Remains To Be Seen

Moving On

Gilbert
I had the feeling that Anne would feel this way. Every time I would get close to her she pushes me away. Time and time again. Maybe it was time to move on. It was my last year before university. Anne wasn't going to let me court her or even take her on a date. It wasn't worth the trouble. I took it as a sign and didn't go to school after Diana told me about Anne's plan to derail the track we were on.
So I went on the tracks. Quite literally. Took a train to Charlottetown for the week. Taking a week of work at the Doc's office. Assisting him to further my studies in that area until I find a better way to cope.
I'd have a strict routine with the Doc. I'd wake up around 5 at sunrise and clean his office for his first patients at 7. Then I was instructed to go to tea and bring a cup back for him. And if there were a croissant, I must get him one. After that was more patients and mainly cleaning his instruments and observing him as he diagnosed his patients.
It was a particularly hard day today. Two cases of early onset consumption. I know the Doc was in fair amounts of pain as was I. He lost his best friend, and my father to consumption. And there was nothing he could do to stop it. He ended the day early refusing walk ins. He left to the nearest tap. A drunk doctor is one I'd have to deal with in the morning. His overhungness would be dealt with eventually.
The next morning I had to wake him. It was already 6 and he wasn't prepping himself. I handed him a strong coffee and a blueberry croissant. He took so gingerly as he was waking up from his groggy state.
      "Thank you son," he said after sipping his coffee. "I don't have any appointments until noon. It's paperwork day. So take the day off to enjoy some tea."
      "Are you sure I can't help with anything?"
      "I am overhung and I have a pile of paperwork the doctor as in I, must fill out. Enjoy your morning. I'll see you at noon Gilbert."
I nodded. I was being told to go away. So I did so. I decided to adventure to the Charlottetown residential school. A book in my palms as I stepped up the stairs, hearing the familiar sound of classes being orchestrated. And then in a moment I was rushed by kids squealing and the bell just barely ringing.
I was finally free of the cluster and I looked around astounded by the bare ness of it all. The silence. Then it was filled with a voice billowing against the walls.
     "You now have a date with my father and his shotgun," the voice proclaimed dramatically.
I peered into the class and it was a beautiful woman speaking to a skeleton. An anatomy class. How I wished I had one of those in Avonlea.
        "Hello!" I voice said.
I blinked and a woman with big green eyes looked into mine. A beautiful happiness portrayed within her irises.
       "Who must you be?" She asked with a strong accent.
       "Hello. I'm Gilbert Blythe," I said extending my hand.
She shook it firmly. A fake look of seriousness on her face as she moved our hands up and down in a comedic fashion. I laughed and she broke her character as well.
       "I'm Winifred Rose. You can call me Winnie. It's glorious to meet you Gilbert Blythe."
       "As I you. Whom were you speaking to."
       "Why mustn't you know?" She quizzed.
       "Well I was to ask you to tea," I said.
       "Hmm," she turned us around where my back was now facing the classroom.
She peered over my shoulder and looked at the skeleton. I glanced over and she hissed. I turned to face her.
      "That sounds wonderful Mr.Blythe," Winnie said.
      "Shall we?" I said opening my arm.
      "We shall."
We went to a tea house and sat at a table by the window. She didn't speak much. I must've gotten used to the filling of words within the space. I went to ask how old she was and she cut me off quickly.
      "You've never been to a real tea now have you Gilbert Blythe," Winnie asked.
      "Unfortunately I have not."
      "Well I guess now it's time you learn."
She ran scenarios through me. I failed at nearly all of them. But with each lesson she taught, I understood what I was expected to be. What I needed to show to be considered a man. I was ready to be more than a boy in a small country town. I wanted to be a doctor and save people everywhere. The city ideally with a better chance of steady business. I expressed that to Winnie as well. She seemed gladly surprised.
      "Speaking of the country, Avonlea has a carnival in five days time. Would you care to join me Miss Rose?" I asked.
      "I'll consider it," she said with a wink then standing.
I stood quickly and featured the way to the door. She walked with her hands crossed over her waist. I came to her side and escorted her back to the residential school.
      "Thank you for tea," I said.
      "Well of course. I must get back to my studies now," she said turning her back on me.
I was surprised at the sudden disinterest. I shrugged it off and headed to the Doc's office.