Avonlea's Wicked Fairytales
Chapter 3-
At the Avonlea Schoolhouse
Gilbert tried his best to write out his answers. He knew the answers but was stalling because spelling them was twice as difficult. He hadn't done much writing the last two years he was away.
Anne went up the rows and marked in her book who did what. She noted that Gil's handwriting was fairly unreadable and made a mental note to talk to him about it at Supper time.
"I am afraid many of you spent too much time irritating each other, than reading. It is rather hot today and having a new student, though obviously not new to all of you, has made all of your very restless. We will have some relay practice a short while after Supper but then, I expect all of you to work diligently on your fractions. We should be on decimals by next week. Remember, practice the concept of measuring in your everyday chores. Fractions are just parts that equal a whole object. Don't eat an apple or plum, without cutting it in half and the in quarters. When you are breaking up a bale of hay, imagine it into separate portions, I will help you understand the concept of fractions better." Anne tried to help those of her students who learned better by visualizing the idea better then studying a book will.
"Alright, please start on the next chapter in your Readers. The next quiz will be cumulative. Meaning if you skipped this last chapter, you will miss some of my questions, which will include some of the previous chapter. These marks are not encouraging. We cannot have free time for games, if we fall behind. There are just some things we must accomplish, if we are to advance to the next level. It is discouraging to fall too far behind schedule." Anne tried to help her students understand her goals for them.
"Yeah, Gilbert!" Moody let out, only to get a very stern look from what were now very dark Grey eyes.
Gray eyes? So her eyes change colors. How interesting well at least she is sharp. Gilbert reasoned with himself.
"Don't mind him, Gilbert. Sometimes our Mr. MacPherson forgets to think before he speaks out loud. I hope, Moody, you will work on that characteristic, at least in my classroom. Lest you find yourself with the younger children, who are still developing self-control." Anne looked at him reproachfully.
"But Charlie.." Moody started to give an excuse.
"Mr. Sloane is already paying for his lack of discipline. It is not your affair, Mr. MacPherson." Anne was growing weary with the Boys today, she thought to herself.
"Yes, Miss Shirley, sorry Gilbert. That was just mean." Moody felt guilty but had better manners. He didn't want the girls to look at him with disgust, as they often thought of Charlie.
"Alright. I must get some things written on the board. Now excuse me and finish up with your reading. You don't want to be held back from Supper.. I am sure you are all anxious t get outdoors." Anne smiled sweetly and the class went back to it's studies.
Anne erased the board and thought she needed a break too. Everyone was antsy. Even she had to admit she was feeling confined in these four walls right now. Sometimes it must feel suffocating to the Students during the warmer weather. She was going to have to learn how to deal with Charlie. At least she had those apples to look forward to.
The hour flew by and Anne dismissed her Students to Supper. All except for Gilbert, who she took aside for counsel.
"So it seems your first day back has been kind of rough, Gilbert. I am sorry, I didn't realize how well you knew everyone." Anne confessed sadly.
"It's alright Miss Shirley, I'm used to it. Lucky for me, I'm no push over but is will take some time for me to convince them that I am older and here for a reason. I get caught up in their skirmishes, just out of habit. There are still so many things I need to learn. If you don't' mind, going. Over some of my questions, after class. I would appreciate it!" He said shyly.
"I don't mind, Gilbert. I did stop you though to ask you to remind me to give you this book I have on penmanship. You haven't been writing much, since you've been gone , I take it." Anne said apparently worried about hurting his feelings.
"I'm afraid not. I guess Mother just choose to overlook my errors. She probably got tired of my complaining. So you have a book that will help me with my cursive?" He asked her honestly.
"Yes. I will write out what I want you to practice at home. Writing is more than half of the Queens Entrance Examination. Do you want to go to High School, Gilbert?" Anne asked him, her eyes lighting up as if to encourage him to greatness.
"More than anything. Actually, I plan on going onto Redmond. I know my writing is atrocious but I can read quite well. I will catch up in no time. If you don't mind helping me some." He reminded her.
