"OH DIANA," Anne cried. "I can't we're leaving for Redmond tomorrow!"
It was only a matter of 36 hours before Anne Shirley and her best friend Diana Barry left their childhood home to pursue a bachelor's degree. They tried to help each other pack for the trip, but only succeeded in distracting each other further. So, they ended up getting a bite to eat in Anne's home Green Gables instead.
"Neither can I!" Diana agreed. "It's a new adventure that we're experiencing, together."
"I don't think the world can handle us, Diana," Anne laughed. "It seemed like only yesterday when I was 11 and walking through the doors of Green Gables. I had no idea what affect it had on me! Now it seems as if I'm leaving it forever, even though it's just a semester before I can come back. Oh Di, I can't believe it! I really can't!" Her eyes broke eye contact with Diana's and her finger traced the rim of her cup of lemonade.
"It does, Anne." Diana's hand reached Anne's in comfort. "We are taking pieces of our home, with us though. Besides, Avonlea will always be in our hearts no matter what."
Anne sighed. "Avonlea opened a new door to my life and helped me become who I am. Perhaps I should view college the same way."
"Now that's the spirit!" Diana cheered. Though she was genuinely happy and excited for Anne, her expression changed to a more grave one, wiping her own and Anne's smiles off their faces.
"Diana dear, what is it?" Anne inquired.
"Please remember, when you make new friends and meet new people, you won't forget about your first best friend."
Anne gasped. "How could I forget about my first ever friend? Diana Barry, you get that notion out of your head. Besides, we're going together! How can I forget about someone whom I'm dorming with?"
The crease between Diana's eyebrows softened. "What a silly notion entered my brain! Of course I knew that would never happen, but I just wanted some reassurance."
Anne's hand reached forward to grab Diana's. "We promised each other in your garden all those years ago that we'd be bosom friends forever." Anne's eyes searched Diana's in reassurance. "I intend to keep that promise."
Diana's eyes melted as it morphed into happiness. "Oh Anne! I will always do so as well."
After they promised each other that they will, indeed, stay friends during college and even after, they decided that they really did need to get back to packing unless they wanted to have nothing on their way to Nova Scotia.
Anne headed back upstairs to her room after bidding Diana goodbye to look at the rest of her belongings and deciding which ones she could keep in Green Gables and which ones she should bring with her to Redmond.
As she opened her door, she realized there was a small creak in the door that she connects so vividly whenever Matthew would check up on her when she and Marilla got into arguments growing up. There was a hitch in her throat as memories flooded back to her.
She shook her head. She was being ridiculous! This was only college! A mere four years of her life! She'll be back in a few months; it was not as if she was moving away forever.
Instead of focusing on the minuscule details of her small room in Green Gables, she focused on the big picture that was currently cluttered by clothing thrown haphazardly around her room, trying to find the best pieces to bring to Kingsport. Shrugging, she picked up everything, folded them, and dumped them into the box she was bringing for the clothing. She'd have plenty of time when she moved into the dorm to figure out what outfits and such. Besides, if she was going to stay there for months, she'd better have as many clothes as possible.
There was a box, though, that lay hidden in her small closet that only was taken out a few times in the seven years she'd lived in Green Gables. In that box held her dearest memories and trinkets she'd kept. Some were from the days of when she was an orphan, others were dearest things she'd found strolling in the area, or just something that was given to her. Some included the ribbon Marilla had given her the day of the town picnic where she was first introduced to the town, a hat of Matthew's, and the lock of Diana's hair they'd exchanged in the janitor's closet of their elementary school.
All of those objects held a dear place in her heart, and she knew they had a place to stay in Green Gables. Plus, it's something she has to look forward to when she visits again. Maybe she could even add more to it.
Anne's attention diverted to the boxes that laid before her. Crouching to the floor, she leaned over the boxes with a marker and labelled what each box contained. A knock on the door gave Anne quite a start, causing her to write a line on the box she didn't mean.
"Come in!" she replied to the knock.
Marilla strode into the small bedroom, now being stripped of its decorations to be brought to Anne's dorm.
"I'll miss you, Anne," Marilla said. Usually she would keep whatever's in her mind to herself, but this, she decided, needed to be voiced out.
Anne closed the cap on her marker and turned to face Marilla, her face full of sympathy for her first ever mother. "Oh Marilla, don't be so sad!" she said, noticing Marilla's usually stony eyes starting to water. "You have Mrs. Lynde here as well, and don't forget Davy and Dora. They'd sure keep you company."
Marilla's head nodded, though she couldn't exactly agree. Green Gables wouldn't be the same without the chatty redheaded girl brought to her by Matthew all those years before. In the blink of an eye Marilla could be transported back to that day when Anne was brought before her eyes. At first, she was so upset that they were given a girl instead of a boy, but Anne had grown on her, and now she couldn't imagine why on earth she thought she could ever bring her back to the orphanage.
