Welcome to Avonlea

Chapter 12

Anne was hitting erasers together to get the chalk dust off while I washed the blackboard clean like it was brand new. "Lydia. Take these lessons to Gilbert Blythe." I set the rag down and stepped next to Mr. Phillips desk but kept a distance. "He'll be missing class for some time, and I don't want him falling too far behind." He handed me the books and a paper with what he need to do. "He's my best student." I felt the sting of his words but chose to ignore them. "Why is he missing class?" "That is none of your concern, Anne." "I'll take them to him." I said quietly. "Good. Now, hurry along. I have a few more things for Anne to do." I glanced at Anne before leaving to gather my things. I took one more look and saw she was back to getting the chalk dust out. When I got outside and started walking, a little boy kept coughing while walking with me.

It took a while but I managed to find where he lived. I held the books under one arm tight so the wind didn't take the assignment list. I stopped when I saw the house, and took a few deep breaths before making the remaining trek the the front door. I was hesitant, but knocked. I looked behind me seeing the snow falling and hoped it didn't start coming down more. I looked at the door and knocked again. I waited patiently and looked back out taking in the winter scene. Hearing the door open, I wasn't expecting a man in his nightclothes, but noticed how pale he was and he was also panting. "Hello. I'm here to bring Gilbert's assignments Mr. Phillips wanted him to have." "Sorry to keep you waiting." "No, it's fine... um..." I didn't finish since this wasn't my business but he seemed ill. "Gilbert... he's out back chopping wood."

I nodded and eyed the pile already on the porch. "What wonderful red hair. You're one of the Cuthberts new charge, aren't you?" "Yes sir." "I've heard nice things about you Ms..." "Lydia. My name's Lydia." He smiled and nodded. "That's the name he said. And how is Marilla, feisty as ever, I hope." I was confused hearing that he was told about me. "Dad, what are you doing?" I jumped hearing Gilbert and looked over at him. "You shouldn't be walking." "My son worries to much. Seems this young lady has business with you. I'll go inside now." I was worried when he moved very slowly to head back inside. "I'll fetch your chair." His father stopped him. "No. I-I'll do this on my own. It was nice to meet you. Give my kind regards to Marilla." "It was nice to meet you as well, and I will Mr. Blythe."

He smiled and made his way inside. "Those for me?" I put my school things down to get a better hold and gave them to him. "Yes." "It was, um, kind of you to bring them." "It was no problem. Mr. Phillips didn't want you falling behind." "I don't either. If you and your sister are going to beat me in class. I want you both to do it fair and square. Though if you do, you'll go against her." "Of course. We both have to face off with the dragon at some point." "Well, uh, thanks for bringing me these." "It was no problem." I bent down and picked up my own things. "I'll see you." "Likewise." I turned and left and didn't turn back.

When I got home, Marilla was almost finished with supper. "There you are. I thought we were going to have to send out a search party." I smiled at her. "I think your imagination has started to take root." I took off my gloves, coat and scarf. "Anne said you took school books to Gilbert Blythe. How is he?" "He doing good. And Mr. Blythe said to give you his regards." I took off my hat and saw she didn't go back to cooking. "You talked to his father?" "Yes. He is a very nice man." "Indeed, he is." She looked to the window and I noticed the look on her face that showed sadness. "Marilla? I didn't mean to upset you if I have." She looked at me. "No. You didn't. Supper should be ready soon. Go and take your things upstairs, then come down and wash up and help set the table." "Yes, Marilla"

I felt horrible a few days after coming home from school. The day I went to Gilbert's house, a young boy from the other classroom coughed multiple times around me. I then found out the next day he wasn't at school. Marilla came up with a bowl filled with cold water and a cloth and would put it on my forehead. Anne was beside herself because I had a fever, hurt all over, and would barely eat or drink. It worried both of us because we both knew our own parents died from a fever. We found from the doctor is was the flu. Anne was able to get whatever we were learning that day. I was too sick to be irritated at Mr. Phillips for not caring if I fell behind or not.