Just wanted to say thanks to those that have been following this story. I appreciate it. The story has grown a little more than originally planned but I'm enjoying it and hope you are too.

Chapter 11

Leslie sipped her tea as she stared out her bedroom window at the blanket of snow that seemed to cover everything in sight. She couldn't remember the last time she saw so much snow. In California she took an occasional trip to the mountains to give snowboarding a try. In southern California, however, you could drive an hour or two and play in the snow then drive another two hours and be at the beach. Millions of people lived there for a reason. The blizzard that pounded Lark Creek and a sizeable chunk of the east coast was real weather. She found it funny that the local television meteorologists seemed almost unhappy that the blizzard didn't quite live up to expectations. There was plenty of snow but it was hardly the apocalyptic storm of the century that forecasters predicted. It was enough to cancel the family reunion holiday that Leslie preferred to miss anyway. In fact it turned into a blessing in disguise. With Christmas only a day away and given the events of the last couple of days Bill and Judy Burke decided to celebrate the holiday with their local family.

In all the years that Leslie, Jess and Kyle knew one another, from their childhood to high school to the present their families rarely ever spent any time together. Leslie always found it odd that the families were not close considering how much time their children spent together. Jess and Kyle, however, found nothing unusual about it. In their eyes it was normal. Leslie smiled imagining what her two friends would say if she told them they were social isolationists; men dwelling in their man caves. In any event the Burke's invited all three families to join them for a holiday meal. It was the first time the three "kids" had been together in years. Jess and Leslie finally becoming a couple was something everyone was happy to see. Leslie found it amusing that everyone continued to tell the couple that "it was about time." It seemed everyone always knew they would be a couple; everyone except Jess and Leslie.

For the first time in years home actually felt like home. Leslie wondered how she ever managed to dread returning. There was part of her that was fearful of the day she had to say goodbye to family, friends and of course Jess. Leslie knew once back in Los Angeles life would return to "normal" and she dreaded it. She never again wanted to drift so far apart from those closest to her that complacently set in. The thought of being away from Jess was excruciating. How could they maintain a relationship so far apart? Long distance romance rarely worked out. She had several friends in college that attempted cross-country love only to see it end, rather painfully at that. Without the physical intimacy of being able to hug, kiss or simply hold hands how were they supposed to grow as a couple? It was inevitable they would drift apart or drift into the arms of someone else.

"For crying out loud Leslie!" she chided herself. "What would Kyle say if he could hear you?" The thought of her friend brought a feeling of both joy and sorrow. He was suffering a horrible pain she couldn't imagine. The shock and terror of combat, the guilt of surviving when others did not, and facing that pain every day was tearing him up inside. The revelation of his planned suicide only drove that point home. It was peculiar that in seeking out his own death he found life. Of all places he found it in Terabithia. The rope broke and by doing so seemed gave Kyle a choice. He could have given up and let the fall kill him. Yet, when he reached that crossroads Kyle Travis proved he was every bit the fighter Leslie knew he was. He didn't give up, he fought to survive. Adding to the bizarre set of circumstances was Leslie and Jess's fortunate arrival in their long lost playground. It was as if Terabithia itself was playing out its part in this drama.

"What would Kyle say?" a voice called from the doorway. Leslie jerked around so fast she nearly dropped her tea-cup.

"Geez Bill, way to scare the crap out of me," she said as her father sat down on her bed.

"Sorry Les just wanted to see how you were doing, didn't mean to eavesdrop." Leslie knew her parents were concerned about here. After witnessing a close friend nearly die they were naturally worried.

"I'm okay just worrying about things." Leslie never had an issue talking to her parents about problems but she felt hesitant now. There was no reason to be perhaps she was just protecting her friends.

"Talk to me kiddo," her father prodded. "I don't get many chances to help my daughter out these days." Leslie smiled it was comforting to see the concern from her father. It was reassuring just knowing her parents worried about her and wanted to help.

"I'm scared of what's going to happen when I go back to California."

"Between you and Jess?

"Yeah, and Kyle…I'm really scared for him dad. I…what if…" It only took the thought of her friend, broken and battered to bring a tear to her eye.

