"I wanna tell you what I'm feeling
But I don't know how to start
I wanna tell you, but now
I'm afraid that you might break my heart
Oh, why should anything so easy ever
Be so hard to do?
I wanna tell you what I'm feeling
And to say that, I love you."
—Misty's Song by Yvette Laboy

Chapter 11: The Rumors

"Jess, did you bloody hear?" Conrad asked when he sat at the desk next to me.

I stopped doodling in the back of my chemistry notebook as I turned to him. "About what, Rad?"

Conrad Miller was a British kid who'd migrated from the United Kingdom because of his father's work last year. He had gray eyes and curly blond hair that almost reached his eyebrows, and was taller and leaner than me by a few inches. Leslie and I had become friends with him ever since being classmates and a trio for team projects in biology. For this year, though, we were still classmates in one subject—which was chemistry—while he and Leslie weren't classmates in any of the subjects anymore.

"You know."

"I don't know. I'm sorry. Now, will you tell me 'bout it or not?"

"You don't wanna take a guess?"

"No."

He hummed by what I think was the chorus of "Rumor Has It" by Adele. I stared blankly at him.

Conrad rolled his eyes. "Killjoy," he deadpanned. "Your girlfriend and that David Beckham wannabe went to Pizzalicious together last Sunday."

My eyes widened. "Wait, how did you know that?"

Conrad blinked. "How did I know? Well, David Beckham Wannabe was boasting about it in our literature class yesterday. I guess not just in that class, but in his other classes as well. So, I assume your girlfriend already told you about this...?"

"Leslie told me 'bout tutoring Groban on his geometry last Friday," I said. "And I already told you many times that she's not my girlfriend! Geez. You know that."

He shrugged. "Not your girlfriend yet. I could see how you fancied her from the day I met you two. I mean, it's really obvious–the way you look at her and smile and—"

"Conrad!" I cut him off, my face blushing furiously. I also chose to ignore his first remark. Was I really that obvious? I hoped only to Conrad's sharp eyes.

Oh, right. Even May Belle knew.

"At least you know who I was referring to. Anyway, here's how that berk announced his somewhat victory." Conrad raised his right hand and put his left hand on his chest in a charming way. "'Hey, classmates! Leslie and I had lunch together while she was tutoring me on my geometry at Pizzalicious last Sunday.' Many guys and gals who have crushes on those two and heard that became jealous, and I assume you're one of them. By Jove! As if boasting about having a tutoring session with a beautiful and intelligent gal to almost everyone in school is cool. I pity the fool." He paused, beaming. "Hey, I just made a bloody rhyme!"

Even for Conrad, Leslie was beautiful, and he'd even admitted that she was also intelligent, which he rarely does, because he thinks he's the only intelligent student at Lark Creek High School.

I didn't point that out, though.

"Was that how he really said it?" I asked, implying about the gestures.

"Yes, but minus the exaggeration and the British accent. I'll wager he wants the students to think that he and Leslie also had a date. Desperate, much?"

"Yeah. I even heard him asking Leslie if we were dating—" I realized what I said and suddenly covered my mouth with my hands.

Conrad smirked teasingly. "Blimey, Jesse! You were there?"

Nice slip, Aarons. "Well, er, I kinda spied on Leslie that day. She doesn't know about it. Um, yet, I guess."

"You did spying? And you didn't invite me? Shame on you," Conrad said with mock hurt.

"I'm sorry, James Bond," I said, "but it was an unexpected plan–a last-minute plan. And besides, I don't even have a cell phone to contact you."

Mr. Santiago came in when the bell started ringing.

"Starting lunch time," Conrad whispered to me, "that topic will be trending in school. You have to get your girlfriend back before it's too late."

000

Conrad's deduction was right.

I could hear most of the students talking about Leslie and Groban's "date." Even Sarah had asked me if it was true in geometry a while ago. I'd told her Leslie was just tutoring Groban about hyperbola.

But they look so good together, Sarah had gushed. I'd just shrugged in reply, but couldn't help but feel jealous.

They look so good together, huh?

As I sat in a circular lunch table with my food, I saw Leslie walking toward me. I noticed most of the students in the cafeteria were looking at her in awe, while some were in envy.

Leslie sighed heavily when she took a seat to my left, ignoring all the people who were staring at her. "I'm sure you already know the reason, Jess," she said, implying about the stares directed at her.

