There's a famous uninhabited mansion in Lark Creek, Virginia where an accident occurred seven years ago. Mysteries surround it, and people say that you'll hear strange noises coming from the inside of the mansion. No one in Lark Creek has the courag...
"I know what's real cannot be denied Although it may hide for a while With just one touch love can conquer fears Turning all your tears into smiles It's such a wondrous feeling I know that my heart can't be wrong." —I Still Believe by Hayden Panettiere
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"What are you brooding about, my king?"
My eyes opened suddenly and saw Leslie sitting across from me on the grass, giving me her gentle smile. The light breeze was playing with her long blonde hair, tossing it lightly around her slender face. I caught my breath and couldn't look away. My heartbeat picked up and my mouth was suddenly dry.
Leslie Sophia Burke was and would forever be beautiful and perfect.
"Earth to Jesse!"
Mentally shaking my head, I realized I was gaping. My jaw snapped shut and I blushed from embarrassment, looking down at my lap.
"Oh. I'm disturbing your thinking, aren't I? I'm sorry, Jess." Leslie stood up to leave.
What the heck are you doing, Aarons? Get out of your paralysis!
I quickly grabbed her wrist—me almost kneeling on the ground. She stopped in her tracks. I was still looking down at the grass, but I felt her gaze at the back of my head. "N-no. You got it wrong," I said, then stared directly into her eyes, determined. "Please stay, my queen."
Her eyes widened in shock, then she smiled softly after a brief moment. "Okay, my king."
We sat back beside the tree on a hill that was overlooking the school. Still holding Leslie's wrist, I moved my hand on top of hers and caressed it while looking up at the clear blue sky.
Leslie rested her head on my shoulder. I smelled her sweet perfume and the usual strawberry scent in her hair. I forgot about my problems about Leslie and Groban for now. Just being here with her in this moment was enough. I had to treasure it before she confessed to Groban. After that, I'd let my feelings for Leslie go, but I'd still be always with her. Best friends do that, of course.
Then I remembered what Conrad had said: Everything is never as it seems.
What the heck did he mean? I couldn't sleep properly last night because of that. And what had happened to Leslie and me yesterday seemed long forgotten now.
Thank God.
But there was still the school play to think about.
Boo.
"You're thinking deep, Jess," Leslie said softly, snapping me from my thoughts. "Care to share what's inside that head of yours?"
I chuckled lightly. "It's just about the play, Les. You know, tomorrow's Literature Day, and, well, I'm nervous to the core. What if I'm gonna mess up?"
