Chapter Two
Friends
Without friends no one would choose to live, though they had all other goods
Leslie breathed in the fresh air contently as she reached the great outdoors. Feeling slightly melancholy, she had decided the best remedy was fresh air, the tight school corridors had been becoming oppressive. It was humid and the sky was a deep blue, most usual for Lark Creek. Still, sometimes it took a near death encounter with one of the Dark Master's minions in a shabby cubicle to make one fully appreciate the serenity of it all.
Leslie was dismayed to find that the school body had exited the assembly hall and were now running riot in the playground. So much for serenity, she thought disparagingly over the chippering of the first graders, how would she ever find the girl in this chaos?
Walking round the outskirts of the playground aimlessly for a while, the word jungle came to mind. Leslie finally spotted some friendly faces, Jess and Rodney in a heated discussion by the bins, maybe they could help? From what she could see, Rodney seemed to be lecturing Jess while he squirmed and gave short, meek replies.
"Jess, Rod!" Leslie shouted. They immediately broke from their conversation, a little too hurriedly to look anything but suspicious.
"Les," Jess was the first to speak, smiling and waving her over.
Leslie poked his chest accusingly. "Jess, please stop butchering my name... Long time, no see, Rod. " Leslie gave him an exaggerated wave.
Rodney grinned at Leslie, he seemed to remember something, however, and his grin faltered. "Sorry, guys. Gotta run, guitar lesson. See ya, Leslie." He turned deliberately to his right, voice growing hard, "Jess."
"What was that about?" Leslie asked as Rodney ran off. Jess didn't answer immediately, his eyes followed Rodney with an unreadable expression on his face. When confident that Rodney was out of earshot, he replied.
"It was nothing, you know how Rodney can get worked up over things."
"Yeah..." Leslie agreed with little conviction. They stayed silent for a while, in contrast to the wails of a 3rd grade girl who'd suffered the wrath of a football to the face. It was very awkward, most unusually for them.
" Leslie, erm, I have... eh, you missed assembly again, are you feeling okay?" Jess' expression was terrible conflicted. He seemed to be trying to say something, but not quite managing it. He looked disappointed in himself; he finished deflated.
"Gosh, Jess, you're worse than my mother." Leslie smirked, breaking the tension.
"Hey, I'm not that... okay, maybe I am, but only a little!" Jess amended, a result of the knowing grin Leslie gave him.
"So, what was assembly about?" Leslie asked, despite already knowing. Jess was not one to instigate a conversation in this mood.
Jess kicked his heels with frustration, there seemed to be something very interesting on his shoes because he was staring at them, mesmerized.
"We've not been given the money for a new school... went to some casino or something..."
Leslie knew it was better not to answer. Jess took a great deal of pride and self placed responsibility for Lark Creek. Whenever something akin to this happened, Jess took it hard, like it was somehow his fault. He'd always tried to show her the good in Lark Creek, always adamant that they were good people. For this to happen... well, it was the equivalent to a slap in the face for Jess – all his efforts in-vain.
Leslie went to his side, holding his hand reassuringly, forcing him to look up into her eyes. "It'll be alright... remember what you always say about Lark Creek... Come on, say it!" She nudged him encouragingly when he didn't respond immediately.
"Lark Creek is a stubborn old poop. No matter how many times you try and flush it... it always floats back to the top." A grin grew larger on his face after every word, he recited it formally before breaking into chuckles, "I remember when my Mum heard me say that to May Belle – her face – she thought I was crazy."
"Insanity: a perfectly rational adjustment to the insane world." Leslie mused, patting his head mockingly, she gasped, " Just imagine, Jess... Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must have. Lucky for me..."
"Nah, you're not crazy."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence." She gave him a mock salute.
Her efforts at trying to cheer him up appeared to be successful, but Leslie knew from the way he held his head; Jess was still hurting. If there was only one thing she really knew about Jess... it was he would never consciously give up on those he cared about. His determination to improve Lark Creek was like the Olympic flame; it would never fade.
