AN: Shorter chapter, but it's one of my favorites!

Creator of Magic: Gilbert and Anne OTP! This Chapter will focus on Diana's feelings and her thoughts for her future. Thank You!

Green Gables Girl 06 and Deaddreamer: thank you so much for your support! I hope that you enjoy this chapter too!

"Why me?" Diana whispered as she walked towards Matthew and Anne. She tried her best to ignore the boys. "Good afternoon, Mr. Cuthbert," she greeted with a polite tone. "Hasn't my father come to fetch me?"

Matthew let go of Anne and gave a nod in greeting Diana. "Uh...no," Matthew gestured back to Jerry and the second buggy. "He had some matters to attend to so he sent a second buggy for Jerry to drive."

"I see," Diana took in a breath. Matthew gave another curt nod and tended to his carriage.

"You could ride with us, Diana," Anne offered. "Gilbert can ride with Jerry."

"No," Diana shook her head. "You've spent so long without Gilbert I don't want you to cast him aside on my behalf. Besides, he has forgiven me, it's about time we move forward."

"That's very sweet of you, Diana!" Anne gushed and wrapped her arms around her. "I'm so glad I choose you as my bosom friend." She took Diana by the arm and almost ran to the carts. "Gilbert, Diana is going to ride with Jerry so we can sit with Matthew."

Gilbert looked so relieved. "Thank you, Diana." Diana bit her lip to prevent giggling. Gilbert held out his hand for Anne to take as he helped her into Matthew's cart. He climbed in after and Matthew took the reigns. With a swift click of his tongue, the trio rode on. Diana turned to see Jerry was waiting for her with an awkward smile. "Afternoon, Jerry," she said politely.

"Afternoon, Diana," Jerry responded with a nod. He held out his hand to her, and Diana hesitated. Her hands were gloved, there would be no way he could touch her hand and send that sensational shock through her. Diana accepted his gesture and immediately regretted it. When she stepped up to the carriage, she stumbled, and Jarry steadied her with his other hand.

His fingers had found their way to the small gap between her glove and her sleeve. That shock was sent through her body, making Diana slightly blush as she thought about the night he brushed the tears from her cheeks. After a moment, Diana collected herself and got into her side of the buggy. She fixed her hat and hair as Jerry hopped in beside her.

"Ready?" he asked as he took the reigns. He looked over her with his careful brown eyes. Without bothering to gaze at him, Diana straightened and gave a small nod. Jerry adjusted in his seat before commanding the horse forward.

They were silent for a while, but then Jerry started to sing a French song. When his voice slightly cracked, Diana grinned. He continued on as if she wasn't there. It was one of Diana's favorite songs she heard as a little girl. Diana remembered her mother singing it to her. Without realizing it, Diana began to sing along with Jerry. He had become very silent.

Diana stopped abruptly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to overta-"

"No, no," Jerry cut her off. "You have such a lovely voice. I had to listen."

Diana bit her lip as the heat in her cheeks began to rise. "You think my voice is lovely?"

"Why would I lie to you?" Jerry countered. "I knew you had instrumental talents, but I didn't know you were naturally gifted."

There was another long silence. Diana wished to didn't love his words as much as she did. No one had ever complimented her singing voice like that. She was more famous for her piano playing. But Jerry was admired her simple singing. He always admired her. Diana stopped her mind. What was she thinking? She couldn't- wouldn't let herself do this again. She was courting Fred. She had to remember Fred.

"How is it at the farm with the Cuthberts?" Diana asked.

"It's going well now that harvest is over, now I have more time for studies," Jerry said simply.

"Studies?"

"Anne didn't tell you?" Jerry raised a brow. "When I visited Joshpine Berry she made an arrangement for me to go to school."

"Where?" Diana was puzzled.

"Here, with Miss Stacy," Jerry smiled. "She is truly a wonderful teacher and a nice lady. She comes over to the farm once a week and gives me a private lesson."

"That's-" Diana took a few breaths. She remembered this summer. She thought of how uneducated Jerry was when it came to reading and mather. How much clearer he was even speaking now. Anne had taught him how to read, but he must've been getting better now. How did Aunt Jo know he was lacking in education? She does always have her ways "That's wonderful, Jerry. Would you ever want a future in anything?"

"I suppose I'll farm for the rest of my life," Jerry shrugged. "But I suppose I can never predict my future. I want a family. I don't think I could live without one."

"Your family is very lovely," Diana recalled her fun time at the Baynard's. It was a small but worthwhile taste of freedom. A life she once dreamed of. But she knew that wasn't the reality for her. She knew she could never live that way, it wasn't meant for her.

"What about you, Diana?" Jerry asked. "What do you want from your future?"

Diana wasn't sure. She never had been. Diana had always thought her future was set. She would go to finishing school in France, then marry and live happily ever after. Now that Diana knew she had a choice, she would have to make ones for herself. it was all very thrilling, and scary. Everything she did will affect her future. She had to be sure of every step.

No pressure at all.

