A/N: Hi everyone! I just wanted to apologize for some errors I made in the last chapter; I realized this morning that I accidentally switched from 1st person to 3rd person a few times. I usually write late at night so my mind is never as sharp as it would be earlier in the day. I usually proofread really quickly after I finish a chapter, but sometimes if Word doesn't point out a mistake, it doesn't get fixed until I reread it later or someone brings it to my attention. Thanks for the reader who pointed it out; I had already fixed it by the time I saw the review. Just bear with me guys, I know I'm a dummy sometimes. Lol. Also thanks to JennWithAPenn for suggesting that I revise the scene where Anne is mean to Gilbert, we all know that Anne isn't mean or foul-mouthed. It's just hard trying to add the modern feel and also keep Anne and the other characters true to their original character. Thanks for all your support and commentary! I hope you enjoy this chapter!


Chapter 9

"What happened? I saw what was going on with Gilbert." Diana asked once she and Anne had returned to Orchard Slope. They were wrapping up their gifts in festive wrapping paper, sitting on the floor of Diana's bedroom. There were tags, bows, tape, and wrapping paper everywhere.

Anne grew angry at the mention of the earlier scene. "He thinks that I'm jealous of him and Christine. Yeah right." She scoffed, her stomach clenching. She fidgeted uncomfortably and ripped off a sheet of wrapping paper forcefully.

Diana hid a knowing smile. "You do know that Christine and Gilbert really don't date, right Anne?"

Anne's head snapped up and she looked down almost immediately, embarrassed that she had shown such excitement at hearing those words. "How do you know?" she asked calmly, trying to slow her hands which were wrapping gifts at an alarming rate.

"Christine told Josie Pye and Josie told Ruby and she told me. And besides, if they were going out, why do you think they'd hide it or lie about it? They're two grown-ups who have every right to see whomever they please."

Anne knew this reasoning was logical, and said nothing. She just hoped the message hadn't been warped in anyway as it left Josie's catty tongue.

"Now Christine did tell Josie that she has a crush on Gilbert." Diana mentioned. Anne felt her stomach do a backflip. Of course she does, Anne. Every girl in Avonlea likes Gilbert. This isn't anything new. Anne assured herself, but her irritation didn't dissipate.

"Her and every other girl in Avonlea." Anne replied in what she hoped was a nonchalant tone.

"So don't you think you should apologize to Gilbert?" Diana suggested softly, knowing she was treading on dangerous ground.

Anne's eyes snapped over to meet Diana's. "I most certainly do not think so, Diana."

Diana smiled and shrugged. "Have it your way, Queen Anne."

Diana and Anne finished wrapping their gifts in companionable silence and then they started getting ready for Diana's Eve of Christmas Eve party. This was something Diana had convinced her parents to let her do when she saw what a success Ruby's party was, and while Diana wasn't too much of a competitor, she didn't see why she shouldn't throw a party just as fun as her friend Ruby's. First, they divided up chores; Anne did the sweeping and vacuuming and Diana polished all the glass surfaces and straightened up the kitchen. Then they helped each other rearrange the furniture in the big living room so that there'd be room for dancing. Afterwards, they set out the refreshments; mugs of hot cocoa, soda, chips, and holiday cookies and cupcakes. Last, they began putting up decorations and blowing up green and red balloons. They spent a bit too much time on this task, as Anne thought it'd be funny to pop a few of Diana's balloons and a small battle ensued, shrieking laughter echoing around the house.

"Diana Barry! I hope you and Anne are already dressed since you're down there playing around like little kids because your guests will start arriving in about thirty minutes." Mrs. Barry called down the stairs sternly. Diana rushed over and grabbed her cell phone to affirm the time.