The thought caused Marilla's eyes to water even further and a stray tear streaked down her face.
Anne noticed this, of course, as it was not a common sight to see Marilla crying. She moved from the floor to the bed where Marilla was sitting and moved her arms to hug Marilla.
At this, Marilla was sure she would start bawling and break down in Anne's arms but she willed her emotions to stay stoic. She reached her hand to wipe away the few other tears that managed to escape, but returned Anne's embrace with a tight one of her own.
"I know you'll do well, Anne, don't you worry," Marilla murmured.
With Anne's constant insecurities, Marilla knew that Anne would most likely be worried about doing well in college, as it was a new situation. With Marilla's reassurance, Anne knew that it wouldn't be a problem. Not only had she gotten Marilla's confidence, but also Diana's which was enough to make her heart swell.
"Matthew would be so proud of you."
Anne's breath hitched as she thought of Matthew once again. If only he could see me now, she thought.
Both of them missed him, no doubt about it. He would be so proud about who this amazing, talkative, redheaded orphan had become. She matured so wonderfully, Marilla thought, she's really becoming a woman.
Marilla broke apart from their tight embrace, composing herself before saying, "You have a big day ahead of you, Anne. You'd better get some rest." She looked around the room. "And also clean this mess up. You wouldn't want to leave Green Gables in shambles."
Anne laughed. Of course Marilla would have to comment on her untidiness after such an intimate moment. "Sure, Marilla. I'll do that right now."
Marilla rose from the bed and gave one fleeting smile at Anne before closing the door and leaving her to get ready for Kingsport.
Oh how anxious she was! Anne couldn't wait to exploring the world, even though just moments before she'd been scared. After talking to Marilla she knew she had nothing to worry about. Yes, she'll miss Green Gables, but she's excited to experience new adventures brought by college.
- ̗̀ ̖́-
After saying goodbye to Dora, Davy, Mrs. Lynde (not without a healthy dose of Rachel Lynde's "advice"), and Marilla, Anne hopped into Diana's car ready to leave the small town of Avonlea.
"This is so exciting!" Anne exclaimed, practically jumping out of her seat.
Diana laughed at her best friend. Just 12 hours later, Anne's anxiety of the next day dissipated and is replaced by a bumbling sensation of elatedness.
Diana had turned on the radio listening to people shaking off the haters and swinging from the lights which gave great background noise to Anne's bumbling thoughts. Happy was an understatement if one were to describe Anne's feelings at that moment. She would probably say it was such a "scrumptious and exquisite" feeling that only those who are in the moment itself would understand. She was excited to find out what college had in-store for her and Diana. Anne had found out that her friends Priscilla Grant and Stella Maynard - who she met in Queen's Academy - were also attending Redmond.
Her bubbling excitement also seemed to rub off on Diana who was drumming the steering wheel happily as she turned on her signal to turn into the highway, accelerating in speed to nearly 80 kilometers per hour.
Anne rolled down her window and stuck her head out just a little bit, basking in the summer breeze.
"Anne Shirley! Get your head back in here!" Diana laughed. "You'd think after spending 7 years with Marilla you'd finally get some common sense in your brain."
"I can't help it! This adventure of ours just seems so exciting! I can't not take an opportunity like that to express by happiness," Anne justified with a dreamy look in her eyes. "What do you think the collegiate experience would be like?"
"Prissy Andrews did say it was boring and too 'studious,'" Diana recounted. "Although, that is quite funny considering she is currently courting Mr. Phillips."
Anne's nose crinkled. "Don't remind me! That is honestly extremely ludicrous. Mr. Phillips of all people!"
Diana chuckled. "That's quite true, Anne. I suppose as an answer to your previous question, we'll just have to figure it out for yourself."
Anne sighed in contentment. She stuck her hand out of the window, feeling the wind brush against her finger tips. Her fingers lightly waved as if she was delicately touching whatever the wind was carrying to her. So she stayed, mesmerized by the scenery rolling about outside the car.
Diana switched from the radio to her phone after a while, not content with the current popular music selection. She and Anne made small talk during the 3 hours they drove, though Anne's head wasn't always in their conversations. It often wandered toward imaginations of what the people at school would be like and the exploits they would have.
At last, Anne and Diana arrived at Redmond. Anne had to pull out her phone to tell Diana where in the campus to go to arrive at their dorm.
Anne's excitement could no longer be contained as she stepped - practically jumping - out of the car.
"Oh Diana," Anne said. "It's so beautiful!"
The outside of their dorm was decorated with beautiful greenery of trees and flowers that reminded Anne of home. There was no doubt in Anne's mind that she wouldn't enjoy college right when she first stepped foot in the parking lot. Everything was so wonderful that she couldn't help herself but want to get a better look at the whole campus.
