Strawberry Fields

Part 1

A Bridge to Terabithia Ficlet

Author's notes:

Yes, folks, I've started to do a multi-part ficlet. This time, it's not so much the length of the concept, conversations, or general flow of the story that warrant splitting the chapter. But my energy level today wasn't as high as before. I could post these at a later time, but I feel I owe it to readers, and especially to those who have been reviewing my works. I find that encouraging, and I am grateful.

The usual disclaimers still apply.

There comes a time in a young man's life when decisions have to be made. Tough decisions. And so, as Jesse Aarons, Jr. sat at his bedside, he pondered on what he would make of this decision facing him right now. It could be life-altering. It could mean success or failure. With the prospect of that decision affecting his best friend Leslie Burke, it could even mean something more serious.

He was sweating quite profusely, although the morning air was chilly. Cold sweat ran from his brow to his neck, and he nervously wiped his face with the back of his hand.

Plain or plaid? Jess thought to himself.

I must ask dad's help about this.

He must decide!

Exactly one week prior, Jess happily ambled over to his next door neighbor's house early in the morning. Knocking on the door, he didn't really expect his best friend, Leslie Burke, to be up and about already. And so, indeed, she was still dead to the world, and her father, Bill, was the one who welcomed Jess into their homely abode.

That Saturday morning was like any other. Judy was preparing breakfast--something simple this time from what Jess could smell: bacon, eggs and toast. Bill already held his usual mug of long black as he led Jess through the hallways to the kitchen table. "Breakfast, Jess?" He asked the boy, knowing he always appreciated having meals at the Burkes'.

"Sure. Thanks, Bill! I'd love that."

"Great. Just help yourself, all right?"

While the Burkes were a household of three, Jess noticed that they always set service for four during mealtimes. A place was always reserved for him. What a thoughtful family, he thought, helping himself to two strips of bacon and a piece of toast. Bill poured Jess a cup of drip-brewed coffee, which he gladly accepted. Bill preferred espresso based drinks, himself, but knew Jess was more of a drip brew kind of guy.

"So when are you gonna try espresso, Jess? You can at least start by adding some water to make things a bit milder." Bill chided.

"I don't think I'm ready yet, Bill. But it definitely smells good," Jess answered, as he thought of the rich, thick aroma that filled the house whenever Bill prepared his coffee. It was bitter, yet sweet.

"Just tell me when, son."

Jess loved it when Bill called him "son."

"I'll go upstairs and wake Leslie up, Jess," Judy told the boy, who was contentedly munching on crispy bacon and toast.

"No hurries, Judy. I wouldn't want her to be cranky this morning!" Jess smiled.

"It's nine in the morning, and I think late Saturday mornings are beginning to be a habit for Leslie already!" Judy called out as she headed to the stairs.

And as Judy was out of earshot, Jess thought he'd take the opportunity to talk to Bill about something important.

"Um, Bill," he started. "I'd like to ask you something."

"Shoot."

"Uh, I was thinking ... about Leslie, that is ... I mean, i-if it was all right if we went out sometime."

"You mean on a date?" Bill exclaimed, with an amused grin.

"Uh, yessir," Jess said mutedly, looking toward the direction of the staircase, just in case someone else might hear.

"So you're asking my permission to take my daughter out?" Bill's eyebrows met, and he was now giving Jess an examining look, with which the boy felt as if he were a specimen under a microscope.

"Yessir. That is, if it's okay. And I haven't actually asked her yet, but I plan to," Jesse replied worriedly, thinking Bill would disapprove.

"Jess, you're practically family," Bill replied. "I don't think there's anything wrong with that. You kids are probably a bit too young for some stuff that older teenagers do and go to, but I think you and Leslie would be fine doing whatever suits your age. Remember, just enjoy things while you're young, keep an open mind, and be patient. You have your whole lives ahead of you. Enjoy each other's company."

"So is that a yes?" Jess asked, with a tinge of hoping in his voice.

"Sure. I won't be surprised if soon you'll be asking me for my only daughter's hand in marriage!" Bill replied, in jest.

"We are already married!" Jess smiled, as he showed his strand of the enchanted rope wrapped 'round his ring finger.

"Oh!" Bill almost choked on his coffee.

"Well, sorta'," was Jess' sheepish reply. He wasn't sure if this was the kind of thing you'd tell your best friend's dad, but Jess was glad Bill took it with amusement, if with a bit of shock at first.

"Hiya!" A sweet voice sleepily sounded from the direction of the stairwell. "Sorry I woke up late. I was up almost all night reading."

That's my Leslie, Jess thought.

She was wearing an oversized shirt that reached to her knees. Even in her PJs, Leslie's cute, Jess further thought to himself. Especially in her PJs.

"Come join us, Les!" Bill called out. "Jess and I were just talking about some guy-stuff, but you're welcome to join."

"Really?" Leslie quizzed, with a look of interest in her face. "What about?"

"Uh, well, about fishing, and power tools, and uh, shaving, and stuff," Jess replied nervously. "You know, guy-stuff."

Leslie could read her best friend like a book, though. And she could see by the smug look on her father's face that the two weren't talking about fishing, power tools, shaving and such. But she would have to find time later to ask her friend and father about it.

"Okay, Jess," Leslie smiled as she unpacked a small bag of Jasmine tea and poured hot water into her cup. "Whatever you say!"

After breakfast, and with Leslie freshened up and dressed, the pair headed on to their secret place in the woods. As they walked, Jess' mind was filled with thoughts of strawberries every time he inhaled Leslie's sweet scent. Must be her shampoo, Jess thought, as he wore a silly grin on his face.

