This is a reimagined version of the classic tale The Bridge To Terabithia. It is a part of my NaNoWriMo or the Novel Writing November Exercise.
CARVING MILES
Leonie's mind replayed the scene at the Aarons' dining table, her face burning with humiliation. May Belle's words tore at her heart making her feel like a stranger, an outsider. The more she thought about it, the more her hurt swirled.
Why did May Belle have to be so cruel? Didn't she know how much Leonie valued the Aarons' kindness? The warmth and laughter they shared, the sense of belonging – all of it was shattered now.
Leonie's eyes prised open, and she saw the truth: a new neighbor they were pitying. The thought made her stomach churn with shame. She would put an end to this phase of lunch get together.
Gathering her shredded dignity, Leonie stood stone faced at the fence, her hands clenched around the wooden railings.
Mrs. Aaron knelt among the vibrant flowers, her hands gently pruning the delicate petals of a blooming rose bush. The warm sunlight danced across her face, casting a gentle glow on her gentle smile as she worked. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming lavender and the soft chirping of birds, creating a serene atmosphere that seemed to calm the turmoil brewing inside Leonie.
Mrs. Aaron looked up from her gardening, a warm smile on her face, which faltered when she saw Leonie's expression.
As Leonie stood at the fence, her eyes met Mrs. Aaron's, and for a moment, the pain and humiliation she felt seemed to recede. Mrs. Aaron's expression was warm and understanding, and Leonie felt a pang of guilt for wanting to pull away.
“Leonie, dear, what's wrong?" Mrs. Aaron asked, concern etched on her face.
Leonie took a deep breath, her voice shaking. "Mrs. Aaron, I...I have decided that won't be coming over for lunch anymore."
The older woman's face drooped. "Oh, Leonie…!
Leonie's eyes dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just...I don't feel welcome there anymore after May Belle’s impression of me yesterday."
Mrs. Aaron's hands reached out, covering Leonie's. "Leonie, you're always welcome here. May Belle was out of line, and we're dealing with her. Please don't let her behavior drive you away. You're as much part of this family…"
Leonie shook her head, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I think it's best if I just stay away. I'm so sorry once again, Mrs. Aarons…I truly appreciate all you've done for me. "
Jesse stood frozen at his window, his eyes fixed on Leonie's rigid face as she spoke to his mother over the fence. He didn't hear the whole conversation, but the words "won't be coming over" and "don't feel welcome" that floated over sliced through him like a knife.
Leonie didn't like them, didn't like their kindness. She was just too proud to accept their hospitality. The thought made his chest ache with anger and hurt.
Jesse swiftly made his way into the garden, his glare landing on Leonie. Squaring his shoulders he took in the scene, his eyes squinting slightly. He didn't approach them but instead chose to lean against the garden shed, his arms crossed over his chest.
Leonie didn't notice Jesse at first, but as she turned to leave, she felt his gaze on her. She glanced towards the shed, meeting his eyes, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Leonie's heart skipped a beat, but Jesse's expression was cold.
As she walked away, Jesse's eyes followed her, his jaw clenched. His gaze lingered on the spot where Leonie had stood. He replayed the scene in his mind. He felt a sting, a sense of betrayal. Why was she rejecting their kindness? Didn't she know they cared about her?
As he stood there, his arms still crossed, Jesse's expression hardened. He wouldn't approach her, wouldn't try to talk to her. If that's how she wanted it, fine. He'd leave her alone.
***
May Belle lounged in the garden, her eyes fixed on the spot where Leonie stood talking to her mother, with her face drawn and listless.
A sly smile spread across her face as she thought about the scene at the lunch table, the way Leonie's face had fallen, the hurt and anger in her eyes.
She remembered the words she'd spoken, the way she'd lashed out at Leonie, and a thrill ran through her. It had worked, hadn't it? Leonie had stopped coming over for lunch.
May Belle's gaze drifted to the house, where her mother was busy in the kitchen, probably worrying about Leonie and trying to figure out what had gone wrong. A snort escaped her lips. They were all so blind, so caught up in their own little world.
May Belle's eyes narrowed. She'd done the Aarons a favor, really. She'd gotten rid of this girl who'd wormed her way into their lives. And Jesse would come around, eventually. He'd see that Leonie wasn't worth his time, that she was a parasite…just like Leslie. Her thoughts were seeped with venom.
