A/N: Finally, I've gotten to the reunion! I'm going to make it last a few chapters, so this is just the first one. Hope you guys enjoy it! Please R&R!!
Terreis: Thanks for reading my story. It means a lot since I can't get enough of yours. I'm glad you're enjoying it so much. Don't worry about reviewing if you have to work. Don't want you getting in trouble or anything like that. ;)
Stella Maynard: I guess all that stuff I'm learning about WWII is coming into use (Wow! There's a shocker!). I'm glad you found the chapter "insightful and feeling", even though I don't remember what I wrote and I'm too lazy to open the file and look, but, hey, whatever floats your boat. ;) And I do use italics too much (see there I go again). I think it is because I'm usually sarcastic and when I talk I always emphasize certain things so it probably comes out that way when I write too. I'll try not to use as many anymore because, to quote Mr. Carpenter, "Beware—of—italics." :)
Ruby Gillis: I'm so happy you like my story. Is the dress part that good? I actually thought about getting rid of it because it didn't 'seem' right. Well, I'm glad everyone liked that part. Julie Kent is not Emily and Teddy's daughter. I was "inspired" by Teddy's last name, and I guess I forgot that Julie would probably raise some questions, but they go so well together. :) Sorry about that. Hope you like this chapter!
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Finally, the last week of June arrived and with it came a wave of excitement at Ingleside for the annual reunion. Rilla, Ken, and their five children arrived first, since they lived close at Four Winds Point. Jem, Faith, and their three children came next, followed by Di, Jack, and their five children, then Nan, Jerry, and six more children. Shirley and his family arrived last. Una Meredith promised to drop by later with Carl and his family, and Persis, along with her parents, agreed to sail in a week later. Bruce Meredith came with Rosemary and John Meredith. Grandmother Anne and Grandfather Gilbert couldn't have been prouder or more pleased with the turnout at this year's reunion. Unfortunately, it might be one of the last with everyone in attendance. With a waging war, who knew when they could all be so happy and together again.
"Grandmother, Tim yanked my hair again!" Ella Maribel Ford's blonde hair was frizzled and jumbled. Anne looked down upon her youngest granddaughter and smiled.
"Ella, darling, go tell Ally to fix your hair for you." Gilbert sat in his favorite chair and laughed. Oh, how times fly! Once upon a time, Anne and Gilbert were just children with set differences, and now they have been married for so many years with 21 grandchildren!
"Gilbert, what are you laughing at? Poor Ella. Tim should know better by now not to yank other people's hair." Gilbert laughed again.
"Did you just hear yourself, Anne-girl? Tim is only ten years old. He doesn't need to know better." Anne gave Gilbert a rather chastising pair of eyes, but Gilbert just couldn't stop laughing.
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The 'adults' sat on the veranda talking and catching up with each other. Jem and Faith had very interesting stories about some of their patients to tell that kept everyone in stitches. Nan and Jerry joked, bantered, and told stories about their lives in Kensington. Di and Jack prepared the food, Shirley and Clarissa, his wife, told about Montreal and the latest happenings, and Rilla and Ken sat and listened.
"Can you believe we are sitting here at Ingleside talking about the 'Good Old Days'? I feel so old when I see all the children running around so young and carefree." sighed Rilla Ford. Rilla was now a mother of five and a fulltime stay-at-home mom. She was as pretty as ever, and town gossipers rumored that she must have done something to stay thin and faultless. Kenneth Ford owned a chain of bookstores across Canada and was a busy, busy father. Although Ken worked from PEI, many business trips had to be taken, and he was gone often. Ken made a good amount of money that brought home the bacon, but he and Rilla always made sure they didn't spoil their children.
"Rilla, you're hardly old. You look young and fresh and, oh, how do you do it?"
"Oh, Faith, it's a wonder my hair hasn't turned all grey yet! The kids are exhausting. This potato salad is delicious, Di. I'm sure you have it easier, Jem. Your three kids are all grown up." It was true that Jem and Faith's children were hardly children any longer. Over the years, Jem and Faith cared for sick patients in Avonlea, while their kids played in the very same spots Grandmother Anne and Grandfather Gilbert did. Marilla left Green Gables to her favorite, Jem. Uncle Davy lived there for awhile, but decided to move to Toronto, so that's how Jem's family ended up back in Avonlea.
"Well, they still know how to make me and Faith go crazy. Especially, Lindsay and Sarah. How are your kids, Nan?"
