twenty-one fancies

[ann_withane]

[accidental video]

[Anne steps into view...but is it really her? Well of course it is. Anyone who has seen her on certain curse days would recognize her. But this is no curse.

She looks around, confusion furrowing her brow.]

This isn't Charlottetown. Did I get off on the wrong stop? The conductor said --

[She turns around and, instead of the

Comments

[has absolutely no idea his video is on]

[justcautious]

You left? I mean, I didn't think you could leave. Leave and come back, too. I guess it must be really nice here.

[will soon fix that!]

[ann_withane]

I didn't leave on purpose. I suppose technically I was sent away, and then brought back. It would be lovely if I could choose when I go back [her voice falters a bit as she thinks of the family and friends she's left behind] but then you wouldn't be able to come back here, because you lose your memories of this place when you leave, so you wouldn't remember how to get back, or even that there was a place to come back to.

I'm Anne Shirley, by the way. Are you new here?

[video]

[justcautious]

What? That's...I...oh. Hullo, miss.

[He is looking a little bit intimidated by her. Schoolgirls. Chris is not the best with them, being afraid of teasing.]

Yeah, I just woke up here a few days ago. Though I guess I might have wandered here when I was--um. I was tired. I don't really understand it.

[He pauses, taking a nervous breath.]

...I'm Chris Skelton.

[video]

[ann_withane]

[Anne smiles reassuringly. She's lived with Matthew Cuthbert for three years -- she's good with men who are afraid of women.]

It's very nice to meet you, Chris! I hope you're settling in all right. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. My memory is a little rusty, but I think I remember enough to help. Depending on the kind of help you need, of course.

[li_xiao_lang]

...You're different.

[ann_withane]

Shaow-- [She fumbles over the pronunciation and, with an abashed grin, skips over his name.] You're still here! And you haven't changed a bit!

[li_xiao_lang]

Li. [At least that's easier to say.]

You weren't gone very long.

[ann_withane]

Really? It's been three years for me.

[freckleddoll]

Anne, s'that you? Blimey, you're older!

[ann_withane]

That happens when three years pass.

I'm so glad you're still here, Doll! It is such a pleasure to see you again.

[freckleddoll]

S'been three whole years for you? Ain't been anywhere near that long 'ere!

'm glad t'see you again too! Cor, but you grew up pretty.

[ann_withane]

[Anne is just a little too excited.]

Do you really think so? I think I have improved since I was younger, but I hadn't dared to think I might be pretty.

[The still-red hair and freckles are the unmentioned reasons.]

voice

[ann_withane]

Todd? Is that you?

voice

[ann_withane]

Three years. How long was I gone? That seems like such a strange question to ask.

[had_not_lived]

Anne-- are you.... You can't be cursed?

[video]

[ann_withane]

[Anne's eyes widen with surprise.]

Neil?

[And then she smiles.]

Neil! You're still here! I can't believe it. You haven't changed a bit!

[video]

[had_not_lived]

It hasn't really been that long.

[video]

[ann_withane]

How long?