Welcome to Avonlea

Chapter 6

Setting the table for breakfast almost didn't seem real. "You'll be wanting the egg cups?" I asked. "Yes, please." I nodded and went to get them. She has yet to really say anything on the matter but I let it be. Anne was the most bothered because she was blamed for it. "Did you bring your laundry down?" "Yes, Ms. Cuthbert." Marilla was acting like nothing ever happened and Anne was acting depressed. Maybe having her talk to Matthew may help, or I could talk to her myself. The tension was so tight, is was hanging by a thin strand holding the world together. "Please attend to the toast."

Anne went into the kitchen where Marilla also was. I peeked around the corner and watched as they seemed to dance around. I could see as well as anyone that Marilla was hesitant to apologize and Anne was holding back questions but also probably her temper. "Excuse me." "Of course." I caught sight of Matthew and he saw the same thing I was. "On the table. Thank you." Sitting down at the table, is was a extremely uncomfortable silence. Matthew glanced at me and I shrugged a shoulder a little than nodded very discreetly between the two. "I'll be out to... walk the potatoe vine." There was no response. "I might send Jerry to the smithy with the bay for shoes." "I'll pack him a lunch." "All right."

I glanced around the house and saw nothing needed to be clean. All the laundry had been done. I was wondering if I should make lunch myself. Hearing a knock, I went to the back door seeing Jerry. "Hello." "Hello. I was wondering if I could get some coffee?" "Yes. Give me a moment. Do you want anything in it?" "No. I'm fine." I nodded and found him a cup that wasn't really part of a set. Giving him the cup, he gave me a plate in return. "Ms. Cuthbert gave that to me last night." "All right. I'll be sure to clean them with the others." "What made you come back?" I placed the plate in the basin. "Matthew." I looked at Jerry.

"I was upset seeing him at first but... he went as far to come and search for us. He looked so heartbroken and desperate. When he finally convinced Anne and getting here. Seeing Marilla rushing out of the house looking distraught, guilty, and hasn't slept in days. I knew she felt horrible for blaming Anne. But now that were back. I'm feeling fine but... if you watch how they act around each other. Anne isn't herself and if they get close, Marilla gets nervous. I want to help but maybe this is something they need to figure out on their own with no one interfering." He finished his coffee and gave me the cup back. "I know my opinion does not matter. But you should let them be the ones to talk." I smiled a little. "No. Someone's opinion that doesn't live here is helpful. I know Matthew also doesn't know what to do. He was so happy we were brought home but he can see what I do. So, thank you. I appreciate on what you think would be best." He looked taken aback that I was thanking him for telling me to stay out of it. "It's no problem. I need to get back to work." "I know you're tired. If you need more coffee, don't hesitate to ask." He nodded and left to continue his work.

Anne and I went to visit Diana. Her mother allowed her to be with us which was a relief since I thought everyone would know what happened. We were the ones that told her everything and she promised not to say a word. "You guys are so smart. Reading for children and the parents gave you money just to keep them calm and selling poetry for train fare. And you're both home in time for the church picnic. Did I tell you they were hosting it here? I'm really glad you're both back." "Well, you're the only one." I looked at Anne almost in disbelief. "Well, Matthew seems to be, but he must of talked her into it." "Don't say that Anne." I glanced at Diana but looked at the ground. "I'm sure it's not true." "Ms. Cuthbert wasn't happy to see me. She didn't care a whit." "But Rachel Lynde told my mother that Ms. Cuthbert was torn asunder after you both left." "Not possible." "Ms. Cuthbert was so upset, Rachel Lynde feared she'd take sick." "Not possible."

I closed my eyes for a moment then listened to Jerry's words. "Well, that's what she told mother." "Then why doesn't she show it? It's hard to believe she was sorrowful when she doesn't seem to like me at all." "At least you're home." I let them hug and looked to the pond. Anne needed someone other than her sister for an opinion, just like I needed Jerry's. "Don't think I forgot you to." I was pulled into a hug and smiled. "I don't think I'm that hard to forget." I got a giggle from her.