"My baby is going away to Queen's when school starts. It'll be me and Jerry again. Oh, I can hardly believe it! And Will is going to Redmond and he's engaged! I'm surprised I haven't burst into tears yet!"
"Nan, Emily is responsible and she'll do great at Queen's. As for Will, he's a man and he can make his own decisions. Our kids are growing up, that's all. I don't think you can stop it, darling. Beth is in her last year at Queen's and she refuses to go to Redmond. I wish she had some more ambition, but she loves Summerside too much to go."
"Di, Beth will be fine. She's pretty and before you know it she'll be engaged and married."
"Shirley! Stop teasing Di!" Shirley Blythe, now a successful business man for a major publishing company, got a little pinch from his wife, Clarissa Payne. Shirley married Clarissa after meeting her in London. Clarissa's father was a Lord in England and was very rich and profitable. Every year, Paige and Peter Blythe were sent off to London to see their grandfather. It was quite strange that Shirley married Clarissa because the difference in their personalities was obvious. Shirley was still quiet and shy, but Clarissa was bubbly and fashionable. Maybe it was true that opposites attract.
"Alright, men, let's go fishing. We'll leave the women to talk their girl talk." So, Jem, Shirley, Jerry, Ken, and Jack went off to do some manly bonding while the women continued to gossip.
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Down in the shadowy realms of Rainbow Valley sat Alex Blythe, Will Meredith, and Alexis Ford. The three had always been good friends and chums, each able to confide in each other. Long ago, in the shadows of Rainbow Valley, where their parents had once played, Alex, Will, and Ally vowed to always be friends. And now the trees lured them away from the commotion of Ingleside to just sit and feel. It seemed like you could see the images of adults, once young children, running, laughing in the blithe years of youth. The trees kept a legacy of secrets and hidden feelings that would always be there in that same Rainbow Valley.
Alex Blythe was the oldest of all the grandchildren. He was known as a sporty guy who loved to play football. Sarah Blythe was his teammate of many years. Growing up with two sisters didn't give Alex too many chances of playing, so he taught Sarah, much to the town's horror. Alex was an understanding fellow, whose presence seemed to make life a little easier. There was no need for words, he just understood. Alex, like Will, had a reputation of being quite the lady-killer. His rusty brown hair and shining hazel orbs made any girl's heart skip a beat, but Alex was determined to stay a bachelor until he knew that he'd found the girl of his dreams, but for now Alex was just Alex. He would soon be starting a new life at Redmond if the war wasn't on his mind so much.
Alex sat on the mossy grass that felt like a sea of green velvet. Ally Ford sat on the edge of the spring with her two bare feet in it. Will lied on his back and read the Glen 'notes' aloud, but soon wandered off topic.
"Oh, I wish we could stay forever this way," breathed Ally. Alexis Grace Ford, also known as Ally, was a young woman of almost seventeen. She was the oldest child of Rilla and Ken Ford. Ally had always been shy, quiet, sensitive, and caring. She was the only one Alex and Will loved to be with at family gatherings because she never expected anything from them, instead she was patient and kind. Ally had a beautiful talent. She could sing like an angel. Unlike her siblings, Ally was unsure of her future. She didn't know what she wanted to be or what she wanted to do. After finishing Queen's last year, Ally got a teaching job in Carmody, where she was greatly loved. Still, Ally needed more time to decide on her future, but the world seemed to put her on a clock to do something. No one understood. Not Mother or Father, Grandma or Grandpa, none of her siblings, except Alex and Will, but they both lived away from Glen St. Mary.
"I do too. Ally, maybe you should give the school up and come to Redmond. Take a few courses and explore your options. Alex and I need some company anyway." Will gave Ally's slender hand a little squeeze.
"You'll have plenty of company, trust me. With all those girls swooning over you two, you'll hardly notice I'm there. And stop avoiding the subject. I know about Alex's letter to you, Will. What are you two thinking? I can never imagine coming back to Rainbow Valley without you."
Alex and Will both looked at each other, concerned. Ally knew everything. How could they have thought she wouldn't find out sooner or later?
"How did you know? I haven't told anyone but Brooke. Alex?"
"I haven't told anyone," said Alex after giving Will a rather harsh look.
"Oh, please. Did you really think you could hide this from me? What are Aunt Nan and Uncle Jerry going to think, Will? Or what about poor Aunt Faith and Uncle Jem, Alex? How could you make such a rash decision without their consent?"
