Life and Love

It was winter. A soft, smooth, sweet blanket of crisp white snow had covered the world of Avonlea, leaving it tranquil and blissfully enchanting. The cold wind sang from the leaf-less bows of the tree tops, the sapphire ocean danced along the shores of Prince Edward Island playfully, and the chiming of sleigh-bells in the distance kept time.
"Hey big brother," Cecily said as she came out onto the veranda. "Want some breakfast?"
"That depends," Felix replied, "Is mother the cook this morning…or is it you?"
"It’s mother, goof ball, I’m just the messenger."
"Oh good," he sighed exaggeratedly. "I was afraid that I’d have to stomach your eggs and that would just be too much for me to handle this morning!"
"Very funny Felix! Now are you coming in or not?"
"Yeah I’m coming in." Felix picked himself up and walked into the kitchen. The warm familiar smell of mother’s breakfasts filled his nostrils.
"Here you are Felix," Janet said as she placed his breakfast in front of him and kissed his forehead. "I’ve made your favorite this morning!"
"Mail delivery!" cried Daniel as he swarmed the kitchen..
"Daniel King! Where is your head! Take off those snowy boots this instant! Look at what you’ve done to my floor!"
"Sorry mother."
"Here Daniel," Felix said as he gestured for the mitt-full of envelopes, "give those to me and go and take your shoes off before mother throws a conniption"
Daniel handed the mail to Felix and dashed out to take off his boots. Felix rummaged through the mail. Nothing for him. Three for father. One for mother. A postcard for Daniel. A letter for Cecily.
"Cess! Mail!"
"Who from?"
Felix scanned the envelope for a return address.
"55 Elm Lane, Halifax, Nova Scotia! Who do you know in Halfa…" Felix went white.
"Felix…now don’t…"
"Cecily, is this from Izzy?"
"Yes."
"She’s still writing to you?"
"Yes. Did she stop writing you?
"Yes. Please open it."
Cecily took the letter from his shaking hands and opened it. She unfolded the stationary and began to read the neat, slanted hand-writing.
"How is she?" he asked her softly.
"She’s fine."
"Just fine?"
"Just fine, Felix."
"What else did she say?"
"She said to wish everyone back here a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, that she still misses Avonlea and that she hopes to hear from me soon."
"Is that all?" he asked, trying to peak over her shoulder at the letter.
"Felix King! You’ve no right to ask me questions about a personal letter! This is not an interrogation."
"Sorry. I just miss her."
"I know," Cecily said, taking a softer tone. She almost felt bad for keeping the secret from him. "I’m sure she misses you too."
"That’s why she stopped writing to me."
"Felix, I…"
"No Cess, really. I’m Okay. Really."
"Okay."
"I’m going out for a while."
"Thanks for breakfast mother," he said gloomily as he left. Cecily looked at her mother and shrugged.
"I don’t know what to do about him," said Janet.
"I don’t know either mother. I think that he was really hurt that Izzy stopped writing to him. But he doesn’t understand. He just doesn’t understand. If only I could say something to him I…"
"Cecily, you promised Izzy that you wouldn’t. You promised her that you would say nothing to Felix. You’ll just have to wait. But poor Felix in the meantime!"

