Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to the story Bridge to Terabithia

I am just a fan of one of the most emotionally powerful books that I have ever read.

Chapter 2

"Hey Jesse are you feeling ok?"

"Yeah… I ah… I'm ok I just stubbed my toe is all, and it hurts like hell." He sucked up his tears and stopped crying.

"Well, that's no reason to scream at May Belle."

"Oh you heard that?"

"Well yeah, the whole town heard it," she laughed. Jesse was happy to hear her laugh, and overjoyed to hear her voice.

"So Jess you ready to go?"

"Go?"

"Yeah, to Washington, remember, Bill's taking us, you know to the museums and stuff. Don't tell me you forgot."

"Oh no I didn't forget."

He hadn't really forgotten. He didn't really want to go. Museums sounded boring and besides Bill still made him nervous. He was just going to tell Leslie that his parents wouldn't let him go. But that was yesterday, before that weird dream. Now you couldn't keep him away. He was going at any cost.

"Leslie hold on a minute, ok?"

"Yeah ok." He tossed the phone on the bed and went to ask permission. On his way to his parent's room he found May Belle crying. She backed away from him as he approached her. She was still afraid of him.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you May Belle, I guess I just had a bad dream, will you forgive me…please?" May Bell couldn't stay angry with Jesse and accepted his apology. Jesse gave his little sister a big hug and kissed her on the cheek. Then he hurried on to his parent's room.

"Mum… Mum," he whispered.

"Oh Jess? What is it?" his mother asked as she rolled on to her side propping herself up on her elbow. "What's going on with you and May Belle, why were you yelling at her?"

"I'm sorry I just stubbed my toe is'all, and…um…I'm sorry."

She looked up at Jess, she was yawning, sleep still holding on to her, her eyes droopy.

"I forgot to ask you yesterday," he said. " Leslie's father is taking her to Washington today and they asked if I could go with them, can I go… please?"

"What about your chores?"

"I'll do them before I go, so can I go please? It will be, like… educational. Please, can I go?"

"Ok," she said, "as long as you get your chores done you can go." She smiled at him and lay back down again.

"Don't worry I will," He ran back to his room. He tapped May Belle on the head as he ran by her.

"Hey," she cried, "cut that out, that hurt." Then she smiled to herself, she knew it was just a love tap from her brother.

"Hey Leslie, you still there?"

"Yeah, it took you long enough."

"I had to apologize to May Belle for yelling at her."

"So," Leslie asked, "can you go?"

"Yeah, but I have to do my chores first, I should be ready by nine, is that ok?" Jess heard her call Bill, she muffled the phone so he couldn't hear what they were saying, and then Leslie was back.

"Yeah, Bill says that's fine, we'll be over at nine to pick you up."

"Ok, I'll see you then, goodbye."

"Goodbye Jesse."

What a weird morning this has been. He was thinking about that strange dream he had about Miss. Edmunds, and Leslie dying. Try as he might he couldn't shake it away, the visions and scenes were so vivid and real; they haunted and frightened him.

The day after Easter, last Monday, was the last time they had been to Terabithia; it had been raining. Leslie had insisted they go there even though it was pouring rain. Everything was fine until they saw the creek and how high the water had gotten. Jesse was afraid to swing across. He wasn't going to tell Leslie about his fear so he just closed his eyes and grit his teeth and swung over there; he did the same on the return trip. But coming back he felt a tiny jolt in the rope like it slipped or something, he wasn't sure if he imagined it or not but it worried him. Leslie seemed unfazed by the danger Jesse felt there. So for the rest of the week Jesse had managed to dissuade Leslie from going there and today, Thursday, she was going to Washington with her father. He had been invited to go but didn't want to. He felt that with Leslie away for the day he wouldn't need to worry about her swinging on that rope. But now, after that dream, he had to be with her, he had to be near her.

He raced through his chores, had breakfast, cleaned up, got dressed and was ready and waiting with ten minutes to spare when Bill pulled up the driveway.

"The Burke's are here Mum, I'm going now."

His mother came up to him and said, "my you look nice." She handed him some money, "here take this, and have a good time." He knew she had raided the food budget money to give him this. He looked at it in his hand and smiling up at her said, "thanks mum," he hugged her, then turned, went out the door and ran to Bill's car. The heavy rains of that week had tuned to light drizzle under a slate gray sky. The air was warm and it looked like it might clear soon.

As Jesse slid into the back seat next to Leslie, Bill said, "Hi Jess I'm glad you could join us."

"Thank you for taking me Mr. Bur…I mean Bill," then turning to face Leslie he said, "Hey Leslie."

"Hi Jess." They smiled at one another.

Jess sat close to Leslie, He was staring at her and it made her feel a bit uncomfortable. Bill turned on the radio to a classical music station and said,

"I thought since we are embarking on a day of cultural exploration we should have the proper music to accompany it."

