Heart Attack ? Shirbert

? 52 ? boxes, business, and buyouts

Miss Stacy surveyed the room and saw them, "Eyes up," she watched Anne reluctantly look at her partner.

Gilbert was on high alert, Anne could see it in his eyes.

His stupid expressive eyes.

What frustrated Anne more than anything was the knowledge she had no right to be angry. Gilbert and Winifred were courting for months now. There was a potential he'd go to Paris with her.

That required a ring.

"Backs up straight, closer to each other."

Gilbert opened his mouth to speak but Anne beat him to it, "So, a ring?"

Gilbert knew he couldn't say anything of substance, "That was a ring."

"You're going to Paris." Anne stated coldly.

"I never said-" he stopped himself, "I am still undecided."

Anne rolled her eyes. She couldn't be angry at him for proposing to someone else, but she could be angry at him for lying.

"A ring seems pretty decisive to me." She snapped, "No one just carries around rings casually, Gilbert."

Gilbert's jaw clenched in frustration. He wanted to tell Anne everything.

But he couldn't. Not until he really had it all figured out.

Which he would, before the week was up.

"The ring is still in there, isn't it?" He shot back with intent to harm.

Anne's heart stung. She knew she was part of the reason he was unsure.

"You're right. I'm sorry." She misstepped, tripping over her own two feet.

Unembraced, she would've fallen to the ground.

But Gilbert was there to catch her, as he always did.

The fumble made them both smile.

Just like if he was reset, Gilbert's charm returned, "Anne of Green Gables? Sorry?"

Anne's tension lifted, "Don't get used to it."

After another hour dedicated to practicing this dance they all better be experts at by this point, Miss Stacy relieved them.

Before everyone had the chance to walk away, Moody stood up on a chair.

"Final class celebration at the ruins tonight!"

The children giggled in excitement. They knew the dance would be a fun party for them to gather together for the last time, but the ruins allowed them to truly let go.

And drink.

Anne and Gilbert immediately locked eyes.

"Will this prompt a return of Toronto Gilbert?" Anne grinned.

Gilbert's stomach dropped, "I thought you didn't remember anything from that night?"

Anne's face went hot.

"If you remember this, I want you to tell me. I need you to."

"I don't really, but if you've seen me act ridiculously drunk at the ruins and you remember it, I feel like it's only fair to return the favor."

Gilbert saw through her easily.

What does she remember?

But he wouldn't push her. Not now when she was just returning to the Anne he knew and loved.

"Can I walk you home?" Gilbert was attempting to dissolve any awkwardness that arose from the ring-dropping incident.

Anne wanted to forget it too, "I'd like that."