ALLURING ━━ winifred rose

17. paris awaits us

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
PARIS AWAITS US

"You're sure you've packed everything, Cor?" Gilbert questioned, making a grunting noise as he lifted up her incredibly heavy suitcase. "Yes Gil, you mustn't fret: I shall be fine." Cora laughed, helping Gilbert with the large suitcase. Once the suitcase was loaded into the carriage, Gilbert turned to his dear sister, chocolate brown eyes tearing up. "So you're really leaving, huh?" Cora smiled at him, squeezing his hand. "I'll always be with you dear brother. Always. There is not one thing in the entire world that will stop me from loving you as a sister loves her brother dearly. I will write to you daily."

Gilbert's face softened as she continued, "You will always be my brother whether I'm here or in France. I am aware that it's not the same.. but we can manage it, eh? We're the Blythe siblings Gil, we've gone through hell and more together. Being a thousand miles apart does not seem to compare to all of the things that we've been through."

"I will miss you dearly Cora." Gilbert could only manage to say, knowing that if he continued he would be crying in his sister's arms. "I know you will." Cora breathed out, burying her head in Gilbert's comforting arms. He stroked her hair lovingly, savouring the last hug he would receive from his sister in a long while.

Bash and Mary ran up to the pair, a baby Delphine in Mary's hands. Cora freed herself from his arms, walking towards the three. "I shall miss you three from the bottom of my heart." Cora started as she edged to the family, "Mary - the mother I never had. My saviour. The one who I can tell absolutely anything without any judgement. My fellow Avonlea feminist. Just know that I love you dearly Mar, I really do."

Gilbert observed the salty tears that were forming in Mary's and Cora's eyes, Delphine cooing in the process.

"Bash - My father, my brother. All in one. The package deal. I shall miss pulling pranks and endless mischief on you, and planning the time where we shaved Gilbert's head bald." Gilbert's nose crinkled at the unpleasant memory. "Thank you for being there for me at a time where most weren't. I am forever grateful that Gil and I met you on that steamship: you truly changed my life."

"Come here Cora!" Bash exclaimed as he sobbed, wrapping his arms around his daughter figure. Delphine began to wail as she sensed her parents' sadness.

"Oh and Delly. It is truly a shame that I will not watch you grow up.. But I am sure you are in good hands." Cora took the baby from Mary's arms and cradled her, and the baby instantly stopped crying. The brunette laughed humourlessly, playing with the baby's hair.

"Gil and I shall leave now. To my next adventure! I shall see you in a few years my dearest family - I love you all greatly." Cora reluctantly put the cooing baby in her cot, waving goodbye to her parent figures as she sat in the carriage with Gilbert.

━━━━━━ ⋆ ✧ ━━━━━━

Anne was miserable. That was definitely evident. Matthew and Marilla could sense the poor girl's sadness before she even entered the room, quickly trying to hide all of the reminders of Cora away - although ending up unsuccessful. Anne walked into the living room, fiery red hair scattered around her head, losing its usual silk like demeanour.

"My my Anne! You look absolutely miserable. Go bathe yourself before anyone sees you looking like that." Marilla exclaimed while slicking her silver hair back, although Matthew could make out a hint of concern in her voice.

"But I just bathed Marilla! Do I really look that horrific?" Anne questioned, blue eyes slowly filling with tears. If her own family thought she looked miserable, then she was certainly miserable indeed. "N-not at all, Anne." Matthew said, stumbling as he spoke. "It's just you haven't slept in days.." Marilla looked at Anne softly.

"What's in your hands?" Anne questioned as Marilla hid her two hands behind her. "Nothing! Nothing at all." Anne furrowed her eyebrows suspiciously, "Show me your hands Marilla."

The older woman sighed and revealed her hands, containing a bow, a shell and a photograph. Anne sniffled softly, taking in the three treasured objects.

The bow was a royal blue colour, and Anne remember that Cora had given it to her during summertime: a present from when her and Gilbert had visited Charlottetown.

"The royal blue of this bow will look absolutely scrumptious in your fiery red hair Anne, maybe then you'll realise that you're perfect just the way you are." Cora giggled, fastening the bow in Anne's soft hair. "I will forever adore you for this, my bosom friend - this is the most thoughtful present I've ever received." Anne let out, tightly hugging Cora.

The picture was from Christmastime, the two girls hugging as they exchanged presents. The shell was from when they went to the beach and collected an endless amount of shells, laughing and twirling their hair in delight. Anne's blue eyes started to fill with tears, Marilla pulling her in for a rare yet comforting hug when she noticed this. "Go to her, Anne.. there's still time." Anne nodded as she wiped her eyes and started to pace outside.

─ ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─

( 885 words )

author's note:
it's happening. it is happening. that's all i have to say :) sorry for the late update, there will be more soon tho, i promise!