She found a tree in the middle of the courtyard outside of her dorm building - which she made mental note of when she decided she needed a place to get inspiration for writing - and started to climb.
Even from a bird's eye view, the whole school seemed even more wonderful. There were a bustling of the student body moving around everywhere, going from place to place, friend groups chattering, and couples snuggling. Anne's heart grew as she hoped one day she'd be as content as the others seemed to be.
Her eyes scanned the courtyard itself, landing on a boy with unruly curls, nuzzling himself into a book and occasionally pushing his glasses back up the bridge of his nose.
Anne took a deep breath, taking in the air around her with the aroma of fresh plants and trees. She was surely ready for this new adventure given to her by college.
Anne was broken out of her stupor as she heard Diana shout from her car for help in bringing in the boxes. Happily - though a bit glum that she had to leave the tree - she sauntered over to Diana and picked up a few boxes.
After checking in with the RA and checking their room number on an email sent by the college, they went up to their dorm rooms and settled in.
It did take a few trips going up and down the stairs to Diana's car, but they managed, often helping each other lift heavy boxes.
Tired from the heavy lifting, Anne received a text from Priscilla Grant asking them if they'd wanted to meet up for lunch and tour the campus. Anne and Diana obliged, telling her what dorm they were staying at and what room. Patiently they waited for Pris to pick them up, with Anne chattering happily as always, and Diana listening contently.
A knock on their dormitory door caused them to rise to their feet and welcome the visitor in.
"Priscilla!" Anne greeted with a smile. "It's so good to finally see you again!"
"Same here," Priscilla replied, leaning into Anne to give her a hug. She looked to the side of Anne's face when they broke a part to see Diana standing, albeit quite warily, near the door frame which allowed them to enter the rest of their living space. "And you must be Diana. I'm Priscilla Grant. I heard so much about you when Anne and I were still in Queen's!"
Diana blushed. "Really?" She extended her hand. "It's nice to meet you."
Pris took her hand and shook it pretty fiercely, though she was really excited to meet Anne and her friend.
"So where're we going today, Pris?" Anne questioned, shifting from foot to foot, trying to contain her excitement.
"Well I thought we can go try the cafe nearby on Main Street. I hear it's pretty popular amongst the students," Priscilla suggested.
"That's seems great," Anne agreed cheerily, "What do you think, Diana?"
"It's fine with me," Diana replied. "Let me go get my stuff and we can leave."
When Diana left, Anne and Priscilla broke into friendly conversation, catching up on what they missed.
"You know, your very lucky, Anne," Priscilla commented.
"How so?" Anne asked.
"You and Diana have the dorm that's facing the Old St. John's Graveyard!"
"How is that lucky?" Anne questioned, face contorting. "I wouldn't want to look at a graveyard!"
"It's quite beautiful actually, I'll take you and Diana to it once we leave."
Diana showed up then, and they were off.
Priscilla kept her promise and took them to see Old St. John's Graveyard. She was right, actually. The graveyard isn't actually used as a graveyard anymore, but the upkeep is superb. The trees surrounding the area was quite big and beautiful, and so were the great tombstones with the queerest sayings on them. Overall, Anne can see how it is a tourist attraction in Kingsport.
As they talked and inspected the tombstones, Diana realized they weren't alone. Instead, they were accompanied by a pretty girl with beautiful brown hair and a crooked mouth.
"Perhaps we should go talk to her," Priscilla suggested.
Anne's heart melted for the girl. She seemed so lonely and she needed a few friends to back her up. Agreeing, Anne, Pris, and Diana walked up to the girl and introduced themselves.
Instantly, her face brightened up with pure elatedness to finally talk and meet someone. "Oh I've been dying to meet you all. I saw you guys earlier and you seemed so interesting I couldn't help myself but want to speak with you!"
The trio laughed at the funny girl. She was interesting and brought some "spice" into the group. "I'm Philippa Gordon, though please call me Phil."
"Alright Phil," Anne said. "We were just about to go get some lunch. Would you like to join us?"
Phil's face brightened. "I would love to!"
They exited the graveyard together, sharing different stories about how they knew each other, their hometowns, and what they're excited about.
"I didn't actually want to come to Redmond," Phil explained. "I would've rather stayed at home trying to decide who I wanted to marry, but my father thought it would've been better if I'd gone to college and get my BA."
Anne was quite shocked. She thought that most girls or women today would love to get an education, especially a higher one.
"But I weighed my outcomes," Phil continued. "It was either getting a college degree, or have to get married to either Alec or Alonzo and stay at home. Once I thought about it, I thought going here to Redmond would be a lot more logical after all."
