Ch.2 Redemption
"Anne?" a raspy voice called. Anne jolted awake, her eyes searching the darkness. She must have fallen asleep, keeping vigil beside Jack's bed. Through the dim moonlight, Anne glimpsed Gilbert's lanky form stretched beneath the window.
"Anne?" the voice called again. Anne's senses awakened, and her gaze flew to the bed. The long form on the bed remained motionless, but she noticed the head on the pillow twitch.
"I'm here, Jack. I'm here." She leaned forward to capture his hand between her own. The head turned towards her, eyes groggy, but smile genuine.
"Anne—"
"How do you feel, darling?" Jack's grin widened.
"Like I've been hit by a train." He shifted gently then groaned.
"I'm sorry—"
"Don't be. I'm just glad I'm alive." Anne bowed her head.
"So am I. I'm so sorry, Jack. I owe you a sincere apology." Jack shifted again and grunted.
"For what? Saving my life? I forgive you." Anne smiled despite her tears.
"For being cruel. I snapped at you, and mistrusted you and you were an angel. You completely trusted me with your son, you never gave up looking for me, and you've always been a dear friend. Even with the whole Kindred Spirits thing."
"I'm flattered."
"I'm just trying to say I promise to be a better friend from here out, and if there's anything I can do for you, just say so." Anne leaned forward and caught Jack's complete attention. Jack's self-assured countenance was gradually returning, despite his obvious pain.
"I think you've done plenty," he responded, reassuring her. Anne shook her head.
"No, no. I've been thinking about it, and maybe even dreamt it. I came up with a whole resolution to this complication. While you take your time regaining your strength and healing, Gil and I are going to find your sister and get Dominic. Then we'll bring him back here, where you'll be fit to travel—"
"And if I'm not?" interrupted Jack. It was Anne's turn to smile.
"You will. You and Domi and me and Gil will all go back to Green Gables. Diana and Fred are building a house so it might be cramped, but I'm sure there will be something small nearby that you and Domi could take." Jack smiled and squeezed her hand.
"We'll see, beautiful, we'll see." He sighed and Anne watched him visibly relax on the stiff hospital mattress. "You know, right now, I'm looking forward to breakfast." Anne laughed, clear and lilting. Jack offered a clowning grin before his lids fluttered closed.
Dearest Diana and Fred,
(I hope you, dear Fred, will notice you have no longer been omitted from my openings of correspondence!) Before I can go any further, I know you are both starving for trying information and I won't detain it any longer. Gilbert has been found! Jack Garrison, a friend and ex-foe from my publishing days in New York, helped me find him. He is the father of Dominic, Fred. Dominic is doing quite well and is living with his Aunt in a small town in France. Both he and Jack intend to visit Avonlea very soon, hopefully for an indefinite stay! But enough of new acquaintances.
Gilbert was held as a POW not long after I saw him at the camp. The Germans used his medical skills for other prisoners and soldiers. Mostly for their own purposes, of course. Jack managed to track him down to the makeshift hospital where Gil was forced to work. When we questioned a nurse, she informed us she had known Dr. Blythe, but six weeks ago he was taken away and had not come back. I felt dejected. I could not help feeling that surely I would know if Gil were—but it seemed a dead end all the same. Jack and I retreated to a nearby park where Jack was to receive special orders (he had worked as an underground spy/informant during the war). I was reunited with some girls I had met on one of my adventures, and they pulled me onto a small stage to sing with them. I hadn't the heart, of course, but as I began to stumble along with them, I looked into the crowd. I looked into the faces and the hearts of the soldiers before me…and there was movement near the back: a dark, gaunt figure, with sad but hopeful eyes. Mercy behold, my heart skipped, and before I knew it I was in the arms of my Gil once again! Diana I know you are crying now for it seems just like a story you or I or Jane might write for our old Story Club. And my, did we cry buckets over those nonsensical scripts!
On the train, dear Jack met with an old foe of his own and was struck. The malicious figure shot Jack and left him for dead. With Gil, the help of a nearby hospital, and Providence, Mr. Garrison's life has been spared. As I write to you now, I sit by his bed, waiting for him to wake. He is a kindred spirit, and I must say perhaps the first of my many kindred spirits that has not always been in my good graces! Diana and Fred, I know you will love him as I do. I believe if I ever had a brother, surely I would be blessed with he. Gilbert and I depart today to reunite with Dominic. As soon as that mission is accomplished, we will speed back to the hospital and board the next cross-Atlantic ship with Jack.
Both of you dear hearts are welcome at Green Gables for as long as your pleasure allows, of course. Neither Gil nor I expect our home to be complete before we return. However, I will warn you that it might be a tad cramped for awhile. I am not ready to let Jack and Dominic out of my sight until they are better acquainted with Avonlea. I look forward to our return to Green Gables and the beginning of a wonderful life for us all. The war is over! Has there never been such a beautiful phrase? Even apart from its lack of imagination, I think it is nearest the most contenting sentence I have ever heard, spoken, or written.
I fear my anecdotes are few and time does cut me short. I might be home before you receive this letter—wouldn't that be a dream? Give everyone my love.
Your eternal friend,
Anne Blythe
Anne slipped the scribbled missive into an envelope and sealed it. Gilbert waited for her by the door, as she gave Jack's forehead a parting kiss. His dreamless sleep remained constant as the Blythes slipped out of the hospital, beginning their search for Dominic Garrison.
