Home to Avonlea

16. oh heaven

Anne was feeling anxious. They were almost home, they were trotting along the road through the cherry blossom trees, or The White Way of Delight as she had fondly named it when she first came to Avonlea.

What if her beloved guardians were angry with her for worrying them? Or being so naive to run away with a stranger? Or for getting hurt? At the orphanage she was used to being punished for everything, but Marilla and Mathew were kind. Surely they'd understand?

There, on the horizon appeared her dearest Green Gables, on a pretty lane of hedges and trees and crop fields. Her heart sung with joy at the sight of it. She remembered the feeling last night as she lay in the grass, thinking she'd never see it again and pass away there in a pool of her own blood. But here she was! Moments away.

"Oh heaven." Anne murmured, starry-eyed.

Gilbert smiled softly at her appreciative nature. She was so grateful for all of the good things life brought to her. It was refreshing and wonderful to see, especially since Gilbert's time away where he didn't have a safe, stable home and a guaranteed meal on the table each night.

"I'm sorry about your cart, and your lovely horse Sandy." Anne told Mr Tilderly. "I'm certain it was a sore loss. I hope the most wonderful horse of dreams comes into your life to fill the aching hole Sandy will leave."

Mr Tilderly smiled slightly. "I hope so too, lass."

When they rode up to the gates, they found Mathew and Jerry waiting to open it eagerly, and Marilla pacing on the large porch that wrapped around the white house. Anne beamed the largest smile her face could manage as they trotted through the gate into the yard and Mr Tilderly pulled the horses to a stop.

"Anne!" Marilla cried and rushed over.

Mathew was there first, Anne flinging herself into his arms for a tight hug. Her wound didn't hurt in that moment, and she knew it had something to do with the elation she felt to be home. Mathew held her for the moments it took Marilla to run the length of the farm and reach them.

Jerry was smiling too, relief clearly present on his grubby face. Anne had missed him too, though she'd never admit it. He was like a brother to her and she loved him. She beamed at him over Mathew's shoulder.

"Come here child, let me look at you." Marilla said quickly.

Mathew put Anne down and she held onto his arm, her legs still weak. She gazed at Marilla, particularly at the details she adored - all of the lines in her wise face and the grey hair pulled into the familiar bun and the practical brown dress. Anne loved all of it.

Marilla was tutting as she looked Anne over. "I can see you've lost so much blood, my Lord where is the colour in your cheeks? Goodness, we'll have to put some meat on your bones if you're to regain your strength. You'll be taking time off work of course, to rest up. No chores, early nights and plenty of tonic. I was tearing my hair out thinking you'd run away or been kidnapped or something awful! What have I done to deserve such a fright - My Lord... i heard you were hurt? Is it very bad? I must look at the wound--"

As she rambled on, Anne smiled at her. Eventually, she gave up hope of Marilla ceasing her rambling and she enveloped the older woman in an enormous hug. Marilla stopped finally, slightly stunned. She was not used to affection, but she returned the hug and held her would-be daughter like a woman with nothing else.

"Thank God you're home." She whispered into Anne's red hair.

...

Marilla insisted Gilbert stay for lunch, but Mr Tilderly declined the kind offer and told her he had to be getting back home. They all thanked him again for his help, even Mathew managed to convey his gratitude. When he had gone, Marilla put some stew on the heat on the stove, leaving Gilbert with strict instructions not to let it stick on the pan. She brought Anne up to her room with the beautiful blossom tree outside the window.