The silence was broken with Leslie poking him on the shoulder.

"Ow!"

"What's on your mind? You've had this stupid grin plastered all over your face since we got out of the house," Leslie exclaimed, as they reached the bridge. "And what was that silly talk about guy-stuff with my dad? You don't even shave yet!"

"Oh, that one?" Jess hesitantly replied. "Um, well, Bill warned me about not fooling around with his only daughter when we go on trips into the woods."

"What!?" Leslie screamed, with worry in her eyes. "Why would he think ... What did you say?"

"Nah. I'm just messing with ya'!" Jess retorted as he ran off deeper into the woods toward their castle stronghold. But as he was nearing the castle steps, Leslie caught up and tackled him from behind. Both fell to the ground, with Leslie's arms still around Jess' waist. He was laughing like silly.

"Hey ... you ... know I'm ... ticklish there!" Jess said in between guffaws.

"That's the point, silly boy," Leslie teased. "Now tell me the truth. No secrets here, right?"

"Okay, truce!"

Jess caught his breath and the two clambered up into their treehouse stronghold.

"Umm ... Umm," Jess couldn't start. He felt butterflies fluttering inside his stomach. He was nervous, after all. He never felt this way before, especially with Leslie, even if he knew he could share anything and everything with her.

"Come on, spill it!" Leslie asked, a bit impatient already.

"Umm, would you like to go out sometime?" Jess finally mustered up the courage to ask. "You know, like on a date, or something?"

"You mean like going out on a walk, or picnicking here in our kingdom?"

"H-How about something different? A date date?"

"Why of course, Jess Aarons! I thought you'd never ask. But what's this got to do with Bill?"

"I asked for his permission first," Jess answered, with a sheepish grin.

"You're so old fashioned!" Leslie teased, as she affectionately poked Jess in the shoulder for what seemed like the nth time.

And so the king and queen of Terabithia laid out their plans. Sure, they'd been doing things together practically every day lately. But this was their first ever date date, so they wanted it to be special.

Jess had run downstairs in the hope he would catch his dad before leaving for work. The big date was today, and he wanted to look good for Leslie. Not that she was very particular about his looks, or looks in general. She always told Jess that real beauty was found deep inside. And it was when people felt good about themselves that they really shone on the outside. But Jess wanted to look decent for Leslie, to be presentable as is appropriate in such an occasion.

"Dad," Jess called out to his father, who was trying to quickly finish his breakfast so he won't run late for work. "Do you think I should wear this plain, navy blue shirt today? Or this plaid one?"

"Today's the big date, huh?" A bemused Jack Aarons asked. "I'd go for the blue one. Don't kill yourself over such a small thing, son!"

"Thanks, dad. Just wanted to make sure I look okay for Leslie."

"Take it easy. It's not as if you're walking down the aisle today," Jack added.

"Nah. We already got married a couple of months ago," Jess announced, much to his father's shock. Jack Aarons almost choked on his coffee. It was the second time Jess got that reaction in a span of one week, and he was almost hoping he didn't joke about it this time.

But then Jess saw that his father realized he'd been had, and Jack's face lightened up a bit.

"Take it easy, son! You know I wouldn't just let you get hitched without being able to provide a good life for your bride-to-be and future family! I know Leslie's a nice young lady and all. But you've gotta do the right thing. Step up and be the man." Jack chuckled. Ever since the promotion at the hardware chain he worked for, life had been a bit easier on the Aaronses. While it meant more work at times, it paid off well. And it gave Jack Aarons a good reason to be a happier and more caring father than he had ever been.

"Do you need extra money?" Jack asked his son.

"No, thanks, dad. I saved enough from my allowance."

"That's m'boy," Jack answered, proud at his son's being responsible enough for himself. "I have to run now. Enjoy your date."

Jess followed his father's advice, and decided to wear his blue button-down shirt later that day. After showering, brushing, and getting ready, he looked at himself in the mirror one last time before heading to the front door and to his best friend's house down the street. Halfway downstairs, Jess decided to tuck his shirt in for a change. It was still eleven in the morning, and he had time to spare to walk leisurely towards the Burke residence, so as not to break a sweat. Leslie opened the front door to her house this time, which was unusual for a Saturday morning.

Jess stood in amazement at the sight.

Leslie was in a white sleeveless dress that flowed down gracefully to just below the knee. It had green trimmings that emphasized her emerald eyes. Leslie's hair was neatly parted and held by clips on either side, so that her golden shoulder-length locks were held in place, but still flew about in the right places. She had traded her trademark high-top sneakers for strappy leather sandals. Jess smiled contentedly to himself at the sight of his friend's toenails, trimmed to perfection and painted green to match her dress' accents. He now wondered how ever she could always outrun him with those slender toes and feet of hers. Perhaps they had wings?

Whoever said that Leslie Burke dressed weird and acted tomboyish would definitely eat his words today. Is this heaven's gate and are you an angel? The boy thought.

Jess awkwardly handed Leslie a small bouquet of blooms he collected from his father's greenhouse.

"Thank you, Jess!" Leslie said, as he took the flowers and leaned toward Jess.

As Leslie kissed him on the cheek in thanks, her hair brushed his face, and he again inhaled that familiar scent of strawberries. Jess felt a warm, tingling sensation, and imagined he was running happily across strawberry fields hand-in-hand with Leslie. His Leslie.

More author's notes:

Hat tip to fanfic writers who describe Leslie's scent to be akin to strawberries.

Also, I realize I described Leslie's eyes here to be emerald. Previously, I called them turquoise, which I shall have to edit, given Leslie's green eyes in the film.