"Kyle's got the two best friends anybody could have," Bill said as he embraced his daughter. "He's got his family and I'm sure he's got friends in the Marines." Though that was all true it didn't ease Leslie's fears.

"He's been through hell. All that violence, so much suffering and he's supposed to just go on living life as though it didn't happen? He was ready to let go and end his life."

"Yes, that's true. But he didn't Les. He fought to survive that fall and then you and Jess saved him. He didn't want to die, his instincts took over and he's alive." Leslie wiped the tear from her eye and finished her tea.

"He's alive but still in the Marines. Once his shoulder and ribs heal they'll just send him overseas again. We can't help him when Jess is here, I'm in California and Kyle is God knows where." It was the thought of Kyle going back to war that scared Leslie the most. She didn't think he could handle another combat tour. It would push him over the edge. Why couldn't they just let him out of the service? He didn't belong there. Why couldn't they see that?

"How much time does Kyle have left in the Marines? Two years?" Bill asked.

"Yeah, something like that."

"Well, his shoulder injury was pretty severe. He has to recover from the surgery which doesn't even factor in the rehabilitation. That alone will take time. I don't think they can send him overseas until he's healed. Not to mention he suffered a concussion and a fractured rib. I think for a few months he will be stateside probably back in San Diego. You'll be able to see him." Leslie smiled at the thought. She remembered giving Kyle a tour of West Hollywood and her college campus when he ventured up the coast to see her. He was like a little kid at Disneyland. The Hollywood walk of fame, the El Capitan Theatre, the corny souvenir shops and the Hollywood sign were all intoxicating to him. Once on campus he was astounded. The only college campus Kyle ever visited was a state school back home and it paled in comparison. The buildings had a distinct European feel surrounded by the lush southern California landscape giving it that wonderful Spanish flair. Leslie could see in his eyes he was in love with it. There was a part of him that wished he had chosen a different path. He never complained though. Kyle wasn't a complainer, it just wasn't him. He enjoyed the experience.

"I took him to this café just outside the campus grounds," Leslie said as her face lit up. "We sat outside drinking lattes and he thought it was the best thing ever. Just sitting there drinking coffee, eating sandwiches. He was so happy." Leslie couldn't help but think both Jess and Kyle could use some time in the warm California sun. "I want to get Jess and Kyle out there at the same time. We could drive up the coast, I can teach Jess to surf and he could get some much needed sun. The boy is awfully pale."

"So do it," Bill said quite simply.

"I don't think it's that easy dad." As she got older Leslie often used "mom" and "dad" in place of her parent's names. She never even realized she was doing it until her parents called her on it; not that it bothered them of course.

"Why is it so hard? Just make it happen."

"Well, Jess lives here, works and goes to school. I'm 3,000 miles away doing the same thing and Kyle is here, there and everywhere." Leslie was making excuses and she knew it. It wasn't like her and she could see her father was clearly not fooled.

"Leslie Burke" he said looking his daughter in the eyes. "I've never known you to back away from anything no matter how hard or difficult it was. You and Jess are a rare find in a world of dysfunction. Throw Kyle into the mix and you've got two people that will always be part of your life. No matter how many friends you have only two or threel, at best, will be true friends."

"True friends?" Leslie asked confused. "What do you mean?" Bill Burke paused for a moment clearly searching for the right words.

"Les, you literally have friends across the world. I have no doubt they are good people and you care about them. But ten years from now most of them will vanish from your life it's just the way it is. People come and go from our lives all the time. But there's something special about the three of you. I mean just look at what you've done in only a few days back home." Leslie had been home less than a week and to say it was eventful was a massive understatement. Kyle orchestrates a reunion for her and Jess which in turn leads to long suppressed feelings coming to the surface and a blossoming romance. Only a day later the new couple found themselves saving their friend from a terrible accident; an accident that prevented Kyle from committing suicide. Yet, in another day they would all come together with family to celebrate the holidays. It was rather remarkable.

