Welcome to Avonlea

Chapter 25

"Anne! Lydia! Diana needs help!" I got up quickly and rushed outside. "Diana! Are you all right?" I got a hold of her. "Her parents are dead." "Jerry! That's not true. Minnie May is sick again, and you both knew just what to do last time. You have to come." "Please." "May we go?" "Indeed, you may." "Here." I went to the house and was given my winter clothes and pulled on my jacket going to to Diana. We ended up running all the way to Diana's house. Running inside, I stopped seeing everyone. "Surprise!" "I hope you were worried sick about me." I laughed from Minnie May gave attitude and from the others being here.

I still felt giddy from the party our friends held for us. "Anne. Lydia. Can you come to the parlor please?" I stopped cleaning the table and glanced at Anne then headed to the parlor. "Now we have given the matter-" "Considerable thought-" "And we have come to a decision." "We will support your search to learn of the lineage." "If you feel a powerful need for it." "But you must both be chaperoned and kept safe. You must take responsibility for this venture. Write to Cole and arrange his escort, and ensure you can travel with Gilbert." "I will. I will!" I looked around lost in thought. If they agreed, we could have some answers.

I stared at nothing as Marilla told Anne precautions while together. "Let's go." I blinked multiple times and took a few deep breaths. "You all right with this?" I nodded. "Mm-hm." "Don't sound like it." I sat in the seat and Gilbert was right next to me. "It all comes down to... if they have information or not. If not, then that's it. If they do, then we know something." "Don't you want information about your parents and family?" "It would be nice yes. But I don't want us to be not just reason two but also one. If we did have family and they knew about us. I don't want Anne to become to high-spirited if there's a relative and given horrible news. For me, knowing their names and what they were like would be enough." "Hopefully you get some answers." "I hope so too." "You're going to eat, right?" I stared at him. "What?" "Marilla may have mentioned you both miss food when to focused or distracted. Doesn't want you to end up in a ditch." "Yes, because to get food, I'm going to lean out the windows in hopes of catching a bird." I chuckled but got one from him. Anne sat down in a huff. "She cares for both of you. Marilla." "It's ridiculous." "If it's any consolation. I don't mind being your escort." "Well, I mind. We can fend for ourselves. Do you even know what our quest is?" "Anne. You need to relax. He didn't have to but is being our escort. The least you can say is thank you." She scoffed and looked out the window. "I didn't hear that from you." I looked at him again. "Oh, thank you. Are you used to needles yet? Sebastian told me you fainted the first time." He chuckled. "I've gotten over that." "I would hope so. Would be pretty scary to have a doctor say it feels like a pinch then faints." "You..." "What? You, what?" He just grinned looking towards the isle. I held up two hands which he noticed. One finger up on hand and the other forming a circle. I tutted him before looking out the window.

"Thank you... again." "You're the only one." "I would defend her but... that's how she is. She's done it to me but knows she'll receive it right back." "She seems to listen to you." "I guess when my tempers not flaring up, I'm a nice and reasonable person. Remove that look from your face. No need to be sarcastic." He had a look mocking me then grinned. I sighed seeing Aunt Josephine's house. "This is Aunt Jo's house?" "Yes. She's a very kind woman. After she gives you a onceover first." "So, this is where Diana said you were dressed like an actual lady." I stopped him and saw the mischievous grin. "I was forced into the dress. But I will admit, after joining the other guests. I was able to have a wonderful time." Getting to the stairs, Anne turned towards us. "Study hard, and we will come harass you once our business is complete." "Looking forward to it." "Thank you. See you back on the... train." I could only watch as he walked away ignoring Anne.

I felt hesitant as I steeled myself seeing the gates to the orphanage. "Spooky. This place almost looks haunted." "Yes. An actual setting perfect for a book of horror and suspense." Cole nodded while walking between us. "How long were you two here?" "On and of after our parents died. Poor as church mice and they loved us so, but... fever took them when we were three months old. So from them until thirteen, we get placed out, but..." "We always came back." I finished. "No time like the present." I started walking quickly to the front doors. I wanted this over and done with. I waited until they finally caught up and opened the door going in. "Do you know who to speak with?" "Matron." I glared at the woman dragging young children up the stairs. "Think you can come and go as you please. No supper." I tilted my head to Anne. "The old bats still here." Before I continued up the stairs.