The Last First Dance

Author's note: Hello world! This is the very first piece of fanfiction I ever wrote so I thought it fitting that it would be the first to be posted. I would greatly appreciate comments and reviews and any constructive criticism you want to offer would be accepted gladly! I'm always looking for ways to improve my craft. This is slightly AU and set at the end of the movie.

As the giant stepped forward and crowned Jess, he suddenly spotted a familiar face in the crowd.

"Leslie!" he shouted and ran towards her. "How, I mean, what – "

Leslie stopped him mid-stammer and threw her arms around him. Without hesitating, Jess hugged her back tightly. They broke apart only when the giant approached with a lovely crown clearly meant for Leslie.

Now that Leslie was queen, the two friends walked up to the castle for the coronation party.

"Why didn't you go back?" Jess asked. "Everyone thought you were gone, even your parents." he added in a slightly accusatory tone. Leslie sighed, then said,

"It's hard to explain, Jess, but believe me that I would never, ever let you or anyone else suffer like you have for no reason. As far as I can tell, I am dead." She hastily continued after seeing the look on Jess' face. "I mean, dead to everyone outside of Terebithia. The bridge back home is closed to me now; I tried to get home as soon as I woke up after the fall. I suppose that anyone who believes in Terebithia could come and visit me, just like you and Maybell."

Jess walked in silence beside Leslie, processing what he had heard. Suddenly he realized they had reached the doors of the great hall of the castle, where music reached out to them and called enticingly. Jess turned to Leslie and spoke for the first time since she had finished her explanation.

"Leslie, I can't even….I can't tell you how glad I am that you're not totally gone. I've missed you…" He trailed off, unable to continue. Leslie reached out and gently took his hand. Jess took a deep breath.

"I'm just glad you're not gone forever."

"I am too, Jess. I am too."

The solemn moment was broken when she grinned mischeviously.

"Now, as the newly crowned queen of Terebithia, I order you to come dance with me!"

"Hey!" Jess protested, "I've told you I don't dance! I haven't ever danced with anyone! And since when do queens order kings around?"

Leslie only laughed and dragged him onto the dance floor.