Heart Attack ? Shirbert

? 35 ? drama, divulging, and denial

Marilla couldn't stand the awkward silence. She knew the one question Rachel was waiting to hear was, "However did you manage to get the ball back?"

Rachel smiled deviously. Marilla was right, she was dying to be asked this question, "I found some damning evidence on the people who would rather it not happen, and it's all thanks to you Anne."

Anne jumped, "Me?"

"Let's just say those cigars you found weren't coincidental." Rachel raised her eyebrows, finally feeling accomplished and celebrated.

In this moment, Gilbert wasn't thinking. He was so excited and proud of Anne's detective work to think of what his next statement could cause.

"First you're being published and now this!" He sounded like he was completely enamored with her.

The problem with this statement was that Gilbert was the only person who knew about Anne's correspondence with the Toronto Star.

"Published?" Marilla turned to Anne, completely unaware Anne was writing anything, let alone something for the Toronto Star.

Anne glared at Gilbert. It was the first time they really looked at each other since Gilbert told Anne about the potential proposal.

The moment he realized he messed up, Gilbert's stomach dropped.

This time I really ruined everything.

Now everyone was staring at Anne, whose face was becoming redder than her hair.

"Anne Shirley-Cuthbert I want an explanation now."

Anne felt like she was holding weights on her chest. She knew she would have to tell Marilla at some point, but she thought she had time.

"After everything that happened...," Anne looked at Mrs. Lynde who had no idea what happened earlier this year. She didn't want her to know, "I wanted to do something. Miss Stacy suggested I write to the Toronto Star, so I did."

"And you're getting published?"

Anne saw a mix of excitement and sadness in Marilla's eyes, "In their July edition."

Marilla was elated for Anne, but she was hurt.

Why wouldn't she tell me?

"I'm so proud of you." Marilla pulled Anne up into a hug. A gesture only executed in special occasions.

Anne looked over Marilla's shoulder at Gilbert, who flashed her his half smile proudly.

She couldn't help but admit it still made her heart flutter a bit.

Just make up with him.

Marilla pulled away from her, "When did they tell you?"

"Not too long ago. They sent a letter."

"Well are you going to share this letter." Marilla felt better. If it wasn't too long ago, obviously Anne hadn't been keeping it a secret for an upsetting amount of time.

Anne on the other hand, became more nervous than she was before. Showing Marilla meant telling her about U of T. She didn't know how Marilla would react, but it couldn't be good.

But she couldn't lie or keep anymore secrets. Anne was trying to maintain her best behavior she could so raising her wouldn't be as stressful for Marilla. She had enough to worry about without dealing with Anne's mischief.

Anne reached into her apron pocket and handed the note to Marilla while her hand was shaking.

"Maybe this should be a private moment." Mary could tell Anne was terrified to show the letter and whatever it contained. The last thing she needed was Rachel finding more gossip.

Everyone who wasn't a Cuthbert silently left Green Gables, trying to read Marilla's face as she read the letter.

Bash and Mary were hoping everyone would be okay.

Rachel was dying to know what was in the letter.

Gilbert wanted Anne to look back at him. And she did.

'Story club,' he mouthed, hoping Anne would understand he was asking her to meet him there after her talk with Marilla.

Anne only nodded back. She really did want to make up with him and maybe this was her chance.

"Anne." Marilla whispered softly.

It wasn't angry, it was in awe.

"I'm sorry I didn't te-"

Marilla hugged her again, tighter this time. It was like she was afraid this letter would steal Anne away from her.

She pulled away and held Anne's shoulders, "You have to go."

"I don't know if I even got in yet." Anne deflected.

"You have to go." Marilla was too stubborn for this conversation.

Anne shook her head sadly, "I can't."

"Why not?"

Anne felt emotion building up in her chest, "I can't leave you."

Marilla froze. She never thought Anne would stunt her future with all of her aspirations. She was brave enough to write to the Toronto Star, but she couldn't go to school?

"But you're going to school." Marilla rationalized.

"Yes, I'll go to Queens. Then I can come back easily."

"But you won't get nearly the quality education you can in Toronto."

Anne was desperate to win this battle, "Marilla-"

"Anne Shirley-Cuthbert," Marilla interjected, "you are getting handed the opportunity of a lifetime."

"How will you keep up Green Gables?" Anne wanted to catch her in a technicality.

"I'll figure it out."

"Won't you feel lonely?"

"Not with Mary and Bash."

"But you'll live alone."

"I'm sure Rachel would be happy to keep me more than enough company." Marilla scoffed.

Neither of them said a word. Anne ran out of excuses and Marilla ran out of energy.

"I can't decide your future for you, but you need to take the opportunity I never had. Do it for me."

That hit Anne in the heart. Marilla really did want this for her.

But then she remembered the other reason she couldn't go.

"I can't Marilla. I can't leave Matthew."

Marilla's face fell, "He would have wanted you to live your dreams."

Anne almost felt offended, "Why are you trying to make me leave?"

"I'm not, Anne-"

Anne felt emotion building inside of her. She had to get out of there or she would burst into tears.

So she did what she does best.

She ran.

"Anne!" Marilla watched her disappear.