This is a reimagined version of the classes tale The Bridge To Terabithia. This is a part of my NaNoWriMo or the Novel Writing November Exercise.
That afternoon, Leonie's eyes lit up as she turned to Ellen. "Ellen, I have an idea. If you don't mind, could you hide Patches in the bookshop? I can keep an eye on it when I work here, and it'll be safe from May Belle."
Ellen's face broke into a warm smile. "That's a wonderful idea, Leonie! The bookshop is the perfect place for Patches. And no one will ever dream of looking for it here! We can set up a cozy little spot for it in the herb garden. No one ever goes there except me to water the plants. Patches can freely romp about in an outdoor space without any fear. I wouldn't even mind if the wee critter chomps on some of my home grown coriander or parsley."
Leonie's excitement grew as she envisioned Patches snug and secure in the fragrant herb garden."I'll bring her over tonight. I have to be very cautious not to let anyone, especially May Belle, when sneaking the rabbit out of my house."
Ellen nodded, her eyes sparkling. "I'll get its hutch ready. You bring Patches over tonight, after dark. Be careful, Leonie. May Belle is not one to be crossed."
Leonie nodded, her heart full of gratitude. "Thank you, Ellen. I don't know what I'd do without you."
As the evening drew in, Leonie carefully tucked and swaddled Patches' into a soft hand towel and placed it in a woven wide jute handbag. Buttoning a single strap across and over the opening, Patches had enough air to breathe through the opening but at the same time also prevented it from jumping out and running away.
Leonie cautiously made her way through the quiet streets, the moon casting long shadows across the houses.
The jute handbag was heavy in her arms, but she held it close, her heart pounding with every creak of a gate or chirp of a cricket.
As passed by the Aaron's, she kept her eyes peeled for any sign of them even looking through the windows. The last thing she needed was for them to see her carrying a mysterious bundle through the night. She quickened her pace, her breath misting in the chill air.
When she heard a twig snap behind her, she spun around, her heart racing. But it was just a stray cat, slinking through the dry leaves. Leonie let out a shaky breath and continued on, trying to calm herself down.
As she approached the corner of the main street, she slowed down, scanning the street for any sign of life. The bookshop was in sight, its windows dark and uninviting. Wasn't Ellen in? Did she forget or change her mind about Patches? She took a deep breath, gathered her courage, and quickened her pace, her feet making soft crunching sounds on the gravel.
She wrapped her arms around the handbag trying to disguise it as a bundle of laundry or a shopping bag. If anyone saw her, she would say she was just taking some old clothes to Ellen for thrifting. But she had nothing to worry about. The streets remained deserted, and she reached the bookshop without incident.
****
Ellen was waiting for her in the lobby, the door open just a crack. Leonie slipped inside, her heart still pounding from the ordeal. Ellen smiled and took Patches from her, setting it down in the back room. "You made it," she whispered, smiling. "Patches is going to love it here."
Leonie nodded, feeling a mix of relief and excitement. She had done it. She had saved Patches from May Belle's claws. As she looked at Patches, now hopping about on its new bed, she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. She had taken a risk, but it had paid off.
“I didn't turn on the lights in case someone saw that the bookshop was open at this time of the night and grew suspicious. I should have given you the heads up to just enter. I'm sorry I forgot but I would have rushed after you if you had turned around.”
Leonie smiled and waved it away feeling grateful for Ellen's kindness.
The hutch was cozy and filled with carrot sticks and shreds of lettuce on a plate and fresh drinking water in a bowl. The newly bought mattress and a winter blanket kept Patches warm and comfortable.
Patches sensed it was safe and immediately snuggled under its quilt its big brown eyes shining with contentment and weary from sleep at the same time. A plushie bunny kept it company.
Leonie's heart swelled with love and relief. Patches was safe, and she could see it every day.
As she made her way back home, the night seemed a little brighter, a little less scary.
****
The days passed, and Patches thrived in its new home. Leonie would bring it her own treats and toys, and spend time playing with it in the quiet herb garden during her break.
Leonie would often sneak glances at the back room when she passed it. She couldn't take her eyes off the endearing vulnerable little kit.
