Broken (Gilbert Blythe)

chapter 7

-After the Fire-

The priest spoke, "And we thank Thee, O Lord, and your mercy. And of some have compassion, making a difference. Others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy..."

Nova looked over and saw Gilbert looking ahead at the priest. He looked over and caught Nova looking at him, he smiled, she looked back at the priest, embarrassed. She blushed and looked down, smiling.

"We thank thee for watching over us and keeping all in our community safe from harm. Praise be to God Almighty."

When the priest finally finished, Nova walked over to her sisters and brother. Prissy and Jane grabbed Nova and gave her a group hug. They let go, Jane punched Nova's arm and Prissy hit the back of her head. They both said at the same time, "What were you thinking?!" and "Are you stupid?!"

"Ow!" Nova said, in annoyance. "I know what I did, but why would you do that?!" Nova says rolling her eyes. Prissy looks at Jane then back at Nova, "Because that's what you get for being stupid. We could've lost you! Do you understand that?!" Nova looks down and nods her head. "I know, I've already heard it from mother." She says, disappointed in herself. Nova felt them hug her again. "We're glad you're okay. We love you." Jane says. Nova looks up at her sisters, she doesn't hear that often from her family. "I love you guys too."

They walk over to where Anne and the Cuthbert's were talking to Mrs. Lynde and the Gillis family. "Alright, then it's settled. The Gillis family will be billeted out to the Barry's, the Cuthbert's and ourselves." Mrs. Lynde said, pointing at herself. "All the men pulling together, we figure the major repairs will take about a week." Mr. Lynde says to Mr. Barry and Mr. Gillis.

Mr. Barry nods, "Sounds about right." He says with a smile. Mr. Cuthbert nods his head, "Jerry and I will put things right at Green Gables and be back as soon as we can."

Nova turns her head to Anne and walks over to be beside her. Anne smiles, "Hey." Nova smiles back, "Hey. I just want to say I'm sorry for worrying you earlier. I didn't think of the consequences that could have happened."

Anne shakes her head, "It's okay, I would've done the same thing. I saw you and Gilbert earlier after you came out of the house." She says, nudging Nova, teasing her. Nova blushes, "We're just friends, Anne." She giggles.

"We owe you all a great debt of thanks." Mrs. Gillis says, look over to Nova, "Especially dear Nova. Risking your life for us, and taking such quick action." Nova smiles. Mrs. Gillis keeps talking when Prissy comes and tells Nova that they're leaving. Nova looks to Anne, "I have to leave. But I will see you soon. Maybe we can have a tea party." She laughs and Anne smiles and nods her head. Nova goes onto the wagon to go home. Billy looks at her, "You know, you are so dumb. You would think somebody would have some common sense to not go into a house that's on fire." He rolls his eyes. Jane looks at him, "At least she had enough courage to do it, unlike you, you wuss!" She yells and that makes their mother and father turn around. "Jane! We do not tolerate that type of behavior!" Jane rolls her eyes at Billy and sits back.

They finally make it home, their mother called out to Nova and told her to take a bath and then get some rest. Nova did just that. When she was finally done with her bath and getting all the ash and soot off of her, she went to bed and remembered her book Gilbert gave to her. Nova grabbed it from her bedside table and opened it to find neat handwriting.

'Dear Nova,

I guess you finally opened the journal I gave you. I know how much you love to write, so I thought this would be perfect for you. I am immensely happy I met someone like you. Even though I just met you, I think you are unique, genuine, and purely amazing. Thank you for being you.