Avonlea's Wicked Fairytales-9
Anne gathered up her things, after pining on her Hat. She wanted to walk home from Church and enjoy the Fall foliage along the way. He saw her make her way across the rode. She was heading onto the Path that led her to Green Gables, so he felt he had to rush, if he was to meet up with Anne. He hopped up onto his buggy and turned his horse swiftly onto the rode, winding in the same direction she had chosen to walk.
She was taking her time, soaking in the warm afternoon Sun as she reached down to effortlessly to pick a sprig of late Autumn lavender. Holding it up to her nose, she soaked in its sweet aroma. A sad expression crossed her face as she heard the sound of horse hoofs approaching her from behind. Anne moved over towards the far right, to allow the buggy enough room to pass her, without having to breath in any passing dust, the horse was sure to kick up as it passed her direction. To her surprise, she noticed the horse slow down to a trot and that prompted her to stop in her tracks.
"Hey Anne! Anne Shirley! Wait up!" She heard her name and hoped it was just the wind, whispering to her from days past. Unfortunately her mind told her that it wasn't and that she would have to respond to this terrible apparition, determined to ruin her revelry from the real world.
Anne twirled around suddenly, determined to face whatever monstrosity was so adamant in gaining her attention. Can't a body just enjoy a peaceful walk alone?
"What do you want! I must be getting home now." Anne asked, not too much in the mood for company at the present moment.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you walk. I was just traveling your way and thought it would be thoughtful to offer you a ride home. I. had to drop off some equipment my Father borrowed from the Smithy and I saw you walking, so the only polite thing to so was to offer...you a ride home." Gilbert said all of this in an anxious hurry.
"Really? I was looking forward to walking home." Anne explained feeling a little embarrassed at her initial response to one of her own Students. Maybe she was just tired. She took in the disappointed look on his face. Anne always had a soft spot in her heart for children, especially one of her own Students. Maybe he had a reason for offering her this ride. If she denied him the right, he may be afraid to ask her anything again, she thought innocently.
"You really have to go my way? Please don't make a special trip on my account. I'm perfectly capable and enjoy walking in the afternoon." Anne explained.
"I know that but it would be bad manners for me not to offer my Teacher a ride home, if the opportunity presents itself." Gilbert told her politely.
"Well, I don't want to make you look bad. If I get home now I could have more time to read." Anne reasoned trying to make sure it was for the right reasons.
"Here, Anne, let me help you.....there, now we'll be off in no time." Gilbert said as he jumped back up into his buggy, after hoisting Anne in the other side.
"So what are you reading Anne?" Gilbert asked her, as he smiled brightly, trying to catch the glint of her eyes, reflecting the sunlight.
"Let's see, I haven't picked it up in a week. Homer? Yes that's it. It has a fierce battle in it, but I am not quite up to that part yet. I enjoy the fact that both Men and Women have important parts in the battle. Well the Gods are both male and female. I find that intriguing. I wonder why the Bible doesn't reflect that point? It's a mystery I have been pondering. Well, when not pondering, I have been very busy doing other tasks that demand my attention." Anne admitted reluctantly.
"I guess Teaching and School keeps you fairly busy." Gilbert reasoned.
"Yes and so many needs to be done around Green Gables as well. Not to mention the School Board Meetings, Recital, and I have the annual Grain Auction still coming up next week! I can't believe how busy I've gotten all of a sudden! Though, I had a relaxing Summer. So I am up to the task. I like to keep busy!" Anne realizes as she shakes her head in amazement. "I can imagine things are busy at the Blythe Homestead also?"
