A New Beginning || Gilbert Blythe x Oc ||

Chapter 18

The air was crisp and biting, each breath forming a visible puff of vapor in the chilly atmosphere. Lydia pulled her coat tighter around herself, the cold seeping through the fabric despite her best efforts to ward it off.

With a sense of urgency fueled by Mr. Phillips' instructions, Lydia trudged through the snow-covered path, her footsteps leaving shallow impressions on the pristine white canvas. The weight of the books in her arms seemed to grow heavier with each step, a tangible reminder of the task that lay ahead.

As she made her way towards Gilbert Blythe's home, Lydia couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her insides. The clouds overhead seemed to mirror her mood, their dark, brooding presence casting a sense of foreboding over the landscape.

Despite the cold and the dreary surroundings, Lydia pressed on, her determination to fulfill her duty outweighing any discomfort she may have felt. With each passing moment, she drew closer to her destination, her mind filled with questions about Gilbert's well-being and the reason for his prolonged absence from school.

As she finally reached Gilbert's home, Lydia paused for a moment to catch her breath, the weight of the books a constant reminder of the urgency of her mission. With a deep breath, she gathered her resolve and knocked on the door, steeling herself for whatever news awaited her on the other side.

It took a few minutes, but eventually, the door creaked open, revealing an older gentleman who appeared quite ill and out of breath. His face, though marked by lines of weariness, brightened slightly upon seeing Lydia.

"Sorry to make you wait," he said between labored breaths. Lydia noticed the struggle it took him to speak, concern immediately knitting her brow. "Gilbert... is out back chopping wood."

Lydia's eyes softened with worry for the man, sensing his frailty and the effort it took to stand there. Before she could voice her concern, the man's gaze shifted, and a slight smile played upon his lips.

"What wonderful blue eyes," he complimented Lydia, causing her to blush slightly under his scrutiny. As he leaned forward for a closer look, Lydia stood frozen, the compliment catching her off guard and making her feel awkward under the intense gaze.

"You're Barry's new charge, aren't you?" he inquired with a gentle intensity, peering curiously at Lydia.

"Yes, sir," she responded, managing a small nod, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I've heard nice things about you," the man continued, his smile widening. "And how are your parents? Still uptight I hope?" His attempt at humor did little to ease Lydia's growing discomfort; she merely stood there, lost for words, the silence stretching awkwardly between them.

The stillness of the moment was suddenly broken by another voice, one that Lydia recognized instantly. "Dad, what are you doing?" The concern was evident in Gilbert's tone as he emerged into view, his approach hurried.

Lydia's gaze shifted to Gilbert, noticing the worry etched on his face as he addressed his father. "You shouldn't be walking!" he exclaimed, his concern for his father's well-being overshadowing his surprise at seeing Lydia there.

"My son worries too much," Mr. Blythe joked to Lydia, a twinkle in his eye despite his evident frailty. He turned to Gilbert, indicating Lydia with a slight nod. "It seems this young lady has urgent business with you," he told his son, a gentle tease in his tone. "I'll go inside now."

"I'll fetch you a chair," Gilbert offered immediately, ever the attentive son, ready to support his father in any small way.

"I'll go on my own, thank you, son," Mr. Blythe responded firmly yet affectionately, indicating his desire for a bit of independence despite his weakened state.