Leslie idly wondered where she came in Jess' "care-o-meter". What do I care about, really, she asked herself, staring off into the distance, deep in contemplation.
Suddenly, the thought of "caring" reminded her of why she was here. "... Hey, Jess, you haven't seen that girl again, have you?"
Jess looked at her befuddled. "Girl - that's a bit vague, Leslie."
Leslie pouted, seeing her predicament, she had no idea what the girl's name was, and she hadn't really been able to get a good look at her.
"The one that was in our class this morning, black hair, I think. " Leslie grabbed desperately for something indiscernible, what had she been wearing? Letting her mind wander, she looked around the playground. It was a sea of pupils, all crowded together. The older years leaning on the walls trying to look tough, the middle years crowded together in compact little circles discussing anything from make up to who stepped on dog turd. The youngsters ran wildly across the dichotomy of life, playing numerous games that were almost always ended prematurely when one bumped into a much bigger and stronger 7th year in a bad mood.
When anyone managed to sit quietly on their own... It wasn't only peculiar, but a serious achievement in itself. That was exactly what she saw. A girl sitting behind some bushes, back to the world. It was her, Leslie just knew it.
"Leslie... this isn't easy, but there's something I- we need to talk abo -"
"Never mind, Jess." Leslie crept over to the bushes, making sure not to bump into the running 1st years. She wasn't sure why, but Leslie felt the need to approach slowly, almost cautiously, as if she was a predator and this girl, her prey, was capable of running off at even the slightest disturbance. She heard Jess calling something out to her, but Leslie's mind was already set.
It was difficult to manoeuvre into the bushes, this was a place you only went to hide. Leslie had a fairly good idea what the girl was hiding from. She was sitting cross legged, back leaning on the trunk of a tree that had been planted by an old 5th year class long ago. The girl seemed engrossed in her laptop, fingers tapping away furiously, but still strangely silent. It wasn't a sight one usually saw in Lark Creek, only a select few, herself included, could afford such a piece of equipment.
The girl's black hair was neatly cut and conservative, but had odd streaks of blue which seemed to Leslie like a subdued statement of rebellion. It was a strange juxtaposition, overall. A muffin sat beside her, and she would sporadically take small delicate bites as if she were trying to savour it forever.
It was all a far cry from the timid girl Leslie had noticed this morning, she seemed more relaxed, at ease with the world. It made her seem quite pretty, Leslie decided.
"Hey," Leslie spoke softly, so as not to break the calm, "what are you doing out here on your on?"
Startled, the girl nearly dropped her laptop. She stared blankly at Leslie without really looking at her, her eyes were blue, much like Leslie's. Her eyes became downcast and she went back to her laptop without so much as a word. Leslie was about to repeat her question when the girl said concisely, "Yes?"
Leslie frowned. "I said, why are you sitting out here on your own?"
The girl stared again at Leslie, this time like Leslie was crazy to ask such a question, Leslie grew uncomfortable, but shook it off.
"Take a picture," the stare became one of confusion, "it'll last longer."
The girl's face became dejected, she closed her laptop with authority. "If you're here to make fun of me..."
"Why would people make fun of you... because you eat muffins?" Leslie tried, genuinely curious. She had received her fair share of abuse over the years; it wasn't a nice experience.
The girl turned and looked over her shoulder. She couldn't see the crowd of students watching Leslie curiously, watching what she was doing, giggling, because the bush was in the way. Leslie didn't care much if they laughed; becoming friends with people was something she did well, and it was something she enjoyed proving she could indeed do.
Continuing the decidedly one sided conversation, "Do you, I mean, why are you worried about them?"
The girl suddenly became animated, her expression changed to amazement. Her mouth opened a couple of times before closing jarringly. She finally uncoiled. "Doesn't it bother you... I mean it has to, doesn't it?"
"Why would it bother me?"