"Huh...oh yes! Maybe I'll see you at the Auction! My Father always drags me along. I really don't mind. It is usually held at the Fair so I get to wander around and mull through all of the various exhibits. I have amazed myself how much I have learned just by taking in all the accomplishments of people all around us. I'm just so curious, Anne. I never get bored with learning something new but I get irritable when there is nothing to do. I usually can find something to occupy my time. Being idle is the enemy, so they say, so I try to avoid it. I rather read then listen to a bunch of hogwash. I find it amazing what people can go on about! I mean who really cares what color they painted the Grain Silo's? I care even less why they decided to do it! Isn't it obvious they needed a painting? It boggles the mind, Miss Shirley. I find myself seeking refuge in Books more and more often. Not that I don't enjoy a rousing debate on Politics or the National Economy! Just please give me a subject that has some meaning! The worse! "Should I wear the red one or the blue one, Gilbert?" Awe! Anne, I always pick some obscure color, I just can't help myself! Its clothes! Get over it!" He bellows off, as if he was venting some earlier conversation.
"You seem to be able to coordinate your clothes, Gilbert. Does your Mother pick out your wardrobe then?" Anne taunted him, wondering if it really bothered him so very much.
"What? My clothes? Mother? I mean she buys and make some of them for me. I can usually match two blue socks with out any assistance. I guess if I were color blind, it could be a problem. I think Moody is but he won't admit it. I never found it too difficult to dress myself. Just match up the colors, pick stuff in the same color group and you should be safe. I suppose you have to debate for hours, what it is you are going to wear each day." Gilbert assumed, as he grinned over at Anne.
"Weeks Gilbert! Why one time, I change the style of a dress four times, before I was satisfied it was exactly what I wanted." Anne said sarcastically.
"I'm not sure that's the same thing. Are you saying you are just fickle or that you had this idea in your head but struggled to make the dress turn out as you pictured it to be?" He debated with her, trying to make sure he understood her meaning.
"That is a good question, intelligent question, Gilbert. I'm impressed. I was trying to create this idea I had in my head. Because I had to be creative, it took some stitching and re-stitching before I was able to achieve the affect I was looking for. Though honestly, I was trying to see how much you really paid attention. I was making some of it up, just to play with your very serious stance on dressing procedures. It all depends on how important the occasion is. Sometimes I know exactly what I want to wear, while other times, I am at a total loss. I just know I like to change my wardrobe. I think I get bored easily." Anne confessed, not convinced it was a virtue.
"Me too! That is why I look forward to Queens and Redmond! That is where everything is happening! Great Men and Women too, are being molded there! I can only hope to achieve a small portions of it's greatness but the idea of libraries loaded with books from around the World! I think us Scots, are Nomads at heart! Well we must be of a mixed mind about it, Anne. Seeing our Heritage is so split up like it is! Though we will always love the Sea! Not that I have any desire to hop on a Freighter and sail the Seven Seas. No I must have a tad bit more of the landlubber in me blood because though I enjoy going out to Sea on excursions, a month, even a week on the icy shore, has no appeal to me at all! I much prefer a buggy and a home of my own. Not an inviting atmosphere for a Man with a Family, I would suppose." He decided. Anne didn't miss his true love of roots and family.
"I understand what you mean. I would get very homesick, being awash at Sea. Marilla would miss me and I would miss her so. Just being away at Queens was a trial for me. Though, I do make friends fairly easily. I still write my friends Stella and Priscilla, regularly." Anne said warmly.
"Have you no male friends Anne? I would think you met all kinds of interesting Students while away at Queens. You are so easy to talk to, I just couldn't imagine...uhm....well, and I think you know what I am trying to say." Gilbert stumbled, because even he wasn't sure he understood what he meant. It is just he has always known Girls as friends though they were never ever close friends.
"Oh, I have acquaintances, if that is what you mean. Classmates, that is. Remember, I took the Queens course in one year, instead of two! Besides, Gilbert, I went to Queens for the opportunities it had to offer to me. So studying and achieving success were my motivations for attending. I realize not all Women go to Queens or Redmond to earn high marks and fancy Honors, like I do!" Anne looks at Gilbert smartly.