"Mama's right! We gotta hurry Anne!" she gasped, causing Anne to jump up and run up the stairs, Diana on her heels. Diana's bedroom slowly became a whirlwind of dresses, shoes, makeup, and hair accessories. Anne had brought over a long sleeved green mini dress which she paired with a pair of shiny black flats. Diana wore a dress just like Anne's, except it was red. After they got dressed they helped each other with their hair; Anne wore hers in an elegant bun with a few soft curls framing her face, and Diana wore hers down and full. They were touching up their makeup and spritzing on perfume when the doorbell rang.

"Someone's here!" Diana squealed, rushing out the door and down the stairs. Anne smiled, amused at how her and her best friend had barely "grew up", and followed close behind. The first guests was a carpool group of Jane, Ruby, and Phil. They were all rosy cheeked and dressed in their Christmas dresses as well. Even Jane who usually looked rather plain compared to Phil and Ruby, looked radiant, her brown hair shiny and her cheeks pink.

"Well, let's get some music going!" Phil exclaimed, and Diana promptly put in a Christmas mix CD. Guests started to trickle in slowly, Josie Pye and her sisters among them. Who invited them? Anne couldn't help but think, and it seemed as if Diana, Phil, and Jane were thinking the same as they all looked at Ruby with narrowed eyes. Ruby shrugged and burst into laughter, causing all of the girls to dissolve into giggles as well. Several more of their friends and classmates arrived, including Christine Stuart, who came alone, much to Anne's surprise and subconscious relief.

"I wonder where Gilbert is." Phil said slyly, sidling up to Anne. Anne rolled her eyes and blushed. She realize she had been gazing out the window, searching for a tall, broad shouldered figure in the glow of the porch light. Phil was infuriatingly observant. "I'm surprised he's not here with Christine." She said casually, watching Anne out the corner of her eye. Anne simply shrugged and sipped at her hot chocolate. "Well," Phil said, "You should come dance, Queen Anne. Why are you standing here like a loser? Come on." She took the mug from Anne gently and set it down and pulled Anne onto the dance floor. Anne soon forgot about Gilbert and Christine and started bopping along happily to "Little Saint Nick" by The Beach Boys with her friends.

About an hour later, Gilbert pulled into Diana's driveway slowly, Moody Spurgeon in the passenger seat. "Well it looks like Mr. Barry hasn't been raking leaves at all this winter. My dad always did say that Mr. Barry was slack on yard work." He criticized, his little blue eyes critical.

Gilbert sighed. Overly observant and critical Moody could be fun at times, but in general somewhat unpleasant. He wasn't doing anything to help Gilbert's nerves. "You go on ahead." Gilbert urged. "I'll be in there in a sec." Moody shrugged and did as Gilbert suggested. Gilbert slumped in his seat and ran a nervous hand through his curly hair. Anne will be in there. He reminded himself for the umpteenth time. You rejected Christine's proposal to go together so that Anne will see you're serious about her. So you can finally convince her. Just go in there and ask her to dance. Be cool. Just be cool. He told himself as he straightened his red sweater and adjusted the smart black bowtie he'd paired with it. He got out of the car, straightening his shoulders and ascending the stairs to the house. He took a deep breath and rang the doorbell.

Diana answered and her eyes lit up when she saw him. "Gilbert! I didn't know you were coming. Come on in!" she urged him, her thoughts running wild. So he was here, and without Christine! She couldn't wait to see Anne's face.

Gilbert stepped in and was automatically swarmed by females. He suppressed the urge to groan and forced a cheerful smile, his eyes all the while scanning the room for Anne. He finally spotted her, over in a corner with Ruby Gillis, Josie Pye, and Gertie Pye. Anne's face was red with anger as Josie said something with a sneer and Ruby's full lips were pursed firmly, while her big brown eyes swam with tears. Gilbert ignored the girls around him and stepped closer to hear what was going on.

"My mama told me that your family has only lived in this town so long because they were slaves back in the day. She told me and Gertie about how your great granddaddy was lynched." Josie said, sharing a mock pitying look with her sister. "Blacks just don't belong in these parts I suppose."