As she sat there, basking in the glow of her own malevolence, May Belle didn't notice Jesse walking towards her, his expression dark and brooding. She didn't see the anger in his eyes, the disappointment.
"Hey, May Belle," he said, his voice low and rough. "What happened at lunch the other day?"
May Belle's smile twitched and she looked up at her brother, a flash of guilt crossing her face before she masked it with an innocent expression. "What do you mean? Nothing happened. Why?? Did she say something to you?."
She remembered the words she'd spoken, the way she'd lashed out at Leonie, accused her of killing Patches and burying him.
A thrill ran through her. It had worked, Leonie had stopped coming over for lunch, and the Aarons were left wondering why. She had her home to herself now.
Jesse's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. “I know something's going on. And I'm going to find out what it is. I overheard her saying that she won't be coming over for lunch from now on.”
May Belle's expression turned sulky, but she knew she had to tread carefully. Jesse was getting too close, and she couldn't let him figure out what she'd done. Not yet, at least. Although he would eventually find out from the parents…
May Belle's gaze drifted to the house, where her mother was busy pottering around in the kitchen, probably worrying about Leonie and trying to figure out how to iron things out.
A snort escaped her lips. They were all so blind, so caught up in their own little world.
She thought about Jesse, and a flicker of annoyance ignited within her. He was the one who'd been worried about Leonie, Didn't he see how...different she was? How she didn't fit in? She was a stranger in their house.
May Belle's eyes narrowed as she glanced at Rosemonte Greene next door, where Leonie lived. She was so quiet, so reserved. What was she hiding? Who was she anyway? The fact that she had rented out Leslie's house added to her vexation.
****
As the days passed, Jesse made a point to avoid Leonie, his usual cordial demeanor was replaced by a cold shoulder. He would cross the street to avoid walking past her, his eyes fixed straight ahead.
Leonie felt a pang of sadness. She didn't understand why Jesse was being so mean and distant, but she didn't have the energy to confront him. Maybe he too thought the worse of her…just like May Belle.
The distance between them grew, a chasm of misunderstanding and unspoken words. Jesse had turned into a frozen wall, and Leonie's hurt ran deep. Their budding camaraderie had transformed into an awkward silence, an unspoken understanding that they were no longer friends.
Just neighbors!
***
Leonie sat by the window, gazing out at the rain-soaked streets. The droplets slid down the glass, like tears on a cheek. She felt a pang in her chest, a longing that threatened to overwhelm her.
Leonie's heart sank, and she felt a wave of loneliness wash over her. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to hold in the ache.
The rain continued to fall. Leonie's eyes filled, and she let the tears come, mourning the distance between her and the Aarons, and the coldness between her and Jesse.
As she ate a simple home cooked dinner of a Club Sandwich, the silence of the evening wrapped itself around her, a gentle blanket of solitude. The rain outside slowed to a gentle patter, the droplets ringing a soothing melody on the roof.
As the evening wore on, Leonie lay in bed bundled in a warm quilt.
Her eyelids grew heavy, her heart lighter, her belly full. She sank into her sheets and let the world outside fade away.The darkness closed in, and Leonie's breathing slowed, but her heart remained restless, aching for the comfort of home.
*****
The next morning, Leonie pushed open the door to her small kitchen. She had decided to cook herself a simple lunch-–something to take her mind off the ache in her heart.
She began to chop the ingredients for a humble Hokkien stir-fry, the rhythmic chopping of the scallions and the crunch of the fresh vegetables a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves.
As she heated up the wok, the aroma of sesame oil and soy sauce filled the air, transporting her back to her childhood, to the countless meals her mother had cooked for her.
Leonie added the chopped vegetables - carrots, bell peppers, snow peas and chicken to the wok
As she cooked, the of the savory umami of the soy sauce, the sweetness of the vegetables, and the pungency of the ginger mingled and merged.
Leonie's appetite had ballooned since last night. She scooped a large helping the stir-fry and cooked noodles onto a plate.
She wolfed it down, savoring the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal. For a moment, the ache in her heart receded and the unpleasant incident at the Aarons was no longer going to be a thorn in her side.
Leonie had decided that she would soldier forward never to open those avenues again!
https://www.theblogchatter.com/blogrolls/chapter-11-bridging-memoriesterabithia-reclaimed
To Be Continued...
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