"I mean, well...they have... friends, and-"
"It doesn't bother me." Leslie said determinedly, jaw line set, she looked the girl right in the eyes. "My name's Leslie, Leslie Burke; what's yours?"
Yes, her expression was definitely amazement. She repeated the performance of opening her mouth and then closing it, Leslie waited patiently.
"My name is... A-Alexis."
"Alexis," Leslie repeated.
"It was my Grandmothers, my Mother choose it," she added hastily, getting the impression that Leslie was "underwhelmed" by the name. She offered her hand hesitantly, shaking slightly. Alexis looked so fragile at that moment, as if she had offered herself up completely, and any comment might break her completely. The power made Leslie dizzy. Leslie took her hand and shook it vigorously, very pleased. It was a little more formal than what she was used to, but she had learned basic etiquette from Bill's many book signings.
"I think it's a lovely name A...lex...is," Leslie mouthed the words, as if trying it out before reaching a conclusion. "Yes, Alexis, definitely sounds like a good name to me. Much better than Leslie or Rodney for that matter. Just don't tell him I said that!" Leslie warned with mock-horror. A giggle escaped Alexis' mouth before she could stop it, Leslie smiled victoriously.
Leslie sat down beside Alexis, keeping a hold of her hand, not really caring if she got a little dirty. "I think we should be friends, don't you?" Leslie was nothing if not direct.
"I dunno..."
Leslie looked at her alarmed. "Why not, was it something I did?"
"No, nothing like that. I just, I just don't think your other friends would... understand – me."
Leslie stopped for a moment, deep in consternation. "Do you mean, Jess. Do you know him?"
"No, I don't know him. He doesn't know me. That's the problem. He might not understand," she repeated robotically.
Leslie brushed it off quickly. "Jess, is harmless. Don't worry about that... just don't interrupt him when he's drawing, he'll bite your head off! Anyway, other than him, no one else matters."
"Are you sure?" Alexis seemed desperate to make sure Leslie was certain. Like this was a signing of a contract and the contractor was giving emphasis to an "escape clause".
"I said I wanted to be your friend. I'm sure," Leslie spoke confidently, with an underlying stubborn countenance. Alexis slowly nodded her head.
Laughing happily now it was resolved, Leslie let go of Alexis' hand and pointed curiously at the laptop.
"What are you doing? Certainly looked like you were busy at something, Nice laptop by the way, very sleek. 'Magine you're pretty smart, carrying one of those around."
Alexis was a bit startled by this strange girl, Leslie Burke. She could certainly... talk. Still, her bubbly enthusiasm was infectious and Alexis found herself smiling as she explained.
"I'm working on my dissertation for the 'Aim Higher' club."
"What's it on?"
"Well... I'll read some of it, if you want of course, you might find it boring," she hesitated, unsure.
"Go ahead," Leslie urged.
"Ok-ay, then. 'Focal injuries are those that occur in a specific location in the brain. These localized injuries are often associated with symptoms corresponding to the part of the brain that was injured, for example manifesting in hemiparesis or other focal neurological deficits. Types of focal brain injury include intracranial hemorrhage, heavy bleeding in the skull that is not mixed with tissue, and bruising of brain tissue called a contusion. In a brain contusion, injured brain tissue is mixed with blood that has leaked from damaged blood , due to rupture of a blood vessel in the head, can be extra-axial, or intra-axial. Extra-axial hemorrhages can be further divided into subdural hematoma, epidural hematoma, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. An epidural hematoma involves bleeding into the area between the skull and the heavy, outermost membrane that surrounds the brain, the dura mater.'"
"Phew, guess I was wrong about you being smart – you're a genius!"
Alexis blushed profusely, stammering."It is one of the more difficult subjects, but... it is one of my favourites, and that is what matters in the end."
Leslie nodded in assent, she stopped when Alexis took another bite out of her muffin. The scrumptious, delicious and incomparable chocolate that coated the outer reaches. Leslie looked longingly at the delectable delight, lips salivating at the prospect. Aware of Leslie's attention, Alexis put down the muffin, wiping her mouth.