"Oh yay classical music," Leslie mocked, turning to Jesse she pointed her fingers at her mouth making a gagging gesture, Jesse laughed.

"Hey don't make fun of my music," Bill said, with a little chuckle. Jesse was still smiling at Leslie, and still staring at her.

"Are you ok Jess? You're acting weird, what's going on?"

"Oh… nothing," he said and leaned in close to her. He breathed in deeply, taking in her freshly scrubbed scent; it was intoxicating.

"What are you doing?" Leslie asked, looked shocked at his behavior. She pulled back away from him, leaning up against the door; her face screwed up in puzzled bewilderment.

"You smell good," he said dreamy eyed, and still leaning in on her. He made a goofy face at her, with his tongue hanging out panting like a little dog.

"Oh yeah," she said laughing, " well, you just smell."

"Hey you, that's not nice." Jesse lunged at her and tickled her making her convulse in laughter as she fought him off saying, "stop… stop."

Bill looked in his rearview mirror at them and joked

"Unhand my daughter you fiend." Then he laughed to himself.

Jesse let go of Leslie feeling embarrassed and a little scared of Bill.

Touching her was magic. She was solid; she was real. His fears and anxieties from earlier faded a bit but they weren't completely gone.

He couldn't get enough of Leslie, as fascinating as the museums and the artwork were; Leslie was even more fascinating. She was the subject he was most interested in. He liked watching her. Like a masterpiece painting he admired her. He had to touch her; he'd put his arm around her or hold on to her hand at every opportunity. Everything about her delighted him. But those thoughts of losing her stuck in his mind, and he wondered why.

He stayed by her side every minute; he almost followed her into the bathroom.

"Um Jess," she said, " you have wait here, this is the ladies room."

"Oh," he said, and turned bright red. Bill laughed, Jesse's actions that day hadn't gone unnoticed to him.

"I see you really like my daughter, huh Jess." Bill said with a stern look on his face.

Jess stiffened not knowing what to make of that comment, was he angry with him he wondered.

"Yes sir," he said nervously, "I…I ah do, I like her very much."

"She loves you, you know…oops," Bill's hand went to his mouth.

"I shouldn't have said that, I shouldn't be telling you this, she'd kill me. Oh well, anyway, she does care about you very deeply, now don't tell her I told you so, ok?"

"Yeah, ok," he said and smiled up at Bill just as Leslie was coming toward them.

"What are you two plotting?" she asked as she joined them, "You both look guilty."

Bill and Jess flashed each other their guilty smiling glances.

She loves me, he thought, wow she loves me.

After this day, this real day with Leslie, he was cured of his crush on Miss. Edmunds. Today was so much better than his fantasy date with her. Leslie was real; she was the best. She looked great, and she smelled great, she was perfect. Today was the best day of his life, but that dream still haunted him. In a strange way he felt like he had been given a second chance with Leslie, it was an eerie feeling. But things were good now; things were very good.

On the way home from Washington they stopped at a small family style restaurant where Bill bought them dinner. Leslie slid into the booth and Jess slid in after her, Bill sat opposite them. Jesse squeezed in close to Leslie adoring her. After ordering, Bill excused himself and went off to the restroom. Once he was out of sight Leslie looked at Jess and said,

"What's with you? You've been acting weird all day, are you feeling all right? Are you sure you stubbed your toe this morning and not you head?"

"Huh? What do you mean? I just enjoy your company is'all. I mean you are my best friend after all."

"I am?"

"Of course you are, I thought you knew that?"

"I guess I did," she said smiling at him and giggling. When Bill returned they talked about their day in Washington over a leisurely meal.

Bill drove up the road that led to his house and to the Aarons' house beyond.

"You can drop me at your house, I don't mind walking home." Jess said, he didn't want to put Bill out of his way.

"You sure Jess? It's no problem." Bill said.

"No really I'd like to walk, it's a nice night." The drizzle from earlier in the day had given way to clear skies, there was a slight breeze but the air was warm and smelled of spring.

"Ok then," Bill said and pulled up into his driveway. They got out of the car and Jess thanked Bill for taking him to Washington. Bill shook Jesse's hand and said, " your welcome Jess, any time."

Then Bill went inside leaving Jess and Leslie alone to say their good-byes.

It was getting dark and Jess knew he should be heading home. He wanted to spend a few more minutes with Leslie. He really didn't want to let her out of his sight at all. He worried, and that silly dream was still haunting him.

"So I'm your best friend huh." She said, Taking his hands and facing him. They stood there in silence. An awkward moment passing between them. Jess wasn't sure what he should do, or say. The warm spring breeze ruffled Leslie's hair and with the porch light shining behind her it gave the illusion of a halo; she appeared to Jess as an angel. All he could do was stare at her.

Then, too soon for his liking, Bill was at the door.

