Broken Wings, But I'm Ready To Fly!

O N E

It was a week before the Christmas Pantomime and the whole town of Avonlea was just buzzing with energy. The Pantomime was located in the town hall and it was currently packed with children and adults who were working or rehearsing for the play. The whole scenario was peaceful, yet very chaotic at the same time.

Anne-Shirley Cuthbert was perched on a ladder, working diligently on hanging up the decorations and humming some christmas songs to herself. Her red hair that had to be cut short tickled her forehead as a stray wind blew through the room. She's learned to accept her hair, decided that she shouldn't be ashamed and how she's even more unique than before. Still, there were times when her differences made her feel excluded.

With her arms beginning to ache, she paused and looked around at the people below. Her imagination sprung to life and depicted her as a beautiful Blue Jay that was soaring across the skies of Avonlea, singing beautiful songs to the wind. Below she saw her fellow classmates and a few of the townspeople working hard and practicing with determination.

Anne's smile widened as she saw Diana and Ruby choreographing their class and she laughed when Charlie Sloane moved in the wrong direction. Diana giggled, "Charlie, to your other left!" Ruby rolled her eyes but grinned nonetheless. Charlie apologized and they did the choreography from the beginning where Charlie did the right move this time.

Anne looked around and her eyes locked with another's.

Warm, hazel eyes that embraced her own like a hug.

Eyes accompanied by a small smile and chocolate brown hair.

Eyes that belonged to...

Gilbert Blythe.

Anne shook her head and turned back to her work. How long was he staring at me like that? Wasn't he taught that staring is rude? She grumbled in her head. Yet, what was this fluttering feeling she felt in her chest?

"There is no way that I, Anne-Shirley Cuthbert, will allow myself to have a crush on Gilbert Blythe. Absolutely not," she said sternly to herself.