"I can’t believe it’s been almost a year already since I came home!" cried Felix. He was seated in the chair in Doctor Blair’s office.
"Well Felix King, that’s about it. You’re arm is as good as new!"
"Thanks Doc! So, I don’t need to come in anymore?"
"No, you’re just fine. Unless you experience any pain, or lose control of movement, you’re done!"
"Alright! Thanks again!"
Felix bolted out the door and hopped quickly on his bicycle. It was already three thirty in the afternoon and he had to be back at the White Sands to work at four. He knew that the hotel staff would already have been hard at work preparing for the Christmas party – the Snowflake Ball – that was to be held that night. Felix would be working the whole evening, but that didn’t matter. What was a Ball with no date anyway? He sped to the hotel and quickly changed into his uniform.
"Felix!" Mr. Tremain called out. "I’m glad you’re here! Would you please help with a few things in the dining room?"
"Of course sir."
Meanwhile at the King farmhouse, Cecily was cooking up a wonderful pre-Christmas surprise for her brother.
"Well, what do you think?" she said as she modeled her dress for "the surprise".
"I think it’s beautiful Cess! I still can’t believe that you’re going with Peter Craig!"
"I know! I don’t know how it happened, but it did…and I’ve never been this happy before."
"I’m so happy for you Cecily."
"I know you are. I wasn’t sure that this kind of thing could happen to me…not after Elbert. We were getting so close, and then he…But, c’est la vie. And what about you! Talk about beautiful! That dress is going to get more than a few looks tonight!"
"Only one actually matters," mused "the surprise".
The hotel was gorgeously decorated by the time the hotel staff was through and guests began to walk in the doors. Soon, it was bubbling over with laughter and conversation. Felix walked around with a tray, offering beverages to some and mingling with others. Every now and then he would have to remind himself that he was an employee that evening and not a guest. He handed out the last drinks on his tray then turned to go to the kitchen for more.
"Girls? Are you ready?" called Janet from the buggy. "We’re waiting!"
Cecily and ‘the surprise’ floated out to the buggy, their dresses on and covered by their wraps, and their hair perfectly coiled up and curled.
"Ladies, ladies, ladies! You both look magnificent!" Alec told them.
"Thank you father. Now, let’s get going before Peter thinks I stood him up!"Jovial, Alec and Janet and the girls rode to the White Sands.
"Felix! Merry Christmas!"
"Peter Craig! I haven’t seen you in a while! Merry Christmas to you too! Who are you here with?"
"Your sister…or rather, not. She’s not here yet."
"Don’t worry Peter! Girls are almost always fashionably late!" Felix turned to hand another guest another drink.
"Sorry Peter. We really didn’t men to be so late. I hope you weren’t waiting too long! Felix?" asked Cecily, having arrived and been standing behind him.
"Hey Cess! What’s up?" he said, his back still turned as he handed out more eggnog.
"I’ve got a surprise for you."
"Oh yeah," he began to turn around, "What’s th…" Felix turned pale. "Izzy?"
"Hello Felix," Izzy said quietly.
"Surprise! And Felix, I’ve worked it out with Mr. Tremain that you don’t have to work anymore. I’ve brought you a change of clothes as well. There in the staff dressing room. I’ll leave you two alone now." She smiled at Peter and they walked off. Felix had barely heard a word Cecily said. They stared at each other in silence for a long while.
"Izzy," Felix whispered.
"I missed you Felix."
"I missed you too!" And among all the people of Avonlea, in the middle of dining room, Felix moved towards her, took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. They got completely lost in each other’s touch. Felix pulled away slightly and wiped away a tear that had escaped his eyes.
"Do you want to go out on the veranda?" Izzy asked him.
"Yeah," he said breathlessly. "Just let me go and change out of this uniform. I’ll meet you out there."
"Okay."
Felix changed quicker that was humanly possible and briskly walked outside where he spotted Izzy on the lawn looking out on the frozen December ocean. He walked up behind her and slipped his arms around her slender waist. For awhile they said nothing, just enjoying the pleasure of being together.
"It feels so good to be in your arms again!" Izzy breathed.
"Why didn’t you come home sooner?"
"I don’t know. I was so afraid that things would be different; that you’d be different. I wasn’t sure that you still loved me or even wanted to love me. I guess that’s what kept me away so long."
"Why didn't you write?"
"The same reasons, I suppose."
"None of it matters now Izz. You do know how I feel about you now don’t you? No more doubts I need to clear away?"
"Well," Izzy said coyly as she turned about in his arms to face him, "there might be a few things that need clearing."
"Oh yeah? Does this help?" he asked just before he captured her lips again.
"Yeah, but just in case, you’d better try one more time." Again, he pressed his lips to hers vigorously.
Breathlessly, Izzy exclaimed, "That about does it!" Felix smiled and pushed away a stray hair that was residing on her forehead.
"I still can’t believe you’re right here in front of me."
"Neither can I."
"Are you going to stay here in Avonlea?"
"I want to. We kept the house, so I don’t see what would be wrong with staying. I guess I’ll have to talk to father and Murielle before I make any concrete plans," she said, looking up at him adoringly as she said ‘concrete plans’.
"I guess we should think about those concrete…long term….plans, shouldn’t we?"
"I guess. I love you Felix and I desperately want to stay here in Avonlea."
"I know you do. And I want you to stay! You have no idea! I’ve missed you so much."Izzy leaned into his chest and he wrapped his arms lovingly around her.
"Well you two," said Cecily as she came out to greet them.
"Cecily King, I cannot believe that you kept this from me!" exclaimed Felix. "If I’d have known I’d have…"
"You’d have gone sleepless for days, not eaten a bite and it wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun! Don’t lie to yourself Felix, you know you love it!"
"Cecily called me about a week, no…two weeks ago and asked me if I’d like to come home for Christmas. Father and Murielle are going to join me here for the holidays."
"How are your father and Murielle? Are they enjoying Halifax?" asked Felix.
"Actually, yes. More than expected. I don’t think that they’ll ever come back to the Island. They bought a place just outside of Halifax, and father enjoys his job…there’s so much to keep them there. They’re happy."
"What about you? Did you enjoy Halifax?"
"No. I hated every minute of it. Well, Ok, maybe not every minute, but homesickness was second nature. I can’t see myself every living, and being happy, anywhere but our dear Avonlea."
"Good."
"Do you guys want to come back inside?" asked Cecily. "Mother and Father would be elated to see you Izz."
"Sure. I’d love to get reacquainted with everyone again." Felix put his arm about her waist (there was no way he was going to let go of her!) and together the three of them found their way back to the party.
It was a wonderful evening, honestly enjoyed by all. Felix may have preferred a few more stolen moments alone with Izzy, but she was abuzz with the excitement of being back in Avonlea and seeing all their old chums. All in all, it was beautiful. It was late when Cecily and Peter, and Felix and Izzy decided to throw in the towel. They dropped Peter off and then carried on to King Farm.
"I hope it’s alright with your folks that I stay the night, you two," said Izzy.
"Of course it’s alright," replied Felix as he tightened his arm around her shoulders. Izzy snuggled deeper into his chest. She looked around her lovingly.
"You don’t know how long I’ve dreamed of a night like this. It’s so wonderful to be home again."
"I am so glad you’re home Iz! I was so lonely here without you," Cecily told her.
"I missed you too Cess!"
"Well ladies, here we are," he said as they pulled into their lane. Felix stopped the buggy right outside the back door for the girls. He ran to their side of the buggy and lifted them out, Cecily first, and then Izzy.
"Thanks," she whispered.
"You’re welcome," he whispered back. "I’m going to unhitch the horses, and put the buggy away. So, I guess I’ll see you both in the morning."
"Why don’t you come in to say goodnight? We’ll still be awake," offered Cecily.
"Alright. I’ll be in in a few minutes."

