Jess, however much he tried to convince himself that she wasn't real, was overjoyed to see Leslie again. Even if she was only part of his imagination, she was once again all his. He could talk to her again, he could laugh with her again….who cared if everyone thought he was crazy in the process.
"Leslie, wait up," he said reaching out to grab her arm. To his surprise, his hand sank right through her.
"Leslie, you're like," Jess searched for the right word, "air," he finally said a bit lamely.
"I know. But be quiet. I have an idea," Leslie said before hurrying on. After a few minutes, the two were back in Terabithia. Leslie was pacing up and down and Jess was sitting on a tree stump and watching her.
"Ok, I think I understand!" she finally proclaimed. Jess stood up.
"So, what is it?"
"Not here. We must go to the sacred grove," Leslie whispered.
"As you wish, O Queen," Jess said solemnly. The Jess of earlier had disappeared completely. He was now once again a ruler of Terabithia with Leslie.
"O, spirits!" Leslie began in a powerful voice. "Beseech me thou, that thou will let me stay on in your presence."
"Their presence?" Jess whispered.
"Be quiet. You'll anger them," Leslie whispered back. The two were quiet for a long time. Finally Leslie said, "They will allow me to stay. Can you hear them?"
Jess nodded serenely.
Leslie nodded her thanks and then left the sacred grove; Jesse at her heels.
"What was all that about?" Jess asked.
"I figure, since I died in Terabithia, my soul would remain in Terabithia. Go on, touch me again," Leslie prompted. Jess frowned but did as he was told. He placed his hand on Leslie's shoulder. It was human flesh again.
"This is too weird," Jess said.
"I know," Leslie agreed but in a delightful tone.
"So as long as you're in Terabithia….you're alive?" Jess asked. Leslie smiled.
"It seems like that." Jess smiled and hugged her. Leslie awkwardly returned it.
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