Devoted To You || Gilbert Blythe

I

~𝒜𝒹𝒶~

Mistake. A noun. Meaning an action or judgment that is misguided or wrong.
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The human population commits daily errors, and no one can escape them in life. For example, my family made the mistake of relocating to Avonlea to be nearer to my mother's family, though I can't fathom why she'd want to be closer to the Barry side – a group of troublesome devils, except for Diana, who stands as the only sane member.

Shortly after our move, my mother succumbed to scarlet fever, leaving my older brother, Alexander, and me under the care of our father who is in Paris, managing Grandpa's bank. Three months have passed without seeing him. As my brother and I manage school and the farm, loneliness often consumes me since both my brother and father are occupied with work – except for today.

Speaking of mistakes, I've made one today by agreeing to attend a town picnic, or at least I think that's what it is.

"I hope those old Cuthberts aren't losing their marbles," remarks my aunt, Eliza Barry, as she gazes at a family. Snapped out of my trance, I turn and spot the Cuthberts with a young lady I've never seen before.

"What do you mean? Stop it!" Diana growls quietly at her sister, Minnie, who scurries around like a madman.

"I mean, I hope they aren't becoming addled, dear, as seniors do," says my uncle, George Barry, as he sips his cup of tea.

"They hardly want to, darling," Eliza shakes her head.

Minnie comes up behind her and holds up her snack. "I don't like this biscuit."

"Then don't eat it," her mother advises.

"Well, it can't be a peaceable household; it simply can't. The girl is an orphan, after all. How does one know what one is really getting?" I shake my head at the unpleasant conversation. I simply can't bear the fact that I'm related to these dummies.

"It's not like she wanted to be an orphan," Diana tries her best to reason with her parents, but they aren't having it.

"Of course not, dear. But she is," Eliza says before she and Diana turn their attention back to the young girl. From what I could see, she had fiery red hair and was rather petite. Diana waves to her, a joyful smile spreading across her face. But it's not there for long. I watch as Eliza scolds her daughter.

"You know her?" I inquire of Diana. She nods, and I shake my head before rising from my seat, deciding to be kind and greet the girl.

"Ada, darling. Where are you going?" my aunt yells from behind me.

"Nowhere important." I smile innocently before walking toward the girl. I roll my eyes when I spot Rachel and Thomas Lynde. They start to walk away together, but luckily, I catch the girl's attention.

"Hello." I smile.

She hesitantly smiles and shakes my hand. "How do you do, miss?"

"Oh, I guess Diana hasn't told you about me. I am her cousin, Ada Smith. And you are?" I ask.

"Anne." She smiles. "It's quite an awful name, I know..."

I shake my head. "Why, of course not! You wouldn't mind if I walked with you, right?" I inquire.

"Of course you can!" She smiles. Before we get a chance to converse, the Andrews family decides to butt in with their opinions.

"Looks like the Cuthberts have picked up a stray," Mr. Andrews says as he and his family stare Anne down like she's a piece of cattle.

"Stray dog. Ruff-ruff!" Billy Andrews, the dumbest person in this town, remarks. I have reason to believe that one of my cows is more intelligent than he could ever be.

"No need to be uncharitable. Do you suppose they mean for her to be a daughter or a servant?" Mrs. Andrews comments.

"Doesn't she have awful red hair? I wonder if she'll be attending school," Prissy looks Anne up and down, making my blood boil.

"I suggest you hold your tongue, Prissy. Better to have red hair than head lice," I cringe.

"Excuse me?!" Mrs. Andrews exclaims.

"Well, it's not her fault, Mrs. Andrews. I mean, maybe she got it from you," I shrug, making her gasp at me and pull her hat farther down.

I turn and see Minnie May and another child dancing around Anne as they mock her. "You're a little orphan! You lived in a trash can! Garbage girl! Garbage girl!" Suddenly, Anne runs toward the woods crying. I see Marilla go after her, so I leave her be.

"Ada!" I hear my aunt shriek.

I roll my eyes and turn to face her. "Yes, Auntie Dearest?"

"Did my eyes deceive me, or did I really just see you insult the Andrews family?"

"Why, yes, you did. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must get home to help Alexander with the livestock, but we can discuss this some other time, maybe." I smile cheekily before heading home, ignoring the calls of my aunt behind me.

***

When I arrive home, I see that Alexander has already completed the outside chores. I make my way in and am greeted by my brother and our neighbor, Mr. Blythe.

My mouth falls agape. "Mr. Blythe, you're supposed to be home in bed!" I scold him.

He just smiles. "Ada, it's good to see you."

"He needed some grain for their animals. We were just discussing the arrangements for the calf. I was just about to walk him home," Alex says as he helps Mr. Blythe stand.

I nod as I strip myself of my coat. "Oh, well, I do apologize for raising my voice, but Mr. Blythe, please send that son of yours over next time. You don't need to be out in this weather with you being ill and all."

"If I could get him out of those school books, I would. The poor boy spent most of our journey trying to catch up. But I'll be sure to send him next time since you want to see him so bad." He smiles cheekily.

My face turns red instantly. "Mr. Blythe!"

"You have a good night, Ada." He waves before walking out the door. I shake my head and make my way down the hall to my room, getting in bed to rest up for the next day ahead of me.