Welcome to Avonlea

Chapter 9

I leaned against the fence waiting. It wasn't a long wait since I ran the whole way from the schoolhouse. "Where were you?" Anne jumped in fright seeing me. "Why didn't you go to school?" "I can't go back." "Yes, you can. I did." "That's because Marilla said you had to." "And I'm glad I did. Now, I'll ask again. Where were you?" "I found a wonderful place where I can be myself and the scope of my imagination can run wild." "What if Marilla finds out?" I crossed my arms obviously not happy with her. "You can't tell her, please." "Anne. I understand not wanting to go when it's hard, but you have to fight through it. Lying to Marilla is only going to make things worse, especially if I know." "Then come with me. We can be together and learn what we need in that wonderful place." "But I want to go. I know I said I didn't, but... things changed. I stood up for myself against Josie. I did talk to Gilbert. I haven't gotten around to Billy yet, but he's next on my list." "But you don't understand. I really can't go back."

I sighed and looked at the ground. "It's because of Billy, isn't it. He started on you the moment I left." "Yes. It only got worse and I couldn't take it." "Anne? What exactly do you want me to do? You're actually leaving as if you're going to school then disappear. What happens if I'm sick and can't go and someone brings me schoolwork then wonder why you didn't bring it? What if they ask about you before you get back?" "I just need a moment away from that horrible place." It took me a few minutes until I gave in. "I hope Marilla doesn't kill me, fine. I won't say anything for now. I'll bring any schoolwork so you don't fall behind. But you will have to go back eventually." "I know." I nodded to the house. "Let's go. I'm sure they're probably wondering where we are."

"Afternoon, Anne. Lydia." I smiled at Matthew when we got in the house but felt the tiny knot in my stomach seeing Marilla. "I'm sure you're both wondering how the school day went. I'm pleased to report it wasn't as bad as I thought." "And you, Lydia?" "I think it went very well." I was actually happy what I told Diana, that lifted the heavy feeling of memories, and finally telling Josie to stop her foolishness, and for Ruby to actually tell Gilbert just to know, and finally me talking to him. "Well, that's just fine." I felt the knot slowly growing. "Do you not have homework? Where are your books?" I froze and glanced at Anne. I never got her supplies. I saw I had a few just because Mr. Phillips pushed them on me even though I was doing exactly what Anne said, exceptionally well. "Oh, I didn't need to bring them today. Lydia let's go put these down on a bench." I just hung up my coat before being dragged off.

I put my hat down and went to the parlor seeing Anne staring in the cabinet. I stood there for a moment then went back to the kitchen. "Lydia." I smiled at Marilla and wanted to know what she want me to do. "Come on, Anne." We helped getting supper ready and I had time before it was finished to do my homework. I had it done in no time so I was just practicing on writing in cursive.

I woke up and felt fully rested. Sitting up, I smiled that the nightmares were gone. I went and got dressed and was braiding my hair when Anne woke up. "I hope you know what you're doing?" "I have a plan." "And what's that?" I tied the end off and went to make my bed. "I'll read from one of the books in the parlor and that is what our homework will be." I looked at her. "What if they asked what we learned? My story is going to be completely different from yours." "I'll show you the book and what I chose. Just read about it and we'll have the same story." I finished my bed and looked to the window. Why did I feel this wouldn't end well. She was working with the books I brought home but I would need to return them soon. The other teacher never gave me a timeline. The chalk wouldn't be missed, so that would leave me plenty to do my homework and practice with.

Heading downstairs, I started setting the table and would help Marilla where I could. "Good morning, Marilla." I glanced up as she came from the kitchen. "Good morning, Lydia." Anne came down looking happy, which I was anything but. She was going to show me the book and what she chose to read and that only added to my list. "Good morning. May I take another apple, Marilla, in case I have a friend to share with?" I closed my eyes for a second because Diana was supposed to be our friend and she would have lunch with me. "Help yourself." I finished with the table and went near Anne while putting another apple in my basket.