"What would I know of such things, Anne? It is important to keep a good balance between studying and physical activities, if you wish to remain healthy and fit!" He said returning her gaze. Gil was starting to feel flirtatious but he couldn't tell you that was what was steering his conversation at this early stage of his youth.
"Definitely! I quite agree. Though it is true, last year, I spent most of my time doing one and little of the other. I had thought I was to go on to Redmond though. So going to Queens, was really just the step I had to accomplish in order to reach my true intentions, which is to have a B.A. from Redmond. That will be an epoch, in my life, when I can walk up on that stage to receive my Diploma. I have this silly dream that I will be the utmost of orderly perfection until I actually receive my document and then, I lose all sanity and rush off the stage, anxious so show the whole World, that I have done what I thought was the impossible! It really is a very ridiculous dream. I really hope I can keep hold of myself and act out like a complete fool. For Marilla's sake at least!" Anne told him, cautiously.
"I am sure you will be exceedingly elegant and graceful, Anne. It's the Graduation Party where you are supposed to act the utter fool! I believe it is required procedure to shout and laugh out loud, rauncheously, else you appear snobbish or boorish! I could never imagine that of you Anne. You are too spirited to contain yourself in such a matter. A Fairy Queen must float and flitter across the landscape, not grovel and drag her feet! At least that is the impression I seem to recall, from books my Mother used to read to me, when I was little." Gilbert tried to catch himself; he knew Anne didn't seem to like outward flirting or forwardness. He remembered his Father's words about being cautious and not too bold, least he scare her away from him.
"I would think such behavior would be unbecoming of one of a Fairylike disposition. You are right though. Oh I can hob nob with the Social Elite but honestly, I am happiest when I can sit back and laugh at the World around me. I do so miss the times, Stella, Pris and I had, going over some whimsical tale or limerick, we happened upon, through our reading! We would stay up so late, we were giddy! Practically rolling on the floor in laughter. It was truly shameful and you must promise not to tell my other Students, Gilbert, I can't believe I told you! Please, I really am not a silly goose, well most of the time. I did Graduate with Honors from Queens." Anne said nervously, looking over at Gilbert who was smiling slightly but trying to desperately not to laugh out loud because he can sense her embarrassment. He just knew Anne was full of Spirit and Fun. If only he could help her feel comfortable around him. Hopefully, working together this Winter will help ease her repose and help her relax more when she was around him. If he was lucky, she will still be attending Redmond when he does. Hopefully he was smart enough to pass the Queens course in one year too. Then what fun they can have together, attending School and Social functions together! He hadn't even contemplated such happenings before! At least he had more incentive to get ahead. Especially if it meant winning the hand of this alluring Redhead by his side.
"Gilbert? Did I say something wrong? You didn't promise not to tell the other Students about Queens." She pushed him further for his reply.
"Oh, sorry Anne, I was just thinking how much I looked forward to going on to Redmond. Engaging Classes, Spirited Debates and such! I will try my best Anne to keep your secret but tell me something, Anne. Diana doesn't know about your friends at Queens? I thought you two were very close friends?" He looked over at her, suspiciously. He wasn't going to let Anne withdraw from him, because he was a Guy. Sooner or later, she will have to face the reality that he was not just some foolish schoolboy. He at least wanted her friendship, the rest he knew would take some time but he knew he had plenty of that ahead of him.
"We talk about my other friends, though she has never actually met any of them. It isn't like they are some wild heathens or such. We were all good students and competitive. I don't think there is anything wrong with laughing and enjoying good comradeship." Anne told him, starting to feel defensive.
"Of course not, Anne. Why life would be terribly dull without something to give us a reason to be joyful! I pity those who insist on living the rest of their days, wallowing in tears. Though there is a time to mourn, we must also find some reason to be glad, least we wither and die inside. We cannot help but contribute our part in this World, if we insist on bringing only sadness and pain." Gilbert explained deep from within his conscience.
