"Look, Diana!" I point to Prince Edward Island. "We've arrived." I say, excited. I haven't been to Avonlea in about two years now. It used to be my home until my parents decided to move to Nova Scotia when I was 14. About two months ago, they died in a house fire. I was lucky enough to be in school that day, but I went home to find fire men surrounding my house. With panic running through me, I ran towards one of the fire men.
Flashback
I'm running to the closest fire fighter, still in my school uniform. "What's going on?! What happened?!" I ask, stressed.
"Miss, I'm going to have to ask you to step aside." The man gently pushed me away.
"What happened?! Where are my parents? Are they safe?" I can feel tears sting my eyes, but I refuse to let them go.
"Are you Florence Thompson?" The man asked as he looked at me as if he just realised who he was talking to.
"Yes, that's me. Florence Lee Thompson. Now, please, tell me what has happened?" I draw a deep sigh and try to calm my nerves as he just looks at me. He has so many expressions on his face that I can't place all of them. Sorrow? Pity? Worry?
"I think you might want to sit down."
***
I walk off the ship as Diana walks with me. "I can't believe I'm back." I say as I turn every direction, taking in every bit of the view that I can.
"It's splendid to have you with us, Flora." Says Mrs. Barry. "Although, I wish it were under better circumstances, having you with us is a blessing."
"Thank you." I say, thankful. Without the Barrys, I don't think I would have a home. They took me in when they found out about my parents, who were their closest friends. Although my family wasn't the wealthiest, we got most of our clothes, foods and home decorations from the Barrys.
We got in our carriage as I sat down by Diana. As tired as I was, I couldn't help but to lay my head on her shoulder and let the darknsess of sleep take over me.
*** "Flora!" I heard a voice say. "Florence!" Says the soothing voice again, I realise it's Diana. I open my eyes. Slowly, taking in the brightness. "We're here!!" The smile on my face widens.
The Barrys house.
Mr. Barry unlocks the door and walks in. I walk in after him. The house looks the same but it has been modernised. With the latest fashion decorations and lamps with actual light bulbs in them.
All of a sudden I hear screaming. No, not screaming- shouting. It was Minnie May.
"FLORA!" She runs up to me and hugs my skirt.
"Hello, Minnie May." I say, laughing at the excited little girl. She smiles up to me.
"Did you bring me a gift?" She asks.
"I did." I say as I lift up a box with a blue ribbon from the floor. Minnie gasps and snatches the box. She runs to the living room as I follow her with a smile. She sits down on the floor as I take a seat on the couch. Diana comes in and sits next to me.
"Can I open it?" Minnie asks, eager to open the box to see what's inside.
"Of course! It's yours."
She unties the ribbon and lifts off the lid of the box. Inside is a formal, blue dress that matches the royal blue ribbon. She gasps and takes out the dress, open mouthed. Since I always got Minnie and Diana a little gift when I came to visit, I decided to use the last of my savings to buy them a gift. Minnie May got the blue dress and I still had to give Diana her gift.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!" Minnie May runs up to me, hugging me tightly as I chuckle.
"You are welcome. I hope you like it."
"I love it." Says Minnie May and runs upstairs to put on the dress.
"That's a beautiful dress, Flora. It must have been expensive." Says Diana.
"As long as you're all happy, I'd do anything."
I take Diana's gift out of my suit case and give it to her. It's in a small, lace bag, tied with a golden string. She pulls the string, opens the bag and lets out a shriek.
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"This is too much. I can't take-"
"Just take it, Diana. You deserve it." I say. She smiles and squeezes me into a hug.
"Are you ready for school tomorrow?" She asks as she turns around on the couch and gives me the necklace. She pulls up her hair and I put the necklace around her neck. "Mother has prepared a wardrobe for you. It has everything you'll need."
"We'll that's good. I can't stand wearing uniforms anymore." I say as she laughs.
We talk and we eat dinner. Diana tells me about a boy named Jerry that she quite likes. She seems so out of the world when she speaks of him. After that I go to my new room and get settled. I can get used to this.
