wondrous • gilbert blythe

the beginning of the end

Another three days had passed before a decision was finally made for Adelaide. The orphanage would gladly take her until they could find a forever home for the young girl. She, obviously, was not shocked to hear this. She knew something would have to happen soon enough. The thought of leaving her friends arose a strong burning in her chest, especially thinking of leaving a certain curly haired boy.

George's house had been put up onto the market, and the realtors had said she would receive most of the money when it sold. Of course, it would sit somewhere locked away for three years for when she turned eighteen. Until then, every part of her life other than the few belongings she was choosing to take with her wouldn't be in her authority.

Adelaide sighed at the thought of being in an orphanage and focused her attention to the window. The sun had just rose above the horizon, and Adelaide sat at the Gillis' dining room table messing with four wooden sculptures she had found on the shelf. They were small, no bigger than her pinky finger, but she found a sense of comfort within them. She sat them in a line and traced the space in between them with her fingers.

The first was a man holding a gun. It was pressed against his chest, not pointing at anything. He was the protector. A man meant to keep others safe.

The second was a child. It couldn't have been older than four or five, a bright smile held on its carved face. A teddy bear was in its right hand, and a bottle in its left. This one was innocence, possibly even friendship.

The third was a boy. He held a single rose in one hand, his other reaching out to whomever was holding him. This was the lover.

The fourth and final sculpture was Adelaide's favorite. It's identity was unknown, seeing as its face was in its palms, crying. The way it was hunched over depicted a great amount of grief. It was so simple, yet so complex. She hadn't figured out what this one represented yet.

Adelaide scanned the room around her before pocketing the four sculptures and standing up to retrieve her belongings in the upstairs bedroom. She was leaving around lunchtime, and needed lots of spare time to say goodbye to her friends.

Adelaide got the box full of her best dresses and stacked a few books on top. That was all she had, well all she was choosing to take with her. She placed the items next to the front door, slipped her boots on, and headed out. The snow covered ground had begun to soften up, but no green could be seen yet.

Winter was Adelaide's least favorite of the seasons, strictly because it was too much of a hassle to wear the extra clothing to keep herself warm. Spring and Summer were beautiful, the bright and lively colors made Adelaide happy. Fall was her favorite, though. The temperature was always just right, and the color changes were wondrous. Her birthday was mid-September, so that was also another reason to love Fall.

She looked to the barren trees, which would be full and luscious soon enough, and sighed for the millionth time that day. She would miss it here in Avonlea. It was truly amazing. The orphanage was six towns over, meaning that Adelaide wouldn't be visiting anytime soon. She was prepared for the worst at the orphanage. The way Anne had spoken about her time there, Adelaide knew it had to be bad. But, Adelaide was tough. She knew she could get through it.

Adelaide played with the sculptures in her pocket as she walked along. Goodbyes were tough, she knew. But, she also knew that if something was meant to be, it would happen. She decided to go into town first to let Mr and Mrs. Kallen know that she would not be able to commit to the work she said she would.

It was over as soon as it had began, with hushed sorrow from the older couple and many promises made from Adelaide to return as soon as she possibly could. They sent her along with a beautifully decorated pastry of a white bird and a lot of tight hugs. Mr and Mrs. Kallen were sad to find out she was leaving. Adelaide was a bright girl who definitely did not deserve what had happened.

Adelaide immediately went to the woods, on her way to Anne's house next. Saying her goodbye to her very best friend would be a challenge. Anne's bright red hair clouded Adelaide's mind, purposely to distract her from the events of the previous week. The piercing gunshots still rang clear through her ears, and the familiar smell of copper was there. The gory image of a lifeless woman was exactly what Adelaide did not want to think about.

Soon enough, Green Gables appeared in her view. Jerry was in the barn, pitching out hay alongside Matthew, but the fiery hair was nowhere in sight. Jerry caught sight of the platinum haired girl and dropped his pitchfork. She waved and he called her over. Jerry wasn't sure if he would see her anytime soon, even he had heard what had happened to her mother.

"Bonjour, Adelaide. I'm glad to see you." He said and she nodded. "I'm glad to see you, also. Unfortunately, I'm leaving town and have come to tell Anne. Is she home?" Adelaide asked the boy.

"I believe she is cooking with Marilla-"

"Feel free to go inside, she will most definitely want to see you. I'm terribly sorry about what happened. Remember that we are always here for you, too." Matthew stepped into the conversation. Adelaide sent a smile to him and Jerry before running to the house.

Here goes nothing.