Chapter Text
CHAPTER 1
“Goodnight Anne,” Marilla whispered as she picked up her lamp and closed the door.
Anne fell asleep that night with giddiness bubbling up inside of her. She was excited about what the day held tomorrow and couldn’t wait to make new friends at her brand new school.
***
As Anne opened her eyes, she was greeted with bright rays of sun streaming through the curtains lining her window. She could hear the faint chirps of the birds singing their morning song. It was one of those mornings where she could just get out of bed easily, probably due to the excitement stirring inside her stomach. She plaited her fiery orange hair and dressed in the sensible dress that Marilla hand-made for her. She walked down the stairs and into the kitchen, greeted with pancakes for breakfast.
“Good morning Marilla!” she exclaimed.
“Good morning Anne,” Marilla replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “How did you sleep?”
“Oh Marilla, I had the most amazing dream! I dreamt that I went to school and instantly became friends with everybody there. They all really liked me and, well, I think it was a sign from the heavens that today is going to be an excellent day!” Anne giggled.
***
Anne set off for school as soon as she finished her breakfast. She did not get to see Matthew that morning. She followed the path just as Marilla had explained to her and quickly enough, she found herself in the last stretch of forest that would lead to the school. As she walked along she took in all of the sights, sounds and smells. She especially loved the crunch the leaves made as she stepped on them.
Just as Anne was about to pick up a large auburn leaf she spotted on the ground, a dark figure emerged from the trees. Anne jumped at the sound of the figure’s voice.
“You must be the orphan.” A boy snarled. He was very tall and largely built. His hair was blonde and his eyes were small and beady.
Immediately Anne felt unsafe.
“I… Yes. That’s me.” Anne replied, trying to force her voice to sound steady.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen such ugly hair before.” He remarked as he took a step closer to Anne.
The insult jabbed at Anne, she’s never liked her orange hair and she certainly doesn’t need some boy to tell her how ugly it is. The boy took a few steps closer to Anne again, now only inches from her trembling face, and looked her up and down.
“Billy!” a distant voice called.
Instantly the boy stood up straight and took a few steps back.
Another boy appeared from behind him. A slim boy with dark curly hair who looked straight at Anne.
“Is he… harassing you, miss?” The slim boy asked her.
“Why would I-” Billy began to argue but was quickly cut off by the other boy.
“I’m asking the lady, Billy,” his voice was firm.
Now that the curly-haired boy was closer, Anne could see his features more clearly. She studied his face, his sharp jawline, his soft brown eyes and his dimples that appeared for just a moment. Anne looked back at Billy and saw his eyes burning into hers, he was pleading her not to say a thing. Suddenly he smirked.
“See? Nothing happened, I just introduced myself. Maybe she just can’t handle talking to boys.” Billy grinned a sinister grin and stalked away through the trees.
Anne simply shook her head, and, ignoring the slim boy she set off on her path to school again.
“You’re welcome…” the boy said, staring at Anne as she passed him.
“Hey, what’s your name?” He called out to her.
Anne ignored him and kept walking. The boy kept his distance but still followed behind. It was only when she rounded the corner that he caught up with her. He walked beside her without saying a word. Anne could feel his gaze on her.
There it was. The school was only down the hill from where they stood. The building was small and painted completely white, a few kids who looked around her age appeared to be playing some sort of game out the front.
“There it is,” the boy declared.
Anne looked at him but did not reply, she started abruptly down the hill. Unfortunately, he still managed to keep up with her.
As they walked up the steps of the building, the boy walked in front of Anne and opened the door for her. He smiled at her as she walked in with him following closely behind. Anne suddenly felt that she may have been too harsh on him. He did do her a favour with that Billy boy after all.
“Sorry if I was… ignorant towards you. I’m Anne Shirley.” Anne apologised.
“It’s okay, I’m Gilbert Blythe.” He said, a large smile appearing on his face. His dimples were showing.
Anne placed her hat and coat on the racks and walked into the classroom. A tall blonde girl immediately glared at her from across the room. Anne ignored her gaze and walked towards a group of girls who looked around the same age as her.
“Hi, I’m Diana Barry,” said a girl with dark brunette hair. She wore a very pretty blue dress and Anne tried not to feel self-conscious about her bland one.
“I’m Anne Shirley,” she responded.
“I’m Ruby.” a small girl with large blue eyes and curly blonde hair stepped out from behind Diana. She didn’t look very pleased.
Diana moved her gaze from Anne to something behind her and her expression became grim.
“Who do you think you are?” a voice demanded from behind Anne.
“What?” she spun around to face the tall blonde girl who glared at her earlier.
“I saw you walk in with Gilbert Blythe,” the girl accused.
“And?” Anne responded, not understanding the girl’s point.
“You can’t talk to him. Ruby has liked him for 3 years and she has dibs,” the girl snapped.
“Josie, don’t you think you are being a bit harsh? Anne is new here, how was she supposed to know that?” Diana insisted.
Anne looked back at Diana and smiled gratefully at her. She turned her focus back on Josie.
“I mean no disrespect but the last time I checked, people are not objects and cannot be ‘dibsed’.” Anne cautioned. “I think I can talk to whoever I like.”
At this, Anne turned around and sat down. Josie stood there, shocked that Anne stood up for herself. Diana smiled at Josie kindly and sat down next to Anne.
“Someone had to say it,” Diana whispered.
***
The end-of-day bell rung and everybody got up from their desks to leave. Anne was tired, with everything that happened that morning it felt as though the day had dragged on forever.
Anne made her way to the coat racks. She grabbed her hat but struggled to remember where she had hung her coat.
“Looking for this?” a voice teased from behind her.
Gilbert Blythe stood there with Anne’s coat in his hands. He grinned at her.
“Thanks,” Anne said, taking the coat from him and putting it on.
“I’m pretty sure we walk the same way home, wanna walk together?” Gilbert opened the door for Anne again.
Anne smiled at him.