CHAPTER ELEVEN

Anne woke up the next morning feeling like Anne again. She just couldn't ignore just how glorious the rays of sun looked as it shone through her window. It made the room around her sparkle, which filled Anne with so much delight. She pulled the window open and stuck her head out and took a deep breath. "Good Morning, Matthew." She said, looking up at the heavens. She closed her eyes and remembered all the happy memories she had looking out the window as she did now. Like her sixteenth birthday. She could almost see herself down below, as if she were watching it from her window. She saw Diana speed towards the house in a panic, And Jerry screaming out "her parents are dead!" In attempt to help Diana prank Anne. She smiled happily at the memory. How could she be anywhere else? This was where she belonged and she knew it.

Anne ran downstairs after changing, excited to set the table as she used to. It was funny, she never quite appreciated getting to do this every morning in her adolescence. Now she felt like it was what she was meant to do. Like it was a chore specialized just for her, and she could probably do it for the rest of her life. Anne laughed at how silly it sounded in her head. Although, her head was known to come up with the strangest things, so it no longer surprised her.

Anne was somewhat disappointed to find that Marilla had already set the table, with breakfast already served, since she had been so excited to do it that morning, but she decided not to let it ruin her "Anne mood" that morning. She greeed Marilla with a kiss in the cheek. "Good Morning, dearest Marilla!" She said as she sat down at the table.

Marilla smiled cheekily at Anne. "Morning, Anne." She said back, "I'm glad to see you in a better mood than yesterday morning."

Anne sighed happily, remembering the contents of the evening she had with Gilbert. "Honestly Marilla, I've never dreamed I'd be this happy!" She exclaimed, "and yes, I do feel a little guilt to be saying that with my dear Matthew gone, but I've come to realize… he's not gone. He's always been by my side and it's my firm belief that that is where he will always remain."

Marilla smiled at her " I couldn't agree more,Anne. A love like the one Matthew had for you lasts forever. Even after death."

Anne smiled, then sighed and gave Marilla a serious look. "That being said," she began, avoiding Eye contact with Marilla. She knew the news she was gonna tell her she would not take well. But she hoped she could convince her that she was making the right decision.

"I've decided to drop out of Queens College." She blurted.

Marilla dropped the fork she was lifting back on to the plate with shock. "Anne, you can't be serious!" She said after a long silence, " After all you went through to get this far? I can't allow you to throw it all away!"

"I'm not throwing it all away, Marilla!" She said, taking her hand, " I have plenty of time to finish my vocation, I don't have to do it now."

"Whatever would even make you think of it?" Marilla asked her, demanding answers.

Anne sighed, letting go of Marilla's hand, "Marilla with Matthew gone …" she started, "You can't be alone right now. Your eyesight is getting worse. It's my duty, as your daughter, to take care of you. And that comes first, before all else. This is what Matthew would've wanted."

"Anne, think about what you're saying!" Marilla pleaded with her, "You can't possibly think Matthew would be pleased to see you put your life on hold to take care of me! I have always been growing old, and I've managed very well, thank you very much!"

Anne sighed, reaching out to take Marilla's hands again, "Marilla, try to understand," she reasoned, "I can't possibly leave you alone right now. I'm not just doing it for you, but for me as well. How could I continue my education at Queens when I know my dear mother is back at Green Gables all on her own?

Marilla stayed silent for a moment, then looked Anne straight in the eye. "What if I'm not alone?" Anne gave Marilla a confused look, telling Marilla to elaborate.

"I've been in contact with the Baynards." She explained, "They live in a very small cottage, and there are so many of them. I'll admit, it's a little odd, but I've arranged for them to live here in Green Gables. The boys will work on the farm, and I'll have plenty of eyes on me. They can help me around the house. I know it will take some getting used to, living with so many others, but I'm quite sure I've made the right decision."

"The Baynards?" Anne asked, still taking it in, "Here?"

" Yes, Anne." Marilla answered, "They live in such a small cottage, which I imagine can get very uncomfortable with so many children, especially now with this icy weather. I know it may disappoint you, to have to lend out your room to someone else, but I hope you can muster up some sympathy for them. You've known Jerry for so long, and Lord knows just how much this would mean to him."

"Of course I don't mind lending out my room to Jerry and his family!" Anne said, mildly offended, "I just don't understand, how could you not tell me about this?"

Marilla looked to the ground, ashamed, "I know I promised to tell you things more," Marilla said, "I'm afraid it's just a tough habit to break. I only do it because I care so much for you, My Anne." Marilla wanted to say more, but began choking on the words. Her eyes began to well with tears, that she tried to hide by looking away from her and shutting her eyes tightly.

