You had been living in Avonlea your whole life and have had the same friends forever. You grew up next door to the Barrys. Diana was your best friend, almost like your sister. Several years ago your parents sent you to England to live with your grandmother. She would help you become more of a lady. You parted ways with your best friends Diana, Anne, and Gilbert. Now your story with Gilbert was always complicated, you both had feelings for each other but refused to admit it. Everyone knew it and whenever you saw Ruby and Josie fawn over him it made you jealous.
On the train ride home from England, you were thinking about what it might be like to see your friends again. You decided to take your Queens exams in Avonlea, you pushed out the thought that it was just an excuse to see Gilbert. Your parents wanted you to marry off in England, but you refused. You wanted to marry for love and that was the way it was going to be. Of course, they did not like this and they decided to let you live your own life and that is what you intened to do.
Returning to Avonlea was very exciting for you and you wanted nothing more than to be home. You had arranged to stay with the Barrys until you could find somewhere to live. Now you were 16 and ready to start a new life. You felt the train slow to a halt and you eagerly grabbed your luggage and ran off the train. Your grandmother had spoken to Mrs. Barry and arranged for them to pick you up at the station. You wandered around a little bit before you heard a voice calling you.
"Y/n!" The voice was familiar.
"Diana!" You responded, running up to her.
The two of you squealed as you rejoiced in your return.
She grabbed your hand and the two of you ran to the carriage. As you stepped inside you were greeted by Mrs. Barry.
"Hello Y/n, how beautiful you look. It's wonderful to see you darling." She said.
"Thank you Mrs. Barry, and thank you for letting me stay with you until I find somewhere to live." You replied.
"Of course, anytime dear." She replied.
The ride home was filled with catching up about the gossip at school and about your adventures in England. You also talked about your plans for going back to school.
"I want to go back to school, continue my studies, and reunite with old friends. That is the current plan."
"Sounds like a solid plan." Mr. Barry commented.
When you arrived at the Barry household you opened the door and walked to the guest bedroom with Diana. She helped you unpack and get yourself settled. She asked if you would be willing to start school tomorrow. Of course you wanted to see your friends so your answer was a resounding yes.
Now word had spread quite quickly around Avonlea of your arrival and you saw many familiar faces on your walk to school. You missed this place so much and you were glad to be back. You and Diana enjoyed a leisurely walk to school, but as you approached the school house you grew nervous. You stopped in your tracks.
"Diana? What if they don't like me anymore? What if they tease me? Why am I so nervous?" You asked, surprised that your mouth could be at the same speed as your brain.
"Don't be silly, you'll be fine." She said, patting your shoulder.
You nodded hesitantly as you continued on your walk. When you began to hear the voices of classmates growing louder your nerves grew. Head held high, you walked into the school house. Gasps, whispers, and shouts of your name erupted as you walked into the classroom. You were bombarded with questions about where you went, what you did, who you met, and so on. You didn't care about any of the questions, you tried to look through the crowd to find Gilbert, but you were too short.
Eventually after the crowd dispersed, you saw him. The two of you locked eyes and it was something you had been waiting for. You watched as he rose from his seat and began to walk towards you.
"You're back." Was the only thing he said.
"So it seems." You said with a slight giggle.
"I'm glad. I've missed beating you in spelling." He teased.
"In your dreams Blythe." You replied.
"Yes you are." He quipped. This surprised you, there had never been this much confidence in Gilbert Blythe.
You watched him as he walked back to his desk and sat next to Billy Andrews. They were both starting at you, but you only had eyes on Gilbert. Diana had told you about the new teacher, but you hadn't met her yet. Ms. Stacey was her name, so you've heard. Apparently she was quite the teacher. During her lecture, you felt something hit your back. Eager to see it, you picked it up and carefully unfolded it.
My Dearest, Y/n
Its so wonderful to have you back here in Avonlea. I've missed staring at the way your hair flows over your shoulders, the way your eyes sparkle when you're talking about something you love, and I've just missed you. I thought you should know. Billy and Charlie always talk about you and it makes me sick to think of you with either of them. You were gone for far too long and I won't let you go again. I was wondering if you would be mine? I know it seems bold, but I think you feel it too. Please don't leave me again.
Love,
G.B.
You turned to see him smiling at you, together lost in each other's gazes you didn't hear your names being called. A few moments later, Ms. Stacey stepped in between the two of you.
"I'm sorry, is my teaching interrupting you?" She asked.
"No ma'am. I'm sorry." You said, folding Gilbert's letter.
"What's that?" She inquired.
You heard Gilbert sigh.
"A note." You replied, knowing honesty was the best option here.
"May I see it please?" She asked, hand outstretched.
You placed it in her hand and looked down. She read the note quietly to herself before speaking.
"I must say Mr. Blythe, this is quite the love note." She said with a smile.
The two of you blushed as she handed you back the note.
"I love you." You mouthed to him from across the room.
"I love you too." He replied.