The four of them continue on with the walk to the cafe as Phil explained more about her hometown of Bolingbroke (at which Anne commented "That's where I was born!" and Philippa replied "You must come home with me and visit!") and Alec and Alonzo. They found out that Phil had trouble with being indecisive and Alec and Alonzo were the two people she believed she could only marry. The only problem was she couldn't decide who to marry. "It's a constant struggle," she had said.
They finally reached main street and entered the lively cafe full of college students socializing and studying for the upcoming term.
The foursome sat at a small table after they'd ordered their drinks and small pastries at the cash register and they continued their conversations.
"What are your majors?" Diana asked in hopes to liven the conversations.
"You already know mine, but I'm an English Literature major and minoring in teaching," Anne said.
Ever since she was little Anne had always been interested in reading and writing. She loved using big words in her sentences as a child and occasionally would pop a few in day to day conversations. Overall, she was thrilled to find out that Redmond offered great English courses and she felt as if her dreams were being fulfilled.
The others nodded in agreement and acceptance of her chosen major.
"I'm a Computer Science and Mathematics major," Phil piped up. "I'm still debating whether I could be an applied mathematics major, but my parents thought computer science and mathematics was a better choice." She took a sighed and placed cradled her chin in her hands. "If you didn't notice by now I have a big problem in being very indecisive. Heck, even this morning I couldn't decide between the pink hat I'm wearing and a brown one! I wore this outfit with a brown hat and I thought it would look better with a pink hat that was quite floppy. I once I put it on, I liked the brown one, instead. The thing was, I thought it needed a little extra 'oomph' if I wore the brown one, but the pink one might have been too much. So, I ended up placing the two hats close together on my bed and jabbing one with a hat pin and it landed on the pink one!" Phil paused to look at the group whom were looking at her with quite amused eyes. "You don't think I'm crazy, do you? Oh! I hope you don't. I couldn't bare it!"
Anne impulsively reached over Phil to comfort her. "Of course we don't! You're fine just the way you are."
Phil smiled. "Thank you, Anne... Now what were we talking about?"
"Our majors!" Priscilla exclaimed. "I'm just a teaching major and minoring in women's studies. I really want to teach young children! After all, they're the building blocks of our society today. What about you Diana?"
"Oh, um, I'm undecided. I was thinking I'll figure it out soon, but I'm just taking the classes I need for credits to graduate."
The rest of the girls talked about each of their majors and what was required, but Anne's mind wandered.
Since she'd seen Priscilla, she'd matured quite a bit. Yes, they still are teenagers, and yet those few years they'd been a part, she'd become someone who's more down-to-earth versus always having her head in the clouds. She's still that dreamy person she'd met in the second year of Queen's, but she's more of a realist.
Anne reflected about herself. How much had she changed? Had she even changed at all? If she did, was it a good type of change? Or is she just in one of her childish fantasies again thinking she's some kind of mature princess but she's really just a little girl pretending to be someone she's not?
She thought of Phil. Even though they just met, Anne believed they'd become great friends. Sure, she might have a problem with being indecisive, but at least she'd have different choices that would bring multiple outcomes. Whether they'd be good or bad, Anne will never know. Phil might be a little queer, but at least she has a goal in her mind and has people along the way to keep her on the right path.
Sighing to herself, her eyes scanned the cafe and her eyes landed on a familiar curly haired boy. Her brows furrowed as she tried to figure this guy out. (Yes, it is a weird habit of hers. She often likes to make up stories of random strangers she met on the street and create a back story for them. Of course, it would be weird if she does end up meeting them in real life and mixed up her fantasies with their actual life story, but she doesn't like to think about that.) He seemed quite studious as every time she'd seen him his nose was in a book. Plus, she saw a few other girls in the cafe steal a few glances at him. He might have seen them and ignored them or was just focused on the book. Either way, she could see that he was attractive nonetheless, but she wouldn't judge who he is based off of his looks but more so his personality.
"Anne? Are you listening?" Diana questioned, waving a hand in front of Anne's face.
"Huh?" Anne said, dreamily, snapping out of her thoughts.
"We were asking you a question," Pris laughed. "We've been trying to get your attention at least 10 times."
"I think that's because she was entranced by that guy over there," Phil inquired.
The four girls looked over in the direction of the boy who was reading his book.
At this he looked up, most likely feeling the gaze of four girls upon him. His eyes bared amusement as he threw a wink mainly in Anne's direction (though Anne would beg to differ) and returned to reading.
Anne scoffed and turned her nose upward in disgust, though her flushed cheeks showed a small sign of flattering. The three other girls laughed at Anne and turned back to each other, resuming in conversation.
- ̗̀ AUTHOR'S NOTE ̖́-
lmao riiippppp
i butchered this first chapter. i hope you liked the small snippets of the canon material along with the au. i didn't really know what to do for priscilla, but i hope you all don't mind haha. ( i kinda forgot what happened at queen's WHOOPS )
well, i hope you enjoyed the chaper! bye y'all.