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

15. My Best Friend

We had been put in a small room and I had to share a bed with Bash. I didn't mind but the bed was too small to fit us both so I basically had to sleep on top of Bash. We didn't mind. Gilbert combed through my hair and hummed me to sleep.

I woke up to Buhle called for us. I sat up, accidentally kneeing Bash in the crotch. I burst out laughing, almost immediately covering my mouth. Bash winced in pain, rolling onto his side as he clutched himself. I fell against the wall, laughing my butt off.

Gilbert was woken up by my laughing and Bash's groaning. He looked up at us confused. Waving a hand in front of me, I continued laughing. It took a few minutes before Bash was alright and I couldn't laugh anymore.

"What happened?" Gilbert asked.

"She attacked me!" Bash exclaimed, sitting up.

"I accidentally kneed him," I clarified. More pointedly, saying, "On accident."

Gilbert chuckled. "It looked funny. We should get dressed before Buhle comes in and beats us."

"No needing for me to leave the room," I said. "I'll just look straight on and you guys can get changed."

I sat with my hands in my lap. I could hear them getting dressed. When they finished, they left the room so I could get dressed. I pulled on a dress and a pair of pants underneath. Leaving the room soon after, I was called to the table for breakfast. A plate was put in front of me and I ate it, the astonishing taste of whatever it was hitting my mouth.

"Finish up," Buhle said. "We're leaving soon. I have to get to work soon."

When we did finish our food, we were hurried out the door. I slipped my arm in Bash's and held my chin high, excited for what was to come. I was getting to see Hilda again. Buhle kept telling me that Hilda had the same amount of excitement that I had.

We finally got to the blind school and walked up the steps. The familiar smell of it hit my nose and a whole bunch of memories came flooding back. I remember being a young child running down the halls, following the noises of other children. I remember attending classes and giggling in my room with Hilda.

"This way, Aria," Buhle said. "You two, stay in the foyer. I will come back to you."

Buhle took my hand and led me to the girls' hall. There were a few other footsteps in the hallway as Buhle took me to my old room with Hilda. According to Buhle, my old bed stayed empty in case I ever came back. Buhle knocked on the door and a voice called out for us to come in. Buhle opened the door and announced our presence.

"Aria, you're back!" Hilda exclaimed, her bed creaking as she got up.

I stumbled in her direction and caught her. We hugged each other and spoke rapidly, trying to catch each other up on everything. We were speaking in rapid Finnish and I stumbled over my words, trying to keep up with her. I thought I was a quick speaker but when Hilda got speaking, she got fast.

"Hilda, Hilda," I said. "Slow down, please."

"Of course." She was out of breath. "How have you been, Aria? How's Avonlea? Not as good as here, I hope."

"It'll never amount to Toronto, ever," I said. "I like it but it's slower-paced than here. I'm with my brother though, and I met my partner, Sebastian. I think you'll like him."

"Sebastian?" Hilda asked, sitting us down on her bed. "What's he like?"

"He's from Trinidad," I replied. "He's a very kind person and treats me well. He even suggested getting married but it was too early in our relationship. Do you want to meet him sometime?"

"Yes!" Hilda exclaimed. "I want to meet this fantastic and foreign man of yours. And your brother, of course. I don' t think I ever have met him but since he is here, I might as well."

"You'll like him but don't think about getting with him," I said. "He has someone in mind already."

"Of course," Hilda said. "Buhle, do we have anything on the schedule today?"

"We have a few classes for you two to attend," Buhle replied. "The headmaster was kind enough to allow Aria to join the classes she would be attending if she was still here. All of them are classes you are in, Hilda."

"What will Gilbert and Bash be doing?" I asked.

"I will deal with them, don't worry," Buhle said. "The first class starts in ten minutes. Let's get you ready, Aria. There will be supplies for you in each class."

"Thank you, Buhle," I replied. "Shall we go?"

Hilda pulled me to my feet. "Of course. I will show you the way."

I spent the entire day in classes with Hilda. Buhle left our side when we went to the first one but checked in with us at lunch. It was nice to meet all of my old friends and old teachers. They were happy to see me too, excitedly talking about the things I missed. I told them about my life and they listened patiently, asking questions whenever they saw fit. Another round of classes came and then dinner time, which was Buhle's day for cooking. Oh, I loved her food so much.

The day ended too soon and I went to the foyer with Hilda. Buhle was meeting us there to take me back to her house. When we got there, Gilbert was there to greet us.

"Is Bash with you?" I asked.

"I'm right here," Bash replied.

"Is that your man?" Hilda asked. "How he sounds wonderful. Where are you from again, sir?"

"Trinidad," Bash replied. "You must be Hilda, Aria's Finnish friend."

"Yes, I am," Hilda replied. "I have a lot of stories about her and I'm sad we haven't the time to delve into them."

"Luckily, you mean," I said. "I'll try and come visit again, Hilda. I can't wait until then."

"I wish you could come back and stay," Hilda said. "We would get in so much trouble. Just like old times."

I laughed. "Just like old times, Hilda. Don't get into trouble without me. You know you can't do it well without the prank queen."

"Yeah, for sure," Hilda teased. "From what I can remember, you couldn't do anything without me, not the other way around."

"Yeah, right," I said. "I love you lots, Hilda."

Hilda pulled me in. "I love you lots too, Aria. See you sometime."

I squeezed her. "See you sometime, my dear Hilda."