February 15, 2016
Ella Tyler
Anne's Arrival
Anne before Green Gables
It was a glorious fall day, about mid October. The leaves were multicolored and the autumn air was clear and crisp. A slight breeze rippled Anne's skirt. Beside her, Mrs. Wayne shivered. A squirrel poked his little head out of a great crimson maple. Geese honked in the distance, heading south to warmer weather. Beauty surrounded her, but Anne saw none of it. Her mind was preoccupied with what lay in store for her. Finally, they arrived. Mrs. Wayne drew the buggy to a halt, and elegantly stepped out. In her hands Anne held an ugly ancient looking carpet bag. It was not heavy for inside it there were only a few worn dresses and a dingy frock, but young Anne looked as if the weight of the world lay on her shoulders. Her red hair seemed faded, her face pale, and her eyes no longer looked bright and eager. She stood staring up at the large red-brick building with a mournful look on her little face. Mrs. Wayne was very unnerved. She had been a dear friend of Charlotte Hammond and had often seen Anne happily taking care of children or dreaming or simply smiling. After Mr. Hammond's death she mourned with the rest of them, but somehow never lost her happy little face. Then no one wanted her and the face began to fade. When an orphanage had been mentioned it had disappeared completely. Mrs. Wayne offered to escort her to the Hopetown orphan asylum, but at the beginning of the trip had begun to regret it severely. Anne had been silent and desolate and Mrs. Wayne was what one would usually call a busybody. Anne timidly walked towards the door, visibly shaking." Good Lord! The child is trembling!" Mrs. Wayne exclaimed aloud, sounding very alarmed.
"You would be trembling too if your whole future depended on this one despicable place,"Anne retorted in an almost breathless way.
"Oh I don't believe I would dear," corrected Mrs. Wayne who was only to glad to almost be rid of the strange child. She rapped twice on the door and glanced somewhat fearfully at Anne's small figure. A pleasant faced maid opened the door to let them inside before leading them into a neat but somewhat shabby parlor. Anne sat on a firm floral-patterned chair. The hall and parlor were spotless and she had a sneaking suspicion it wasn't the maid who did most of the cleaning. A sliver of hope for an easier life disappeared along with her dreams of a home. Anne was almost eleven and no one wanted a skinny, red-headed, freckled girl of her age in their homes. Then the door to the parlor opened and a stiff middle aged woman swept in and seated herself. "Good afternoon. My name is Miss Carmichael and I am the superintendent here at Hopetown orphanage. I am afraid you did not receive my note. We have no room for this little girl," She said curtly.
"Wwhat? Well she can't come...me... I... Oh my," blubbered Mrs. Wayne. Miss Carmichael ignored her completely and turned to Anne. "What is your name child," She asked in a softer tone.
"Anne Shirley."
" How old are you Anne?"
"Eleven in a week,"
"Can you work hard?"
"Yes,"
"How old were you when your parents died?"
"Three months old,"
"Oh my" Miss Carmichael seemed to take pity on the skinny red-headed child. "Well," She paused. "I suppose we may be able to fit you in somewhere," said Miss Carmichael after a moments thought. Anne's face fell her last glimmer of hope crushed. "Oh thank you! Thank you so very much!" cried Mrs. Wayne with relief washing over her, for a few fearful moments she had thought she would need to bring the child home with her. "Well I should be going then," said Mrs. Wayne cheerfully, rising to leave. "Good day madam. Goodbye Anne," and she was gone.
"Follow me," said Miss Carmichael. Anne rose and obeyed. Miss Carmichael led Anne into a large room with a long row of beds on each side. She was led to a bed next to a window, it was the last unoccupied bed and was fitted with clean sheets and a soft flannel blanket. Miss Carmichael left her there and Anne slid into bed and cried herself to sleep, not caring what the morning might bring along with the sun.
What do you think? I a very recent writer so please cut me a little slack, but I really want to know what you think. I'm ok with negative comments. Tell me if I should continue the story. Thank you!