keep me company?"
Oh my sweet God. She's asking me to be with her and ONLY her. This is a dream come true! I realized I never answered her.
"Jess? You still there?" she called out.
"Yes'm." I said again.
"Would you like to go with me?"
How could I not? Yes'm."
"Do you need to get permission?" she sweetly asked.
"Yes—Yes'm. Just-just a minute." I barely said. I really need to stop saying 'Yes'm.' I sound like a fool.
I tiptoed into Momma's room and saw her lying in bed. She was still asleep.
Yes! This is my perfect chance! I shook her shoulder. "Momma?"
She slightly jumped at the sound of my voice, but barely had her eyes open.
Okay...maybe she'll let me go. She's barely awake. "Teacher wants me to go to Washington to the Smithsonian."
Momma's eyes shot open. "Washington?"
"Yeah. Something for school." Come on Momma, say yes.
My heart dropped when Momma shook her head. "Absolutely not. I didn't sign any permission slips for any field trip."
"Momma, come on. She just called here a few minutes ago. I had no idea that she was gonna invite me to Washington with her! Please? Can't I go?"
She started to get annoyed. "No, Jess. I need you around the house today. The house is like a pig sty. Besides, you had the day off yesterday with Leslie. It's pouring outside. There is no way I could allow you to go out in that weather. It's dangerous."
"But Ma—"
Momma cut me off. "JESS AARONS! If you talk back to me one more time, you're grounded. Understand me?"
"Yes M'am…" I quietly left her room.
As I silently and sadly walked towards the kitchen, I had no choice but to tell Miss Edmunds that I couldn't go with her.
"Ooh Jess is in trouble!" Joyce Ann mocked.
"Shut up Joyce Ann!" I yelled. The brattiest out of all of my sisters had to open her mouth…
I picked up the receiver. "Miss Edmunds?"
"Yes, Jess. I'm still here."
"Sorry for taking so long to answer you. I'm really, really sorry, but I can't go with you today. I really wanted to, but I can't."
"It's quite alright, Jess. Maybe next weekend?"
"That would be great. I'll ask my mother when she's in a better mood."
"Sorry you couldn't go with me, Jess. I'll see you school, dear."
"Have a nice day, Miss Edmunds."
As I put the phone back on the receiver, I walked back into the rain and continued to milk Miss Bessie.
First it rains, then Momma wouldn't let me go out with Miss Edmunds. So much for a "perfect day...I lamented. I thought about Miss Edmunds the whole time and let a couple of tears slip out from my eyes.
That's all for now! Please read and review and I'll be adding more to this fanfic! =]