Duh! "The rumored date?"

Leslie nodded and took a bite of her apple. She gazed around the cafeteria—looking for someone—until she found who she was looking for. "Janice!"

Janice, who was at a table near the double doors of the cafeteria with some of the seniors, heard Leslie's call. She excused herself from her friends and went toward us.

"So, how's the investigation for the mansion going on?" Janice started, sitting beside Leslie. I nodded in greeting at her, then she returned the gesture.

Trusting Janice, Leslie whispered without preamble, "Oh, Jan, there's someone living in the mansion."

"I already know that, Les. The ghost of Henry Alson."

Leslie rolled her eyes, while I was just munching on my cheeseburger. "Someone. Do you remember the greenhouse beside the mansion?"

Janice nodded.

The stares at our table were now gone; the people went back to what they'd been doing a moment ago.

"Well, when Jesse and I went inside the greenhouse, we didn't meet dead plants. Instead, every plant was in order and well taken care of. Even the gardening utensils were clean."

After a moment Janice's eyes widened in realization. "Are you pulling my leg?"

"If Leslie's pulling your leg," I deadpanned, "then you wouldn't be sitting in your chair right now."

"Ha-ha. Gosh, Jess. I think the sun just died because of your joke."

"It's still sunny outside," I pointed out.

"You're impossible."

"Guys, be serious!" Leslie scolded, like Janice and I weren't cooperating in the team. "It's the truth, Jan. We concluded that whoever's living there doesn't want to be known. I suspect it's just a homeless person who decided to live there 'cause it's abandoned. But what if that's not it? What if illegal drug dealers are the ones living there? Or even murderers—"

"Les," Janice interrupted, "I think you've just read too many mystery novels."

"After she was done with the Sherlock Holmes books, she started reading the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories books," I shared. "Er, not that I don't believe you, Les. I mean, I was there with you."

"Hey! They're also fun to read, you know," she told me with a grin, then turned to Janice. "'Sides, we don't lie to you, Jan. Jesse and I will go there again this Saturday to unearth the secrets of the Alsons' mansion."

"Let me get this straight," Janice replied after a moment. "You two are implying that you want me to come with you this Saturday?"

Leslie and I nodded. "We need a trusted ally to join us," she said.

Janice frowned. "I already told you, didn't I? That I don't want to go back there again. It still gives me the creeps."

"But I thought you wanted to join us 'cause you opened the topic up in the first place."

"I was just curious."

"But—"

"No buts, Les," Janice interrupted. "I'm sorry."

Leslie turned to me for backup, but I shook my head. "Let's respect her decision, Les."

She sighed in defeat. "You're right, Jess." She faced our friend. "You don't have to be sorry, Jan."

"Are you going to the mansion in the forest?" We looked back to the source of the voice and saw Scott frowning at us, who had evidently heard our conversation. "Seriously?"

"Don't include me, Scott," Janice said.

"Well, Jesse and I are going there this Saturday," Leslie told him. "Something's definitely out of the picture in that place."

I refrained from saying, Going there again this Saturday. Instead, I said, "Er, why, Scott?"

"Don't tell me you wanna go with them?" Janice said with an eyeroll.

Scott's eyes widened. He was terrified, and this wasn't the kind of fear he knew he was going to the principal's office because of detention. The look he was giving us right now was absolute fear that Janice, Leslie and I saw in him for the first time.

"Scott, what's wrong?" Leslie asked with worry, standing up and placing a hand on his shoulder for comfort.

Scott started hyperventilating, and I prepared myself to save the lunch tray that he was currently holding if ever it'd fall to the cafeteria floor. "I d-don't wanna go back th-there again. You guys should cancel your plans about the mansion."

My brows furrowed. "Wait, when did you last go there?"

"Two days ago. Gary and I..." he faltered while trying to calm himself. Leslie drew soothing circles on his back. If it were another person, I'd be very jealous. "We really wanted to know if the things they said 'bout the mansion were indeed real. As we were about to throw a rock at a window to get inside, we heard something totally horrifying."

"The hideous scream?" I asked.

Scott shook his head. "Something was playing the violin from the inside."

The three of us were in shock to discover another fact (well, it'd come from Scott, and we trusted him) and looked at one another.

Someone, Leslie mouthed.