As she sat studying by her window one evening, Leonie gazed out at the lake glinting in the fading light. May Belle was none the wiser and her cruel intentions seemed far away. Patches was safe and a tremendous weight was off her shoulders.
The days passed, and life returned to a sense of normalcy. May Belle didn't bother her again with Patches' whereabouts and it remained a secret, safe and sound in the bookshop.
****
Leonie walked into the Aarons' house one afternoon, the familiar scent of roasting potatoes and honey glazed chicken wafting through the air. Mrs. Aarons greeted her with a warm smile, ushering her into the dining room. "Leonie, dear, you're just in time! We were about to start."
Leonie took her usual seat, unfolding her napkin and placing it on her lap. May Belle was already seated, her eyes fixed on a book, her mouth twisted into a scowl. Mr. and Mrs. Aarons exchanged warm glances and began to pass around the dishes.
As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, with Mr. Aarons discussing the upcoming Town Bake Sale and Mrs. Aarons talking about her garden. She was going to plant Tulips this spring. Leonie chipped in, taking an interest in Bake Sale Fair participation. May Belle, however, remained sullen, her eyes darting between her parents and Leonie.
Leonie's eyes scanned the room, noticing Jesse's empty chair. "Where's Jesse?" she asked, trying to keep her voice casual.
Mrs. Aarons' expression faltered for a moment, but she recovered quickly. "Oh, Jesse's eating at Trenton's Diner this afternoon.”
Leonie nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. She had grown accustomed to Jesse's quiet presence at lunch.
Suddenly, she slammed her book down, the clatter making everyone jump. "So, who are you, anyway?" she sneered, her eyes raking over Leonie. "We've been feeding you lunch every day, and we don't even know anything about you."
Leonie's smile faltered and then she froze, her eyes darting to Mr. and Mrs. Aarons, who looked taken aback by May Belle's outburst. "May Belle, what's wrong with you! That was utterly impolite," Oliver said, his voice firm but gentle.
But May Belle wasn't having it. "Why not? It's a simple question. What's your name, where do you come from, and what are you doing here?" Her eyes glinted with malice. "What if you're some kind of...I don't know, animal serial killer or something?
Leonie's eyes widened, She felt a wave of panic wash over her, followed by a surge of anger. How dare May Belle say such a thing!
Leonie's face drained of color, her hands trembled as she gripped her napkin.
“See! See! She's a nervous wreck! Signs of deception! I was right. Something is not right about you, whoever you are! May Belle wasn't done yet. Her eyes glistened with venom. "And what about my Patches? It's missing for a couple of weeks now. What if you've already killed it and buried it somewhere?"
Mr. and Mrs. Aarons jumped up, their faces red with embarrassment. "May Belle, that's enough!" Mr. Aarons thundered, his voice stern. "Apologize to Leonie right now!"
May Belle rolled her eyes, but her parents' expressions brooked no argument. "Sorry," she muttered, her voice barely audible.
The room fell silent, the only sound– the clinking of utensils on plates. Leonie's eyes welled up with tears, but she refused to let them fall. She took a deep breath, her voice shaking. "It's okay, really. I...I should probably go." She rose to leave.
But Mrs. Aarons was having none of it. She rushed to Leonie's side, wrapping a comforting arm around her shoulders. "No, dear, you stay. You're part of our family, and we care about you. May Belle, go to your room. Now."
May Belle huffed, but her parents' firm expressions didn't falter. She stormed out of the room, glaring at Leonie as she did.
The rest of the meal was subdued, with Mr. and Mrs. Aarons apologizing profusely. Leonie was nauseous but forced a smile, trying to reassure them. Although, her heart was still reeling from this encounter.
As she finished her lunch, Mrs. Aarons walked her out, her expression concerned. "Leonie, dear, I'm so sorry about May Belle's behavior. You're always welcome here, okay?"
Leonie nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. "Thank you, Mrs. Aarons. I...I just need a minute."
She walked out into the garden, taking deep breaths of the fresh air. The sun was shining, casting a warm glow over the flowers, but Leonie's heart still felt heavy. May Belle's words had left her feeling vulnerable and alone.
https://www.theblogchatter.com/blogrolls/chapter-10-bridging-memories-terabithia-reclaimed
To Be Continued...
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