"Time to come in Leslie, it's getting late and Jess should be going home."

"Ok dad, " she said and turned back to face Jess, " parents can be a real pain." Then she quickly leaned toward Jess and kissed him on the cheek. Jess was stunned. Leslie smiled at him released his hands and said, "good night Jesse." She ran up the steps to the front porch and disappeared into the house. Jesse stared after her as he put his hand to his cheek where she had kissed him. Now he knew he loved her. He had to force himself to move, it was late and he should be home.

When he got home they weren't even mad at him. He worried they would be since he was so late.

"Mr. Burke just called to say you'd be home soon," his mother said, "So how was your trip to Washington? We want to hear all about it."

Jess related the events of the day omitting the details about Leslie of course.

Even his sisters, Ellie and Brenda seemed interested and listened to his stories. He felt important and knowledgeable. The Aarons family was in awe of Jesse, there was something special about him, something different, something important, they all felt it, even his dumb sisters could feel it.

Jesse couldn't get to sleep that night. It was that dream, it wouldn't let him go. Like a horrible accident, the more he wanted to look away from it the more he was drawn to it, he just couldn't put it out of his mind. It was growing bigger and bigger, it was driving him crazy.

He knew Leslie was safe at home now and she wouldn't be going out and swinging on that rope tonight. But he knew she would want to go there tomorrow. He had to stop her and he had to put an end to that torturous dream. Then it occurred to him what he had to do. He got out of bed and put on his clothes.

It was just about midnight when he crept downstairs to the kitchen. Going to the knife drawer he took one of his mothers carving knives, the big one with the sharp wide blade and heavy wood handle. Then he went to the cupboard and took the emergency flashlight. He headed out the back door as quietly as he could go, and started walking down the road toward the Burke's house.

Leslie was having similar troubles sleeping. She was worried about Jesse, something was bothering her friend and she sensed he wasn't telling her everything. She was restless, and anxious, and pacing around in her room thinking, when she saw a flash of light outside. Looking out her window she saw someone coming up the road with a flashlight. Who could that be, she wondered. Who would be out at this time of night? There was a bright, almost full, moon out that night and it cast enough light for her to see the figure. Whoever it was switched off the flashlight as they neared her house. As the figure approached she saw something glinting in the moonlight. It caught a moonbeam and flashed it up into her eyes.

"A knife!" she gasped, and the person carrying it is…is, "Jesse."

She panicked, what is he doing. Where is he going, and why is he carrying a knife?

"Oh no, he's going to kill himself! That's why he was acting so weird today he was planning to commit suicide, OH MY GOD! I have to stop him."

Leslie grabbed a pair of sweat pants and pulled them on, she put on a pair of trainers and quickly laced them. She grabbed a sweatshirt and flew down the stairs as quickly and quietly as she could go. She was out the door and tracking Jesse in an instant.

He was heading there, to Terabithia, she was sure of it; he was going to do it there. "Why Jesse?" she was crying. Should she run up to him and confront him? Her heart was in her throat, no not while he still held the knife it could be dangerous. She didn't know what to do. Maybe she should have wakened Bill and Judy, it's too late to think of that now. "What am I going to do?" her mind was racing as she followed her friend.

She reasoned that he would have to put the knife down to get the rope. She wondered how he would swing over there holding the knife. Maybe he would toss it to the other side before he swung on the rope. That would be good she thought, then she could grab him and the knife would be out of reach.

She kept her distance as she followed him. Staying in the shadows and darting from tree to bush, zigzagging down the road. Jesse kept to his determined pace. Any other night Leslie would have been terrified to be out here in the dark, but tonight the only thing on her mind was Jesse. Fortunately there was a light breeze that rustled the leaves of the trees in the forest, masking any sounds Leslie might make.

At one point, as they past through the open field, Leslie tripped and fell, a tiny gasp escaped her lips. She saw Jesse stop and turn. She flattened herself on the cold wet ground as the light from Jesse's flashlight shone in her eyes, and played over her body. He continued to search with his light.

"Good he hadn't seen me," she sighed in relief. Jess turned off the light and continued on a little faster. She stumbled after him; she was wet and muddy now from lying in the field grass, yuck.

Jesse was nervous, and now he was hearing things. He was so frightened out here all alone, but he had to go through with it, there was no turning back now. His mind was made up and nothing was going to deter him. The light from the moon was casting grotesque shadows all around him. He imagined monsters at every turn, he was trembling with fear, but he had to go through with it. Just a few more minutes and he would be there, and then a few more minutes after that and it will be all over.

Jesse entered the woods at the far end of the pasture and disappeared among the trees and shrubbery. Leslie tried to close the distance between them. She dodged from tree to tree hiding in the darkness of the shadows. What would she do without Jesse, she knew she loved him, she couldn't imagine life without him. She had to stop him at any cost.

