Author's note: I would like to thank my new friend I met on Instagram for all her help. She knows a lot about Anne Of Green Gables. Like I've said before, I know the basic of the story, my new friend knows more and has been a big help on answering my questions. I would also like to thank my other new friend for her help to. Thank you Porcelain American Princess for her help as well. You guys should check out her stories on Fanfiction. They are really good
Chapter 3: Anne's POV
I was so busy staring at the little girl that was going to be our daughter, my daughter, I didn't notice her friend come into the room. Her friend looked to be about Ruby's age. She had blonde hair, blue eyes, about Ruby's height. But, her friend looked like she had a little more meat on her bones then Ruby did. I was going to make Gil put Ruby on a strict feeding schedule until she get her weight back.
"Hello Miss, is Miss Mildred in yet? I need to talk to her about Ruby. She isn't feeling good." Her friend said.
"Not yet little one. Can I help? I am quite handy with children such as yourselves." I said.
"It's my friend Ruby Miss. She hasn't been feeling good since last night. I was up all night taking care of her. She didn't even do her Bible study lesson with us. I tried to get her to come eat some breakfast with us. All I can do is get her to the chair right over their." Her friend said.
"I think we should get Ruby back to bed. I'll bring my husband after he is done with his staff meeting at the hospital. He is a doctor. I'll have him look at Ruby. Do you mind showing me were you guys sleep?" I asked.
"Yes Mam. My name is Grace. I have been helping take care of Ruby since she came here about a month ago. Ruby is the youngest one here."
"Well Grace, my name is Anne Blythe. I want to thank you for taking care of Ruby. You did a great job. I don't think Ruby is up to eating breakfast at the moment. Why don't you go and tell one of the staff members that your going to show me were Ruby sleeps and have the staff members let Miss Mildred know I'm going to be a few minutes late to my interview. I'm going to put Ruby to bed until my husband can come and look at her in about a hour. I want to make sure you eat your breakfast too okay? Can you do that for me?" I asked.
"Yes Mam. I certainly can. I'll go and tell Miss Hannah that you're here so she can let Miss Mildred know that we are taking Ruby back to bed. I won't be long. Miss Hannah is right in the dinning room helping serve breakfast. I'll be right back." Grace said.
Anne watched Grace run towards the dinning room were Miss Hannah was. Then Anne turned to face Ruby. Her little girl who wouldn't spend no more then an hour or so here. Anne knelt down to be near the little girls eye level.
"Hi sweetheart. My name is Anne. I heard you weren't feeling good. Your friend Grace and I are going to put you back to bed okay? And then when I'm done talking to Miss Mildred, I'm going to bring my husband Gilbert here to have a look at you okay. He is a doctor. He is very good with his job and very gentle with his patients. He can figure out why you aren't feeling good, okay? He won't be more then a couple more hours at the hospital and then I'll bring him here to give you a quick check up. In the mean time, can I put you back to bed? I see your friend Grace coming back." I told her gently.
Ruby nodded. She looked miserable poor thing. Anne felt Ruby's forehead and frowned. Ruby was definitely burning up. She has a fever for sure. Her cheeks looked flushed too. Most likely from the fever.
"I'm going to pick you up know okay. Your going to be okay Ruby. I'm going to take care of you and so is my husband. Here we go. Let's get you to bed for now." I told her gently.
"Grace dear, do you mind showing me we're you girls sleep? I want to get Ruby into bed. Also, I would like you to find a staff member and have them let Miss Mildred know that I'll be a few minutes late to our meeting. And one more thing, do you mind getting a bowl of cool water and a rag so we can get Ruby's fever down? I would appreciate it very much dear." I said.
"Yes mam. Right away. I'll go and tell Nurse Emily what's going on and she will let Miss Mildred know you'll be a few minutes late. If you wait just a second, I'll go tell her now." Grace said.
Grace scurried off down the hall. In the meantime, I knelt back down to Ruby and brushed the hair out of her face. The poor child looked so ill.
Her cheeks were flushed, her forehead felt warm to the touch.
When I picked up Ruby, I noticed some of the symptoms she when Gil and I had Scarlet Fever. We didn't both have Scarlet Fever at the same time. I just recently recovered from it myself. Gil of course was my Doctorand he was very protective of me, and making me rest and lay in bed. Making sure i ate my meals when he gave them to. No doubt about it, he will be in charge giving Ruby her meals. He took excellent care of me. Of course he had other patients, but i was his number one priority.
I studied Ruby as i picked her up gently. Some of the symptoms she has that Gil and I had. Gil would agree with me on that for sure. I noticed she had a red rash on her neck and chest. Just like Gil and I had. She also had it on her arms and face. i am not sure if she had it on her stomach or legs, I will have to have Gil check on that. She also had Swollen Lymph Nodes on her neck. Not to bad, but, Gil wont like it.
" Can you open your mouth for me sweetheart? I want to see something." I said.