"I know we're lucky to have each other. If it had not been for Jess all those years ago I don't know what I would have done. Of course he was stubborn at first but…"
"You won him over." Bill added.

"Yeah I did," Leslie smiled remembering that day in the tree when they first discovered Terabithia. "We almost lost each other though. Kyle made sure we didn't. Who would've thought my two best friends would be guys? On top of that I fall in love in with one of them."

"Well, it took you and Jess long enough."

"Why does everybody keep saying that?" Leslie tried to be serious but couldn't hide her laugh. "I remember when you were scared to death of me dating."

"I still am. I'm always going to see you as my little girl Les no matter how old you are. But I like Jess so it's okay." Leslie laughed out loud. To say her parents liked Jess Aarons was like saying Popeye kind of liked spinach.

"Well, I'm glad you approve of my choice."

"Jess loves you Leslie. I think he's loved you for a long time and I know you feel the same. So, don't worry too much about being apart when you go back to Los Angeles."

"I can't help it," she said turning away. "Just when I want to be with him every minute I'm going to lose him…again."

"Only if you allow it to happen," her father said reassuringly. "Kyle was trying to make a point when he brought you two back together. I hope for his sake you got the message."

"We got the message," Leslie answered with a smile.

"Your mother and I couldn't have asked for a better daughter. I don't think we tell you enough but…we're so proud of you." Leslie felt herself on the verge of tearing up again. She reached out and hugged her father.

"I love you too dad."

"Now come on let's go downstairs. Your little brother is going to have a spasm if we don't let him build a snowman."

Kyle found it a bit disconcerting that the pain in his shoulder seemed worse after the surgery. The pain killers, which he thought the doctor was stingy in giving out, seemed to do little. He couldn't quite understand how anybody got addicted to this stuff when it didn't work. Then again maybe he was just bitching too much. Of course he was. He saw horrific injuries, Marines in agony with no painkiller; screaming on some filthy street thousands of miles from home. He was swinging over some damn creek on his way to kill himself. He didn't know what to make of it all now. How was he supposed to talk to his family? They found the letter he wrote which left the Travis household with an awkward atmosphere. His parents were at a loss as to what to do or what to say. They treated him like a valuable antique; afraid to touch for fear of breaking it. Kyle didn't blame them. He put them in a tough situation; not just his family but his friends. He had not seen Jess or Leslie since the accident. He had no idea what they thought of his letter let alone the diary. He was starting to wish he just destroyed the diary. It was one thing to have those close to you know your darkest thoughts when you were dead; it was another matter entirely knowing you would see them again. Kyle wanted to see his friends again, he wanted to reconnect with his family but it scared the hell out of him.

Kyle was happy the blizzard didn't live up to the hype. It only closed the major roads for a day though many of Lark Creeks less traveled roads were still a challenge. Nonetheless he found himself back home in the comfort of his own room only a day after surgery. The doctors didn't seem overly concerned with the concussion. Even after learning he had suffered a concussion less than a year earlier they brushed it aside. Kyle didn't care the less time spent in the hospital the better. Military or civilian it was a place he preferred to stay away from if possible. He climbed out of his bed and sat down at his desk. There were several text messages on his phone, all from Jess. His friend was giving him updates on the holiday celebration. He only heard that morning of the planned festivities at the Burke home. He found himself curiously looking forward to it. Perhaps he just wanted to see his friends, which he did. Perhaps he just wanted to have a Christmas with family and friends in Lark Creek instead of on a Marine Base or in a war zone. Then again maybe it was just the concussion talking. Whatever the reason he was happy and that was an odd feeling.

Kyle could tell the messages from Jess were influenced by his other half. Jess was probing for answers, wanting reassurance Kyle was comfortable enough to attend the party. If he was in too much pain or just wanted to stay home he didn't have to come. Kyle smiled he could hear Leslie's voice asking the questions. She was doing her best to protect him, not force him into an uncomfortable position. He appreciated the thought but he wasn't going to miss this holiday. He knew those painful memories and the dark places they took him were still there; they weren't going to go away and he would have to face those demons again but for the moment he was going to enjoy the respite. Kyle quickly replied to Jess's messages wondering why his friend was up so early. Most likely he was going to brave the roads to see Leslie. Kyle couldn't blame him. He would do the same. Glancing over at his clock he quickly realized it wasn't early at all.

