3-24-16 A/N: Alright so here's the deal. I have long since considered deleting this story, but after much consideration I have decided to leave it as is. That said, you should all know what you are getting into. I wrote this when I was 14 and a freshman in high school and boy does it show. Despite how much I cringe when rereading it, I decided not to delete it because it reminds me of where I started, and how much my writing has improved over the years. I am now about to go into my junior year of college where I am studying to become an English teacher, and I like to think I have come a long way since. So if you want to read a quality story, I recommend you check out some of my more recent one-shots on my profile. You are of course more than welcome to read this, but be aware that it is not the best thing you will read on this site by far.

I highly doubt I will ever finish this story, it is just something that I have grown out of, but thank you to all of the people who read this when I originally wrote it. Your reviews did wonders for my confidence and your heartfelt compliments kept me writing. Thank you to all of my readers, old and new. And to any new writers out there I say this: Keep writing. No matter what. You may think you are bad now, and it could very well be true, but if you keep it up, someday you will be able to look back on your first story as I am now and see how far you have come. Never let what anyone else says keep you from something you love, not even your own self-doubt.

Thank you for listening

- Cady

I stepped out into the crisp, cool, morning air that almost seemed to be waiting for something to happen. What that something was I did not know, but it didn't matter, for my mind was too caught up in its own daydreams to care. A sudden low rumbling of tires over the rocky dirt road pulled me from my thoughts. My eyes were drawn to the bellowing of dust in the distance drawing closer with the approaching vehicle.

I scampered up to the awaiting rust-colored car and eagerly jumped in. "All set?" Cheerfully Miss Edmunds inquired with her hands resting on the wheel. I could tell she was keen to arrive at the museum early and the feeling was mutual. "Yes mam." I replied after buckling my seatbelt. As I glanced out the window, a wave of guilt washed over me when we passed Leslie's house. At the sight I recalled that I had promised to meet her in Terabithia today.

"Forget something?" Miss Edmunds questioned, noticing my distraction. My gaze never left that little white house as I exclaimed without hesitation, "Stop the car!" The tires screeched in objection as the car came to an abrupt halt. I Leapt out of the vehicle without so much of a goodbye and no explanation for my actions.

I dashed towards the house and knocked hastily on the front door, ignoring the confused cries of my teacher. The door swung open to reveal a puzzled Mr. Burke, "Oh. Hey Jess. What's-"

"Where's Leslie?" I cut him off.

"She just left for the woods," He answered the curiosity evident in his voice. Remembering the fierce storm from the night before, that had caused the river to rise dangerously high, I spun around and began to sprint in the direction I knew Leslie would be. "Thanks!" I called back over my shoulder before disappearing out of his sight.

I rushed as fast as my legs would carry me, hoping, praying, that she was okay. The closer I got the more I was filled with an aching pain both physically and of the heart. As I began to tire and draw near to the river, a sudden heart-wrenching shriek trembled in my ears and echoed throughout my body. "Leslie!" I cried out in desperation. It was as if I was back in that first race with Leslie, only now the prize was so much more important to me. My heart felt as if it would explode and my thoughts were filled with a terrible sense of dread. I urged my already strained muscles to push harder before it was too late.

Finally, I had reached the river only to find a sight I would never forget. "Jess!" Leslie screamed for help. She was dangling from the rope that was slowly breaking strand by strand. I could only stare in horror as the sickening snap, reached my ears, followed by a deathly scream.

"NOOOOO!" I cried in horror as I watched her descend into the stream protruding with sharp rocks. The world seemed to stop as her head collided with the largest of the river's stones.

Instinctively, I plunged into the rapids after her. The frigid water seared into my skin, but I paid no attention, as all I cared about now was Leslie. Leslie...Leslie...Leslie...Leslie, my heart seemed to be saying as it beat rapidly. She was all that filled my mind in those moments that lasted forever to me.

Reaching out I grasped Leslie's warm hand, and pulled her towards me never wanting to let go again. My lungs gasped for air, as I scrambled to the surface. I burst from the water only to be greeted by an ongoing of waves. Struggling with the additional weight, I barely managed to pull us out before collapsing exhausted on the muddy ground.

I'm not quite sure how long we laid there with her entwined in my arms, but by the steady rising and falling of her chest I knew she would be alright. When I remembered the nasty hit she had taken on her descent, I gently lifted her into my arms, with her head resting against my shoulder.

I was distracted as I breathed in her fragrance of strawberries mixed with the scent of the icy water. "Focus" I thought to myself, but I couldn't help but notice how beautiful and peaceful she looked. I leaned my head forward and let my lips softly touch her forehead, relishing in the sweet flavor of her skin.

Suddenly I noticed a crimson stain on my once white shirt. I knew I had to get her to a hospital, and fast. I held her close and ran as well as a could without jolting her too much in my arms. "Faster Faster," I thought. The blood had begun to seep through my clothes and drip on the fallen leaves. At long last, I arrived at the end of the forest and saw that welcoming little house.

A/N: Hope you all liked It! Please Review! I will update when I have five reviews or next week whichever comes first haha! :)