"Are you ever going to go to Redmond? You seem so smart. At least as well as I can tell. You ask questions and don't jump the gun. I was so grateful you didn't punish me for Charlie's being a dunce!" Gil said thankfully.
"I've been in your shoes before, Gilbert. I learned it is better to ask questions. I want all of my students to respect each other and learn to talk out their differences, instead of fighting them out. Even you , Gilbert, must learn how to express our feelings without threats of violence. Do you want everyone to fear you? Anne was very concerned about this issue.
"No, well if it gives me some peace of mind, what ever works the easiest. With knuckleheads like Charlie, it is the easiest way to reason with him. Talking ,
Charlie can hold his own but listening? He just must be deaf, Miss Shirley. You didn't say anything about Redmond." Gilbert brought back up to her.
"I know. I just wanted to make sure you understood how I felt about fighting. It really should only be your last resort. Charlie is a bit slow in understanding but he holds his won and keeps up with the class. Now as a matter-of-fact. I am teaching to help pay for my studies at Redmond and Mrs. Cuthbert needs my help at the Farm right now. I won a full scholarship but I turned it down because Marilla took care of me when she didn't have to. You see, Gilbert, I was an orphan. No Family in Canada that I know of. Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert took me into their home and sent me to Queens. I finished my teaching course in one year instead of two. I take education seriously because it is a gift from our community to the future of all children, so that they can carry on with life after they are gone. So I am happy to teach as long as my students try to do their best." Anne explained her ambitions.
"That is some story. I'm really hungry now but someday, I'll tell you my story, alright?" He grinned that wonderful expression, that made everyone grateful that he was alive and they were lucky enough to hold his attention.
Anne went to her closet and pulled out her lunch. As she stepped out of the classroom, Diana approached her and together they sat a nearby rock to eat their lunches.
"Miss Shirley, I guess I should call you that at school, right? Is Gilbert in trouble? You spent quite a lot of time talking and all." Diana looked into Anne's eyes for some understanding.
"Not at all, Diana. It's his first day back and I had some questions that was all. You seem quite interest in Mr. Blythe's affairs." Anne said intrigued.
"Don't tease me Miss. Shirley. He doesn't know I'm alive. He sure noticed you though. Most of the bickering was over you! Well, Gilbert is only a couple of years your Junior. I think he likes older girls. He once said little girls are too silly. They fuss about every non-important thing." Diana pronounced.
"Do you think I fuss over every non-important thing, Miss Shirley?" "Diana was seriously concerned.
"Not at all Diana, dearest. Besides I don't know a Man or Boy who didn't notice a pretty girl.
Almost any girl, who puts in the effort to look her best , will get "noticed". They may not admit it but it is important to them. You also read and write well, Diana. You are getting along well with you arithmetic also. I am convinced Gilbert notices you more than you imagine." Anne reassures her.
"Well, he did stand up for me, when Charlie said those bad things about my Father. We haven't any Boys in our Family, so Father and I are close but he doesn't allow me to wear pants and makes sure I have all of the ribbons and bonnets that all of the other Girls do. He doesn't think I'm a boy" Diana said valiantly.
"Of course, Diana. Charlie is just feeling insecure. Now that Gilbert is here, he isn't the oldest boy in class and he will need some time to find his place among his peers. 'Gilbert is quite a bit behind but I doubt that will last more than a year. What do you think, Diana?" Anne asked her "mature" student.
"I think you have made a wise assessment. Gilbert is very ambitious. He was already studying the books you lent him, when I went by his house, on an errand for Mother. He is kind of restless though. He is always doing two things at once. He can't just fish or just read, he has to be doing both at the same time. He gets kind of pesty, if he is bored, I've noticed." Diana tried to sound more grown-up and was doing a fairly adequate performance.
"I see you do know him well. I guess only the future will tell but promise me, Diana, no more talk about Gilbert and I. I know I am young but he is my student. I don't want to lose the upper hand with him or any of the boys. So please don't even hint at romantic attachments." Anne sighed.
