Two Train Rides
I woke up the next morning refreshed and ready to start the day. I didn't get out of bed right away however, because a moment after I awoke, it hit me that I would be saying goodbye to Katherine later that day, perhaps forever. I could almost feel my heart sink as the realization that I would be leaving behind yet another friend hit me like a ton of bricks. Katherine had grown into such a kindred spirit in the span of only one summer and I knew that it would be overwhelmingly difficult to say goodbye.
I finally was able to drag myself out of bed and get ready for the day. I lethargically dressed myself and walked down the stairs to the kitchen. I helped Marilla make breakfast and then forced myself to eat something to make sure I wouldn't feel faint on the drive home. After breakfast, I helped Katherine pack up the remainder of her things and together we loaded them onto the buggy. I hitched up the team and made sure they were ready for the drive to the train station while Katherine said goodbye to Diana and Fred. Katherine was also able to hold baby Fred one last time; he had been taken with her from the beginning, and ironically enough, she was the only person he was never fussy for. Misty goodbyes between Katherine, Marilla and Rachel took place quickly and soon after we were on the road. As I drove the short distance to the train station Katherine and I were eerily quiet. Finally about five minutes before we reached the station I couldn't keep up the silence.
"You be careful on the train to the states," I exclaimed, seemingly out of no where. "And be sure to keep in touch. I want to hear all about Harvard. I hear the school is romantic and amazing and the people are even more amazing."
"Oh Anne! You've done so much for me this year; I don't know how I could ever repay you!" Katherine looked as though she were about to cry and I knew that the time she spent at Green Gables had done her a world of good. We pulled into the station and the conductor yelled for a boy to load Katherine's trunk onto the luggage car. I had no idea that saying goodbye to her after only one summer was going to be so difficult.
"Here," I said, handing her a box. I had secretly been working on a quilt for her under the guidance of Rachel Lynde and I had successfully completed it in time for a going away present.
"Anne, what is this?"
"It's a present. Open it once you get settled on the train. I hope you like it. And don't ever forget that you truly are a kindred spirit Katherine Brooke."
I gave her a final hug goodbye and watched as she boarded the train. I stood on the platform and waved to her as the train pulled out of the station. When the train was no longer in sight, I sat down on the bench where I had waited for Matthew hundreds of millions of hours before. I put my head in my hands and wiped a final tear from my check before pulling myself together and making my way back to the buggy. On the drive home my head was not filled with romantic dreamy thoughts as it usually was when driving down Lover's Lane. My thoughts remained solemn as I wondered how many more times I'd have to bid my friends farewell.
My afternoon and evening crept by and my somber attitude kept everyone quiet that day. When it started getting dark I decided that a walk to the Lake of Shining Waters might do me some good. I pulled my warm sweater out of my closet and told Marilla not to expect me back within the hour.
Oh, how I would have loved to stay by the lovely shore all night. I only dreamt about nights that were as beautiful as that night. Walking back to Green Gables I secretly hoped that it was not wrong of me to think that the wonderful beauty of the night was meant to cheer me up. I was in better spirits as I arrived home, and both Marilla and Rachel were happy to see my change in disposition. I went to bed that night feeling much better than I had all day.
The next few days moved by slower than molasses and were more monotonous than the entire summer had been. Thankfully I did see quite a bit of Gilbert, but when I went into town on Tuesday afternoon with him we happened to cross paths with Josie Pye. She was just as rotten as she had been at Alice's bonfire and threw out viscous accusations about Morgan Harris which, in the company of Gilbert were rude and completely uncalled for. I was grateful that Gilbert stuck up for me because for the first time in a long time I was at a complete loss for words. And to think that she often accused me of putting on airs! I made a few last minute purchases and Gilbert dropped me back off at Green Gables so that I could finish packing.
I was up before dawn the next morning, milking the cow and then preparing breakfast. I was so eager to finally be able to see an opera that I could not contain my giddiness. When Marilla came into the kitchen to make tea she asked me if I had eaten a jar of jam from the cupboard. I assured her that I had not, but that I was walking on air at the thought of going to the gulf, and to see the opera.
"That woman will spoil you, that's what," Rachel declared, appearing in the doorway only seconds after Marilla. "Engaged couples shouldn't be gallivanting around the countryside alone together, is all I can say."
"Oh Rachel, it is hardly gallivanting. We are going to see the opera; it's a very regal affair in Kingsport to see the opera, and I am overjoyed that Ms. Josephine Barry would even consider paying for me to go."
"Rachel is right when she says it will spoil you. I half expect a letter to arrive here in three days saying you'll never return, and to send your things." Marilla looked almost shocked that those words had come out of her mouth.
"Oh, you dear folk," I laughed. "I couldn't picture anywhere else home. Green Gables, and Avonlea, they're the only home I've ever known."
Marilla got up from her chair and hugged me. "Well you be careful you hear?" I nodded in response. "And make sure to get all of your luggage off the train, and make sure Gilbert doesn't ever lose sight of you; heaven knows you'd go off gallivanting by yourself."
"Oh Marilla, I will capture all the majesty in my mind and describe it to you eloquently when I return. That way you can see it for yourself, with your imagination."
"There she goes again," Rachel chimed in, like clock work. "It's a wonder she doesn't lose herself in them thoughts and never return."
"Run along now," Marilla exclaimed, "I hear Gilbert coming up the lane, and you wouldn't want to be late and miss the train!"
"Goodbye Marilla, Rachel," I said, hugging each of them respectively before running out to greet my beloved.
"Well Miss Shirley, are you ready?"
I had finally situated myself beside Gil in the front seat of the carriage and sighed heavily, relieved that my mind was content that I hadn't forgotten anything.
"I am indeed, my dearest," I replied, leaning back against the cushioned seat. Gil and I were silent most of the ride to the train station. I was enjoying drinking in all of the late summer blossoms and I could tell he was deep in thought over something. We boarded the train only minutes before it pulled out of the station and we were seated in a small quaint boxcar. There was another couple seated across from us that were from Halifax. We chatted some about the weather and Gil and my engagement, as well as the other couples recent marriage. It's time for another adventure, I thought as the train pulled away from our first stop. This time it's just you and I, Gil.
