Anne's Diary: A Companion Story to 'By a Simple Twist of Fate'

by DW.618

Kslchen's "By a Simple Twist of Fate" immerses us into the modern-day version of Rilla Blythe as she grows in maturity and in her relationship with Ken. But have you ever wondered what her mother, Anne Blythe, must be thinking through all of this? With kslchen's blessing, I am attempting to explore Anne's thoughts on Rilla's life via excerpts from Anne's personal diary.

29. A month before 'Twist' chapter 39

June 2012 (Anne wrote this diary entry in mid-June, a little more than a month prior to the events in chapter 39 of "By a Simple Twist of Fate")

Dear Diary,

[This section of intentionally omitted diary content included many paragraphs/pages about Anne and Gilbert's final days in Winnipeg after having attended Di's graduation. And Anne also wrote about the return flight home through horrible storms which made for a very turbulent flight two days ago.]

So now, dear diary, we will be home here in Halifax for all of 10 days before flying to Toronto for Nan's graduation. After that brutally turbulent flight two days ago, I certainly hope that this next one will be silky smooth!

.

I'm popping back in to write two things:

First - I've crossed off several things from my To Do list for today. That always makes me feel good. And, I now have some clean clothes again. (That's always a good thing.)

Second - I just finished up talking with someone from the office of Ken's security force. Needless to say, it was quite a surprise to get THAT phone call. Unless Queen Leslie's health suddenly changes, Ken's visit to Ingleside is looking good at this point. However, Rilla wants to wait until the plans get more finalized before she tells the rest of the family…so we're back to keeping secrets.

In any case, the phone call today was because Ken's security force is moving forward with their preparations and needed some logistical information from me. The officer had many questions about the size and functionality of the Garden Shed. (I tried to call it "the studio flat"…it seemed less odd that way…but he already had "Garden Shed" in his records.) He said that two protection officers will arrive about a week before Ken comes in order to set up required security measures at Ingleside and prepare the Garden Shed for their needs. In case we are not there yet, I will arrange for John Meredith to meet with those early-arriving officers to give them the Ingleside keys so that they can get in and take care of whatever they deem necessary. John will keep everything quiet. After all, confidentiality is part of a minister's job description.

From what I can tell, the "security measures" will involve examining the existing door and window locks, as well as becoming familiar with the property and neighborhood layout. If the advance security team determines that there are any major points of concern about the house, they will contact me before making any changes. (I'm guessing that the consequences of the PPOs breaking into Rilla's Shoebox to make security enhancements last spring still resonate in their memories!)

Back in May when the plan for Ken's visit first got started, Rilla provided Ken with Miss Cornelia's B&B website and contact info. His security team immediately reserved the entire B&B for their use. I wonder what reason they gave for renting the whole thing? Perhaps they claimed it was a "work retreat" or "team-building event" or something. As soon as Ken's visit becomes public knowledge, I will stop by the B&B and soothe over any ruffled feathers that Miss Cornelia might have for my not telling her the whole truth from the beginning, but I doubt that she'll mind. In all honesty, I think she'll rather enjoy having so many young British men staying at her place!