"Well you do have freckles. Gilbert always seems to show the most attention to girls with freckles. I wish I had more, I only have a scattered few. He spoke quite well of you. I know Charlie has a crush on you something fierce. I think that was why he acted up. Gilbert was mooning over you too, Miss Shirley. You just seem so stately and well, you have the cutest little nose, like a little fairy Queen!" Diana exclaimed.
"Alright, enough of this talk Miss Barry. Let's finish with our lunch. Would you like some of this apple? They seem quite large." Anne said, looking it over carefully.
"Oh yes please. They really are the best. Mother just made an Apple Pie with them and we are to have it tonight, with dollops of fresh cream. I can't wait. I'll see if I can sneak you a piece. Today, I have Strawberry Tarts, they are quite splendid, of that you will see!" Diana teased her and then reached in to present her with her treat.
They finished the day out and the students of the Avonlea School were dismissed to go to their homes.
"So what did you think of her Gilbert? Isn't she something?" Charlie tried again to get Gilbert to answer his questions. He was being forgiven for his stupidity for the time being.
"Why should I tell you, Charlie? You'll just blurt it out to everyone and try to make me look foolish. I think she is a good Teacher. At least not much gets past her, I bet. That could be a bit boring at times, though." He sighed. Miss Shirley hardly noticed him and when she talked to him, it was he was one of the first readers. He might as well have been twelve years old.
"She seems to take Diana an awful lot." Gilbert almost grumbled.
"They live next door to each other. I think they are becoming good friends. Diana said something like they are "Kindred Spirits". When they think alike and agree on most things, unlike us fools." Moody explains.
"Well some things are best enjoyed at a distance. Like Miss Josie Pye. Oh, Gilbert! Yoo hoo!" Charlie teased him. Gilbert gave him a look of extreme hatred, then turned to face Josie, who was running to catch up with them.
"Here, Gilbert! Take these, so how is everyone?" Josie asked.
"Thanks Josie. I don't have enough to carry already." Gilbert sighs reluctantly.
"You are a big, strong boy, stop complaining. So what were you talking about?" She butted into their conversation.
"Wouldn't you like to know, Josie Pye!" Moody taunted her.
"I am sure I would Moody. So there!" Josie spat back at him.
"Only the beautiful, enchanting, rapturous, Miss Shirley. What else could we be talking about?" Charlie replied, looking over at Josie smartly.
"Oh her. I don't know what's so special about an old orphan, with awful Red hair and millions of freckles! Why Mrs. Andrews said girls with eyes of green are full of envy. I heard she hates her hair, enormously!" Josie said with some satisfaction as if revealing some coveted secret.
"Really? Too bad. I like it. Sure it's as orange as a Carrot but they are good for you. Make a great snack. She is just so ...hum...charming! When she smiled at me, her whole face lit up. Like the fireworks! You can just imagine them sparkling all around her. Immediately, I felt I could do anything for her." Gilbert confessed, almost lost in a dream.
"Snap out of it Blythe! He can be such a sissy around a pretty girl. Well I hate to inform you Gilbert but she is your Teacher and though she may be a Goddess in a fancy dress, she only see's us as little boys." Moody didn't want Gil to lose his sense of propriety.
"Nonsense! You are just children. I am almost a Man now. Well I am in Puberty so my Manhood is just around the bend, you poor saps will have to suffer boyhood for at least another two years!" Gilbert laughed at them.
"Such pompous words from a guy who is behind us in School. I am sure she will fall, "head over heels, for you! I myself will just sit back and enjoy the show." Moody laughed at him.
"Sure you will Moody. You were just as tongue tied as the rest of us. You stared just as hard as we did, when Miss Shirley was sitting on her desk, when she was giving us that quiz. I bet she has great legs!" Gilbert let's slip.
"You boys are pitiful! That was hardly Ladylike. My Father thinks women make poor teachers, considering the way you dumb boys are acting, I can see why. Well I'm heading home, "Josie huffs off.
"Good riddance! Josie is a little squirt, trying to be a big Hen but only managing to be a little chick." Charlie said spitefully
"She's cute but too worried about her looks and not enough about making a difference in the World." Gilbert remarks.
"Yeah and no freckles, eh Gilbert?" Moody let out.