"Yes, you are so right, Gilbert. Babies are born, Children must be nurtured and Youth must be encouraged to reach for the highest of goals. Our Society depends on it. I firmly believe in Progress, for the good of the Populace. Why everyday, it seems some new discovery or idea is being presented! If only People would always work for the good of each other, instead of clinging to the past so tightly, they strangle away any chance of success in their Futures! I just have to believe that we can achieve our goals, if only we dared to strive ahead, worked hard and took at least some time, to walk through the Forest, to take in the wonder of what life has to offer us. It also reminds us, of how important it is to preserve what is natural around us. I do believe in sacred values and that Families are an important part of our happiness. It saddens me to think there are still children out there that never had the opportunities that I have been given. Yet I draw hope Gilbert, that if I can overcome my difficulties, then so can others! I have vowed to devout my life to making the lives of others, a more pleasant thing. If I can only offer them some hope or help them overcome some difficulty in their life that is holding them back from true happiness, then I believe I have achieved what it is I have set out for!" Anne relates her purpose to Gilbert, in life.
"That is very noble of you Anne. I believe you have found you gifts, Anne. It is so nice, to hear you share them with me. I know you see me as just a Student but if you could just remember that I would like to think of you as my friend, as well as my Teacher. We are all Students in this life we live. Though it is through our friendships that I believe we find our true Humanity, Anne. I always enjoy listening to what you have to say. It inspires me and comforts me when I feel discouraged. When I came back to Avonlea, I was insecure and afraid of having to face my peers, knowing how far behind I was, though I wasn't ashamed. I know why I did what I did and my Family means everything to me. I know my Parents would easily give up their life for mine. How could I not give up a small portion of mine, to ensure my Mother could live out her life with her Husband? I just couldn't be that selfish Anne and well, it isn't in me. You have always treated me with respect and never looked down on me. Just this time we have spent together, a chance meeting, has given me so much hope, Anne. I hope that you will learn to lean on me some, so that I can help you, if anything to repay you for what you so freely give to me, Anne." Gilbert said and then stopped himself. Don't push her, why did he do that? He wondered if she could teach him some patience while she was at it. It was always something he struggled with in life.
"So who are you going to the Recital with, Anne?" Gilbert almost forgot to ask her.
"With Jane and Billy Andrews, I suppose. Diana will come with us, too! I'm still a bit nervous, so I wanted to get there early. That way I can adjust to my surroundings. I have never been to the White Sands Hotel and Diana tells me it is very Grand. I am looking forward to getting the "Grand Tour" from our Hosts. I have always dreamed of my own Castles in the Sky, I am afraid this may be the closet I will ever become to such Grandeur, so I plan on taking my time, so that I can absorb all of its rich surroundings! Now don't laugh at me Gilbert! I know I still harbor some of my childish foolishness but it is mine to hold onto! I promise not to bore you with my oohing and ahhing. It really is more of a Feminine attribute, I gather." Anne explains and Gilbert nods in agreement.
"Well, I can appreciate good Architecture and Fine surroundings as well, Anne. A lot of hard work goes into every panel and good creative souls bring to life all of those Castle's you seem so fond of. If you can dream it, you can make it, or come close, if you believe in yourself and your dreams." He relayed to Anne who agreed with his assessment.
"That is a fine description, Gilbert. I didn't know you had any interest in Construction or Landscaping?" She looked over at him with curiosity
"Not Professionally, though I enjoy woodworking and can appreciate others creativity I am not some old turtle, Anne. Remember, I have done some Public Speaking of my own. Though hardly anything like you are doing at White Sands. You have at least a year up on me still. But I wonder how much of a difference that will make when we reach Redmond?" He suggested and then stopped, for they had finally reached Green Gables, though he purposely took a slower pace and was grateful that the rousing conversation was not only revealing but distracting as well!
"Well, I am going to watch you speak as well. I can at least root you on. At least I will be there to encourage them to insist on an encore! I am convinced you will do a wonderful job!" Gil says proudly.