"And the violin was producing a haunting melody," he continued. "I'm telling you now–that place is definitely haunted. We shouldn't bother the spirits living there anymore."

This revelation raised the hairs on the back of my neck.

Janice pointed to Scott and said, "I believe him."

"And then we ran away instantly while Gary peed in his pants." Scott paused. "Oh, don't tell him I said that to you guys."

Leslie was in deep thought, stroking her chin with her right hand. I waited for her final decision. After a few moments she said while sitting down, "Thank you for sharing that with us, Scott. And I believe you, too."

"Does that mean you're not going there anymore?" he asked, hopeful.

"Of course not," Leslie answered simply.

I choked on my cheeseburger and immediately drank my orange juice. After doing so, I gave my impulsive queen an are-you-freakin'-serious look.

"I mean, that makes it more intriguing, right?" she said, shrugging. "It's like Christmas is coming and you can't wait to open your presents."

"More like Halloween is coming, or we're preparing for our funeral," I muttered. Janice and Scott agreed with me.

Scott sighed. "If you're asking me to come with you, forget it. How about you invite your other friend, Conrad Miller, instead?"

I waved my hand dismissively. "Nah. I'm sure he'll just say: 'In this modern age of science, the only ghosts and monsters are in comics and television.'" I said the quote in a British accent.

Then Janice and Leslie were trying hard not to laugh, making me scowl at them.

"For Pete's sake, Jess," Scott said while restraining a teasing grin. "Don't speak in a British accent again. Ever."

I rolled my eyes. "Is it really that bad?"

"Yeah," the three replied in unison.

"Your British accent sounds more like your voice box had been shoved in a blender, actually," Scott added helpfully.

I just snorted in response.

"Anyway," he said, "I have to go now. Gary's waiting for me in the mini forest. I'll just leave the tray here on your table, if you guys don't mind. And don't blame me if you're gonna end up like Lucas Stigile." Then he left the cafeteria.

I blinked. "I can't believe Scott cares for us that much." I turned to my queen. "Les, he was serious. That's one of the signs we should back out. Now."

Leslie took a bite again on her apple. "People change, Jess. And like I said, that makes it more intriguing."

Janice gave Leslie a mischievous look. "Speaking of intriguing, I heard you and that famous soccer player dated at Pizzalicious yesterday."

She sipped from her blueberry juice, though I think I saw her eyes widen for a second. "Wow. Changing the subject, are we? Well, for your information, Jan, it wasn't a date. I just helped Nigel on his geometry while eating lunch with him—"

"Aha!" Janice exclaimed, startling Leslie and me. I almost spat the orange juice from my mouth. "See? It was a date, Les." Leslie scowled at her. "Fine, a tutor and a date, if you want to call it that way. But I'll bet that for Nigel it was more of a date."

"He's fun, sweet, and a gentleman, but I don't really see the connection of the date there."

"How about we call it a 'friendly date,' then," Janice said with air quotes. "Are you too dense not to notice it? Or are you just denying the fact that it wasn't a date for you because you lo—" The former bully quickly shut up as Leslie silenced her with a look. I saw the senior glance at me.

"Um, is there something on my face, Jan?" I asked her, baffled.

She looked at my best friend uneasily, then at me. "N-nothing's on your face, Jess."

It seemed that something unspoken had occured between the two of them. I rolled my eyes inwardly. I'd never understand girls. What was Janice about to say before Leslie cut her off, anyway?

At that exact moment, we saw a guy with blond hair that was gelled in a somewhat unruly style and blue eyes come into the cafeteria through the double doors, high-fiving people and shouting comments to them as he went.

Here he was, the freakin' dolt who'd started the rumored date.

Nigel Groban.

I resisted the urge to throw a chair at him.

Shouts filled the cafeteria all at once.

"Eat with me, Nigel!"

"Nigel, please notice me!"

"Marry me, Nigel!"

"Are the rumors about you and Leslie Burke true, Nigel?"

"Sarah Bradfield's hotter than Leslie Burke, stupids!"

"Are you blind? Look at Leslie's curves!"

"I can tutor you next time on your geometry, Nigel!"

"You all can have Nigel Groban so that I can have Raymond Brookes to myself!"

"Haven't you noticed Jesse Aarons' mesmerizing jawline?"

"Nuh-uh, girly! Raymond Brookes is mine!"

"Crystal Price is the hottest chick in this school, idiots!"