"I think Felix was happy to see Izzy," commented Alec with a smile as they got ready for bed.
"There’s no doubt about that!"
"Do you think Felix will marry Izzy?"
"Alec, haven’t you got eyes? Of course they’ll marry. They’re in love. But they’re so young."
"Janet, have you forgotten that Felix will be twenty-four in a matter of months? It’s about time he found a girl to settle down with. And he and Izzy have been matched up since childhood…it’s providence."
"Providence," Janet whispered to herself and she feel asleep.
Felix came in from the cold night after unhitching the buggy and taking care of the horses. Normally Cecily would have done it but not only did the girls deserve a little time alone, but Felix needed to think. Now he walked quietly up the stairs as to not wake anyone else who might be sleeping and knocked gently on Cecily’s door.
"Cess? Izzy?"
"Come in Felix." Felix opened the door and stepped inside. The minute his eyes set upon Izzy’s face a wide, open grin parted his lips.
"Felix? What on earth are you smiling at?" Izzy asked him.
"Nothing. It’s just been so long since I walked into this room and saw you in here with Cecily, that’s all."
"Oh, glad I asked then." She smiled warmly.
"So, I bet there’s a lot to catch up on, hey?" said Cecily.
"Oh! Did I tell you guys that Murielle is pregnant?"
"No! That’s wonderful!" cried Cecily.
"Did Cess tell you that Felicity’s had a baby?"
"No! Cecily! That’s so exciting! Tell me all about it!"
"It’s a girl," said Cecily.
"Her name is Lily," continued Felix.
"She’s beautiful…"
"She looks just like Felicity…"
"And she’s the most spoiled child on PEI!"
"I bet!" Izzy laughed! "I can just imagine! Almost as spoiled as Felicity must have been when she was born. The first in the next generation of King children," she said softly, smiling at Felix.
Cecily took that as her cue to give them a moment alone.
"Um…guys…I’ll be right back…I’ve got to…um…get a….drink…a drink of water…that’s it…a drink of water…I’ll be…right back.," she stammered.
Felix watched Cecily get up and shut the door behind her. As he heard her footsteps down the hall he leaned over and kissed Izzy, hard and slow, until every cell in their bodies shook. Izzy finally had to pull away for fear…or for longing (she couldn’t tell which) of what might happen if she continued to let Felix kiss her that way.
"I love you, Felix Alexander King."
"I love you, Isolde – Jessica – Pettibone…with all my heart." They stared at each other in silence, still unable to think that just a day ago, they had been so far apart.
"You know, Felix, you look a lot different then you used to."
"That’s because I AM different, Izz. War will do that."
"I was so afraid for you over there. Everyday, every time the phone rang, I couldn’t help but fear that it was Cess, calling to tell me the worst. I missed you so, so much Felix. I never want to be apart from you again."
"And I promise that you won’t ever have to be. I promise Izzy."
"I love you."
"Hey guys," Cecily came in. "Sorry about that…my throat got scratchy all of the sudden."
Izzy laughed. "Liar! We know exactly what you were up to Ceclily King. Thank you."
"Always happy to do a good deed! Sorry to break up you two lovebirds for the night but I could use a little shut-eye. I’m kicking you out Big Brother."
"Okay, Okay. You know Izz, Cecily has become a drill sergeant! You’d better watch out!" He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss.
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Izzy whispered.
"Goodnight Felix…"
"Goodnight Cecily…" mimicked Felix as he shut their bedroom door.
The next day was the happiest Felix had experienced in a long time. Until Izzy had come back, he hadn’t really realized that a big piece of him was missing. Having her by his side completed him, and he had never felt this…whole, in his entire life.
Now Felix was sitting placidly in the kitchen, frozen to the very core from his outdoor chores that morning. He looked up at the clock. 10 am.
"Izzy must be sleeping well!" he said to Cecily.
"The poor dear is exhausted. She fell almost right to sleep when you left."
"You mean to tell me that you two didn’t stay up until all hours talking until your tongues were sore?"
"I said ‘almost’!"Izzy walked sleepily down the stairs.
"Morning Felix," Izzy smiled. Felix laughed.
"More like, ‘good afternoon’" he corrected her. Izzy yawed. "Did you sleep well?" he asked her gently.
"Yes. It felt so nice to sleep. I slept better tonight that I ever have in Halifax! Things just felt so…right."
"I know."
"So, what is on your schedule today Cecily?" Izzy asked of her friend.
"Oh, nothing really."
"Well, what do you want to do?"
"I thought you’d want to spend the day with Felix…"
"No, Felix and I will be together tonight. He’s promised me a surprise. But I want to spend the day with you!"
"Okay, well um, do have the key to your old place? We could go over there and get you settled in, clean it up a bit for when you father and Murielle come back. When are they coming home Izz?"
"Tomorrow morning I think. Yes, tomorrow morning."
"Then we will run over to your old place and get things in order."
"Alright, gee Cess, Felix was right when he said you’d turned into a drill sergeant!" laughed Izzy. Cecily laughed along.
"Yes indeed soldier! Now march! We mustn’t waste any time!" Cecily ‘marched’ her way up the stairs to her bedroom to change.
"I’ll see you later then?" she said as she bent down to whisper in Felix’s ear.
"Definitely. Until later…" He kissed her.
"Until later…"she repeated.
Izzy fit the key into the door and wrenched it open. The girls stepped in.
"Boy, it sure is dusty in here," commented Izzy as she stepped through the hallway. "But everything’s pretty much as we left it."
The girls got immediately to work. They washed the walls and scrubbed the floors. They pulled off the sheets to reveal the furniture and dusted the shelves. And when everything was perfect and clean, as if Izzy and her family hadn’t spent a day out of that house, the girls sat back and admired their handiwork.
"Cess, I need your honest opinion of something…and I really mean honest. Promise you won’t lie to me to spare my feelings?"
"Um…Okay…Izzy, what is it?"
"I’ll be right back," she said as she dashed up the stairs.
A few moment later, a transformed Izzy walked down the stairs. She was no longer the girl in the filthy cleaning clothes, but a beautiful young women, in a long cranberry dress with capped sleeves and a low neckline.
"Oh my…"
"What do you think?"
"Oh my…"
"Cecily! What do you think?"
"I think it’s gorgeous! Where did you get that? That’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen!"
"I made it."
"For what? When is there ever and occasion for a dress like that!"
"Well, I wasn’t going to tell you this, I mean…I’m not sure…but I think…I…"
"Izzy, please just spit it out!"
"I think that Felix is going to propose tonight," she said quickly and quietly.
"I’m sorry Izz, you’re going to have to speak up…I thought I just heard you say that Felix is going to propose to you tonight!" asked Cecily, dumbstruck.
"Yeah, that’s what I said!"
"Are you serious! You mean I’m not dreaming! You really are going to be my sister!" exclaimed Cecily overjoyed.
"Now, Cess, that’s just my suspicion. Don’t be disappointed if I’m wrong."
"What if you're right!"
"I know!"
"Will you get married right away?"
"I’d like to. Whatever Felix wants. But it will be a beautiful wedding, that’s for sure. When mother died, she left her savings to me. It’s an account that she had saved for my wedding. I didn’t actually come to possession of it until this past year when I turned eighteen. There’s more that enough there to give us the perfect wedding."
"And Felix will come into possession of some of the King land, and there will be a house built for you. You see, when father was a young lad, there were the two homes – Rose Cottage and King Farm – and Rose Cottage was empty, waiting for my uncle to take it over when he got married. But farming wasn’t his dream, and father wasn’t old enough yet to have a farm of his own. Anyways, since Aunt Hetty was the oldest and wasn’t married, she took over Rose Cottage itself, but not the land. And then when Old Grandfather King passed away, Father was entitled to the house, and all the King land – since the Rose Cottage half was not it use by Hetty. But now, as the oldest boy, Felix will inherit the Rose Cottage land, and Father has decided that when Felix gets married there will be a new house built. Phew! What a story! But anyways, you’ll have somewhere to live."
"I guess I’ll have to talk to Felix, but…is farming his dream? He’s never mentioned anything like that to me. All I’ve ever heard him talk about is the Hotel and his future there as Mr. Tremain’s right-hand-man, and then successor. Maybe he doesn’t even want the land."
"Maybe."
"Listen to us! What are we talking about this for anyways? Felix and I aren’t even engaged yet!"
"If he wasn’t going to propose to you before, he will now Izz. You are a knock out in that dress!"
Felix paced the floor of the King farmhouse. Where was his father when he needed him? Felix cracked his knuckles, and looked out the window.
"Felix? Are you Okay?" his father asked him, coming into the kitchen from the side door.
"Yes. Oh, father…I have a question for you…um..."
"Shoot."
"How did you propose to mother?" he said quickly. Alec moved his way to a chair and sat down, bewildered.
"Oh, um…well…son…" Alec thought for a moment. "Does this, by any chance, have to do with Izzy?"
"Who else?"
"Now Felix. I know that you’re in love with her. And I know that it might seem like the right thing to do right now…propose I mean…but you really ought to think about this first! You’re too young to get married."
"Father…"
"No, Felix. You can’t get married now! How do you intend to support a wife and a family. Your job at the hotel will hardly do forever! You have no ambition boy! Before you settle down, you need to have something to settle down to! You can’t get married Felix." Felix sat in silence. Maybe his father was right…
"Thank you father."
When Felix knocked on the door of the Pettibone house later that evening, he was greeted by Murielle.
"Izzy will be down in a moment. Would you like to wait inside?"
"Please. Thank you."
"Hi Felix," said Izzy as she bounced down the stairs, coat on, ready to go.
"Shall we?"
"We shall. Goodnight father! Goodnight Murielle!"
"Goodnight! Have a good time!"
"We will! See you later!"
When they arrived at the White Sands, they walked in hand in hand. Felix helped Izzy off with her coat. He turned to hang it up, then turned back to look at her.
"Izzy! You look…wow! You’re so beautiful." He whispered again, "God, you’re beautiful!"
"Do you like my dress?"
"Like it? It’s exquisite. You are exquisite." "Thank you."
"Wow. Um, let’s go into the dining room shall we? Let’s see how many heads you turn!"

