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

19. Study Group

Since graduation was coming up, Miss Stacy made study groups for the kids doing to university. I was the only one going to Toronto. The others were going to Queen's Academy. We met every Friday and it was the first meeting. I stayed in my spot and folded my arms in the table in front of me. Anne moved to sit next to me and started talking about what she was most excited about. I listened quietly, adding little things while we waited.

Miss Stacy started the study group. Since I was the only one going to the University of Toronto, I was giving other things to study instead. A pamphlet was placed in front of me and I ran my fingers over it, feeling a lot of bumps. I grinned, realizing what it was.

"Miss Stacy, you got me something in Braille!" I exclaimed.

"Yes, indeed I did," Miss Stacy replied, placing a hand on my shoulder. "It was hard to find but I wrote to the University of Toronto and they sent that back so you could read it."

I giggled a little. "Thank you."

As I heard her walk away, my fingers traced the lines. I read through it as the others read through theirs. Miss Stacy talked for a while before allowing us to study through the material she gave. As I read through the papers, I bit some of my fingers on one hand as the other one moved. There were a few sniffles and shuffling around the room. I could tell a few were itching to leave the room and do other things but studying was more important.

When we were all done, Miss Stacy gave us a few more instructions before letting us leave. I got up with all my stuff in my hands. When in the front room, I set them down to put my jacket on. After that, I felt my books to make sure all my things were there. Everything was there and I picked them up, standing just outside on the porch for Gilbert. He came out, making sure to greet me with a verbal hello before taking my arm. We started down the path home, quiet for the first bit.

"What do you think of the material Miss Stacy gave us?" Gilbert asked.

"I liked it," I replied. "She gave me one in Braille. This is the first time since starting school here that I've ever gotten something in Braille! Gilbert, do you know how exciting that is?!"

Gilbert chuckled. "That is very exciting, Aria. Can I see it when we get home?"

"Do you still remember Braille?" I asked.

"Most of it, I believe," Gilbert replied. "I'll have to see. It's been a while since we wrote each other letters."

I smiled fondly. "I loved those times. It was always exciting when I got a letter from you."

"Me too. That was a highlight of my week," Gilbert said. "We shared so many secrets with each other. Things we wouldn't share with anyone."

"I still remember all of them," I replied. "I haven't shared a single one."

"Me neither." Gilbert squeezed my arm. "Because we're twins. Twins keep not only each other safe but their secrets too."

I smiled, resting my head momentarily on Gilbert's shoulder. We continued our walk and returned home at a decent time. The delicious smell of food hit me as I stepped inside the front door. It was making my mouth water as I took off my jackets. I could still smell it as I went upstairs to set my books in my room.

I returned downstairs and was told to sit down at the table as dinner was ready. I did as told and felt for a utensil of some sort. I picked it up and felt around the plate, finding meat of some sort and vegetables.

Once Gilbert and Bash sat down, I started eating. Gilbert and I updated Bash on the study group. I excitedly told him about the packet I was given in Braille and how it was the first Braille anything I had gotten at the new school.

"That's great, Aria," Bash said. "It's nice that Miss Stacy got that for you."

"It is!" I exclaimed, shoveling a mouthful of food into my mouth. "I love her for that."

"Were you never taught manners at the blind school?" Gilbert teased.

"They did, but it's not like none of the students could see anything," I shot back. I waved a hand in front of my face. "We're blind, remember?"

Gilbert chuckled. "Right, I forgot. We don't mind though. We still love our favorite Aria."

"I'm the only Aria you know," I shot back.

"We still love you," Bash replied.

I blushed a little, looking down. "Thank you. I love my boys too."

Gilbert grabbed my hand, squeezing. I squeezed back, smiling at him. We talked for a bit longer before getting up. I helped Bash with dishes, washing them before handing to Bash. When we finished, Bash pulled me in, wrapping his arms around me. I grabbed his face, kissing him. Bash kissed me back, holding me tightly. We held each other for a few minutes as we kissed. God, I loved these times.