Bridge to Love
Chapter 4
A/N: Hey Everybody! I am sooooo sorry for not updating sooner, I have been absolutely swamped with school work! am highly impressed with the number of reviews I received, you people are awesome! :) I hope you enjoy the chapter and the wait was worth it! So on with the story!
Jess POV:
No Trespassing. My eyes scanned the sign over and over again, but I am not sure if I truly comprehended it. I didn't understand it. This was our place; they couldn't just kick us out! I looked towards the direction I knew Leslie was standing and I saw the expression on her face that I am sure was similar to my own. She just looked on and on, her gaze never wavering, the only sound present was the sound of our labored breathing. Just as I was sure I saw her begin to tear up, she turned her attention towards me at last. At that moment I wasn't sure whether I wanted to be angry, be silent, or just break down and cry. I decided on none of the above, for Leslie needed me now. Without a word spoken, I pulled her into my chest and felt her immediately relax from her tensed state. Something about the position just felt so right, yet at the same time, nothing in the world scared me more. After a few moments longer, reluctantly, holding her by the shoulders, I gently pushed her away from me and once again looked her in the eye.
"Come on." I said to her in a voice I scarcely recognized as my own. "Let's talk to our parents, maybe they will know what is going on." I watched as she nodded mechanically in reply. As we walked off, I took one long glance behind us at Terabithia wishing for the familiar forest to somehow come back to life and the Terabithians to make their presence known; but the magic was gone now. The magic had disappeared the moment Leslie had fallen into the raging river, that was now back to its normal mild self. As far as either of us knew, Terabithia was never coming back.
The walk back to our homes was long and dreary compared to the adrenaline rush of the former race. The majority of the stroll was spent in thoughtful silence, not that either of us really minded, for we were too emotion filled for much idle chatter. When at last we reached the end of the dirt path and spotted our homes, we unconsciously began to walk at a faster stride which turned into a slow jog, and then a speedy run. At last we reached the split between our houses.
"You ask your parents and I will ask mine." Leslie told me, speaking for the first time since we left Terabithia.
"Meet me here in ten minutes," I replied before hastening home.
"Dad? Mom?" I yelled as I rushed through the front door, "Where are you?" Only a few moments later, my mother appeared in view from the kitchen holding my littlest sister, Joyce Ann.
"What is it Jesse? My mother inquired looking concerned surely remembering the last time I burst into the house like this. Catching my breath, I tried to calm my beating heart.
"Did you know the woods have been blocked off?" My mother's expression relaxed instantly, "Oh, of course." She looked at me in a way that was almost scolding "Goodness Jesse! I thought someone was hurt or something, you shouldn't scare me like that. Besides, you shouldn't be back there anymore."
"Sorry mum, but why?" I still couldn't understand why someone would go to such lengths to ensure we didn't return.
"Well it wasn't my doing." My mom replied slightly distracted with Joyce Ann who was squirming in her arms. "I believe the Burkes are the ones who had it blocked off." Sighing I muttered a quick thanks before heading to the kitchen. Quickly to grabbing an apple for breakfast that would hopefully satisfy my growling stomach. A few minutes later I walked back toward the road to wait for Leslie.
Leslie's POV:
After I saw Jessie begin to head toward his house, I turned around and jogged the short distance to mine. When I reached the door, I swung it open only to become face to face with my father.
"Dad!" I exclaimed jumping a little in surprise.
"Where on earth have you been young lady!" My father yelled at me. He never yells at me.
"I- I just went to the woods, w-with Jess" I replied stumbling slightly over my words from shock at his reaction.
"The woods!" He shrieked his face turning scarlet. He glanced back behind him and his eyes met with those of my mother who I had just noticed was standing a short distance back. With a silent exchange and a long sigh he once again turned around to face me, his face softer then before.
"Listen," He said his voice returning to his normal tone. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you. But we need to talk."
"It's alright." I gave in. He looked down for a few long moments and then hesitantly lifted his eyes to meet mine.
"Leslie... We're moving."
A/N: I Know I know! I left you on a cliffhanger, ya'll must really hate me now! Anyways, I will try to update by next friday. Thanks so much for all the reviews! They keep me writing :)