"So Izz," said Felix, staring at her across the table. She was so beautiful and he was so full of the love he held for her that his earlier doubts disappeared and he knew that he had to ask her to marry him.
"So…"
"Um…I, uh, have something important to ask you Izzy." Izzy’s stomach turned over and her heart leaped. This is it she thought to her self. Out loud she said,
"What is it?" Felix put his hand in his pocket and felt the small velvet box. He clutched his hand around it, ready to pull it out. His fathers words came into his head. He did not want Izzy to agree to marry him if, after the wedding, he couldn’t support her. He let go of the box.
"Well…um…what…er…how…um…well…" He struggled for something to ask her. "What would you like to drink?"
"Pardon?"
"Um, what I meant to say was…" Tears were welling up in Izzy’s eyes. She could not look at him.
"Excuse me Felix." She ran out of the dining room and out onto the veranda.
Felix sat alone for a few minutes, completely unsure of what had upset Izzy. But then it came to him. She must have thought he was going to propose, like he’d intended.
"Once again, Felix King, you made an ass of yourself," he whispered. He got up, determined to find and talk to Izzy. He didn’t know how he should propose. He wanted it to be eloquent and memorable. He dug out the box and took out the ring. He walked out on the veranda and spotted Izzy, standing on the lawn, looking out at the water and the setting sun. Felix walked silently towards her, and then slipped his arms around her waist, holding out the ring.
"Marry me?" he whispered in her ear. Izzy turned around to face him. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying. But she laughed.
"I thought you’d never ask!"
"Is that a yes?" "Yes," she whispered before she kissed him and crushed him in her arms. Felix pulled away and slipped the ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit.
Then, wrapped in a warm, sure embrace, they watched as the sun went down on the Atlantic Ocean, just as the sun had gone down on one period of their lives. But now, they couldn’t wait for the sun to come up again, bringing new, exciting things to them. They were no longer two people standing alone, but were joined by the heart. And such are the matters of life and love.

Hook, Line and 'Singer'?


A winter-y sun beat down upon the clean white fields of PE Island. It was early morning and few of the residents of Avonlea dared venture out in the sunny, but bitterly cold outdoors. However, a strange sleigh pulled by alien horses slid swiftly along the icy roads, it’s passengers bundled up close together under mounds of warm blankets. "No I understand why you love your Avonlea so," said the driver.
"It’s the dearest, most beautiful place in the world, isn’t it?"
"It’s certainly a change of pace from the city!"
"Shh. Listen." The driver paused and waited.
"I don’t hear anything.."
"Exactly." They smiled at each other as they continued down the quiet country roads.

"I hate boxing day!" exclaimed Daniel, exasperated. Felix laughed at the expression on his younger brother’s face.
"Why?"
"Because it means that Christmas is over!"
"Sure, but it also means that New Year’s is getting closer." "What’s so exciting about New Years? It’s just another calendar."
"What’s so exciting about New Year’s? The people, the parties, the food…the kisses…" "Blech! Kisses? Like from a girl?"
Felix nodded.
"Ew," stated Daniel firmly.
"One of these days you’ll understand."
"Please don’t say that Felix. I hate it when people say that to me. That’s what F’licity said when I asked her where babies come from. Where do babies come from Felix?"
Felix blushed and was speechless.
"You’ll, uh. Have to talk to father about that one Daniel."
"I understand," he said patting Felix’s shoulder with sympathy. "You don’t understand either. Maybe you can ask father too."
"Um…yeah. I’m going to see how Cess and mother are doing in the kitchen."