"I ship Jesslie!"

"I don't want to live on this planet anymore!"

He ignored the shouts, looked around, saw Leslie, and then dashed toward our table with a grin. Janice raised her eyebrows at Leslie.

"Hey, Les," Groban greeted as he took a seat in front of Leslie, "Aarons, and, er, what's your name, senior?"

"Janice," she answered.

"Groban," I greeted back in a neutral voice. I wanted to tell him, You can't sit with us! I don't know if it's just me, but I felt a negative force surrounding Groban and me.

Now the cafeteria fell deadly silent instantly, and I could feel the stares at our table were back–but intensified.

Leslie smiled. Wait, what? "Hey, Nigel. What's with the students talking about that we had a date...?"

"Oh, that." He ran a hand through his hair sheepishly. "I don't know. I just blurted that you tutored me in geometry and we had lunch together at the pizza house last Sunday. Actually, I'd been dreaming for that to happen. When it came true, I couldn't contain my excitement!" He paused. "But it was also like a date, right?"

Blurted? More like boasted, I thought.

Janice gave Leslie an I-told-you-so look.

Leslie giggled. Am I witnessing this right? "I honestly didn't think of it that way. I'm sorry, Nigel. And I didn't get the chance to talk to you 'bout that in geometry earlier because I was busy with some stuff."

Well, at least she was being frank in a nice way.

"I really love that giggle of yours." Groban smiled apologetically. "No, I should be the one who's sorry for doing that. I didn't know it'd result into this, and it must have made you uncomfortable. For that, I'm sorry, Les."

I noticed Leslie blushing lightly. Oh, no. "Yeah, it made me uncomfortable a little, but no harm done." Then she brightened. "Hey, I hope the quiz about hyperbola earlier was easy for you."

"Of course! You were the one who tutored me on that topic. I'm so glad I asked for your help."

I inwardly cringed in annoyance. Or maybe it was in envy. Leslie and Groban were talking animatedly, while I was just here continuing to munch on my cheeseburger like it was the happiest thing to do on earth. Leslie included me in their conversation, but I just replied with yeahs and nods because I really didn't know what to say except for: Get out of here, Groban! But I didn't have the right to say that out loud. And to make things worse, Janice had left to go back to her table.

Minutes passed, and I now felt like I was out-of-place with these two, causing me to have lost my appetite.

And then unexpectedly, Leslie said, "Anyway, Nigel, do you wanna come with us to the haunted mansion this Saturday?"

My eyes widened in surprise. So, Leslie thinks that Groban is trustworthy, eh? The heck! I don't even have the right to be jealous. She can invite whoever she wants and finds that person dependable.

Maybe it was just my imagination, but I noticed Groban's face become pale for a second. "Why? Did you two hear the latest rumor 'bout it?"

"The haunting melody inside the mansion?" I asked.

"Haunting melody? No. Is that rumor new?"

Oh. So Scott hadn't told anyone about it except for Leslie, Janice and me. My queen also realized this. We stared at each other, non-verbally deciding not to share with Groban about what Scott had said to us earlier. We'd been best friends for so long, we could already understand each other's silent messages.

"Oh, nothing, Nigel," Leslie said sweetly. "Jesse just guessed. So, what's the latest rumor about the mansion?"

Groban chuckled awkwardly. "Ah. Well, it's not exactly about the mansion, but near the mansion. You know, the forest," he said hesitantly. "A classmate of mine in world history went there last afternoon. He said he saw a lady with long white hair wearing a black dress. She was running to the other side of the forest."

"Really?" Leslie and I asked at the same time.

Groban shrugged, but he was clasping his hands together so hard, the knuckles were now white to the bone. "By the way, why this Saturday? Why not after school instead?"

Leslie shook her head. "Jesse and I still have track practice later, and there are still lots of school stuff to do, especially the play this coming Friday. And I'm sure our parents wouldn't like it if they knew where we we are after school."

"You do have a point." Groban grinned, which I think was a little strained. "Okay, I'll join you two this Saturday."

Now I was positive Groban was scared of going to the mansion, but insisted himself to join us so that he could show Leslie he was brave and didn't believe the rumors. And maybe to me, too.

I inwardly smirked, eyes narrowed. Like I'm going to back out now, Groban. Very well, the unspoken challenge is on. I'm gonna prove to Leslie that I'm braver than you.

