Heart Attack ? Shirbert

? 57 ? admittance, answers, and anne

"You did."

"Oddly enough significantly more bullying too." Anne made a connection she never really had before. Gilbert had a way of preventing and protecting when he was around. The year of his absence was much more tormentous for her than even her first year in Avonlea.

Gilbert didn't know how to take that comment, "Really?"

"Yeah that was when the situation with Cole and Billy started and then Josie insisted on this whole kissing game..." She immediately regretted lamenting this tale, especially after the other night.

"A what?" Gilbert almost wanted to laugh in discomfort.

What did I miss?

What would have happened if I was there?

"Never mind," Anne shook her head, "I just meant it was odd when you were gone. Like a piece of Avonlea was missing."

Gilbert blushed. Anne admitting thinking so highly of him was a bit unlike her.

"You're very reminiscent today." He commented.

"We're coming upon our final weeks here," Anne focused on the horizon, "I'd much prefer to think about hitting a slate over your head than think about the future for a while."

Gilbert felt his cheek, which did admittedly sting after her whack.

"Do you remember that?" Anne dug her heels in the sand.

"How could I forget?"

Anne laughed silently, "That was only my second day of school. The girls were furious with me for speaking to you because Ruby was still in love with you, and I was seen as the dirty orphan whoring myself out and ruining her happiness."

Gilbert and Anne had never spoken about this moment and he never truly realized what happened that day.

So when Anne revealed the reason she insisted on ignoring him, everything about that day finally clicked.

"Oh Anne, that's why you wouldn't talk to me."

Anne only nodded silently.

"But I insisted."

"You sure did."

"I'm so sorry."

Anne finally looked him so they locked eyes for the first time that day, "Water under the bridge."

"Indeed."

"Do you think we would have been friends for a longer time had I been able to talk to you?" Anne did genuinely wonder.

"Well, I still think we would have fought just as much," Gilbert grinned, making Anne laugh in agreement, "But maybe."

"Even so," Anne turned away and let out a sigh, "I wouldn't change anything."

Gilbert was entirely puzzled. Where was Anne going with any of this?

"You wouldn't?"

Anne shook her head confidently, "No."

Anne believed that statement. Despite petty arguments, confusing confessions, and even the deaths of her loved ones, she was grateful for the life she had built in Avonlea.

That largely included the boy sitting next to her.

"Do you remember when you came back from traveling and you brought me the thumb dictionary?"

Gilbert could remember that moment vividly.

"Of course."

"That meant the world to me, but I didn't want you to know that."

"Why not?"

Anne shook her head at her own childishness, "I didn't want you to know how I felt."

Gilbert felt his heart rate spike, "How did you feel?"

Anne dodged the question, "I spoke with Diana after the other night and she gave me a lot of clarity."

Anne finally looked over at him and took a deep breath.

It's time.

"Ever since I met you, I've been determined to diminish how I feel. Sometimes it was for Ruby, or self-preservation, or what I thought was for your benefit. I've always done that. Every single time, no matter what I really wanted."

Gilbert's breaths were shallow.

Anne continued, "For the longest time I thought I was only hurting myself and limiting my options. But Diana reminded me that my feelings might matter to you too."

Anne tried to read his eyes. This time they read as hopeful.

Maybe this is what he wants?

But they also seemed scared.

Or maybe he's engaged and I'm only making his life harder.

But at least he'll know his options. He deserves to know his options.

"I've been dodging you for months now, callously ignoring every time you tell me how you feel out of fear I'll choose your future for you. But you deserve to know your options and you can make your choice from there."

Gilbert's mouth was open, like he wanted to respond but didn't have words to. So Anne allowed herself to keep talking.

"I love you Gilbert. I have for a long time now and I'm so sorry it's taken me this long to finally find the courage to tell you. I was scared to lure you away from a future in Paris with a lovely woman, but I trust you know yourself and your heart and can make the decision that's best for you. I should have believed that sooner. I should have told you all of this sooner, before you met with Winifred the other day and gave her whatever response you did. But what matters is you know now."

After those words, Anne stood and prepared herself to walk away.

She was terrified of his response. She had completed her responsibility of telling him. Now it was in his hands to handle in his own time. She didn't want to put pressure on him to answer now, so she figured the best move was to retract herself from the situation and let him process.

Gilbert's true mind was gone. He had heard the words he was waiting to hear for years now.

All he wanted was requited love from Anne Shirley-Cuthbert.

So that's why, with no hesitation or thought, Gilbert stood, and ran after Anne who had only gotten a few paces away.

Once he was close enough, he reached for Anne's hand, just as he had the night of the bonfire.

But this time there wasn't anything making him doubt his next action of pulling her to him, slamming her against him again in surprise.

And this time, he cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her.

--

:)