Hetty was in the kitchen, boiling water for her tea when she heard someone come in the door.
"Hello?" she called out. There was no answer.
"Hello?" she asked again. When no one answered back, she walked out into the sitting room and saw a tall girl, dressed in a long, pale, expensive looking dress. Her blond curled and coiled up on her head. The girl turned around when she heard Hetty’s footsteps.
"Merry Christmas Aunt Hetty!" the girl smiled.
"Sarah Ruth Stanley! My girl, what are you doing here?" Hetty cried, embracing the girl tightly in her arms.
"I’ve finished school in Paris Aunt Hetty. And I missed Avonlea so much I couldn’t bear to be away from it a moment longer. I’m home for the holidays!"
"Oh Sarah!"
"Aunt Hetty, there’s someone I want you to meet," Sarah said cautiously. She called out, "John!"
A tall, nicely built young man of no more that 25 stepped in from the outside. His hair was a deep chestnut, the same were his eyes. And he had a very kind look about him that made Hetty instantly comfortable in his presence.
"Aunt Hetty, this is John Singer. My fiancé."
"Fiancé! Oh Sarah how wonderful! Come in lad, come in! You must both have a cup of tea with me."
"Thank you Aunt Hetty."
"So, Mr. Singer…"
"Please, call me John."
"Alright…John. Tell me about yourself? Did you go to school with our Sarah in Paris?"
"Yes, I did. We were both in the arts school."
"Aunt Hetty, John is an artist. He paints fabulous still life!"
"An artist…really…"
"A very well-known and established artist, Aunt Hetty."
"I’m sure."
"Have you read any of Sarah’s writing lately Miss King?"
"No."
"I’m sure you’ll find it exhilarating. Sarah’s a very talented young writer."
"Yes I know. So…were you…living…together in Paris," said Aunt Hetty in her famous cautiously-blunt way.
"Heaven’s no, Aunt Hetty! Do you really think I’d forsake my wholesome Island upbringing? No, John and I lived in the residences at school, which are split into male/female sections. No need to worry!"
"I respect your niece in the highest, Miss King, let me assure you."
"I’m sure you do John."
"Actually Aunt Hetty. We should be getting over to the hotel, it’s getting dark and the roads are icy…"
"Good grief no! No King relation will ever stay in the hotel as long as I’m around. You’ll stay right here at Rose Cottage. Both of you. Sarah, you’re room is just the way you left it and John, Sarah will show you to the spare room, won’t you Sarah?"
"Of course Aunt Hetty. Thank you."
"You’re welcome. I’d really like to be more social but I’m awfully tired and I think I’ll just go right to bed. We’ll finish our catching up in the morning."
"Goodnight Aunt Hetty."
"Good night, Sarah. Goodnight, John."
"Goodnight!" the couple replied.

The next morning, Sarah, John and Hetty made their way over to the King Farmhouse where the family was enjoying their breakfast. They knocked on the door. v"Who in their right mind would be calling at this hour?" asked Janet to nobody in particular. b"Are there no hours in the day sacred to family?" Sarah opened the door.
"But I am family Aunt Janet!" she smiled.
"Sarah? Sarah Stanley! Come in child! What are you doing in Avonlea? If we’d known to expect you…"
"No no, I’ve had breakfast. I stayed with Aunt Hetty last night."
"Hetty you must have been so pleased!"
"Yes! I was!"
"Everyone! Sarah’s home!"
The entire family ran in from the kitchen to greet her. Hugs went around the room.
"Come in Sarah," said Felix.
"Actually, before we do that, there’s someone I’d like you all to meet." John stepped into he room.
"Everybody, this is my fiancé John. John, this is everybody."
"Hello everyone, it’s so nice to finally meet all of you. I’ve heard so much about Sarah’s Island-family."
"Hello John, please come in. We’d love to get acquainted with you."
The large party of people moved from the small front hall into the more spacious sitting room.
"So, John, where are you from?"
"Actually, and Aunt Hetty this will please you, John is an Island boy," Sarah told them.
"Born and raised," he added.
"Oh really?" said Hetty, excited that Sarah wasn’t marrying some boy from goodness-knows-where. "Where abouts?"
"Charlottetown. My father is the owner of a large hotel there."
"What’s it called, perhaps we’ve heard of it," asked Felix.
"Oh, um…it’s called…er…well, actually my father just changed the it’s name and I can’t quite recall what he finally decided upon."
"Felix is a hotel man," Alec told John.
"He’s Mr. Tremain’s right-hand-man over at the White Sands."
‘You don’t say! Why, Mr. Tremain and my father go way back! I haven’t seen Tremain in years! I bet he doesn’t even recognize me! My father would like for me to get into the hotel business. Sarah, is that the hotel we were going to stay at?" Sarah nodded.
"Perhaps I’ll go and visit Mr. Tremain this afternoon. If he hires me on, we can set up house right here in Avonlea. Would that please you Miss Sarah?" Sarah’s eyes had gotten wide and she threw her arms around John. "That would be wonderful! Just think, living right here in Avonlea! It’s a dream come true!"
The family talked for hours, getting to know John and reminiscing with Sarah. It was a joyous morning and everyone was slightly disheartened when John said t hat they would have to be going if they wanted to stop by the hotel. Again, hugs went around the room before doors were closed.
"There’s something I don’t like about that guy," commented Felix as they watched Sarah and John go.
"Why?" asked Janet. "I thought he was sweet. And Sarah obviously loves him. Don’t you trust her judgement?"
"Yes but…" "Felix, why are you trying to put a damper on Sarah’s happiness?"
"I’m not it’s just…"
"What?"
"Nothing. Forget it. I’m glad Sarah’s home."
"Me too!" cried Cecily.
"I told Sarah to stop by the Foundling Home to see Felicity…she’ll be thrilled!"
At the White Sands Hotel, Mr. Tremain was busy making plans for the big New Year’s Eve Ball that was to happen there. Sarah and John walked in. They looked around.
"I don’t see him anywhere."
"He’s right there silly," Sarah pointed in front of them.
"Oh yes of course. Hey! Mr. Tremain! Over here!" Mr. Tremain was outraged. No one yells in the lobby of his hotel!
"Excuse me sir," Mr. Tremain said roughly. v"Tremain…remember me? Smilin’ Jack Singer’s son John! I’ve grown up a lot since you saw me last!"
"John Singer? Really? I wouldn’t have recognized you! What a nice surprise. Oh and Ms. Stanley! It’s been quite a while since we saw you around these parts."
"Yes it has." "What can I do for you little Johnny?"
"Well, I was wondering if you had any positions available here at your hotel for me. Sarah and I are going to be married and I’d like to stay here in Avonlea where she can be close to her family."
"Don’t you want to help your father with his hotel?"
"Of course I’d like to, but Sarah needs to be in Avonlea. She hasn’t stopped smiling since we arrived and I want her to be happy. She just wouldn’t be in Charlottetown."
"Yes, I understand. Congratulations on your engagement."
"Thank you," answered Sarah sweetly.
"About a job…the only place I could use someone is in the kitchen as a dishwasher – and that certainly won’t d for the son of a friend and fellow hotel man. No, you know what I’ll do. You can help young Felix King in the position of Assistant Manager. Master King can always use a little help."
"Thank you sir. Thank you very much."
"You’re welcome. Can you start tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow? Of course! Whenever you want me Mr. Tremain!"
"Good, see you tomorrow then!"

