Come As You Are (An Anne With An E/Sebastian 'Bash' Lacroix Fanfic)

06. Home Again

Months had passed and I had gotten used to living with the Cuthberts. I enjoyed every minute of it. Anne talked a lot about school and even asked me to help her with her homework. My schooling in Toronto was far superior to hers and I was smarter than her. I did speak multiple languages so that helped me.

One day Anne looked up at me. "What does Xhosa sound like?"

I started speaking in Xhosa and Anne watched me in wonder. I told her about my life in the blind school but she didn't know anything I was saying. I only stopped when Marilla came in. I had stayed long enough to memorize the footsteps of others.

"What nonsense are you speaking?" Marilla asked.

"It's not nonsense," I replied. "It's Xhosa, one of the beautiful language of Africa. Don't call it nonsense."

"Where did you learn it from?" Marilla asked. "You've never mentioned going to Africa."

"That's because I haven't been," I replied. "There was a woman that worked at my blind school that was from South Africa. She taught me her native tongue. She spoke it often enough to me that I learned it and became fluent. I think it's a beautiful language."

"I think so too," Anne said. "I would love -" she drew out the word love. "- it if you spoke to me more. Maybe you can even teach me."

I turned to her. "Xhosa is a hard language. It may be frustrating for the first bit until you get it."

"We can start tonight," Anne offered.

"I wouldn't stay up too late," Marilla warned. "I have to run some errands with Aria."

"Can I come with?" Anne asked.

"No," Marilla replied. "You have school tomorrow. Aria, can you come with me?"

I nodded as I got up. I followed her outside and into the yard. The wind tugged at my clothes, whipping my hair around as well.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Your brother is returning tomorrow," Marilla replied. "I received a letter from him telling me when he'll be returning. I'll drop you off tomorrow around midday. He may be at school so don't be surprised if you show up to an empty house."

I grinned, throwing my arms around Marilla's shoulders. "Thank you, Marilla! I can't wait to see Gilbert again. Thank you for telling me."

Marilla hugged me back. "You're very welcome, Aria. Now head inside. Anne is expecting you."

As we walked in, I asked, "What are you going to tell Anne about my sudden disappearance?"

"She'll find out when Gilbert shows up to school tomorrow," Marilla replied. "I have other things to do tomorrow that will keep me busy most of the day. By the time I return, she will already be asleep."

I opened the door. "Thank you again, Marilla."

"Of course," she responded.

I sat with Anne for a bit longer before we went into Anne's room. I sat on Anne's desk chair as Anne sat on her bed. I taught her the basics, like the alphabet, and though she struggled on most of it, she tried her best.

It was late when I went to my room. I undressed and crawled into bed. I tossed and turned for a bit, excited about tomorrow. I was happy that Gilbert was coming home. He had been gone for what felt like forever.

In the morning I was bouncing around my room with excitement. I dressed as quickly as possible, wearing one of my best dresses. I couldn't wait until I heard Gilbert's stories and to hug him again.