[1] YOU FOUND ME ( gilbert blythe! )

02 | MEETING ANNE

⎾02 | MEETING ANNE ⏌

IT WASN'T TOO FAR from Diana's house to the Cuthbert's, who lived on a quiet farm near the forest. It only took us about 10 minutes to walk, which Diana made sure was an informative 10 minutes. She told me about the traditions of the town and which families were considered 'popular'. She told me about the children and who to ignore and who to befriend—all kinds of things that were important.

"Here we are!" Diana smiled, pointing to the house almost as big as the Barrys'.

We began to walk up to the house, passing a barn with a boy about our age inside. Once he saw us, he immediately smiled and took off his hat.

"Hello, ladies." He said kindly.

Diana nodded, and I smiled brightly, "Good day."

The boy looked shocked, as if no girl has ever spoken to him before. I giggled and continued to walk up to the house. Once we made it to the porch, Diana knocked on the door and waited. A few moments later, a woman answered.

"Why, hello Diana. I wasn't expecting you here today." The woman said.

"Is Anne available? This is my cousin, Samantha, and she just moved in with us. I wanted to see if it was possible that she could meet her." Diana explained while I stood there slightly smiling.

"Well, of course. Come on in, girls." The woman said, stepping out of the way.

"Thank you, Ms. Cuthbert." Diana said.

"Anne! Come down here, Diana and a friend have come to visit." shouted Ms. Cuthbert, while setting down a plate of tea.

"Would you like some tea?" Ms. Cuthbert asked.

"Yes, thank you." I said, sitting down along with Diana.

All of a sudden, I heard footsteps rush from upstairs, that trailed all the way to the staircase. As quickly as they came, so did she. Anne was a fairly small girl, thin, with bright red hair and freckles. She was very unique, and I liked that.

"Diana! I've missed you!" Anne said, running up to Diana and giving her a tight hug. "Who is this?"

"Anne, this is Samantha Darling, my cousin." Diana said, ushering to me.

I held out my hand and smiled brightly, "Hello, Anne. It's nice to meet you."

Anne examined me, then smiled, "It's pleasant to meet your acquaintance as well, Samantha. I love that name. Darling, what a precious surname."

"You use very descriptive words, I admire that." I said and giggled, causing the rest of us to giggle as well.

"So, where did you come from?" Anne asked me as I took a sip of tea.

"Near Kingston, although we lived in a small ranch away from town." I explained.

"How come you moved from such a place?" Anne asked.

I glanced at Diana and turned back to Anne, "I'd rather not talk about it. All I want to do is begin a new life, if that makes sense."

"Of course!" Anne beamed, standing up. "A new life, a fresh start, who wouldn't want that? I think it's a wonderful idea."

Anne began to dance around the kitchen, while Diana and I smiled.

I spent the rest of the day talking with Anne and Diana, walking around the farm and exploring the forest. Anne shared many well imagined stories that I didn't know was possible for a woman to think of. Anne was different, that was certain. But she was the good kind of different. Maybe she could teach me how to live.