Felix rushed into the lobby of the hotel and through to the Manager’s Desk.
"Sorry I’m late Mr. Tremain! I know that you need to discus plans with me for the New Year’s Eve Ball…."
"It’s alright Felix. I need to talk to you about something else first though. I’ve hired another Assistant Manager…"
"Sir, if you’ve been unhappy with my work in this position sir, I apologize and I will try my hardest to rectify your opinion of me."
"No no Felix! I’m not firing you! I just hired someone else on to help you. A young man that is the son of a friend of mine. His name is…"
"John Singer perhaps?"
"Yes, how did you know that!"
"He’s engaged to my cousin Sarah and I had the chance to meet him this morning."
"He’s a nicel fellow isn’t he? A fine lad. I wouldn’t be surprise if he was the owner of this hotel one day. He has a lot of ambition."
All Felix could do was smile, even though he felt his job, his career, and his place as Mr. Tremain’s successor slipping away from him.
The next day, Felix and John rode to work together. Felix tried his best not to have to speak to his slightly unwelcome companion.
"Good morning boys!" Mr. Tremain greeted them cheerfully.
"Ready to get to work."
"Yes, sir," answered Felix.
"Of course Old Man Tremain! Ready and willing! What can w…I do for you?"
"Well, that’s what I like to hear…someone raring to go first thing in the morning. You could stand to learn a few lessons from John, Master King."
"Yes Mr. Tremain."
"Anyways, the plans for New Years Eve are as follows…"
"Oh, Mr. Tremain," interrupted John.
"I was wondering if I could have New Year’s Eve off. It’s the first party I’ll be attending here in Avonlea and I’d like to get to know everyone."
"Of course…Felix will be here to take care of things."
"But sir," said Felix, "You promised me that night off. I’ve been working so much here at the hotel that I haven’t had a lot of time for Izzy…New Year’s Eve was going to be my way of making it up to her."
"Well, Felix, I’m sorry, I forgot, but John here really does need to get to know everyone. I’m sure Izzy will understand."
"Yes sir."
"Alright, so if that’s settled, the plan for New Years Eve are…

"Who does this guy think he is Izz?" cried Felix, exasperated as they walked hand in hand down a moonlit path that night. "I mean, he waltzes in here, the family falls in love with him, he practically steals my position at the White Sands from under me and now, apparently, he suddenly has seniority over me which means…I have to work the hotel New Year’s Eve." He saw Izzy’s hopes fall. "I’m sorry. I know I’ve been really busy lately. And New Year’s Eve was supposed to be our night. But I promise I will steal away a couple of dances with you, so keep your card open, okay?"
"Of course. And just ‘cause you’re working doesn’t mean that you’ll be inaccessible. As long as I can get to you at midnight…" Felix laughed into her kiss.
"This guy…I don’t know what it is…but there’s something I don’t like about him. I just wish I could figure it out!"
The telephone rang at the front desk and Mr. Tremain picked up.
"Hello, White Sands Hotel, how may I help you?" "Yes, I’m looking for Mr. Tremain."
"At your service, sir."
"Ah, cut it out with all the formalities old man! Don’t you recognize the voice of your old pals?"
"Jack? Jack Singer? Is that you?"
"Of course it’s me – Ol’ smiling’ Jack! Listen Tremain, I’m calling because my son is on his way to Avonlea…"
"Yes, I know…he’s here already."
"Really? I was sure he told me he was stopping in Summerside for a week of two before heading on to Avonlea."
"Well, he must have changed his mind. He came to see me yesterday about a job here. He’s my new assistant manager."
"Oh, really…thank you for being so kind to my boy."
"Not a problem Jack. But why isn’t he working with you?"
"Oh, well, he was…but he decided that working for his father was the easy way out. My John has a lot of ambition. He wanted to know that he could make it in the hotel business with out the upper hand of being the son of the owner."
"He’s a fine lad. Though, I hardly recognized him. He’s changed a great deal since I saw him last."
"Yes, he’s grown up into a good man."
"Well, Jack, I’m sorry that I have to cut this short. But I have a hotel to prepare for the New Year."
"Yes, I understand. I’m caught up in the exact same thing."
"Say, you’re son mentioned to me that you changed the name of your hotel…"
"He did? That’s funny. It’s been the same for years."
"Hm. Well, I’d best be going. Maybe we can get together for some friendly reminiscence soon."
"Yes. Good bye Old Man." "Good bye Smilin’ Jack."

Felix decided to walk home that evening rather that to drive with John as he had that morning. He couldn’t stand that guy. Already, after only two days of work, he had taken Felix’s place as Mr. Tremain’s most trusted employee. All tasks and advice Mr. Tremain would other wise have asked of him were now directed solely at John. And when Felix tried to get a head of the game by offering to do a job that Mr. Tremain had not asked yet, John Singer got to it first. Or he took the credit. Felix’s blood was boiling. He couldn’t believe that his family had been taken by this monster! It was unbelievable. He wondered if Sarah knew had manipulative her fiancé could be…

When Felix walked into the kitchen his mother was hard at work.
"Special occasion mother?" he asked.
"We’re having an engagement dinner for Sarah and John this evening Felix. What took you so long to get home?"
"I walked from the hotel mother."
"Why didn’t you ride with John?"
"Because I didn’t want to," he snapped. Janet said nothing more about John Singer.
"You’d better get yourself dressed into something presentable. I’ve invited the Pettibones over."
"Why are we having an engagement party so early?"
"Early? Sarah and John are getting married the Saturday after New Years." Felix nearly choked on the cookie he’d picked up and popped whole into his mouth.
"They’re getting married in less than two weeks? That was fast."
"Apparently John is in a real hurry."
"Why?" "I don’t know. I guess he’s really in love with Sarah."
"Okay," said Felix skeptically.
"Run along now Felix. Get dressed."
"Yes mother."

