Forever Red - an Anne and Gilbert Story

5. Sorry secrets

Chapter Song: Don't you think it's time by Bob Evans

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"Anne Shirley Cuthbert where are you?" Marilla was fairly bellowing up the stairs by now and had given up restraining herself.

This was her third time calling up and there wouldn't be a fourth.

Anne was infact staring at herself in the glass, desperately trying to think how she might style her hair differently. She had however been doing this for the past thirty minutes to no avail. Owing to the fact that an entire summer had passed and she was infinitely wiser now, no longer a child, she wanted to rid herself of her plaits and wear something more refined to school. Unfortunately she had no idea what that was. As time had (as it was often want to do with Anne,) slipped by quicker than expected, she had no option than to quickly braid her hair and run downstairs to pick up her breakfast which would now have to be consumed on route.

"For heaven's sake girl what is wrong with you? Where have you been?" Marilla stood with her face tightly drawn and her hands both resting on her hips. That was never good.

"I couldn't find my bag" she lied, but she was quite sure it was the worst lie she could have tried for.

Marilla scowled at her but she pretended not to see and instead simply kissed the top of Matthew's head, snatched her breakfast and rushed out the door like a tornado, plaits flying behind her as she ran down the lane.

Matthew chuckled softly as Marilla stood in the doorway shaking her head.

"That girl really is quite somewhere else these past few days, I hope she'll do better at school!" her mouth pressed into a thin line as she shut the door.

Matthew was a man of few words but on this occasion spoke quietly, as if to himself.
"Our Anne won't have any bother at school." 

Marilla turned sharply to look at him, but although he'd spoken the words he was still bent over his newspaper engrossed as if he'd never said a thing.

"Hmmph" came Marilla's response and she marched towards the kitchen to start on the pie where, as soon as she was sure he couldn't see her, she allowed herself a little smile.

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"Oh Anne I'm so nervous!" Diana had her arm clutched around Anne's and was looking as serious as she ever could.
"Whatever for Diana? We've been to school dozens of times!" but Anne had a whirling flurry of butterflies in her tummy too which she didn't share at this moment.
"But this year is different. We'll have exams and tests that will change our entire futures." Diana's eyes were wide like saucers, and all Anne could do to calm her was to stroke her arm gently, and distract her with fanciful words of the beauty of the landscape around them. 

By the time they'd reached the small schoolhouse they had both managed to hone their skills at convincing the other they were calm and ready for the year that lay ahead. With a deep breath and a brief smile at Diana, Anne led them both into the door and looked for a desk they could share. Without realising, she scanned the room looking for him, but there was no sign of the dark curls. 

"Oh Anne, Diana, I'm so pleased you're here!" Ruby was in full panic mode. "Gilbert isn't here yet and I need you to check my hair is still in place." 

Anne felt a little something tighten inside of her but managed to force a smile.

"Ruby, you look perfect as always" she reassured, patting her arm and smiling.