Another Year In Avonlea

Diana!

Morning came in Avonlea, and Jerry Barnard, walked into the barn as he normally did. When he climbed up the ladder, however, he saw a black haired girl sleeping on the pile of hay. He cautiously went over to her, poking her arm to wake her up.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I'm hiding."

"Diana? Oui (Yes)?"

"Yes."

"They're looking for you. I'll get Mr.Cuthbert to bring you food and bring you home," he said walking away from her.

"No!" Diana grabbed his arm quickly keeping him in place.

Jerry stood there, trying to get out of her grip before he started yelling, "Anne! Wake u-" His mouth was covered.

"Jerry, can you do something for me?"

Diana let her hand drop. "Je ne ferai pas partie de ta cachette (I will not be a part of you hiding)!"

"I can teach you while Anne is away."

"What do you mean?"

"She told me she teaches you how to read and write English after lunch. I can teach you in the morning, as long as you tell no one."

"Mr.Cuthbert is helping Gilbert and Sebastian set up their farm. I have extra work, even if I want to learn, I can't."

"I'll help you get work done then!"

"Diana," he said quietly.

"Please!"

"I- I can't."

"Please," She said again.

Jerry stood there for a moment thinking, he sighed, adjusting his hat. "You have to be quiet!"

"Thank you!"

"When Anne or Mr.Cuthbert come up, you need to hide behind one of the big stacks of hay."

"Thank you," she hugged him tightly. "I can do that."

Jerry released himself from the hug awkwardly. "You get us caught, you won't be the only one in trouble and punished."

"I won't get us caught, I promise."

"Jerry," yelled Marilla's voice as she walked out of the house.

Jerry pushed Diana over into the hay. "Climb around where she can't see you, and hide," he whispered, before climbing down the ladder. "Yes, Ms.Cuthbert?"

"I made some scones. They're for you today since you'll be working extra hard."

"Thank you Ms.Cuthbert," he smiled guiltily, going back up the ladder. He watched Marilla walk back into the house before grabbing a scone and offering it to Diana, who had just climbed back to him. "Here, take one."

"Thank you," she said, taking a bite. Jerry and her sat in silence as they had their food.

"Alright now let's get to work. You'll have to work hard. Harder than I bet you've ever worked."

"I'm ready for it."

"Okay. Grab that pitchfork."

——

     Mrs.Barry walked along the trail to everyone's houses. She knocked on Gilbert's door, and saw it open up to a woman. "Uh," she said shocked. "I suppose I haven't formally met. My name is Eliza Barry."