Felix was waiting in the sitting room when the Pettibones arrived.
"Hello Mr. Pettibone, Mrs. Pettibone. How are you both this evening," asked Felix politely.
"We’re well thank you Felix."
"Here," gestured Cecily. "Let me take your coats."
"Hey Izz," Felix greeted her as he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Hey. Are you okay?" she asked him, sensing that Felix was uncomfortable.
"Yeah, I just don’t really want to be here for this ‘happy’ occasion. I wish I could be somewhere alone with you," Felix reduced his voice to a whisper, "celebrating our own engagement." Izzy laughed.
"Come on Felix, Sarah is your cousin. It’s important to her that you be here."
"I know…but I can’t stand John! I wish I could say something, but I have nothing to back up my suspicions that he’s a…a…"
"Hello!" cried Sarah, coming the door.
"Hello!" Izzy responded sweetly. Felix turned and looked at the couple as they walked in, followed by Aunt Hetty. Izzy jabbed him the ribs.
"Hi," he managed to spit out with slight enthusiasm. Felix plastered a fake smile on his face and tried not to have to speak to anyone. Everyone wanted to know how John and Sarah had met, how they’d fallen in love etc etc etc, and Felix had a hard time stomaching it all. Why couldn’t his family – why couldn’t Sarah – see how fake this guy was?
"We’ll be running out to Carmody tomorrow," Sarah informed them.
"Why?" asked Aunt Hetty.
"Well, I have an account there that father left for me…you know the one Aunt Hetty, the one the was closed to me until I either turned 21 or married. I turned 21 months ago and I’m getting married. So, we’re going to go down the bank to check things out. I don’t know anything else about the account other than that. John is excellent with money, he was going to be an accountant before he decided to become an artist."
"Really?" asked Felix.
"Yes. I’ve decided, well we’ve decided, to have the account transferred into both our names. I am absolutely lost in matters of the bank so John has offered to help me with them."
"Oh? So, just out of curiosity, will any money taken out of the account require both your signatures."
"No," offered Sarah easily. "Just one or the other. We’re getting married for heaven’s sake, I see no reason for me to have an account of my own. It’s not like John is going to embezzle me!" joked Sarah.
The entire table howled with laughter at the thought that sweet young John Singer would ever dream of doing anything like that, especially to his love Sarah. Felix didn’t laugh. He didn’t think it was funny. At all.

The next week was a blur of activities, Sarah and John went to Carmody and files the papers for Sarah’s account. It would take three weeks for the paper work to go through. John was angry about this because he thought that ‘the banks have entirely too much to do with financial affairs of people." But now it was New Year’s Eve day and they were working at the White Sands setting up for the ball.
"I think that about does it," Mr. Tremain declared.
"I think you’re right," John relied.
"Yes, this place is definitely ready for a party," added Felix.
"Well, I think you can both go on home. Felix be back here an hour before the Ball starts, I want to be able to brief the staff. And John, I guess we’ll see you tonight at the party."
"Yes, thank you Mr. Tremain."
"See you in a bit, sir," said Felix as he turned to leave.
"Felix would you like a ride today?" asked John.
"No, I’d rather walk."
On his way home, Felix decided to stop by the Foundling Home to talk to Felicity. He knocked a couple of times on the door and then let himself in.
"Felicity? Felicity?"
"Felix is that you? I’m in the kitchen."
"Hi," he said as he walked into the kitchen.
"What’s up Felix?"
"Can I talk to you a minute?"
"Sure."
"It’s about Sarah and John."
"What about them."
"I don’t think that John is who he says he is."
"What?"
"I just have a bad feeling about him. He’s practically taken my place at the hotel, he’s wooed over the entire family, and this whole issue with Sarah’s bank account…he’s just very suspicious."
"Felix, please. Come on now. Don’t you think you’re being a little on the dramatic side? John is a nice man."
"See? You’ve even been conned! I don’t believe this! How can you all be so blind?"
"Do you know what I think Felix?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"I think that you are just bitter because John is working at the hotel as closely as you do with Mr. Tremain. I think your jealous."
"I fully admit to being hideously jealous," Felix told her frankly. "But it’s more than that…it’s…"
"Felix King, I have a lot of work to do. Please don’t say anything about this to Sarah…or anyone else for that matter. It’s silly and you know it. Run on home."
Without a word, Felix stood up and left. He decided not to bother going home. There wasn’t much time before he had to be back at work, so he decided to go early. Guests started the arrive at the White Sands and soon the ball was in full swing, People were laughing and mingling and dancing and it was a joyous sight to be seen.
But a young man of no more than 25 walked into the lobby. Felix had never seen this man before.
"Hello," he addressed him. "May I help you?"
"Actually, yes. I’m looking for Mr. Tremain. My name is John Singer."
Felix just stared at him.
"Your name is…John…Singer. John Singer?"
"Yes. And I’m looking for Mr. Tremain. He and my father are friends. Jack Singer is my father. He’s the owner of a hotel in Charlottetown."
"Yes. Well, if you’d kindly wait here, I’ll find Mr. Tremain for you." Felix rushed into the dining room and grabbed Mr. Tremain by the arm. When he had dragged him out of ear shot of the Avonlea busy-bodies, he explained the situation.
"He claims his name is John…Singer? You’re absolutely sure."
"Yes!" "He said his name was John Singer."
"Yes!" "Well isn’t this a predicament."
"You’d better go an talk to him"
"Yes."
Felix and Mr. Tremain approached the young man.
"Mr. Tremain! How lovely to see you again!" he cried out when they saw him coming.
"Yes…John…how are you?" Mr. Tremain asked cautiously.
"I’m fine. I’m tired though. I just spent a week in Summerside with my cousins and it was less than relaxing with a whole bunch of little one’s around. You remember my cousin Marie don’t you? The short one with the black hair? Yes, well, she’s just had a baby and so I went to visit before I came round here. Did my father contact you?"
"Yes, he did, I…." Mr. Tremain stopped speaking.
"John!" he cried out. John and Sarah had waked in the door.
"Mr. Tremain hello!" John greeted him.
"Yes, there’s someone I’d like you to meet." He led them over to the other John.
"John?" asked Sarah of the new young man.
"Sarah?" he asked back!
"John! How are you! It’s been so long since I saw you last! John, you remember John don’t you? John went to school with us in France. He’s a writer." John’s face had gone completely white.
"John?" Sarah asked. "John?"
"Yes, of course I remember him."
"My name is John as well. John Singer."
"Isn’t that a funny coincidence…" said Felix.
"Your name is John Singer. So is his," said Sarah.
"You’re John Singer too," asked the new John.
"Um…yes…"
"Isn’t that interesting. Are you any relation to a Jack Singer. Jack Singer is my father. He owns a hotel in Charlottetown. Perhaps we’re distant cousins."
The ‘old’ John looked from Sarah, who was completely confused, to Mr. Tremain who looked utterly bewildered, to Felix, with a smug and knowing look upon his face. And the fake John Singer ran.
"Con artist!" cried Felix as they watched him run away.
"What?" asked Sarah.
"Don’t you get it Sarah? John Singer wasn’t really John Singer. This is the real John Singer right here."
"But why…what…who…I don’t…"
"I’m afraid it’s true young Sarah. This is the real John Singer. He looks exactly as I remember him," Mr. Tremain said gently.
"I don’t understand."
"Neither do I," said the real John Singer.
"Alright," Felix said, having pieced together the information into a theory he felt was as close to the truth as possible, "listen. As much as I can figure out, this guy was just using your identity John, and your family Sarah to get in with Mr. Tremain at the hotel. AND he was trying to get his hands on your money Sarah, so the only thing that makes sense is that he’s an embezzler…in it for the money. I’ve heard of this….they get what the want and they split…or they get caught."
Tears had welled up in Sarah’s eyes. "But…"
"I’m sorry Sarah," said John. "I’m sorry that that guy hurt you. You don’t deserve to be treated like that. He’s a fool." Sarah leaned onto his chest and he gave her a warm hug.
"Mr. Tremain, would it be alright if Felix drove me home? He’ll be back to work in just few minutes but I think that I need to be alone this evening and I don’t want to stay."
"Yes, Master King, you can even have the rest of the night off if you’d like."
"Thank you Mr. Tremain. That would be wonderful. Come on Sarah, I’ll take you home."
"Alright. Goodbye Mr. Tremain. Good bye John. It was nice to see you again," Sarah said through her tears.
"Good bye Sarah."
Felix drove Sarah home to Rose Cottage and made sure she got in alright. Then he went back to King Farm to change out of his uniform. Back at the White Sands, he found Izzy.
"I was right Izz," he told her.
"About what?"
"About John. He was a fake. And he’s gone."
"What?"
"It’s a long story. Sarah’s really upset. The wedding’s off."
"Poor Sarah!"
"I know. I wish she hadn’t been hurt."
"I’m sure she’ll be Okay. Tomorrow I’ll enlist Cecily and Felicity and we’ll go over and cheer her up."
"I’m sure she’ll appreciate that." Felix smiled.
"Well Felix King, are you going to ask me to dance or not?"
"Of course. Care to?"
"Thank you." Felix and Izzy dance the night away. He filled in the entire family on the whole ordeal. And before they knew it, it was less than ten minutes until midnight.