"I've got another one in my bag if you want..." Alexis was cut off by Leslie smothering her in a hug.
"Alexis, I love you already!"
Alexis patted Leslie's back awkwardly. This girl was certainly a little peculiar, Alexis thought. It was wonderful.
They chatted merrily for the rest of break, Leslie happily destroying her muffin with a gusto. Leslie's mood was slightly dampened, however, by the discovery of a strange book in her bag. Leslie had originally just looked into her bag when she had discovered that she'd left it open to her enormous embarrassment. The cover of the book read: Diary of Richard Murdoch.
A boy. Where could this have come from? She retraced her footsteps of the day. A memory of bumping into a boy on the way to the bathroom flashed before her eyes. The book could have fallen into her bag when they had collided. Leslie rubbed her chin, should she open it? The curiosity killed her.
"Is that your diary?" Alexis looked up from her work and bent over curiously. Leslie quickly shielded it from view, not sure why. Alexis instantly realized her social faux pas. "Of course, I'm sorry. It's private." She retreated back to her work.
Into her shell.
Leslie instantly felt regret at brushing her off. Still, deciding if she'd went this far, she might as well have a peak at the first page... Just so she might have a better chance at finding Richard to return it to him, of course.
Kill Derek. Kill Derek. Kill Derek. Kill Derek. Leslie stifled a gasp. The same name, written aggressively over the first page, covering every inch. What was worse, the ink he had used was red. Instant connotations of blood and violence flew into Leslie's mind. Why was this so unsettling? It was only a page, he had probably just been doodling. Leslie confidently turned the page, needing the reassurance.
Kill Derek. Kill Derek. Kill Derek. Kill Derek. Exactly the same, down to every last swish of ink and dotted ''I'. She turned the page again. Same result. Again and again, always the same, it was too precise, too calculated. Leslie wanted to throw the book away. It was dirty, filthy – she should never have opened it. Leslie skipped to the last page.
Two words, in the centre, this time written in black: I'm sorry.
Leslie closed the book on impulse and threw it back in her bag. She then instinctively moved further away from the bag, as if it would bite her. It felt like an infectious disease had been spread from the book into her body. A tumour that was now steadily growing - unstoppable. The words echoed in her head. Leslie shivered involuntary, wrapping her arms protectively around her. The sky suddenly didn't seem so bright.
"That's what I do... when I get scared."
Leslie blinked, breaking out of her daze. "W-what?"
Alexis closed her eyes, remembering. "Whenever I feel sad, or alone, I just wrap my arms around me... and pretend. Pretend that no one can hurt me, and... that I'm not alone." Alexis' face remained stoic as she spoke, her eyes far off...
"You're not alone." Leslie's eyes remained fixed on the sky. Alexis stared at her in awe, she struggled for words,
"...Thanks, for... -"
"Yeah," Leslie answered for Alexis. No more words needed to be said between them, that moment, sitting under the trees... it was theirs. Leslie's eyes never left the sky as Alexis began diligently typing once more. The sky suddenly seemed bright again.
Leslie followed a cloud on its tranquil journey across the blue sea. At that moment, Leslie had a sudden urge to become a cloud. It had to be so peaceful, just floating around, at your own pace, no irritating distractions, no reprimands or disappointments or even pain. It was freedom. Freedom of the highest form... quite literally.
She closed her eyes and sighed contently. She could have easily fallen asleep there, quite contently, floating in the air.
"Alexis... would you like to be a cloud?"
"Sorry?"
Leslie's eyes remained closed but she could hear the confusion.
"Never-mind, what would you like to be... when you're older, any dreams? There is plenty space in the sky if you want to float with me. "
Leslie opened her eyes to watch Alexis' response. She had a faraway look in her eye, whatever it was, it was bringing a smile to face.
"I've... always wanted to be a doctor. My father studies in Germany, it sort of runs in the family, I guess. "
"Germany's quite a distance," Leslie dead-panned.