"That's very nice of you, Gilbert. I never imagined so many of my own Students would attend such an event. I will do my best, not to disappoint all of you." Anne said hopefully.
"I'm already proud of you, Anne Shirley. You're a Teacher at Sixteen! A Queens Graduate with Honors! That is quite an accomplishment for one so young! I feel so lucky, to just have a Teacher that is so qualified! What impresses me more though is that you are a good person, Anne. You aren't petty or demeaning. Yet you aren't some creampuff either. I was surprised and intrigued when I discovered how very clever you are. Is there nothing you can't accomplish Anne? Though you are still Feminine and sweet. I just hope you allow me to help out some at Green Gables. I know you are an excellent Manager but sometimes a little muscle doesn't hurt matters, when there is work to be done. I know it must be hard now that Matthew is gone. He was a very good Man, though very shy. Just remember that if I can, I will help when I can. It is the Christian thing to do and my Parents encourage me to serve my Community. Father said those who do not serve are forced to follow and that can be a very confining predicament to be caught in. At least always strive to improve yourself. Even though my Father is just a Farmer, Anne, he is very educated. He and Mother read all the time. Sure, not all of it is going to help them rule the World but it is in the pursuit that we gain the most, through experience." Gilbert reasoned.
'It looks like I'm finally home, though I almost feel I will feel sad later that this had to end so soon. Thank you for the ride and for listening to me ramble on. I really do appreciate your thoughtfulness. But about what I said earlier..." She looked over at him again, hoping she could trust his word.
"Don't worry Anne. I see no reason to point out your rather flamboyant goings on at Queens. I am just very pleased to know you had some fun, while you were away. I hardly consider your behavior ribald or irresponsible. Having some fun makes life livable. I hope you have more fun, as the years go on. Good afternoon, Anne, I hope to see you again soon." Gilbert responded as he lowered her carefully down from the buggy, next to him.
Anne suddenly felt flush; she almost lost her footing as she reached for the ground below her. What was it with her? Her hand was...tingling..how strange.
"Easy Anne, I've got you, watch your step now!" Gilbert held on tightly to her hand and when she was firmly in place, Anne looked up at him shyly, for he was still holding onto her hand and she couldn't resist looking up into his wonderful Hazel colored eyes, so warm and full of such spirit! She had to look down, to break the force of his staring down at her and she felt so exposed. She wasn't quite sure how she felt about all of this, but now was not the time to contemplate the meanings of such occurrences. She looked up again, with almost a pleading look on her delicate brow and Gilbert let go of her hand. She wanted to marvel over his firm grip but it was all she could do not to stumble over the short gate in front of the famous Green Gables walkways. What was wrong with her anyways? Maybe she was becoming ill? She turned once more, to catch his visage, as if to make sure she hadn't indeed encounter some whimsical spirit who had captured her, to use for sport! Such a silly thought, Anne Shirley. It is just Gilbert Blythe, one of your Students. How you daydream.
Gilbert himself was definitely overwhelmed by the softness of her touch. He wanted to just hold onto her for a moment longer. Well, he wanted to keep her company for hours but all time would grant him was this moment. Another moment to add to his growing collection of time spent, just with her. Fate was definitely smiling on him today. He planned on taking advantage of whatever opportunity he could have to spend with her. He went back to their dancing on the Beach. It was such an intimate experience. How he dwelled on the feeling of Anne's body so close to his. He wondered if Anne could feel the excitement of his mood, as he twirled her around. Anne in a marvelous rich dark Green Gown, tucked tenderly into his arms, can a Man swoon? Well if he was lucky enough to swept the Dance floor in her arms, he was sure he was about to find out! Oh that Anne Shirley, she will pay for this spell she has woven so neatly on his heart! Gil smiled at the thought. He planned on enjoying every moment of it, he was starting to fear his own deep desires. If he lost control, what would happen? He shook at the thought. What possesses his mind to wander so? He'll decide later whether this is a blessing or a curse, after all!
