Leslie does not have much time to play with Jess since she started helping her father renovate their home. Jess finds it strange that a parent would be friends with their child. When Leslie realizes that Jess is jealous, she asks Jess why he hasn’t offered to come help. Jess feels embarrassed for his jealousy and finds that he enjoys working with Leslie and Mr. Burke, who insists they call him Bill. Bill is unfamiliar with handiwork, so Jess’s advice is helpful. Jess feels proud of his work. They paint the living room gold, which Leslie thinks looks worthy of a palace. For a moment, Jess is worried she will say it feels like Terabithia, revealing their secret. She does not mention Terabithia, though, and their secret is safe. After a month of being away, Jess and Leslie return to play in Terabithia, pretending that they have been off defending the borders.

At school, Leslie hears Janice crying in the bathroom. Jess says that they should help her. Since Jess can’t go into the girls’ bathroom, he dares Leslie to go in. By the time Leslie comes back, everyone is back in class. To Jess’s confusion, Leslie even smiles at Janice on the bus.