Of course, there was Fred. He would surely take care of her if they decided to marry. She hadn't really thought of him like that yet, but perhaps someday. He liked the city, and so did she. Although she didn't always like all the chaos. That's what made Aonlea special. The only usual chaos there ever is, is when Diana and Anne were up to their usual shenanigans.

...

Song Suggestion: The White Way of Delight (Ari Posner & Amin Bhatia)

...

"I'm not sure," Diana said aloud. "Perhaps I'll be a secretary for a clerk at a store, or a modiste helper, or perhaps I'll be a housewife. I truly do not know what the future holds for me. Anne wishes to be a teacher, and Gilbert a doctor. I almost feel out of place with my uncertainty."

"The only thing you can be certain about," Jerry turned his head towards Diana, "is our own happiness."

"How can you be so certain of one's happiness?" Diana faced Jerry's calm eyes. She swallowed.

"Because you'll be the one to decide what you'll become. Anne once told me it's not what the world holds for you, it's what you bring to it. I think it applies to everyone."

"Anne is very wise beyond her years," Diana concluded. She towards the buggy ahead of them. They were going into what Anne called the White Way of Delight. The once white flowered vines were now bare in the fall. Anne still reached out and touched the crumpled red leaves that still dared to hang on the branches. They were getting close to Avonlea now.

As they entered the White Way of Delight, the carriage hit a bump that sent both Jerry and Diana up from their seats. As they crashed back down onto the moving buggy, Jerry and Diana had instinctively wrapped the arms around the other. The horse carried on as the carriage steadied. Diana didn't realize what had happened before it was too late.

Slowly she turned her head up towards Jerry, who was still holding onto her waist. A different sort of feeling rose from within her. It was different from the shock when their skin touched, something deep within her as brewing. Her heart was skipping beats. They gazed at each other for what felt like hours. they kept leaning in closer to the other. Diana was always so mesmerized by his eyes, but now she gave a quick look to his lips.

But then Diana pulled herself away as the horse grunted. Jerry coughed as he straightened. Diana fixed her hat, making sure her hair was tucked behind her ear even though she wished to conceal the blush on her cheeks. His touch on her waist lingered on her even after he had let her go. it was so strange. Fred's touch never felt like that.

"You're right, Jerry," Diana said as they crossed the bridge towards Barry's pond. Diana would soon be home. "Happiness is the only thing we can promise ourselves. I hope you'll be very happy with your future family and your farm."

"I hope that you find happiness too, Diana," Jerry said with no expression. Diana gazed out to look for Anne, but they must've already taken the turn to Green Gables. Jerry took the same turn. They weren't going to go to the Barry's. Diana wondered why she wasn't going to be dropped off at home.

Once she saw Green Gables, a smile came onto Diana's lips. She missed this place. Missed running around with Anne pretending to be whatever they wanted. Marilla was at the gate to let them in. Accompanied by Minnie May. Diana was about to raise questions, but Jerry urged the horse up to the house. Gilbert, Anne, and Matthew were already out of their buggy and began to unpack Diana's.

"Why is Minnie May here?" Diana asked as Anne helped her down from the carriage.

"I'm not sure, Marilla didn't say anything when I asked," Anne shrugged. Diana watched Minnie May closely as she walked up the road with Marilla. Once they were close enough, she broke into a small run.

"Diana!" Minnie May called before wrapping her arms around her sister. Diana accepted the embrace.

"You missed me?"

"Yeah," she backed away. "Could I borrow your hat?"

"Sure," Diana took it off and threw it at her sister. She ran around with it on. "She will always miss my things more than me."

"It's alright Diana," Anne shrugged. "I'm sure one day she'll appreciate you. You are sisters after all."

"I believe that when I see it," Diana sighed. She approached Marilla. "Good day, Miss Cuthbert. May I ask why I was brought here rather than home?"

"Oh, I thought Matthew would've said so," Marilla shot her brother a look. "Your father is dealing with some problems of the harvest in Carmody. They wanted you to stay the night tonight so they could greet you properly tomorrow."

"I see," Diana nodded. "Thank you for your hospitality."

"It's no problem at all, Gilbert's going to stay too. Bash had to work out the same problem." Marilla said this so simply.

That got Gilbert's attention.

"Doesn't he need me to help with the matters? Or take care of Delphine or- Where's Elijah?"

"He went with Bash," Marilla explained. "Delphine is fine with Muriel."

"Who's Muriel?" Gilbert and Anne both asked at the same time.

"Miss Stacy," Diana reminded.

"Oh," Anne clapped a hand over her mouth. " I had almost forgotten Miss Stacy even had a real first name. I'm a horrible person I-" She continued to ramble on as she took her bags into the house.

"I should go home," Gilbert shook his head.

"Nonsense. You don't want to be in a house all by yourself," Marilla practically pushed him through the door. "Come on. I've got tea on. Diana. Minnie may! Come for tea! Jerry, once you're done here come inside."

Diana bit her lip. How was she ever going to survive this weekend?