"Where are you guys going this Saturday?"

I looked behind me and saw Sarah smiling widely at us.

"Hey, Sarah," Groban greeted with a wave.

"Hi, Nigel. And to you, too, Jess."

"H-hi, Sarah," I greeted in return, stammering.

She took a seat beside me, making me in-between her and Leslie. This was the third time this had happened. "Anyway, care to answer my question, Jess?"

"None of your beeswax, Bradfield," Leslie growled.

"Oh, I didn't notice you there, Burke. No wonder I smell something unpleasant."

"I believe you're just smelling yourself."

"Um, ladies, chill," Groban said. "We're going to the haunted mansion this Saturday, Sarah."

Sarah made a face. "Such a fun place to hang out. Who do you think you are? Ghostbusters?"

Leslie smirked. "Well, we're fearless, unlike you."

Sarah glared daggers at her. They were radiating hate waves again. "Fearless, you say? I'll even join you in your 'ghost hunting' this Saturday and give you tips on how to be fearless."

Leslie snorted. "No one's inviting you."

Sarah laughed sardonically. "I believe you just don't want me in the party so that I can't hear you scream for your mommy."

"Nah. That's your thing, not mine."

"Why you piece of—"

I cleared my throat, since they were starting to raise their voices and attracting attention from the students again. "Um, what time this Saturday?"

"How about after lunch?" Groban asked.

I shrugged. "Fine by me." I looked at Leslie and Sarah for confirmation, but I think they didn't hear us, because they were having their glaring contest at the moment. I faced Groban, giving him a puzzled look.

Girls are really weird creatures, he mouthed. I agreed with him for the first time in my life.

All of a sudden, I felt an arm wrapping around my shoulders and a soft hand resting gently at the top of my calloused right hand: Sarah's.

"By the way, Jess," she said with a beaming smile, "can I borrow your pencil? I forgot to bring mine. I'm going to add some details for the costume drawing Diana lent me. Said she needed it before literature."

I heard Groban saying, "Why're you crushing your juice carton like that, Les?"

"S-sure. N-no problem," I stuttered as she let me get a pencil from my red fabric pencil case inside my bag, and then gave it to her.

"Thanks, Jess! See you later in literature. And I can't wait for Saturday."

I nodded with a lopsided smile as Sarah stood up from her seat.

"Don't bother showing up this Saturday, Bradfield," Leslie mumbled.

"By the way, Burke." She looked back at Leslie. "You and Nigel make a cute couple, you know." Then she laughed out loud while walking away from us.

I felt angry and envy because of that statement, but I couldn't blame Sarah. Other people were also saying that about Groban and Leslie. I glanced at him, who seemed close to fainting just by hearing what Sarah had said. Leslie, on the other hand, was gazing at Groban, pondering something. Maybe about Sarah's statement?

I thought my heart would break apart.

I saw out of the corner of my eye that Groban was about to take Janice's former seat so that he could sit beside Leslie, but luck was with me when a certain British took that seat quickly and said "Hiya, mates!" cheerily.

"Hey, Conrad," Leslie said with a smile.

I grinned at him.

Conrad winked at Leslie.

Groban frowned. "Miller, what are you doing here?"

Conrad feigned innocence. "Why, David Beckham Wannabe, I can sit whenever I wanted to. And last time I checked, I'm still friends with Jesse and Leslie, yes?"

"You always call me that. Ever since that accident last year—"

"Because you're a David Beckham wannabe. And yes, I still blame you why I got a B plus on our project in economics. If only that stupid teacher didn't let us become partners, then—"

"The heck! It was an accident! And B plus is already a high grade."

"No. A is my lowest grading standard," he said. "Anyway, I'd love to continue our chitchat, but Mr. Rayner wants to talk to you at the faculty room, pronto."

"What? Why now?" Groban frowned. "I mean, after lunch is our literature. He can talk to me in that class instead."

Conrad yawned. "Gee, maybe it's about the bloody play. You have the superior role. And besides, time is gold." He paused. "Ha! Another rhyme!"

"Fine. Whatever," Groban grumbled, standing up. "I'll text you later, Les. Bye, Aarons."

"What's this?" Conrad said with wide eyes. "No good-bye for me?"

Groban rolled his eyes. "We'll see each other again after lunch, Miller, in case you've forgotten."

