Remains To Be Seen

What Is To Arrive At The Station?

Josephine
I heard rustling in Anne's room. I'd been awake awhile. Her feet rushed around with the occasional groan of frustration. I pulled my sheets back and went towards her room. I leaned on my cane and knocked softly on the door. I heard her go silent. Her footsteps coming to a stop at the door. I could already feel her nerves and she hadn't even opened the door.
When she did, I saw the fear. That was the same fear I felt when Gertrude insisted we share our love with our friends at the Winter Soiree for the first time. I'd never been so afraid. But after that moment, that bravery, I was never afraid of anything again.
Anne peeled the door back and let me step inside. Clothing was thrown across the floor and the letters from the boy partially opened across the bed. Anne crosses her arms after closing the door embarrassed.
"I'll clean it up," she promised.
"Don't bother, that's what I pay Miss Lacey to do, keep things nice and tidy. Now, what's the problem dear?"
She was about to start when the door squeaked open. My darling Diana stepped inside shutting the door.
"I'm sorry. I've been listening to the commotion and was curious why is suddenly stopped," Diana spoke eloquently.
I looked back to Anne awaiting her answer. Anne was looking to Diana. She had a hopeful look on her face. Anne wasn't so convinced. Even from her best friend.
"I shouldn't go," Anne said sitting dramatically on the bed frustrated.
"You must!" Diana said loudly.
"Hush down Diana! Cole is still resting as is the rest of the household," I hummed.
"What do I even wear for this occasion?" Anne expresses flopping back onto the large bed and the letters.
She picked one up holding it in front of her. She gazed at it reading the words for probably the hundredth time over. I stood going to the clothing on the floor. Diana helped me put it up. Anne still daydreaming on the bed. Diana spoke hushed words as she made items come together to a beautiful dressing for Anne.
"That should work. Swell job Diana," I smiled. "Anne, Diana has picked something for you."
Anne snapped out of her trance sitting up. Diana presented the look. A gorgeous blue velour skirt and jacket. A white ruffled top and underskirt with it.
"We can also do your hair and you can wear the necklace," Diana said clutching her necklace.
Anne stood. A small glimmer of hope and happiness shone through. Anne touched her own necklace that sat around her neck. They each wore a half. Together they made the locket complete. A signature of their true friendship.
"Let's get you dressed!" I clasped my hands together lightly sitting down.
Dianna helped get Anne dressed behind the wardrobe screen. Diana stepped out first letting Anne adjust herself. Then Anne stepped out in a gorgeous blue coordinated set.
"Blue is definitely one of your colors Anne," Diana giddily gushed.
"You look beautiful."
"You think?" Anne looked in the mirror unsure of her reflection.
"You could wear a potato sack and still look beautiful in Gilbert's eyes," I heard Cole's voice chime from the squeaking door. "You guys are loud by the way," he laughed.
"Cole!" Diana squealed.
"It's okay Diana. Anne had a theory that's what it was."
Cole pulled out his pocket watch and looked up to Anne.
"You have to go," he urged pulling Anne's arm.
"What?! I'm not ready yet!" Anne said as he pulled her down the stairs.
Diana and I followed quickly. Or as quick as I could. Diana pulled her own hair bow out and tied Anne's hair half up. Cole brushed her skirt and pulled her long, red hair over her shoulders. .
"It's time," he said to Anne.
"I have to go alone?"
"He didn't ask for anyone else to be there," Diana laughed.
"I-what do I say? What do I do?" Anne asked looking to me.
"If all else fails, bring him back here. Henry will prepare a room for him," I winked.
Diana hugged Anne and pulled Cole with her to go to the nearest window to watch Anne leave. I grabbed one of Gertrude's lucky coats and helped it over Anne's shoulders.
"This will be the scariest thing you will do, but after this everything is different."
"I don't want things to change!" Anne nearly cried.
"It's a good thing Anne. It means you are taking the next step in your life. And to have someone to step into it with you is everything."
Anne nodded wiping under her eyes. I heard the carriage roll up to the roundabout. It was time for Anne to go and get her love story. Her true love. She was about to leave when she turned and engulfed me in a hug. I was surprised but so grateful for it.
"Thank you Aunt Jo for everything, I couldn't have done any of this without you."
"Yes you could've. But I'm glad I could help. Now go get your love story Anne," I said as Henry passed me the letter from Gilbert.
I passed it to Anne. She held it close to her chest. She descended the steps and jumped onto the carriage. And then she was off. She was finding her Gertrude. Her true love. I wish I had found mine at her age. But I found mine, Gertrude was mine. And I miss her everyday but cherish every memory and feeling I have for her. My best friend and truest love.

Good luck Anne