Ruby did as i asked I'm not a Doctor, like Gil, but, i noticed the signs immediately. She definitely has a little bit of white coding on her tongue and it looks like her tonsils might be swollen to.
" Thank you sweetheart. You can close your mouth know." I said.
"Your going to be okay little one. We are going to get you in bed and Grace is going to get some cold water and rag go get your fever down. I'm going to be talking to Miss Mildred soon, but then I'll be back and my husband, who's a doctor, will be here to so he can make you feel better. Here comes Grace know, she will take us to your room so we can put you in your bed. I'm going to lift you up know. Here we go. I said.
"Our room is this way Mrs. Blythe. I have Emily getting a bowl of cold water with a rag. She will meet us in the room." Grace said.
I scooped Ruby up and she felt so tiny and light. Like she hasn't had a proper diet and food at all her whole life. Gilbert was not going to like that. I knew that for a fact. She felt thin too. Gilbert was going to definitely put Ruby on a strict diet until she gets her weight back up and meat on her bones.
I followed Grace down a long hallway. She was chatting about everything and anything. Telling me were everything is and what everything was. This was just the first floor of the orphanage too. I almost felt overwhelmed and it brought back memories of when I stayed at an orphanage.
I smiled as Grace went on with the details of the parlor. We walked by another room and Grace also pointed out what it was.
"This room over here is the classroom. Sometimes we have school, sometimes we don't. It depends if we can find a teacher that would like to help us learn the basics of school. It has two rows of desks. And up front it has a big desk that the teacher can sit at, and of course it has a chair for the teacher as well. Behind the teacher's desk is a big black board and some chalk and a eraser. I like this room a lot. I love learning. I also like the two big windows in here too." Grace said.
I looked down at Ruby while I followed Grace down the hall. It felt like we were never going to get there. I'm guessing the rooms they slept in was upstairs.
Ruby was trying to sleep. She was curled up against my chest. Her arms tucked into her. She felt warm and that worried me.
"On the left side we have the library. Not that we really use it. Some of the older kids can read and if they behave, they can check out a book and read it on there free time. It only has four big bookshelves lined up against the walls. A couple of small tables with about four chairs at each table, a fire place, and windows." Grace said.
"A library is nice to have. I love reading." I said as we continued our journey.
I looked down at Ruby to see how she was holding up. To my surprise, she was curled up against me. Her little hand clutching my shirt sleeping. I smiled down at her. I couldn't wait to have her home soon.
We finally found our way up the stairs, which was at least two flights. I didn't miss that at the orphanage.
Grace took her time climbing the stairs one at a time. Other children passed us as we made our way up to the dormitory. When we finally made it, Grace announced, "Our room is right here to the right. It's one big room with a a small fireplace to try and keep us warm."
When we finally got to the second landing, I followed Grace to the right and she opened the big door. I followed her inside.
"I'm sorry the room is a little cold Mrs. Blythe. It was a bit warmer when we first got up. I'll put some wood to keep Ruby warm. I'll be right back. I think I see Miss Emily coming up. You'll like her. She'll take care of Ruby while you meet with Miss Mildred." Grace said.
I took a minute to look at my surrounding while still holding Ruby. She hasn't woken up since we started walking. She must have been exhausted.
The room was big. It had about 10 beds in with dirty mattresses, and some thin sheets as blankets. Not to mention the pillows that weren't in the greatest condition either. I didn't like they at all. Gilbert was going to have a heart attack when he saw the condition his future daughter lives in.
On the right was a medium size window which let in some sun light. But on a day like today, it was raining. So, it let in cloudy daylight.
"Hello Mam. You must be Mrs. Blythe. My name is Emily and Grace told me Ruby is ill. I'm here to take care of her while you talk to Miss Mildred." Emily said.
I turned around startled. Grace did say Emily was on her way up.
"I didn't mean to startle you. I saw you looking around the room. I'm afraid the orphanage isn't in the best of conditions. We tried talking to the town mayor to get this place fixed up, at least the bedrooms, but, he wouldn't hear of it. He is a very sour old man I'm afraid." Emily said.
"My husband and I are planning on adopting Ruby this afternoon. Well, he doesn't know it yet. He is a doctor finishing up medical school here in town. I begged him to let me get this job here working at the orphanage. He knows I have a soft spot for children and he does too. Ruby is going to be his first patient he will take care of by himself with my help." I said.
"I'm so glad she is getting adopted by you and your husband. She has had a tough little life. Why don't you put her on her bed right here and I'll take care of her for you until you come back this afternoon? She is in good hands." Emily promised.
I gently put Ruby back in her bed and pulled up her thin blanket up to her chin. I brushed the bangs out of her hot, sweaty face and gave her a kiss.
"I'll be back for you in a few hours okay sweetheart? I'm going to meet with your head mistress and then I'm going to bring my husband here to see if he can make you feel better. He is a doctor and he will take good care of you. I promise. He is very good with children. I'll help him take care of you too, okay? Don't worry. Get some rest and I'll see you soon." I said gently.'
