Long Distance Love Letters

First Day Jitters

Gilbert checked himself in the mirror, making sure he looked passable as a true doctor. This being his first day as a paid employee, he wanted to make sure he looked the part.

He turned as Anne came out of the bathroom, smoothing out her new dress.

He gestured to his outfit. "Would you say this says 'It's only my first day but I promise I know what I am doing and I am quite skilled'?"

Anne smiled and walked over to him, grabbing the lapels of his jacket and pulling him down to her.

"You look very refined and intelligent," she promised.

He chucked in relief as she backed up, gesturing to her own outfit.

"Would you say this says 'I am the obvious hire for this teaching position because I will enhance these children's lives and help them become productive and imaginative human beings'?"

Gilbert looked her up and down for a moment, appraising her. Finally, he smiled. "I would hire you in a heartbeat."

She smirked and hung her arms around his neck. "Because I'm qualified for the job or because this dress is a little tighter?"

He cleared his throat. "The latter has nothing to do with it." He wrapped his arms around her anyway.

She chuckled humorously and gave him a quick kiss before pulling away. "Alright, I need to get going. Have a wonderful first day, Dr. Blythe."

"Have a wonderful interview, Mrs. Blythe," he responded with a smile on his face.

She blew him a kiss before walking out.

•••

Anne approached Summerside Elementary, tucked away in the corner of a bustling street. Overall, it was around the same size as Avonlea School, younger and older classrooms combined, further solidifying the immense number of students that attended.

A woman a little older than Muriel was waiting for her on the steps, smiling when she saw her.

"You must be Mrs. Blythe," she greeted happily.

Anne smiled back. "I am. It's very nice to meet you."

The women approached each other and shook hands.

"I'm Linda Patterson," she introduced. "I am the principal of Summerside Elementary and Summerside High."

Anne's smile grew. "Finally, a female principal."

"Tell me about it!" Ms. Patterson agreed, causing both women to laugh. "You may come with me."

The two walked inside and Ms. Patterson began giving Anne a tour of the grand yet quaint school as she gave the interview.

"So what brought you to Summerside?" she asked as they sat down at a desk.

"My husband is a doctor," Anne explained. "He was offered a job at the local hospital so we moved. We're originally from Avonlea."

Ms. Patterson nodded, interested. "You're not too far from home, then. That's good." She smiled. "Will your children be attending this school?"

Anne's heart froze before sinking as she sighed. "We don't have any children...and we never will."

Ms. Patterson offered her a sympathetic look before putting her hand on Anne's. "Never say never."

Anne looked at her for a moment before allowing a little smile to come to her face.

•••

It was midday by the time Anne got out of her interview. It was pretty safe to say that her and Ms. Patterson had really bonded and she gained a spring in her step knowing she had made her first friend in the city.

As for the teaching position, Ms. Patterson told her that she would let her know the results within the week, but due to Anne's fierce passion to help educate the incoming generation, it was pretty safe for her to get her hopes up.

She was so lost in her excitable emotions that she ran right into a passing pedestrian.

"Oh!" she exclaimed. "Excuse me, I wasn't looking where I was going."

"Anne," the man said. "It's good to see you again."

Anne looked up to realize that she knew this person.

"Dr. Bledsoe," she laughed. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you there."

"Your interview was today, right?" he asked. "How did it go?"

"Oh, it was wonderful," she informed, a smile on her face. "Ms. Patterson is truly a kindred spirit."

He smiled uncomfortably. "Yes, she used to be one of mine, too."

At Anne's confused glance, he shrugged. "Past lover. Nothing more." Shaking off the feeling, he asked, "Are you heading home?"

Anne sighed. "Not quite yet. I'm heading to the market. I'm starving and I completely forgot to get food for Gilbert and me. Only, I'm not quite sure where it is."

He smiled. "I would be happy to accompany you if you would like."

Anne hesitated for a moment before returning the smile. "Thank you."

Together, they headed down the street.

•••

Gilbert's day, albeit hectic and unpredictable, was undeniably productive and felt so undeniably right. Getting to interact with patients and learn their symptoms and situations was utterly fascinating and working alongside a whole team of equals with his same passions reignited a fire that had slowly extinguished ever since he left U of T.

He truly had found his calling.

He emerged into the night, pulling his jacket tighter to protect himself from the brisk air. He began his walk home.

Smiling as he arrived at his apartment, he recalled how great of a boss Dr. Bledsoe was. He was very intelligent, accommodating, and cooperative.

He loved this job so much.

Walking into the apartment, he saw Anne sitting by the fire on the couch and smiled. She was wearing his shirt and a pair of his pants and was writing in a notebook. She had taken to doing this quite a bit at night because she claimed it was more comfortable. Every time, he was struck with how beautiful she was.

He walked over and sat next to her. He kissed her face as she smiled and swung her legs over his, nuzzling into his arms.

"Hi," she greeted softly, intertwining his fingers with hers.

"Hey," he replied. "You should just keep that outfit. It looks a lot better on you."

She laughed and kissed his nose. "How was work?"

"Amazing. How was your interview?"

She smiled. "Amazing." She looked at him for a moment before saying, "We can really make it here, Gil."

Gilbert smiled back. "Of course we can."