John Singer, the real John Singer that is, got into his buggy and drove to Rose Cottage. He couldn’t stand the thought that some brute had broken Sarah’s heart. Sarah was the sweetest., most kind, generous person he had eve met and he hated to think that she was all alone. He knocked gently on the door. Sarah opened it.
"John. What are you doing here?"
"I came to see if you were alright."
"I’m fine… just a little on the down side."
"Yeah. May I come in. I bet you could use a little company."
"Yes, I could."
"I’m sorry that that had to happen to you Sarah."
"Me too…I mean, we had it all planned out…the wedding was to be a week from today…I can’t believe I was so naïve! He…he…"
"I know, I know," he comforted her as she began to cry again.
"I feel like such a idiot."
"Don’t. This isn’t your fault."
"It’s almost midnight. Three hours ago I was a happy, engaged women…now look at me."
"You’re still beautiful," he told her. "I think you’re more beautiful now at this moment, with your eyes red, and your hair falling, than you were back at the White Sands, all dolled up."
"That’s sweet of you to say so John."
The Grandfather clock in the hallways struck midnight.
"Happy New Year," he said just before he kissed her. Something within Sarah sparked. And suddenly she wasn’t sad anymore. She felt full and excited…and in love. More in love that she had ever felt with the fake John. She felt different with him that she had with John. She felt light as a feather.
"Happy New Year," she repeated.
"Now Sarah, I know that this is going to sound abrupt and out of nowhere, but since the arrangements have already been made for a wedding…"
"Yes!" she cried.
"Really?" Sarah was gleaming.
"Yes! I mean after all," she joked, "I have a dress, and we wouldn’t want such a beautiful dress to go to waste would we?"
"No," he laughed.
"Where have you been all my life John Singer?"
"That depends…are you asking me, or the fake me." Sarah smiled.
"This has been the weirdest night. I started out engaged to a John Singer. We found out the truth about him. And then you come a long, and sweep me right off my feet, we fall madly in love in a matter of minutes, and now I’m engaged to another John Singer! I mean if you look at it, either way I’d have ended up as Mrs. Singer! But I like this way best!"
"Me too!"
"What do you say we head on back to the hotel and make our announcement!"
"Sure!"

They made their announcement and after having to convince Aunt Hetty that this really was the right thing to do, that just because they’d only been together one evening didn’t men they shouldn’t be married (this argument took a little more that the others) it was made official. And that following day, in the small white Avonlea church where Sarah had grown up, they were married. At the reception Aunt Hetty stood up.
"Excuse me everyone. I just wanted to say that this week this little town learned a lot of lessons. We learned that we should trust our instincts, that we should be careful where else, outside of ourselves, we place our trust. But most importantly, we learned that falling in love takes but a moment. Sarah and John found love in an evening and will continue to find love within themselves. I pray that God will smile on the two of you, and that no matter what else happens in your lives, you will be able to look back on the moment when you knew you loved each other, and take strength from that Divine event. To Sarah and John!"
"To Sarah and John!" "Well that’s it," whispered Sarah to her new husband.
"What’s it?"
"Nothing. I love you John." "I love you Sarah. And you have my hear - Hook, line, and…"
"Singer!" Sarah laughed, smiling.

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