wondrous • gilbert blythe

his choice

The familiar house arose butterflies in Adelaide's stomach. She hadn't seen him in so long, and she wondered how he would react to seeing her. Adelaide missed Gilbert so dearly, and she hoped he was holding up okay, at least better than she was.

The area was eerily quiet. No birds were chirping, no wind was pushing the trees around like it usually was. Adelaide paused and looked towards the blue sky. A few clouds hung above, but that didn't bother her.

It looked perfect.

Focusing her attention back to the house, she moved her feet once again, taking the final steps up to the porch. The creaky stairs felt weak under Adelaide's weight, but she dismissed it and was quick to knock lightly on the front door. A few moments of silence made her stomach churn. She played slightly with the figurines in her pocket.

Another knock.

Another.

A final knock, with no answer, made Adelaide's eyes burn with a brand new set of tears. She held them back and went to the nearest window. Her instincts told her not to look, that it was an invasion of privacy, but she didn't listen.

The foggy glass made it hard for Adelaide to see through into the living room. Although her vision was blurry, she could make out definite shapes that were all covered in ghostly white sheets. They casted an eerie haze across the bare home- enhancing the fact that not a single person was living in it.

Adelaide took a step back before sighing deeply. He had agreed to say goodbye before he left. Gilbert wasn't one to break promises, so what had happened? She fought the tears that threatened to spill over her flushed cheeks as she ran down the steps of the abandoned home. He must have had a good reason for leaving early. After all, she hadn't spoken to him in forever, maybe he had figured she didn't care about him anymore.

Adelaide knew that was the exact opposite of the truth. She cared for Gilbert more than she could ever express. Hours upon hours of thought had gone into her feelings for the curly haired boy, and she was sure it was more than a silly crush. He was special to her.

As she stumbled further away from his home, she calmed down. He left, that was his choice that she couldn't change. It was much too late for that.

Many thoughts in Adelaide's bright mind told her this was for the best. That she was leaving, she could get out of this horrendous town. The memories were too strong. They burned too bright- blinding the young girl metaphorically. If she stayed, she might never get to live the life she needed.

Adelaide's tracks through the thin layer of snow became mangled as her small feet started to drag. She was undoubtedly tired, and the cold was making her feel frail. The Gillis home wasn't much further, and Adelaide barely made it before she slumped onto the wet porch steps.

The carriage would be arriving soon to take her and her belongings to the train station.

Hazel eyes fixated on the land around her. Adelaide took as much of the rolling hills and deep forests as she could- she would miss Avonlea. Although it held many bad memories for her, it was still one of the most beautiful places on earth.

A presence next to Adelaide suddenly appeared. Ruby sat down, with her long, dirty blonde hair tied back with a pink ribbon. Ruby Gillis was the daughter that Adelaide's mother had always wanted. A proper girl, who loved to dress up and wear fancy accessories and clothing. Adelaide never seemed to make the cut.

Ruby's small voice cut into Adelaide's harsh thoughts. "You know, I'm going to miss you living here."

A small smile sat upon Adelaide's face.

"And why would that be?" She asked the younger girl. Ruby pondered in thought for a few seconds before answering, "You are so much different than anyone here, other than Anne of course. I believe that your brain works a little bit differently- in a good way of course." Ruby responded.

Adelaide nodded at her. "I suppose it does. Not many people see it as a good thing, though."

"It is, trust me. You are very interesting and that makes you great, I think." Ruby smiled at her older friend and then proceeded to hug her. Adelaide was taken off guard, but was quick to wrap her cold hands around Ruby. The pair sniffled, but were broken apart as the suns of horse hooves approached. They pulled apart and gazed at the carriage coming their way. Adelaide smiled softly at Ruby before moving to grab her items.

The carriage was being driven by an older gentleman, whose mustache was far too grown out. A plump woman sat in back, clutching her bag for dear life. She looked snotty and entitled, but Adelaide didn't like to judge before meeting someone first.

"Adelaine Monroe?" She called in a loud, throttled voice. Adelaide winced at the tone before raising her hand slightly.

"Adelaide King, actually." She corrected. The woman rolled her eyes, "For heavens sake child, it doesn't matter, just grab your things and get in. We have better things to be doing."

Adelaide grew agitated as she shoved the box into the back of the dingy carriage. It did matter when the man with that last name was an awful person. Why would she want to be associated with someone that caused the death of her own mother?

Ruby's parents had come outside by now, and gave Adelaide hugs and kisses before sending her to the mean woman. Ruby shed a few tears as she watched her new found friend leave in the carriage pulled by the brown horses. It soon escaped her view, and Ruby was sent inside.

She wondered about her friend, how different her life was going to be. Avonlea would most definitely not be the same without Adelaide, and who knew when she would be returning.