I'm extremely sorry for my super late update. I've been dying for weeks to get this thing posted, just never got around to it. In my free time, I looked back at my previous series and I know now a bit more where I want to take this one.
I hope you can appreciate the time it takes to write long stories, and how fun it is for me to see other people enjoying them. I even find myself occasionally reading my own works to entertain myself. I believe in you [the reviewers] to support my story and continue on this great fictional time line between Jess and Leslie.
Thank you, and enjoy,
Chapter 2
The next few days were very painful for me and Leslie.
Bill was planning the funeral and Les was inviting all our cousins over.
I saw the sadness in her eyes every time I looked at her. There was nothing I could do about it, and at times, I wished none of this had happened.
I took the next few days off from work, after hiring a lawyer to go over the will with me.
Bill was next time me as I sat, head in my hands on the couch.
The Lawyer, Ethan Louisville sat across from us viewing the legal papers that were entitled "Judy Burke's Will."
I sat back against the couch pillows and stretched my arms.
"Hmmm..." "Mhm." "Uh.." Mm" The lawyer mumbled.
"What is it?" I asked, annoyed of his grumbling.
Bill put on his glasses to get a better look at the lawyer.
Suddenly, he spoke aloud.
"It reads: " I wish for all my processions but the ones mentioned below, including stock bonds, and the estate to go to my Husband, Bill.
As for my Daughter Leslie Burke, I ask that all my jewelry, including my Grand mother's Diamond necklace, a 24 Karat Gold Piece,
And a small area of farm land go to her.
Although, not a direct member of my family, I wish that anything my daughters best friend Jesse Aarons askes for, he may take. If it's alright with Bill of course.
"I bid you all a farewell, and that you may prosperous in life."
Judy H. Burke,
Thinking to myself: "The note must have been written before Leslie and I had been married, as she called "Best friend".
I heard a loud smash of glass and tea cups as I quickly turned my head.
I saw Leslie trembling in the hallway, with all the refreshments that she had brought destroyed by the impact.
Suddenly, all that sadness in her face seemed to vanish. She had a surprising smile and focused.
"What is it?" I asked startled by the whole incident.
She ran to the table and snatched the Will out of the lawyer's hands.
"Small...farm land..."
"Yes...Ethan said. "The Coordinates are listed on this proof of purchase note"
Leslie grabbed the sheet of paper.
"C'mon Jess!" She yelled pulling me off the couch and out the door.
Sooner than I knew it, Leslie and I were in my car, Rushing down a street.
She was very determined by the look on her face I concluded.
"Where are we going?" I asked, not catching on.
"Terabithia Stupid!" She yelled, "My Mom bought the land to our Kingdom!"
"Slow Down!" I Laughed reading the speed meter as it indicated 65 MPH.
"That's great and all, but why are we going there now?"
She didn't answer me and just drove on faster.
Familiar roads appeared and I soon saw my old house. But we past by it so fast, I didn't even get to see my Dad's old pickup.
She drove down a dirt road until it came to a dead end.
I felt my body thrown forward as she jerked the brakes.
The car came to a sudden stop as Leslie burst out of the vehicle.
"Leslie!" I yelled in that ever so familiar tone that came to me every time I chased her.
I unbuckled my seat belt and followed after her.
"Leslie?"
I kept running and running, not wanting to lose the sight of her.
Suddenly, we were at a creek. Everything was just like we had left it, except that the forest was a bit darker than I had remembered it.
Probably due to the growth of the trees.
I heard the water of the creek flow, and I turned my head to glance at Leslie.
She wasn't standing anymore.
Then I heard a sob.
She was sitting on the ground, looking across as the water trickled.
I pulled up alongside with her, and sat.
"Why?." She cried.
She looked so helpless, and hurt. I knew the only thing I could do was to keep her company, and help her get over her grief.
"It's okay Leslie." I reassured.
"I want my Mom!" She yelled leaning over onto the grass, as She pulled from my grip.
It was almost as if she was a child again. I was shocked at the sight, and a bit saddened by it as well.
"Les, you have me." "I'm not going anywhere."
She snuffled her nose, staying flat on the grass.
I softly caressed her face, from her chin, to around her nose.
I cleared the drainage off and wiped away her tears.
Perhaps she understood and let me do this. Or she was so hurt and couldn't cope that she simply wouldn't do anything to stop me.
I pulled her onto my lap, and kissed her forehead. She seemed to snuggle closer to me, but I could have mistaken it for her just trying to get into a better position.
"It's okay." I said even though I felt like words were meaningless. How could it be okay? Judy is dead, and I can't do a damn thing about it? How fair is that?
I was in this situation in my childhood, and I almost lost a loved one too. Judy wasn't there to help me!
"Shut up Jess" I said to myself, accidentally aloud.
Leslie turned her head at me, and then rested it back down on my lap.
I Sighed. It's not Leslie's fault. Her accident...was an accident. Judy's...was not. She was...
How can I justify that? I questioned myself?
Judy's death was fine, yet my Leslie's wouldn't have been?
No, No. That's not true. I said again. They both are important.
How is it any different? That Judy was just as unlucky, yet didn't make it, and my Leslie did?
I felt horrible, that I'd trade Judy's life for my wife in a second. Only because I couldn't picture my life without Leslie.
It was getting dark, and I felt cold. Even Les's warmth wasn't enough.
I helped Leslie up, and let her lean on me. We walked back to the car, and I drove us home.
She thanked me with a kiss, and headed for bed.
Bill and the Lawyer had already gone, but apparently, The note Bill left showed that they had finished the paperwork, and that the funeral would be taking place this coming Wednesday.
I Sighed once more, and sat down on the bed.
Leslie was facing away from me, as I pulled the covers over.
I wished the coming days wouldn't be so hard for her.
Please review, and I will try to post the next chapter ASAP.