[1] YOU FOUND ME ( gilbert blythe! )

18 | GOODBYE, AVONLEA

THE TIME PASSED BY faster than it ever has before. Before I knew it, all of my bags were packed up onto the wagon, and I was hugging Diana—watching as a single tear rolled down past her cheekbone.

"This won't be goodbye," I assured her. "I will come visit often, and I hope you'll do the same?"

"Of course," Diana agreed, nodding her head. "I've always wanted to visit London."

"It's time to go," My mother said, softly tapping my shoulder, causing me to turn around and face her.

After a moment of looking back at the Barry house, I nodded and began to walk towards the wagon. Before getting on the wagon, I suddenly remembered the piece of parchment I had in my coat pocket. I jumped back and ran to Diana, whispering in her ear, "Diana, please give this to Gilbert. I would myself, but I have to go so soon. Take care of him, alright?"

Diana nodded, taking the letter in her hands and nodding. A piece of my heart broke that day—the piece of Avonlea that would never leave my memory. The place where I found my first friends, and found my first love. It was my home—but I have another one now. As I climbed onto the wagon, I bid the Barrys farewell and wiped away a tear I didn't know had shed.

The words I had written in the letter replayed in my mind over and over again, like a movie. They seemed to narrate my life as I rode away from the small town and to the train station. I closed my eyes, feeling the light breeze hit my face as it gently blew my hair back. The words I had written, just a few minutes ago...

Dear Gilbert,

I never expected this day to come. The day that I found my parents, the day I had to leave you. Gilbert, you will always be the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me. You are my home. But, I'm afraid that fate decided to tear us apart. It breaks my heart knowing we did not get a proper goodbye, and I hope we will see each other again in this lifetime. Please, take care of yourself. If anything happens to you... well... I don't know what I would do with myself. Maybe in another life we will be happy. But, for now, I guess this is goodbye. I love you, Gilbert Blythe. Thank you for the most amazing time of my life.

Sincerely,
Samantha Darling

"Samantha, dear, are you alright?" My mother asked, her eyebrows knitting in concern.

"Yes, mother," I lied, watching as the prairie grass swayed in the wind. "I am perfectly well."

"Your new life begins now," My father said, his voice full of delight. "I promise you that you will absolutely love London."

"I think I will," I agreed. "But...it's the people that make the place amazing."

"I couldn't agree more," My mother said. "I know you will miss your friends, but you will make new ones in London. It will take some time, but I know you'll be happier soon."

"Hopefully," I trailed off, watching as the wagon neared the train station.

As the three of us boarded the ferry and found our seats, I couldn't help but think about what my life would be like in a mansion. I thought Diana's house was huge, but now, I am a descendant of one of the richest families in the world. One couldn't possibly be able to process this so quickly, and I was on the verge of passing out.

A couple minutes into the ferry ride, my mother gasped, causing my father and I to jump.

"What is it?" My father asked.

"I forgot to mention," My mother said as her cheeks began turn a shade of light pink. "You will be living along with three boys that my husband and I have taken in to live with us. I hope that's okay."

"Of course," I said, smiling awkwardly.

I never have had a good experiences with boys. Hence the incidents with Billy Andrews and his friends. Hopefully these boys will be different.

When I arrived at the mansion, I couldn't help but drop my jaw at how large it was. Never in my life had I thought I would live in a place like this. It was almost like a dream to which I was now living in.

"Samantha, welcome to your new home." My mother said, smiling. "Let's go inside, shall we?"

I nodded my head, my heart racing as I slowly made my way into my new home, and my new life.