"Sleeping in late what's gotten into me," he joked. Even on days off Kyle rarely slept late. He was hard-wired to rise at dawn. Even in high school he seldom slept in on the weekend. The remedy was obvious he needed coffee. If there was one thing he looked forward to it was that first cup in the morning. Of course that would mean going downstairs and facing his family. He didn't want to make them uncomfortable or himself for that matter. Then again if he was going to face a whole houseful of people for a Christmas party he better get used to being uncomfortable. Suddenly the thought of a roomful of people, all likely well aware of his suicidal intentions, became terrifying. Maybe Leslie's concern was justified. Crowds tended to make him uncomfortable anyway. Then again the party would be small in number and Jess and Leslie would be there so…

"Okay that's enough Kyle," he said putting his phone down. "I'm going and that's that." As he got out of his chair Kyle noticed a familiar object sitting on the edge of his desk. It was resting on a folded piece of paper. "I'll be damned." Kyle picked it up and examined it like a fine jewel. It was his eagle, globe and anchor. The very one he received after completing the crucible, earning the right to be called Marine. He forgot he had given it to Leslie that night on the playground. He unfolded the paper that accompanied it. The handwriting was instantly recognizable.

"Kyle, I forgot to give you back your Marine Corps pendant. If you ever think you're a fraud just remember what you did after the rope broke. You fought to live. You didn't give up. A Marine doesn't give up and you are a Marine. See you soon. Leslie

"Thanks Les," he said staring at the pendant. Leave it to Leslie Burke to find the right words at the right time. She must have left it with his parents. Kyle slowly climbed out of his chair. His fractured rib seemed capable of causing pain regardless of what he was doing. Between the shoulder and rib taking off a shirt was next to impossible. Not to mention the nifty shoulder sling the hospital gave him had so many Velcro straps he wasn't sure he could get it back on if he took it off. Kyle grabbed a change of clothes and began the ordeal. "Hard to believe I can …field strip an M4 with my eyes closed but…can't…change my damn clothes." Kyle felt exhausted and all he had done was change his shirt. "Well, the pants should be easier." By the time he finished Kyle felt sweat dripping down his forehead. "I need a shower now." He collapsed onto his bed and felt like falling back asleep. Nobody would begrudge him for sleeping all day; after all the pain killers were supposed to make him sleepy which is about all they did. As he began to drift off to sleep his hyper vigilant nose sniffed out that most delicious of aromas.

"Coffee," he inhaled deeply and could practically taste it. "God bless you Juan Valdez; you and your donkey." Kyle wiggled his way off the bed and rushed to the door giving himself a head rush. His sister must have brewed another pot. She was the only other coffee drinker in the family. He might even be able to suffer one of her "light" organic Costa Rican smooth blends. For someone who lived in the unforgiving hustle of New York City Cathy Travis had all the hallmarks of a southern Californian; as much as she embraced the big apple he felt she would be more at home in Los Angeles or perhaps America's finest city, San Diego. He meant to tell her that. That of course would wait until after that first cup. He groggily made his way down the stairs and into the kitchen. To his surprise he was greeted by the smiling faces of his parents, his sister an unexpected but welcome guest.

"Hey Jess,"

"You know for a Marine you wake up awfully late," Jess said giving his friend a gentle hug.

"Cut me some slack I've had a tough couple days. This sling isn't for decoration you know. Now I can't help but notice I'm the only one not drinking coffee." Even Kyle's parents laughed at their son's quick wit. He was putting them all at ease and wanted it to stay that way. Of course he still wanted the coffee.

"Here you go little brother," Cathy said handing him a huge mug emblazoned with a very loud "I love NY" on it. Kyle smiled and took that first delicious sip. The taste was bold, strong and full flavored. It permeated his senses. The aroma, the dark rich flavor all combined to make a good cup of coffee.

"Bless you my child you chose the bold blend."

