A New Beginning || Gilbert Blythe x Oc ||

Chapter 15

"Penitent," came the next challenge from Mr. Phillips, a word heavy with remorse.

Lydia, her mind as sharp as the winter air outside, spelled it flawlessly. "P-E-N-I-T-E-N-T." The words fell from her lips with ease, a testament to her dedication and study.

The girls, in turn, cheered for Lydia, their voices a soft echo to the boys' earlier enthusiasm. The support was a warm embrace, a reminder that this competition was friendly, yet each victory was savored with its sweetness.

"Intentions," the teacher continued, the spell-down moving like a dance of intellect and determination.

"I-N-T-E-N-T-I-O-N-S," Gilbert responded, the smirk on his face betraying his confidence. His success was met with cheers from the boys, a raucous affirmation of his skill. Lydia caught his smirk, a silent message woven into the gesture. It was a challenge, a playful nudge in the quiet duel they found themselves in.

"Persevere," Mr. Phillips instructed Lydia, a word that seemed to echo the very essence of her journey in Avonlea.

With a steady voice, Lydia spelled out, "P-E-R-S-E-V-E-R-E." Each letter was a step forward, a declaration of her resilience and determination.

"Engagement," he announced, directing his gaze towards Prissy, though Gilbert stepped forward to take on the challenge.

"E-N-G-A-G-M..." Gilbert began, his voice trailing off as uncertainty crept in. Lydia, from across the room, watched him, a mix of anticipation and camaraderie in her gaze.

"That is incorrect," Mr. Phillips interjected, his tone final.

A wave of cheers erupted from the girls, a triumphant chorus that filled the room with warmth and victory. Among them, Diana's voice rose, infused with pride and affection. "Lydia, You won!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Good work, Lydia!" Anne added, her smile wide and genuine, a reflection of the bond they shared.

Lydia's heart swelled with a mixture of joy and humility. She smiled, her gratitude shining through as she acknowledged her friends. As she made her way back to her shared desk, a momentary pause in her step marked the intersection of competition and camaraderie.

Gilbert, his earlier misstep forgotten, stopped her with a smile. "Congratulations, Lydia," he said, his voice carrying a weight of respect and genuine happiness for her achievement.

Lydia returned the smile, a simple nod conveying her thanks. The moment was brief, but within it lay an unspoken acknowledgment of their mutual dedication and respect for each other's talents.

She then continued to her desk, where Ruby awaited, her face alight with excitement for her friend's victory. As Lydia sat down, the room buzzed with the aftermath of the competition, a delightful cacophony of congratulations and lighthearted chatter.

At that moment, Lydia felt a deep connection to her classmates and the vibrant community of Avonlea. The competition had brought them together, highlighting not just the prowess of their spelling but the strength of their bonds. As the school day waned and the sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the snow-covered ground, Lydia couldn't help but feel a profound sense of belonging. Her victory in the spell-down was sweet, but the camaraderie and friendships it celebrated were sweeter still.

-+-

In the warm, sunlit classroom of the Avonlea schoolhouse, the buzz of learning had given way to the murmur of midday recess. Nestled in a secluded corner, Lydia and her circle of friends formed a tight-knit group, their heads bowed together, sharing whispers and subdued giggles. The air around them hummed with the kind of secrets that felt monumental in the small world of their youth.