"Alexis Ford, you cannot tell a single soul, living or dead, understood? We haven't told them yet because of course they'll be upset, but Father and Uncle Jerry rushed off to war when they were young. They can't tell us we can't."
Ally's blue eyes started to tear up and it seemed like those orbs were just going to break at any point. She hated to have Alex, or Will, speak to her in such a degrading manner, but how could they be so reckless with such a life changing decision? "Alex Blythe," said Ally, mimicking Alex's tone. "I will not be spoken to in such a tone. I'm only asking you to review your decisions before someone gets hurt. And as for my affairs, my only advice for you is to stay out of them. I came down here to tell both of you I have decided to move to Montreal and attend the School of Literature and Expression. So there. It's out!" Ally concluded her last statements with a thud and tromped off back to Ingleside. Why had she said those mean things to Alex? She didn't mean them, but she was just concerned. And now they were under bad terms at what may be the last reunion with them here. Oh, life is so confusing!
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Meanwhile, Sarah Blythe, Emily Meredith, and Walter Ford sat in Grandfather Gilbert's study. Emily was reading a medical book, Sarah drawing the study because she was set on making a memory of each room, and Walter looking at old photo album.
"Can you imagine that our parents were once young? It seems like they hardly understand, now." Walter Joseph Ford was the third child of Rilla and Ken. He was the same age as Emily Meredith, and both were old souls stuck in a young body. Walter, like Uncle Walter, had dark, glossy black hair and luring grey eyes. Rilla had actually cried when he was born because he was so much like Uncle Walter. She was so happy that her new son was practically Walter's twin; she had to name her baby boy Walter too. Walter had a 'knack' for writing and aspired to be a journalist. He suited this profession perfectly, for Walt was always quiet because he observed everything.
"Have you been getting into scrapes with Aunt Rilla and Uncle Ken, Walt?" Sarah, the oldest of the three was wise beyond her years. Sarah Rhea Blythe was something else, for sure. She was a modern tomboy, who loved to play football with the boys, mainly because she could beat them at it. Sarah's wavy brown hair and amber eyes made her look commonplace beside her beautiful sister, Lindsay, but Sarah was a jolly friend that always knew what to say.
"Oh, Sarah, you know Walt. He's becoming a teenage boy. Soon his voice will change, he'll get a beau, and he'll forget all about us." said Emily, slyly.
"Oh, yes. Chris is going through the same thing, at least that's what Beth tells me. Except, Chris will get stupid and he'll become…well…a boy. Walter, here, will become a gentleman. Thank goodness you're a Ford, Walt. Kate Cohen—you remember her, Em—said that her parents said Jack Wright was one of the most disgraceful boys growing up—until he settled on Aunt Di, that is."
"Oh, Sarah! What a horrible thing to say about Chris! I'll agree with you about boys, but Chris will not become stupid. And Uncle Jack didn't settle on Aunt Di—they fell in love." cried Emily, who hated to hear anyone insult any relative, no matter who was doing the insulting.
"Don't get all worked up, Emily. I said Kate Cohen said those things. I certainly wouldn't say something that mean. Now don't move, Em. I'm trying to draw you." Em immediately budged because she wasn't too fond of having her pictures taken or having Sarah draw her. Sarah laughed at Emily and crumpled up her drawing, then threw it at Emily. Luckily, both girls had great aim and catching abilities.
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That night dinner was a feast and there was laughter and happiness in the air at Ingleside. Anne and Gilbert always loved to have a full house of friends, children, and grandchildren. It certainly took the women some time to prepare a meal for over two dozen people! But it took much longer to round up everyone for dinner. "We should use a cowbell next time, Mother," laughed Nan.
"There's plenty of food everyone! Don't hesitate to take as much as you want. I need well-fed, plump grandchildren." Anne gleamed over her large family with a proud smile. It was wonderful to have everyone back at Ingleside, and more were coming later!
"Oh, Susan! Won't you join us? There's practically enough food to feed all of Canada!" Once upon a time Shirley Blythe was Susan's 'little brown boy', but now Benjamin Asher Ford had taken his place. Rilla's oldest son, too, had dark brown eyes and brown hair like his Uncle Shirley's. Susan's favorite always got extra treats and attention. Ben was handsome and dashing and was already rumored to be a ladies' man, but he was courteous and serious, with his mind set on being a politician.