She was also becoming angry with him. How could he go off and kill himself? His family didn't seem that bad, his father yelled at him but didn't hit him or anything. Sometimes his family was weird about stuff but they did seem to care about one another. And school? There wasn't anything really awful there that she could think of. After all she was there to help him and they had Terabithia to retreat to for strength. Was it her, She wondered, did he hate her? She didn't think so, not after he was so clingy and touchy feely with her all day.

So why would he do it? She couldn't think of a single reason.

The rope swing was just ahead; Leslie closed in even more coming up as close as she dared. Jesse was at the banks of the creek now, standing just beneath the rope. She could see from where she was hiding that the creek was still running high. The water swirling and rushing on down stream.

That's weird, she thought, he's just standing there staring at the rope.

Is he having second thoughts? Maybe he'll turn around and go home and forget about killing himself. Please, she thought, don't do it, go home Jess, please turn around and go home. She closed her eyes tight and willed him to hear her plea.

Then opening her eyes she saw Jesse shining his flashlight on the rope. He followed it with his light, examining it. He pointed it to the top of the rope illuminating where it was tied to the limb. She watched as he Slowly followed the limb with his light back down to the trunk and then on down to the ground. "What is he doing?" She whispered to herself.

Leslie crept slowly, quietly toward Jess, keeping deep in the shadows; She wanted to get into position to pounce on him as soon as he let go of that knife.

"Let go of the knife Jess, come on drop the knife," she whispered to herself.

He would probably hate her for stopping him, but she didn't care. If he hated her for the rest of his life at least he would have a life.

She was almost on top of him now. He was so engrossed he had lost all awareness of his surroundings, he had only one focus. Leslie could have thrashed around behind him and he wouldn't have noticed.

She was becoming impatient, to hell with the knife, she thought, she was just going to jump out and grab him anyway, knife or not. She hoped that in being surprised he would either drop the knife or she could wrest it from him before he knew what was happening.

"Ok," she said to herself, " ready…set…one …two…wait!" What's he doing now? He was walking toward the base of the tree that the rope hung from. When he was at the trunk he looked up into the tree, shining his light up into it. He seemed to be studying it. After about a minute he switched the light off and put the flashlight down, then with the knife in his left hand he began to climb up into the tree. Leslie was bewildered as she watched Jess climb higher. She followed him with her eyes as he shinnied out on to the limb that held the enchanted rope. He was right there on top of the rope now, his legs wrapped tightly around the limb. He swapped the knife into his right hand, and wrapped his left arm around the limb and held on tight.

Leslie gasped as he started sawing at the rope. Jess stopped for a second and looked in her direction, she held her breath and went rigid, he looked right at her but he didn't see her. He turned quickly back to his work, feverishly cutting.

"Come on," she heard him say to himself, "cut!" The rope was tough. It was hard to cut, it was taking longer then he anticipated. His arm got tired and he had to take a break; he was sweating and his breathing was heavy. He tried switching hands but he couldn't get a good angle with his left, so he continued to saw and slice using his right. After several breaks, and several bouts of sawing and slicing the last few strands let go, the rope still held. He threw the knife to the ground and yanked at the rope a few times. Finally he was able to free it almost falling out of the tree himself. Leslie held both hands over her mouth to muffle her gasps of fear. She watched the rope crumple up and fall into the fast moving water of the creek and wash away down stream.

Jesse climbed back down out of the tree. He made it about half way to the ground when he slipped and Leslie watched in horror as he tumbled into the creek, "splash." She ran toward him coming to the top of the embankment. Looking down she saw Jess emerge from the muddy swirling water. He uttered the "S" word ending in "it" and waded toward the shore. She quickly retreated to her hiding place in the dark shadows of the thicket.

Leslie watched as he came up the embankment, his clothes were soaking wet and he was covered in mud and muck, vegetation hanging from him, yuck. He walked with his arms extended looking like a zombie, the swamp monster. She had to stop herself from laughing out loud; he looked ridiculous. That combined with the fact that he hadn't come here to kill himself, and he wasn't hurt in the fall left her feeling giddy with relief. At least now she wasn't the only one wet and muddy, Jesse was a much bigger mess then she was.

Leslie hid watching Jess collect his flashlight and pick up the knife. She heard his muffled voice as he continued to curse himself for falling in the creek. She wanted to jump out at him and laugh, and hug him, but she thought better of that idea, she thought, better not let Jess know I was here at all. She was wondering now, why did he cut down the rope? It didn't make any sense to her. He must have a good reason, though, but she couldn't think of any.

Following him home she kept her distance and stayed in the shadows.

When he came up to her house he stopped. He tucked the flashlight under his left arm freeing his right hand and turned to face her house. He blew a kiss up to her window. Leslie's heart melted and a smile spread across her face and with a tear in her eye she whispered, "I love you Jesse Aarons."

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