Emily smiled as I got up from tucking Ruby into bed. Grace came back with a bowl of water and a cloth for Emily.
"Thank you Grace. Why don't you go and get your breakfast before the bell rings it's 't worry, I'll take care of Ruby. Why don't you show Mrs. Blythe the way out and back to the office. You have been a big help. Thank you." Emily said.
"Do you think you can pack Ruby's belongings if you don't mind? I would like to take her home as soon as we can. If I can get the head mistress to allow us to take Ruby home today, we will." I said.
Emily smiled. "Absolutely Mrs. Blythe. I'm sure she will allow you to take Ruby home. Especially if she is sick and your husband can take care of her. You guys seem like nice, respectful, responsible people. I don't see why she wouldn't. Ruby will be ready for you this afternoon."
"Thank you Emily. Bye Ruby. Get some sleep and I'll see you soon." I said.
Grace took my hand and started to lead me down the hall and back to the main floor.
" Let's stop by the kitchen Grace. I want to make sure you get your breakfast. I'll ask the cook to make sure you get something to eat. It's probably been at least a half hour since I got here while you were helping me with Ruby okay?" I asked.
Grace nodded her head yes and took my hand.
"You'll like Candice. She is the nicest one here aside from Emily. Candice always makes sure I have something to eat. I'm usually helping comfort Ruby or taking care of the younger children and I don't always have time to get breakfast. Candice usually saves me some leftovers and she makes sure that our washer Katie doesn't do anything to my food. Katie doesn't like me." Grace said.
"I'd like to meet Candice and thank her if you don't mind." I said. "Sure, we are almost there." Grace said.
By this time, we were on the first floor heading to the kitchen. I could hear talking and some laughing from the children.
"Follow me. Candice is in the cooking room." Grace said.
Grace easily made her way through the dinning room and into the back room. She opened the door and a kind, smiling, older lady greeted us.
"I was wondering were you were Grace dear. I saved you some breakfast. Breakfast is just about over." Candice said.
"Sorry Candice. I was taking care of Ruby and helping put Ruby to bed. She isn't feeling good and that's why I'm late. Thank you for saving me breakfast, I'm starving." Grace said.
Grace turned back to me. "Mrs. Blythe, can I talk to you? About Ruby?" "Certainly dear. Let's go over here." I said.
You will take care of Ruby, won't you ? Ruby has been through so much in her short life. She shouldn't be here in the orphanage." Grace said.
I knelt down so I was at Graces level. I put my hand on her shoulder.
"You have my word Grace that Ruby will be well taken care of. I promise you that. My husband is a doctor and he is very good with children. He will make sure Ruby is cared for and get the best possible medical help Ruby can get." I told her.
"Ruby has nightmares about her parents death Mrs. Blythe. She screams in her sleep, and cries. She blames herself for her parents death. It wasn't her fault . Honest it wasn't. She has panic attacks too. She gets anxious. Works herself up to were she throws up. I help her a lot and comfort her when I can. So does Emily. Ruby became Emily's pet the day Ruby arrived here. When Emily can't look after Ruby, Emily sends Ruby to me. Ruby became somewhat like a little sister. She is the youngest one here, only 8. Oh, another thing, when she has nightmares, she accidentally wets the bed sometimes. Ruby also doesn't eat much if at all. Emily and I try to encourage Ruby to eat, and she nibbles a little bit. But, she usually pushes her plate away after a couple of bites." Grace said.
Oh this poor sweet child, I thought to myself as Grace filled me in on Ruby's background. Bless this little girl. I gave Grace a big hug and kissed her forehead.
Grace sniffed and whipped her eyes.
"Sweetheart, you have been a dear, dear, friend to Ruby and I can't thank you and Emily enough for looking after her and comforting her. I promise Ruby is going to be alright. My husband will make sure Ruby will eat properly. I'm sure he will put her on a strict diet so she can get some meat on her bones. I'm sure he will be in charge of her meals until she gets her strength back. I'll make sure Ruby will eat too. Her body is going through so much right now, and I'm sure that's why she isn't very hungry. I'll tell my husband everything you had mentioned to me so he is aware. I promise you Grace, Ruby will be alright and well cared for. Thank you for being a good friend to her." I said.
I brushed some of the bangs out of Graces face and whipped some of her tears away with my thumb.
"Please don't get mad at Ruby for her throwing up when she is anxious or when she wets the bed. That will just make things worse. She is just a little girl and doesn't understand what's going on." Grace sniffed.
I hugged her again. Grace hugged me back tightly.
"I promise sweetheart. Nobody will get mad at Ruby for that. My husband will talk to her about all of that when Ruby is strong and well enough to talk. Ruby will be safe in our care and in our home. I promise. When she is well again, I can bring her here and you can visit each other. Would you like that?" I asked.
Grace smiled and said yes, that she would like that.
Once I made sure she was getting her breakfast, I thanked Candice and made my way to the office. Feeling a bit nervous once again.