"I hardly think there's enough for all of Canada, Ben. You boys eat so much, I don't think us girls will have any left."
"Well, look who's talking, Miss Molly Ford. Or did you change your name again? Your plate is already full, and we've just started!"
"Fine! Hate me then! I'm only your little sister! Oh, how cruel the world can be!" Molly started to go into fake sobs, but everyone just laughed because that was Molly. On the brink of entering her teenage years, Molly Opal Ford was one of the most loveable creatures in all of Prince Edward Island. She often gave Rilla and Ken a hard time, being a drama queen and all, because Molly had her heart set on a life of fame and fortune as an actress. You could always tell Molly was Rilla's daughter because she had the same rusty brown hair, bright hazel eyes, and faultless complexion.
"Settle down, Molly. Give everyone else a chance to speak. Now, Ally, what's this I hear of you moving to Montreal?" Ally got her sense and intuition from Grandfather Gilbert, who always paralleled her in knowing everything.
"I'm going to attend the School of Literature and Expression, Grandfather. Aunt Una said her friend could get me some performing jobs in the States. Of course, it's only temporary until I can get into NYU."
"What's NYU, Ally?"
"It's a university in New York, Ella. They have a great fine arts program, and with a degree from NYU, I can get any job in Hollywood or in the UK. I just want to sing for some money to pay my way through college. My real dream is to study psychology."
"Listen to her, Mrs. Dr. Dear. The Lord never intended for people to roam the Earth. What about home, Ally? And since when has England become the UK?"
"Susan, there are so many places to travel, and home will always be here for me."
"Won't you miss us? What about Alex and Will?"
"Of course I'll miss you, but we can always write, and I'll come home often. As for Alex and Will, somehow I think they'll survive," said Ally, bitterly. Everyone could sense that something was wrong because Ally was never this cold and insensitive to anyone. Susan gave a little sniff, and Anne decided to change the subject.
"Well, since most of the fry are going to Queen's, I'd like to know where my darlings are going to live."
"Grandmother, Melanie and I found the dearest spot in Charlottetown. Paige, Audrey, and Michelle Hughes are going to board with us. Audrey named in Belle Grove right on the spot!"
"The Hughes are such a great family. Madelyn and Michelle are so jolly and fun, but I don't like Megan. She's so uninteresting."
"You don't like Megan because she's not vain and materialistic like you. Right, Mel?"
"Emily, don't start." Jerry always had a way of silencing the family that he used only when necessary.
"By the way, Emily, I heard that you were going to have to board with the Cash family. Is that true?"
"It is not! I'd rather live on the streets and starve that live with that family! Alex and Will took me up to my assigned home, and it was magnificent. The only drawback is that I don't know who I'm going to live with, but I've already named it Summer's Landing."
"It's a shame none of you girls will board with Emily. Now she'll have to live with strangers."
"Don't worry, Aunt Faith. Em's always welcome at Pennington Place, and I'll show her around Queen's." Peter gave Em a little pat on the nose. He was a dependable fellow, who always kept his word. Peter, like his father, had brown hair and brown eyes. He was a well-rounded person, who loved to play football and tennis. And Peter was known to be a generally nice person, except to his twin, Paige, whom he was four minutes older than.
"That's okay because nobody wanted to board with Matt either. You know I'm just kidding, Matt." Sarah and Matt were great chums. It didn't matter what they said to each other because everything always seemed like a joke.
"That's alright. The Lewis family are very well-mannered people. You'll learn a lot by living with them, Matt. Bess Lewis is one of the most polite girls I've ever met. She doesn't even slump!"
"Not slumping is impossible, Madison. Even Grandmother slumps a little."
"Grandmother is old, Emily." Everyone looked at Madison with punishing eyes, but Grandmother just started to laugh her wonderful, silvery laugh.
"Did you hear that? I must be old if that didn't crush me. Isn't it strange how old people are so content with being old? Gilbert, darling, eat some more bread. I heard somebody in the back of church the other day saying I didn't let you eat enough."
"You'll always be young in my eyes, sweetie. And why are you listening to those old cats, anyway? You know very well that you and Susan keep me plump and round."
"Did you hear that, Shirley? Are you going to think me young forever?"
"Sure, Clarissa. Could you pass the biscuits, Haley?"
"Men...don't ever marry them, girls."
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A/N: That was kind of long, wasn't it? I really hoped you liked this chapter. I'll introduce everyone else next chapter and bring in some old friends too! Please Review!