A New Beginning || Gilbert Blythe x Oc ||

Chapter 19

Diana's eyes lit up as she unwrapped a beautiful new dress, the fabric catching the light with a subtle shimmer. Alongside the dress, there were pieces of delicate jewelry that sparkled with promise and elegance. Minnie May's excitement was no less palpable as she discovered a collection of new toys, each designed to inspire hours of imaginative play. Their joy was infectious, lighting up the morning with their laughter and excited chatter.

As Aunt Josephine reached for what was intended to be a gift for Mrs. Barry, a thoughtful pause gave way to a decisive gesture. Instead, she extended the book towards Lydia, an offering that spoke volumes of her wish to make amends for her initial oversight. Lydia's smile was wide and genuine as she accepted the book, her eyes gleaming with gratitude. The book, a beautiful volume bound in leather, felt like a symbol of welcome and inclusion.

"Lydia, my dear," Aunt Josephine began, her voice warm with affection, "I do hope you'll find this book to your liking. It's one of my favorites, and I believe it holds stories that kindle the imagination and spirit."

Lydia, momentarily at a loss for words, could only nod, her heart full. "Thank you, Aunt Josephine," she finally said, her voice tinged with emotion. "I love reading, and I'm sure I'll cherish this book. Thank you for thinking of me."

"It's my pleasure, truly," Aunt Josephine replied, her smile reflecting her relief and happiness at Lydia's acceptance. "I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it once you've had a chance to delve into its pages."

Mrs. Barry, observing the exchange, added her thanks, her eyes softening at the gesture. "Josephine, that was very kind of you. Lydia is an avid reader, and your gift is both thoughtful and generous."

As the warmth of the morning's exchange began to settle, Mr. Barry's voice emerged as a gentle but firm presence that directed the group's next actions. "Shall we go inside?" he questioned, his gaze sweeping over the girls, his wife, and Aunt Josephine, the implicit invitation hanging in the air like a soft promise of continued hospitality and warmth.

"We shall," Aunt Josephine responded with a decisive nod, her voice carrying the weight of her approval. She began to make her way toward the house, her steps measured and graceful, a testament to her anticipation of the comfort and conversation that awaited them indoors.

Mrs. Barry, always the gracious hostess, followed closely behind Aunt Josephine, her movements echoing the rhythm of a well-rehearsed dance of hospitality that had long been part of the Barry household's traditions. The girls, caught up in the excitement of the morning and the joy of their gifts, trailed after them, their laughter and whispers a light backdrop to the procession.

With its welcoming doors thrown wide, the house seemed to embrace the group as they stepped inside. The interior, bathed in the soft light of the morning, offered a haven of warmth and familial connection, a space where stories could be shared, and new memories forged.

As they all moved into the comforting embrace of the home, the outside world, with its expectations and demands, seemed to fall away, leaving only the joy of the present moment and the promise of the hours to come. The transition from the open air to the intimate settings of the Barry residence was seamless, a testament to the bonds that held them together, both family and the newly welcomed.

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In the quiet of the night, under a tranquil sky where the stars whispered secrets to those willing to listen, Lydia was lost in the gentle embrace of sleep, her dreams a distant land where worries faded into the soft darkness. However, this peace was abruptly shattered by a violent shake and a voice piercing through the veil of her slumber.

"Lydia!" The voice, urgent and laced with fear, shattered the calm.

Startled from her dreams, Lydia's eyes flew open, her heart pounding as confusion and the remnants of sleep clouded her thoughts. In the dim moonlight filtering through the window, she could make out Diana's silhouette, her face etched with concern and fear.