A New Beginning || Gilbert Blythe x Oc ||

Chapter 11

Snapping out of her initial shock, Diana's instincts kicked in. She rushed over to Lydia, enveloping her in a tight embrace, a gesture of support and solidarity. Lydia, caught off guard by the warmth of the gesture, found herself returning the hug, a small comfort amidst the whirlwind of emotions she felt.

"Are you okay?" Diana's voice was laced with genuine concern as she pulled back to look Lydia in the eyes.

"I'm okay," Lydia responded, managing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, a clear indication to Diana that all was not well despite the brave front.

Diana, though unconvinced by Lydia's assurance, chose not to press further. She nodded, understanding that Lydia might not be ready to share what had transpired. The unspoken communication between them spoke volumes of their budding friendship, a silent promise of support when Lydia was ready to open up.

Mr. Barry, ever the practical figure in the household, raised his voice to summon assistance. "Margaret!" he called out, his voice echoing through the living room, drawing everyone's attention.

"Yes, sir," came the prompt response as Margaret, the family's maid, made her timely entrance into the room, her eyes quickly taking in the situation.

"You can take Lydia upstairs and help her change," Mr. Barry instructed, his tone leaving no room for debate.

"Yes, sir," Margaret replied with a nod, her gaze shifting to Lydia, offering a silent reassurance.

Lydia, understanding the necessity of the situation, nodded in agreement. She began her ascent up the grand staircase, the weight of the day making each step feel heavier than the last. Margaret followed closely behind, a silent guardian ready to assist in any way she could.

In the tranquility of her room, Lydia found herself enveloped in a silence that was both comforting and stark. The door clicked shut behind Margaret, signaling the return to solitude after the flurry of care and concern. Lydia moved towards the bureau with a weariness that seemed to extend beyond physical exhaustion, the events of the day weighing heavily on her spirit.

She settled into the chair, her reflection in the mirror a stark contrast to the girl who had ventured out that morning. As Margaret approached to tend to her hair, Lydia couldn't help but meet her gaze. There was a vulnerability in her eyes, a rawness that spoke of trials yet to be shared. With gentle and practiced movements, Margaret began to untangle the knots, both literal and metaphorical, that had formed throughout the day. The soothing rhythm of the brush through her hair allowed Lydia's thoughts to drift, a momentary escape from the tumult that had brought her to this point.

Once the task was completed, Lydia rose, and with Margaret's assistance, slipped into her sleepwear. The fabric felt soft against her skin, a small comfort amidst the storm of emotions. With a final nod of gratitude towards Margaret, Lydia watched as the maid exited the room, her departure marked by the soft click of the door.

Now alone, the reality of her situation settled around Lydia like a cloak. The day's events replayed in her mind, each moment a puzzle piece in a picture that was still forming. The safety and warmth of the room felt like a cocoon, offering her a brief respite from the outside world. Yet, the solitude also brought with it a starkness, a reminder of the decisions that lay ahead and the conversations that were yet to be had.

As the evening light faded into the soft glow of the lamp, Lydia took a deep, steadying breath. The quiet of the room offered her a canvas to project her thoughts, fears, and hopes. It was in this solitude that she began to unravel the knots of her own making, contemplating the path that had led her here and the steps she would need to take moving forward.

The journey ahead was uncertain, but in this moment of solitude, Lydia found a sliver of strength. The stillness of the room became not just a backdrop to her solitude, but a space for reflection and growth. It was here, in the quiet aftermath of the day's chaos, that Lydia began to understand the true meaning of resilience and the power of facing one's fears head-on.