"You misunderstand me, David Beckham Wannabe. I just don't want to be left out. And besides—" He tapped his temple with his finger "—I don't forget."

Groban sighed in frustration. "Whatever."

"Are you and Nigel always like that, Rad?" Leslie asked after Groban had left the cafeteria.

"Unfortunately, no. Say, would you two care for some tea?" Conrad asked with a grin. "I brought a thermos of earl grey tea and plastic tea cups with me."

"Sure!" she exclaimed. "And I still have some Oreo cookies left. We can eat them while drinking tea."

I had an idea to escape from all of these stares we were getting. "I think it's more comfortable to have tea in the mini forest. Um, if it's fine with you two."

"Brilliant!" Conrad said, and my queen smiled warmly at me.

000

I coughed, then said in my girly voice, "My! I wonder what this is."

Leslie shook her head. "Jess, just like what Ms. Thompson said: emotions! But at least you don't stammer in your lines anymore. That's an improvement."

After our track practice, Leslie and I dashed to our "castle" to practice our lines–I mean, my lines, since Leslie had already mastered hers. Literature Day was just three days away, so we really needed to activate our serious mode.

I sighed. "Yeah. Wait till it's curtain time and I'll stammer again like a broken car."

She giggled. "Oh, don't be such a pessimist, Princess Aurora. You can do it."

"Acting's really not my forte. You don't have a Sleeping Beauty DVD, do you? I can watch it and try to capture Aurora's tone and moves, if that's even possible. Or the Princess Aurora from Once Upon a Time instead." I couldn't help shuddering. "Yuck!"

"Er, none. But we can rent a DVD of it in town, or just watch it online." Leslie thought for a moment. "On second thought, let me just show you." She stood up from sitting on the floor and cleared her throat. "My! I wonder what this is!"

And by that one line I was stunned. Leslie had said it with conviction, and the expression on her face was really full of wonder.

"Aaaahhhh!" She flopped onto the floor.

I clapped automatically.

Leslie looked up at me. "So, how was it?"

I grinned. "You should definitely be in a movie or something, Les."

My best friend stood and did a queenly bow. "There goes my demonstration. Now it's your turn, Jess."

"As if I can do what you just did."

She rolled her eyes. "But you won't know unless you give it a try."

I sighed in defeat. "Don't laugh, all right? Okay, here it goes." I paused. "My! I wonder what this is!"

Leslie put her hands on her mouth, preventing herself from laughing out loud. I glared at her, even though I loved hearing her laugh and giggle, but this moment was so wrong for that.

"What?" she asked innocently between giggles. "I'm not laughing...Okay. Fine. I'm stopping...There. Happy? Well, your acting was close enough."

"Gah! Whatever. I'm sure I'm not the only one in the play who sucks at acting."

"At least you're doing your best, Jess," she encouraged.

"Meh."

"I can't wait for our costumes, though—" Her expression turned a little dreamy. "I mean, when Diana got my measurements a while ago, I couldn't stand still!"

I imagined Leslie wearing a costume pretty much like Prince Phillip's, her sword raised up high and yelled in a royal voice, We rule Terabithia! And nothing crushes us!

Yep, still beautiful.

I made a face. "And I'll be wearing a pink gown. Can I just crawl into a hole and—" I suddenly stopped myself and raised my head, tilting it to the side to listen. "Do you hear that, Les?"

Leslie tried to listen, then shook her head. "I don't hear anything, Jess."

"It sounds like someone's running," I said, looking out the window. I could see some of the stars were already shining in the western sky.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

"Oh, I guess it was just P.T. or some other Terabithian creatures running around," I said hesitantly. But I'm sure it was like a person's footsteps...

Out of the blue, Leslie hugged me from behind. I caught my breath and a shiver went down my spine.

"Jess," she said softly, and my face flushed so red hot, I felt like I might burn myself, if that's even possible.

"I-is something the m-matter, Les?" I asked, my voice filled with worry. "Is this about the rumored date? So it really does bother you."

I was about to face her, but her grip on my waist tightened, and I got the message. Well, I guess I was thankful for this so that she couldn't see my burning face. I felt Leslie shaking her head.

I didn't reply, waiting for her to say something. But I had a feeling I wasn't going to love what I was about to hear.

Leslie exhaled. "It's about...Nigel. Jess...I think I'm...falling for him."