Anne got up from her seat and pulled Marilla into a tight hug. They haven't spoken much of Matthew since his death. They never communicated just how much hurt they were feeling over him. Anne had always known Marilla to hide her feelings, because really, it's all she's ever known. Since her childhood she had to remain strong for her brother and her mother. She had to learn to cover up her emotions for the good of others. But Anne knew that just because tears didn't fall from her eyes didn't mean her heart didn't cry. She may come off as strong, but losing Matthew was something she could never go through alone. But Anne knew she wasn't alone. No matter how far, she would always be there for her, and she would never have to go through anything alone ever again. They seemed to communicate this to each other without saying a word, just holding on to each other tighter and tighter as the minutes pass by.

" I love you too, dear Marilla."

Jerry had to lead his family all the way to Green Gables, and the little ones were not making it easy. They were jumping around in excitement to reach their new home. They had imagined the wildest things, never having seen a house so big before. They were even more excited to hear about the furnace, that could apparently warm up the whole house to where they didn't have to wear their heavy clothing inside!

The baynards rarely travelled all together at the same time, and they couldn't all possibly fit into a wagon or buggy. The boys behind them pulled a small wagon with all that they could carry, and their father carried a small suitcase that would carry all of the clothes only a portion of the clothes they had. They had to sell the dogs they had to a nearby farming family. The kids did all they could to convince their parents to let them keep them, But their father explained that they would be beginning a new life, and that meant leaving some things behind.

Jerry felt somewhat guilty for intruding Marilla's life the way he and his family was. In all his days of working with her, he would've never guess she would have concocted something like this. He's definitely never heard of someone inviting someone and their whole family to live with them that wasn't kin. They would also apparently be recieving a large sum in the profits from farming. It was very strange, but Jerry was definitely grateful, and he promised himself to work hard to show his gratitude.

Upon arriving Green Gables, Jerry realized it may be overwhelming for Marilla to see his whole family all come in at once. He definitely did not want to cause her to change her mind about this whole thing. Although he knew Marilla would never go back on her word, he still felt he should respect her and be as considerate as possible.

"Wait here." He told his family (in english, since his parents had insisted on all of them practicing as much English as possible so they would have no problem communicating with Marilla), "I'll go in first."

He stepped up to the porch as his parent scolded the younger ones, making sure they were at their best behavior before entering Green Gables. He stepped into the house and was immediately hit with the delightful smells of apple pie, bread, potato casserole, and best of all, Marilla's famous cream puffs. He smiled, when he saw both Anne and Marilla working hard in the kitchen.

"Good Morning Ms Cuthbert," he greeted "Anne."

Anne ran up to him and playfully hit him hard on the arm. "That's for not telling me about coming to live in Green Gables."

Jerry winced and rubbed his arm. Anne was definitely a lot stronger than she looked. He wondered just how helpful Anne would've been if they had allowed her to work in the farm as often as he. He may have been out of a job.

Anne pulled Jerry into a tight hug, smiling against his chest. "Oh but I can't stay mad at you!" She exclaimed, "It's just so thrilling to see that you'll be beginning a whole new adventure right here at Green Gables, just as I did!"

Jerry embraced her tightly, happy to see that Anne seemed to be okay, which gave him all the reassurance he needed.

Anne pulled away and looked behind him, confused, as if she were looking for someone. "But, where's the rest of your family?" She asked him.

"They are waiting outside." He explained to her.

Marilla gasped. "Goodness me, Jerry!" She said to him, "You and Anne are just alike. Don't you have the sense to invite them in rather than leaving them to freeze in the cold?" Marilla wiped her hand on a cloth and scurried to the door to let them in. Anne began to follow but Jerry stopped her.

"Anne, I was hoping to talk to you about something." He told her.

"Sounds serious." Anne teased, "I'm all ears."

"Well I understand that you are studying at Queens to become a teacher, right?" Anne nodded in response.

"I've decided I want to further my education." He explained to her, "And you were such a great help to me when you were teaching me to read before… I guess I was hoping you would help me. I want to study Math and such so I might one day manage a farm or something… Something that will make me successful one day."

To his surprise, Anne pulled him into another hug. "You have no idea just how overjoyed I am to hear you say that!" She said to him, "I've always known you would do great things one day, and it would be my pleasure to help you along!"

Jerry smiled, relieved to hear Anne's support. He was worried that his dream to become successful if far fetched. Seeing as how he still struggled in reading, and would be starting math very late. But it was just like Anne to encourage him to do whatever it takes to get where he wants.

Anne pulled away from their hug and gave him a serious look. "Now if I'm going to help you, I want to make sure you are all in." She warned, "I'm leaving for Queens tomorrow, but I want you to keep practicing your reading. I'll recommend you some math books for you to study and I'll write you once a month with a problem for you to solve and expect you to write me a list of the books you've read during the month. I know that you'll have your hands full working on the barn, but just make sure you make time to study, and I'm sure I can help you progress."

Jerry nodded excitedly, "Thank you so much for your help,Anne." He said, this time pulling her in for a hug, " I don't know where I'd be without you."

"I like to imagine you'd be somewhere in a ditch, covered in filth and crying like a baby." Anne joked, making Jerry laugh.

Anne pulled away and gripped Jerry's hands and looked into his eyes, "I believe in you, Jerry." She told him.

