Devoted To You || Gilbert Blythe

XLII

~𝒜𝒹𝒶~
Adjustment. A noun. Meaning the act of adjusting; adaptation to a particular condition, position, or purpose.
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Days passed— don't as how many. I arrived in Paris safely. Though my heart was hurting, I was also ecstatic to see my brother and father.

As I disembarked from the ocean liner, my father and Alexander awaited me at the bustling port. The air was filled with a blend of excitement and the distinct aroma of the sea. I rushed towards them, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions.

"Oh how I have missed you two!" I called out, a smile spreading across my face.

Father enveloped me in a warm hug. "Ada, my dear, it's wonderful to have you back with us. How was the journey?"

"It was... eventful," I chuckled, glancing at Alexander who raised an eyebrow, awaiting his hug.

I wrap my arms around his neck. "I have missed you, Alex. How are things?"

"Eventful." He shrugs in a teasing tone. I hit his shoulder before looking back to Father.

"Well, let's not keep you standing here. We have a lot to catch up on," Dad suggested, leading the way to a waiting carriage.

As we made our way through the streets of Paris, the city's charm unfolded around us. "It is absolutely beautiful here."

"Does it make you regret staying in Avonlea for so long?" Alexander teases making me roll my eyes. "In all seriousness, you must try this bakery on 23rd Street. It is divine." I smile thinking about Sebastian requesting some pastries.

"Avonlea holds its own charm, but Paris has a magic all its own. And I'll be sure to try that bakery. Sebastian would appreciate a taste of Parisian pastries."

"Sebastian?" Father asks.

"Oh yes! While Gilbert was working out at sea he met a Trinidadian named Sebastian, we call him Bash for short. He is the sweetest guy." I smile.

"A black man in Avonlea. That's brave. Has he been treated right?" Father asks. I shrug in response. "Well that's bound to happen in a town with such small minded people."

"I suppose so. He loves my cooking so it's a good thing he married Mary. Otherwise him and Gilbert would be living off bread and butter." I laugh.

Alexander grinned. "Speaking of which, how do you plan to balance finishing school and your culinary pursuits? It sounds like quite the juggling act."

I leaned back against the carriage, considering his question. "I'll find a rhythm, I suppose. Daphne Arthur and I are sharing a flat, so that should make things easier with having my own kitchen. Plus, the culinary scene in Paris is a classroom in itself."

Dad nodded. "As long as you enjoy what you're doing, Ada. That's what matters most."

"So, how are things in Avonlea?" Alex inquired, glancing at me with genuine interest.

I smiled, thinking about the familiar faces left behind. "They're managing well. We have a new teacher, Miss Stacy. She is wonderful. Gilbert is focusing on his studies, and Mary and Sebastian are expecting a baby."

Dad nodded thoughtfully. "Life moves forward, even in our absence."

Alexander shrugged with a playful grin. "By the way, any news on the Gilbert front, Ada?"

I rolled my eyes at my brother's attempt to tease. "Real funny, Alex."

"So, Gilbert Blythe, is he just a friend?" Dad inquired with a playful glint in his eyes.