Author's Note:
As always, thank you for reading my version of what might be going on in Anne's head during "By a Simple Twist of Fate." If you are reading this story, you are likely a fan of "Twist" - so it is my hope that you enjoy "Anne's Diary" as an expansion of those familiar "Twist" chapters, certainly not as a retelling. Even though klschen is wrapping up "Twist," I plan to continue writing "Anne's Diary." Perhaps you will enjoy refreshing your memory of the earlier years of Ken and Rilla's relationship through my "Anne's Diary" chapters. In any case, today's diary entry finds Anne heading off to the Island...enjoy! DW.618
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July 2012 (Anne wrote this diary entry a few days prior to the events in chapter 39 of "By a Simple Twist of Fate")
Dear Diary,
Yesterday was Betty's wedding. Rilla looked lovely in her bridesmaid dress…as the whole world now knows! Rilla was embarrassed that the paparazzi photographers were all around entrance to the church and the reception hall. It was Betty and Liam's special day…and yet these invasive "pests" were clamoring for a picture of Rilla. I can only imagine how I would have felt (back in our family's pre-Ken days) if my daughter was getting married and one of her bridesmaids was being followed by a contingent of photographers – distracting from my daughter's special day! Ugh! Poor Betty and Liam!
And the photo taking wasn't just limited to the vultures outside. Rilla said that she was aware of some wedding guests trying to surreptitiously take pictures of her during the reception…while others were boldly coming up and directly requesting a selfie with her. She said she was able to beg off from most of them by saying that she needed to go help Betty with something. It would be nice to think that her true friends wouldn't sell pictures of her to the media, but after Mollie actually gave an interview to a reporter…you can't assume anything!
I noticed blatant photography at the Dalhousie graduation myself. As a writer, I'm used to people taking my photo at book signings and other author-related events. And as a professor, I am typically able to blend into the crowd of professors during formal occasions at Dalhousie. This year, however, I was aware of some people taking selfies near me so that I was purposefully in the background. And two very bold girls (who were not in any of my classes) came up and stood on each side of me so their friend could take a picture…and none of them even spoke to me! It happened so fast, I didn't even have time to react. The nerve of some people!
Anyway, my dear Diary, we will be leaving for Ingleside tomorrow. I can't believe how routine it has become to pack my suitcase after this summer of graduations. Happily though, since we are driving to the island instead of boarding a plane, I can be more liberal with the quantity of my luggage! I must admit, I am bringing more clothes with me than normal since I fully expect photographers to end up becoming aware of Ken's presence. One would not want to wear the same clothes repeatedly in press photos, would one? Plus, I wouldn't want to be a source of embarrassment to Rilla, would I? (Thank you for not laughing at my secret vanity, dear Diary!)
When we were in Toronto for Nan's graduation a few weeks ago, Nan admired the packing cubes I've been recently using in my suitcase. (Best invention ever! How did I ever live without them? Rolling my clothes and putting them in the little zippered rectangles keeps them organized and less wrinkled.) Anyway, I decided that packing cubes are the perfect gift for everyone this summer. Shhh, don't tell Gilbert that I've been online shopping again! 😊
I actually got most everything packed up and ready to go a few days before Rilla arrived. (I was determined not to wait till the last minute this year.) So, Gilbert, Rilla, and I will leave tomorrow and will have about three days on the island before the rest of the family arrives. While I am looking forward to all of them being at the house, I think I will enjoy having a few days of true R&R.
I am curious how many of these photographers who have been camped on our doorstep here in Halifax will follow us to PEI. Since no one other than the immediate family (and the Merediths) know about Ken's visit, maybe the photographers who do follow us there will quickly give up hoping that Rilla will do something photo-worthy, lose interest, and just leave. That'd be nice!
When I first suggested to Ken that he visit, I explained that Mum usually stays in the Garden Shed (which of course made him stare at me like a crazy person). But I was trying to explain that Mum could stay in the house this time so that his PPOs could have the shed. However, it turns out that I didn't even need to worry about that at all since Mum will not be out to the Island until after Ken leaves. She is currently on an Arctic excursion for a travel assignment! (How many children can say their mother…or grandmother…or great-grandmother…is an Arctic explorer? She is really something!) Not having Mum at Ingleside for those first two weeks will make things a bit easier logistically…and may also keep world peace intact. I hate to think of what she might have to say to Ken about government, equality, or environmental issues if she had such free access to him!
I know Rilla is a bit relieved that Mum won't be at Ingleside for Ken's whole two-week visit. She just wants this to be a nice family time – free from drama or formality. And that is also why we've decided to suggest that Marilla and John don't come to the house right away either. It's not that they would cause any difficulties or add too much confusion, but I think the conversation will be easier with just the younger ones at the house. Of course, we will make sure to take Ken to Avonlea to meet them (which will be HUGE for them), but we'll just keep it as us and the kids at Ingleside for the most part this year – at least during Ken's stay.
It will be interesting to see how the kids all treat Ken…and Rilla…during Ken's visit. Will they suddenly be on their best behavior that I've ever seen? Or will they pick on Rilla mercilessly because she's bringing a boyfriend home (something she hasn't ever done – unless you count Carl)? Will they be stiff and formal? If so, how long will it take everyone to become comfortable around each other? Time will tell.
And I wonder what impact the press will have on our family's activities? Will we take our normal walks along the beach and go for bike rides – or will everyone choose to stick close to home this year just to avoid the inevitable cameras? If so, will the others resent Rilla and Ken for "bringing" the paps to our quiet island? What do you think, dear Diary? How will all of this work out?
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Author's Note:
I am sure life is as busy for you lovely readers as it has been for me. So, thank you for taking time to read my view of Anne's thoughts and musings. Reviews, comments, and PMs are always welcome! I am always really, really appreciative (and motivated) when I hear from you!
DogMonday: I meant to add an author's note to chapter 27 about the Museum of Math, but forgot. When researching online to find a museum that I thought would appeal to Jake (and one that he might not have gone to already...since I'm sure he's already done the Natural History Museum, etc.), I found the Museum of Math. The "Jake" in my own real-life family would have loved going there at Jake's age! However, as you noticed, the Museum of Math wasn't actually opened yet at graduation time...so I decided to take poetic license and pretend that it was open!
I also took liberty with the High Line park. Parts of it were opened in 2009 but the whole thing wasn't completed until 2014. I personally found it to be such a neat park to explore the last time my family was in NYC a few years ago that I decided to go ahead and let Anne, Gilbert, and Joy enjoy the whole park prematurely during this visit to NYC.