The girls chatted more about Dublin and Avonlea respectively while cooking and cleaning. Anne was thrilled to hear all about who was still around and hadn't moved away from their small town. She was thrilled to hear that almost their whole story club was still in Avonlea, save for Cole, who still lived in Charlottetown but visited often enough.

"He loves surprising the kids," Diana explained, helping Anne finish off the dishes. "He and his new boyfriend come over once and a while and give the kids gifts. We actually spent Christmas in Charlottetown with them. They spoiled them too much."

Anne laughed, "are they going to adopt? I remember Cole wanting kids."

"I think so," Diana replied. " You know what? We should get the story club back together, at least once. They would love to see you again."

"Oh Di," Anne gasped, dropping the spoon she was cleaning in the sink, completely caught up in her imaginings, making soapy water splash everywhere. "I can just imagine. I'll ask Marilla if we can host a small party at Green Gables. We can talk and read the stories we've written in the last couple years. I can make cake or scones and maybe we can have dinner. Marilla loves you and Cole especially. I'm sure she wouldn't have a problem with it. At the very least, I'd love to meet Cole's new boyfriend."

Diana smiled at her friend while wiping the soapy water that had splashed everywhere. She was glad that Anne was back. There was something special about her stories and ideas "I'd have to ask Jane and Ruby but I'm sure they'd be all for it. And Cole will absolutely be in."

As Anne talked more about what the plan would be for story club day, she and Diana finished the soups and cleaned up the kitchen until it was spotless. By the time they were done, it was almost dinner time so Anne ended up staying over for dinner at the Write household, during which she gave Anne jr. and Jake their gifts from Ireland. Anne got a bright green t-shirt with shamrocks all over it and a stuffed sheep. Jake got a Turkish delight candy bar and a toy sword and crown from one of Ireland's castles. Diana and Fred also got smaller gifts; Diana, a small scrapbook of Anne's photos that she thought Diana would want to see and Fred, a bottle of authentic Guinness.

The chatter was pleasant enough, and after, Anne helped clean up. The family hung out in the living room, all talking with Anne about her adventures in Ireland until 7:30.

"Come on kids," Diana said, standing. "It's bedtime."

"Aww," the kids chorused.

"Now, now," Fred said in response, "you've had plenty of excitement for the day. And we all have a big day tomorrow."

"Can Auntie Anne put us to bed?" Jake pipped up.

Anne, Fred and Diana shared a look. Anne shrugged without breaking eye contact with the other adults, "I'm okay with it if your parents are."

"I don't see why not," Diana replied.

"I need to get some work done anyway," Fred added, standing as well.

"Yay!" Anne jr. cried, jumping up and grabbing older Anne's hand and leading her to the stairs. Jake ran after, grabbing older Anne's other hand.

Diana followed the trio upstairs to the bathroom, where the kids dropped older Anne's hands.

"Can you run our bath?" Anne jr. asked, "It can't be too hot. Or too cold."

Anne smiled at Diana, "How about I let your mom do that for you? She knows better what temperature you like. I'll help you guys pick some pyjamas to wear."

"Okay!" Anne jr. started to bounce. "I want to show you my unicorn pyjamas."

Anne was then dragged into the kids' bedroom where they both immediately pulled out the pyjamas they wanted to wear. With some help from Diana, she got them both into the tub, scrubbing them with soap and playing with their bath toys with them. After the bath, Anne brushed Jake's teeth and Diana helped Anne jr. with hers. The kids then dragged Anne to their bookshelf and both requested a book to be read before they slept. Anne and Diana tucked the two of them in and Anne read the stories.

"...And then the frog went home happy, for he finally had a friend," Anne finished, closing the book and starting to stand.

"Wait," Jake said, tugging on the sweater Anne was wearing, "one more story."

"It's time for you guys to sleep," Anne said, leaning down to kiss Jake on the forehead.

"Okay, but one more story," Anne jr. said. "What about Ireland? Can you tell us about Ireland?"

Anne caved slightly. "Maybe a little. But not much. You need to sleep so you can grow up strong and have your own adventures. What would you like to hear?"

"Everything," the kids said together, looking up at Anne intently.

For the next 20 minutes, Anne explained the castles she visited and the history of Ireland to two adoring kids, hanging on to every word. She only stopped when she glanced at the clock and realized that it had been 20 minutes and not five like she had originally planned. She finally wished them goodnight and headed downstairs where Diana and Fred were chatting quietly. Anne joined the discussion, after apologizing for keeping their kids up but they waved her off.

"They suck you in that way." Diana explained, "you have no idea how many times I've read them a few stories. They're very convincing."

By the time Diana and Fred went to bed, it was far too late for Anne to take the bus home to Green Gables so Diana let her crash in the spare bedroom. This used to happen all the time when the girls were younger. Because Anne never had a car, sometimes Anne would overextend her stay so she could stay over at the Barry's and have a sleepover with Diana It was nice to feel like a teenager again.

The next morning Anne woke up early. Diana was already up as well so she drove Anne after much convincing. They chatted the whole way there. Anne was pleased that even after all this time they both easily picked up where they left off in their friendship. When the two of them got to Green Gables, Anne made sure to remark this to Diana, who agreed vehemently and the two friends hugged.

Marilla had started breakfast when Anne got in.

"I'll help with that, Marilla," Anne called behind her, jumping up the stairs. "I'll change and be right down.

Anne got in her gabled room and changed quickly, but before she jumped back down the way she came, she searched through her contacts for a long-forgotten classmate. It took her a while, but eventually, she found Gilbert in her contacts as 'Rival' and promised herself she would change it later. For now, she settled for sending him a text.

YOU

Hey gilbert I just got back from ireland. Want to catch up maybe?