Alexis was quiet for a moment, thinking. "Yeah... it is."
Leslie didn't catch the masked sorrow, clouds didn't catch most things. She stretched like a cat. "I think you'll make a great doctor."
"Really?" Alexis asked hopefully.
"Yeah, of course. You've got the look," Leslie mulled Alexis over, eyes frowning comically, making Alexis laugh.
Leslie sat up, impersonating a stern, pretentious and stuck up examiner. "So... why do you want to be a doctor?"
Alexis blushed, stumbling, playing the part of a nervous young student in an interview to perfection. "Well, I dunno, I guess I've always wanted to save lives, even if I could only save one, I'd be happy, " she said the last part seriously.
"You're hired," Leslie exclaimed before lying back down on the grass. "Just don't forget us clouds in Germany, okay?" Leslie joked.
"I don't think I could ever forget you." Alexis wasn't joking. She began typing deftly in her laptop while Leslie kept her cloud company. Freedom.
Unfortunately all good things come to an end. The bell rang mockingly; the playground erupted into groans of joy disrupted cruelly. Leslie and Alexis separated to get to their individual class, Leslie promising that Jess and her would walk Alexis home. Just before they parted, Leslie asked out of the blue, "You wouldn't know a good place to store 20 puppies, would you?"
Leslie awoke thanks to the school bell. It took her a while to shake off her tiredness, she ended up being the last one to leave the class. She was a little hurt to find that Jess hadn't waited for her, and Alexis had failed to arrive at their supposed meeting point. Something had obviously come up. It was the only explanation Leslie could deduce. Well, there was another... but she didn't have the heart to contemplate it.
Keeping her head downward, Leslie started the long journey home. One that seemed considerable longer on her own. With nothing but her thoughts to keep her -
"Leslie!"
She nearly jumped out of her skin, although she couldn't see where the voice was coming from, she was in no doubt as in to who it belonged to.
"P.T , where – if you were caught talking..."
"By the bushes." P.T was obviously not in the mood for fanfare. Leslie knelt down, stray twigs digging into her knees.
"What's gotten into you, P.T?"
P.T looked terrible agitated. He was shivering despite the warmth of the day. His eyes were wide and haunted. He looked at Leslie grim but focused.
"I was sitting here, waiting for you to come out of school, you take your time by the way! The last one in the whole-"
"P.T!" Leslie warned, tired of his critical analysis – what was he, an English teacher?
"Anyway, I was sitting here waiting for you to come out-"
"I got that bit!" Leslie said, frustrated at P.T and his exposition.
"... And I saw this girl waiting by this tree, she was attacked by this strange boy, who dragged her back into the school..."
"What!"
"Leslie, there's another thing, about the boy, there was something... odd about him. I think, I think it's The Dark Master, I think he's coming... here."
"Impossible, you know he can't leave Terabithia, only his-"
"Well, obviously things have changed!" P.T began running, urging Leslie to follow. "We have no time. I think they've been hunting this girl for sometime."
"Alexis," Leslie whispered in horror. Internally, she cursed her own stupidity. I was too careless, she thought bitterly.
Leslie reprimanded herself for forgetting to mention about the monster. The girl obviously wouldn't have brought it up, she probably thought she was seeing things, or that she was insane. If Alexis got hurt because of her stupidity... Leslie didn't dare think it!
"You know her?" P.T inquired.
"Yes." Leslie nodded gravely, she had to be okay, she just had to!
"There was another girl with her, I think. The teachers are currently in a meeting, still in the school." P.T paused, apparently the ramifications of the situation had finally dawned on him.
"Jess?" Leslie inquired hopefully.
"The bus already went." P.T cursed through his teeth, grinning but devoid of humour. "I guess, it's up to us."
Leslie agreed, fully prepared. Her friend was in danger, there was nothing else for it.
"Leslie, are you ready for this. There's a chance... a chance..."
"I'm ready." Nothing else needed to be said. They knew.