Hearing her say that was almost enough to make him cry. He didn't know why, but hearing her say that meant so much to him. Maybe it was because he had such a hard time believing in himself.

Luckily, Anne left his side before she could notice his eyes welling up with tears. He watched as she pulled dvery single member of his family into an Anne sized hug, leaving no one out.

Josie had honestly been enjoying her walks with Billy. It was difficult for her to admit, but she actually looked forward to them at the end of the day. They actually had enough in common, they never seemed to run out of things to talk about. They talked about more serious things, rather than the pointless conversations they had before as kids. Josie thought about what this had to say about her, the fact that she seemed to have so much in common with Billy. Did that mean that she was everything she thought Billy was? Disgusting, crude,cruel? And what would her friends think? To see her fratanizing with the very man who made her life miserable? Who made most of their lives miserable?

But Billy didn't seem that way anymore. He seemed to think that her opinion actually mattered. He always listened to her with attentive eyes, as if she was the only one that was of any importance. Josie had to admit, she liked this feeling. But she wasn't foolish enough to fall for him. Never again.

Billy held out her arm to her and she looked at him with a worried expression. "Strictly for posture purposes." He promised, "Scouts honor."

"You weren't in the scouts!" She said to him, almost laughing.

Billy smiled back at her, "You don't have to be in the scouts to know it's a promise that could never be broken." He said to her, still holding out his arm, "Surely you know that, Miss Pye."

Josie glared at him slightly, but finally relented. She carefully placed her hand in the crook of his arm, feeling slightly uncomfortable as they walked.

Billy looked back at her, with a surprised look in his face. He looked as if he didn't actually expect Josie to follow through, it was ever so grateful that she did. He straightened his posture and fixed his eyes on the path ahead of him, trying his best to hide his enjoyment.

"I leave for Queens tomorrow." She says, breaking the silence, "And you'll have to return to helping your father in the family business."

Billy groaned. "I never knew how much I didn't understand." He admitted, "I always thought it was mainly about making a good appearance and keeping a good reputation. But there's so much Math! That was never my strong suit."

"Maybe if you spent more time actually studying in school, rather than tormenting the lives of your fellow classmates, you might have done better in math." She said to him.

Billy frowned. He gulped loudly and nodded sadly. It made Josie feel a little guilty to see him react so humbly. He seemed to actually be trying to change. She knew it wasn't fair of her to keep bringing up the past when he seemed to be better now, but she just couldn't bring herself to apologize. Her pride wouldn't allow it. She had to keep the upper hand, or else she might actually fall again.

Suddenly, Billy's eyes lit up with excitement. "Maybe I could go to Queens with all of you!" He exclaimed, "This business stuff is a bore. Maybe while I'm there I'll figure out what it is I really want to do!"

"And waste the time of all the teachers and students?" She said, taking her arm away from his, "just so you could figure out what it is YOU want to do?"

"Waste time?" He responded to her, shocked, "I'm sure whatever I want to do with my life is just as important as what you want to do with yours."

"Don't you mean MORE important?" Josie said, rolling her eyes at him. "Typical man, always downgrading what we do with our lives just because we are women. We worked harder than you ever will in a lifetime and you will always be ahead."

"I never once downgraded your wants to be less important than mine!" Billy said, defending himself.

"Oh really?" Josie said, in faux laughter, "what about summer of '99? The night of the fair? Spreading rumors about me and my said 'loose morals'? Any of this ringing a bell?"

Billy grabbed her hands and held it tight, forcing her to face him. "I could apologize for what I did to you a million times, but it will never be enough for you!" He said, pleading her with his eyes "what do I have to do for you to see how much I like you? I want you so bad!"

"I am not an object for you to want, Mr. Andrews." She declared, snatching her hands away from his grasp, "And no amount of evening walks will ever change what you did to me. Did you really think by pretending to have changed you could trick me into forgetting? You're delusional if you ever thing I'll ever grow to care for you in any way!"

Josie began to storm away, but was pulled back by a firm hand gripping her shoulder. She turned to see Billy's now hurt eyes, seeming to beg her to take back what she said, but she couldn't do it.

"Ever?" He repeated in a question, looking in the verge of crying.

Josie hardened her expression, letting him know she wouldn't be taking back what she said, even if she didn't mean it. "Not. Ever." She said, glaring into his eyes.

He loosened his hold on her. And she darted off in a run. She knew she should have walked away with her noise pointed high, showing dignity. But she knew she could not keep herself from sobbing if she stayed there any longer. And she would most definitely not allow him to see her cry.

AUTHORS NOTE: phew! This Christmas break has definitely been a long one! I almost considered not updating this fan fic, but there's so much to this story that I really want to get to, Including Jealous Gilbert, Ka'kwet's return to her family, and Cole's love interest, I decided to keep at it, even if it's not as popular.

I hope you are enjoying this! I try my best since I am definitely only a beginner... But look forward to doing more like this.

Be sure to let me know what you think in the reviews!