"Ha ha ha, Moody you are right. No freckles, indeed but our Miss Shirley has them, in abundance." Gilbert smiled proudly.
"Well here is where we part ways guys. Have a good evening." Gilbert headed for his gate to the side entrance of the Blythe Homestead..
"Hello Mother, I'm home." Gilbert said cheerfully.
"Over here, how was school?" Mary questioned him.
"Not bad. I think I'll like it." He commented.
"What do you think of your new Teacher? I hear she is quite young."
Mary told him.
Gilbert come up to her and grins fiendishly into her big brown eyes and tells her..
"Wouldn't you like to know!" Then he takes off for the staircase towards his room upstairs.
"What's that suppose to mean, Gilbert Blythe? Is she pretty?" She smiled to herself.
She couldn't imagine sensible Gilbert falling for his Teacher. He just met her. Must be admiration for her accomplishments.
"Oh she's pretty and smart. Now Mother, I will tell you no more. Stop meddling.
Gilbert complained to his Mother.
"Well I do send you to School to learn, not flirt with all the girls. I do understand your growing up but you must complete your studies. Already you have so much catching up to do." Mary fretted some.
"This is me your talking to. I don't believe Miss Shirley will let me get away with sloughing. Here look at these." He passes his Mother the assignments his Teacher gave him for study.
"She expect you to get all of this done? When tonight?" Mary looked at his lesson plans.
"She wants me to try, Mother. She isn't grading me on of it. She is just challenging me. I think to see how quickly I can improve my skills, to catch up with the rest of the class. Don't worry Mother. Miss Shirley won't be impressed with my boyish charms, I will have to show some ambition, as well!" He smiled at her and closed his door to change into his overalls.
Gil brought the cows in from Pasture and after setting out water for them. He quickly changed and grabbed his spelling book and headed out to the Pond. He could practice writing and if he was lucky enough, maybe catch Miss Shirley out for an evening walk. Diana said she had a habit of walking out near the Pond to read.
He was half way through the Alphabet before he caught a glimpse of her. She was wearing the same outfit with her blue sweater, now. What caught his line of site was her hair. It was cascading down her back, in curling rings, quite a ways down her back. It looked like she was trying to memorize a passage because she would look at her book and then recite it out loud. She was across the Pond and didn't even notice Gilbert at all. He just leaned back and watched her. She wasn't very tall but her long legs and arms made her appear taller than she actually was. She reminded him of a heroine in a story of olde.
She looked so peaceful, as she disappeared and the re-appeared amongst the Maple trees. The colorful Fall leaves only made her appear even more enchanting. He thought he would prefer her dressed in a green dress but blue was nice enough.
She really did seem like one of those little woodland sprites as he noticed her crinkle up her nose and eyes, obviously reading something now amusing. She stopped at the brook and sat down by a small waterfall that was famous for the effect the water made over some large rocks. It gave off a kind of umbrella effect like a bubble made entirely out of water. He notice she was eating an apple. Could it be one of his? Well he just sat back and imagined that it was.
He looked down at his paper and decided he needed more practice. He should have his Mother look over it. It was so hard to stop and take even more time to write out his thought. He worked at it for another half an hour and then decided he better head for home now.
Her name was Anne. It just came to him. Besides not liking Red hair, he heard she wasn't too fond of her name. Gil thought about it, he thought it was pretty enough. He couldn't imagine her as anything else. To him it was a lyrical name, not too long or flamboyant, just subtle enough for a poem, like she was. A long elegant Iris, so fair and graceful, yet full of merriment. A little twinkle in her eyes. That was how he wanted to imagine her to be. Just perfect enough to kiss. He really was growing up. He could feel it. All of his nervous energy was fading. He already grew three more inches and chances are he will gain at least five more, before he was done.
Gil gathered his things and then started back home. He was satisfied just seeing her sitting by the Brook, reading her book and laughing at her passages, her knees drawn up and her hair hanging down her back. He liked her best this way. As he wandered down the path back home, he wondered how it would feel to kiss her pouty lips. He was convinced it would be just perfect.