Devoted To You || Gilbert Blythe

XXXI

~𝒜𝒹𝒶~
Trust Fund. A noun. Meaning, a government fund administered separately from other funds and used for a specified purpose:
_________________________

My eyes fluttered open as sunlight streamed through the window, and I stretched my arms, letting out a contented sigh. The excitement of Christmas and my birthday bubbling beneath the surface made the morning feel even more special.

Just as I was about to get out of bed, my bedroom door swung open, and in marched Gilbert and Sebastian with mischievous grins.

"Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday, Ada!" they chimed in unison.

I couldn't help but laugh at their synchronized greeting. "Thank you both! What's all this about?"

Gilbert carried a tray laden with breakfast delights – a stack of pancakes, a bowl of fresh fruit, and a steaming cup of tea. Sebastian held a small wrapped package, a playful twinkle in his eye.

"Breakfast in bed for the birthday girl!" Gilbert announced, setting the tray on my lap.

Sebastian presented the gift with a flourish. "And a little something to start your day right."

"Aw, you two shouldn't have." I eyed the package curiously before snatching it up, curiosity getting the best of me. I unwrapped it to reveal a small journal revealed itself. The cover bore my initials, A.S., surrounded by delicate floral patterns. I suppose we all had the same idea.

"It's for your thoughts, your dreams, your recipes," Sebastian explained.

"Thank you, Sebastian. It's lovely," I said, running my fingers over the smooth leather cover.

Gilbert, always the thoughtful one, winked. "Now, enjoy your breakfast before it gets cold."

Sebastian handed me a fork, and they head out the door. "You're going to leave me by myself?"

"We must get your next surprise ready." Gilbert insists. "But if you are offering food—" They both jump onto my bed and we dive in. The pancakes were light and fluffy, the fruit refreshing, and the tea warmed me from the inside out.

As I savored the meal, Sebastian leaned in, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Gilbert and I have been working on this for quite some time. We might have enlisted Anne's help in the kitchen."

I raised an eyebrow. "Anne, in the kitchen?"

Gilbert chuckled. "Believe it or not, she's become quite the pancake artist with the help of Cole. There might be one in there shaped like a willow tree just for you."

Sure enough, when I peeked under the stack, a pancake adorned with a tree design awaited. Cole's artistic flair was evident, and I couldn't help but be touched by the effort they all put into making my day special. "Are they still here?"

"No. They had to get back to their families, but they left cards." Gilbert says. I smile to myself and we continue eating.

We gathered in the kitchen when breakfast finished, a soft knock on the door interrupted our merriment. Gilbert, quick on his feet, opened it to reveal Aunt Josephine, bundled up in a cozy shawl.

"Happy Birthday, dear Ada!" Aunt Josephine beamed, her eyes sparkling with genuine warmth.

I rushed over to greet her, wrapping her in a tight hug. "Aunt Josephine! I didn't expect to see you. This is such a wonderful surprise!"

She chuckled, patting my back affectionately. "Oh you know me. The holidays are dreadful when one is alone and I couldn't miss my favorite niece's birthday." With a graceful motion, Aunt Josephine presented me with a beautifully wrapped box adorned with a silky ribbon. The package held an air of mystery, and the room buzzed with anticipation.