"I figured you would need it, given the surgery and all."

"The coffee is perfect the propaganda disguised as a mug on the other hand…"

"I like New York Kyle you're just going to have to accept that."

"I'm telling you Cathy you're really a southern Californian at heart. You just have to give it a chance." The two loved playing up their east coast versus west coast rivalry.

"You're both from Lark Creek and that will always be your home and that's enough." Kyle's mother interjected as she led her husband and daughter out of the kitchen leaving the two friends alone.

"You didn't tell me you were coming by?" Kyle asked as he nearly burned his mouth by gulping his coffee. "I thought you'd be over at Leslie's."

"I'm headed over there, going to stop by and see my parents too but I figured I would stop by and pick you up."

"Pick me up? Am I going with you?"

"Of course, you can help us set up for the party tomorrow. Besides Leslie's worried about you. You know how she is."

"I kind of picked up on that from the text messages."

"We're all worried Kyle but we don't want to push you into anything. If you don't want to go you don't have to."

"Don't worry Jess if anything I'm grateful. I've got to pull myself together before I report back to San Diego. Besides it's not like I've seen much you or Leslie in the last few years."

"What happens when you go back? I mean how do you explain the injury?"

"The injury was an accident I don't have to tell them why I was out in the woods. I'll be on light duty until it heals which isn't such a bad thing."

"A fortunate accident huh?"

"In more ways than one. I'm just lucky you guys were out there. What were you and Leslie doing out there anyway?" It was something Kyle was curious about ever since the incident. Fate must have been shining on him to bring his two closest friends to his aid at just the right moment.

"Well, Leslie and I just wanted to go out for a walk, you know be alone." Though the answer seemed plausible enough Kyle felt his friend was holding back. However, he saw no need to press for an answer. The reason was irrelevant they were there when he needed help; that was enough.

"I can understand you two wanting some time alone. I guess I kind of ruined that huh?"

"You sure did. I've only been in love with this girl forever. We've barely spoke the last year or two and all I wanted was a nice, romantic walk," Jess replied as seriously as he could muster.

"Well, somehow I think the two of you are going to be fine. Besides you've still got plenty of time before she heads back to LA."

"That's true and speaking of Leslie you ready?"

"Let me grab my coat."

Kyle felt surprisingly better once they were on the road. The roads were a little tricky but nothing impassable. The bright white snow that covered everything was incredibly refreshing. It was the complete opposite of the desert he came from. The snow felt clean and reminded him of all that was good about home. He wanted to hold onto that feeling. He was starting to feel hopeful again. Of course his emotions had been a roller coaster lately and he knew the feeling wouldn't last. That was no reason to ruin the moment though.

"Looks like Leslie's little brother forced her outside," Jess said as they pulled into the driveway. In the front yard a bundled up Leslie was helping her brother outfit their newly constructed snowman. Kyle looked over at Jess and could see how mesmerized he was by her. He felt a twinge of jealously. What must it be like to find your best friend and the love of your life in the 5th grade? Kyle often wondered what they were like those two years before he met them. When they came into his life it was obvious even at that age they were kindred spirits. Over the years Kyle realized how lucky he was to be along for the ride. For all the tragedy that occupied the last year of his life seeing his two best friends hopelessly in love was very gratifying. As soon as Leslie saw them in the truck she immediately flashed that famous smile and gave a wave.

"Well don't keep her waiting Jess," Kyle prodded. "I'll be along shortly. Just need to tighten my sling." Kyle watched as Jess nearly strangled himself trying to exit the pick-up without unbuckling his seat belt. "Seat belts are supposed to save lives Jess," he joked reaching over and releasing his friends harness. "Now go forth young man your lady awaits." Jess, though embarrassed, smiled and stepped out into the snow to give his girlfriend a hug. Norman Rockwell couldn't have painted a better scene than the one playing out before him. Leslie's little brother was desperately trying to get the adults to pay attention to him. Years from now the scene could easily repeat itself but instead of Matthew Leslie and Jess would have their own child. That would be something to see. Kyle hoped to be there to see it.