Gilbert felt himself growing angry. He knew all about the Civil War that was fought in the States, and of the Civil Rights Movement, and of all the things African-Americans had endured because of ignorance and prejudice. But he hadn't really thought about racism much in his life; he had several black friends back in Canada and had never witnessed them experiencing racism. Anne began to spit angry words out at Josie at an alarming rate and Gilbert couldn't hear over the now increased volume of the music. He couldn't just sit back and watch this happen to one as friendly and sweet as Ruby.

"Oh, Gilbert!" Josie exclaimed as he approached, a plastic smile adorning her face. "I didn't know you were coming, since you turned down Christine and all."

"Josie," Gilbert said firmly, ignoring the girl's smug remark, "I heard what you were saying to Ruby and you ought to be ashamed. If I had of known ignorant people like you lived in this town, maybe I would have took my chances in another area. I suggest you leave her alone."

Josie gasped, looking offended, as did her sister. Gilbert couldn't help but laugh. "You have no right to be offended." he said, shaking his head and attempting to laugh dismissively, although he couldn't quite keep the anger and disgust out of his voice. Josie stared at him a moment, as if sizing him up, and then shrugged as if she could care less about what he'd just said, grabbed her sister's arm, and flounced away. Gilbert shook my head again and looked at the girls.

Anne's tummy was full of butterflies that she could not explain. The way Gilbert had just stood up for Ruby had her flustered and awed. He was like some noble hero, stepping in to save Ruby from the wicked witches. She smiled a little at the romantic thought.

"Are you alright?" Gilbert asked Ruby, who looked up at Gilbert and forced a cheerful smile, wiping at her eyes.

"I sure am! It'll take more than Josie Pye to ruin my holiday spirit. I've got a string of guys over there just dying to dance with me." Ruby bragged, seeming to cheer up though her eyes still held pain. "Thank you." She said, sobering up a bit and looking up at Gilbert with sincere eyes.

"You're welcome. Ignore Josie. She's probably just jealous because you're so much prettier than she'll ever be." Gilbert smiled good naturedly. Ruby giggled and flashed a grin at Anne before returning to the midst of the party.

That left Anne and Gilbert somewhat alone. There were many curious eyes on them but neither of them noticed. Anne looked up into Gilbert's eyes, and forgot to be polite yet aloof as she had planned to be the next time she saw Gilbert. "That was so nice of you. Thank you for what you did for Ruby." She said, sincerity written across her face. Gilbert gazed down into Anne's eyes, and was stunned by the softness in their grey depths.

"It was the right thing to do. Ruby is a nice girl. I sometimes forget that racism exist; it seems like it should be such an outdated notion in this day and age." Gilbert said, shaking his head.

Anne groaned. "Welcome to the South. Josie's the only person I know that is openly a jerk like that, though."

Gilbert agreed and changed the topic. "So, did you come with anyone tonight?" he asked, trying very hard to sound casual.

Anne blushed as she thought of Josie's remark about Gilbert rejecting Christine's offer to go to the dance together. "No. Why aren't you with Christine?" Anne said, looking at the people dancing to avoid having to look right into Gilbert's sparkling hazel eyes. She noticed that Diana, Phil, and Jane were all watching her and Gilbert, trying to be sneaky about it but failing miserably. Anne bit down a smile.

"I told her I wanted to go alone." Gilbert said, and in a flash of courage he took Anne's hand gently. Anne felt her heart race and her mouth go dry at the soft strength of Gilbert's fingers. She looked up into Gilbert's eyes and was shocked into immobility at the nakedness of his gaze, the way he seemed to see right into her soul, the way he seemed to be perfectly sincere in that moment. "I told her no because…" Gilbert nearly stuttered, "Well because I wanted you to see that I'm serious about the fact that we're nothing more than friends, Anne. I told you, I don't like her that way. I like you that way, and no one else." He explained, his voice soft yet strong.

In that moment, Anne had no choice but to believe Gilbert's words. She realized how silly she must look, her face flushed and her hand nearly trembling. She gently extracted her hand from Gilbert's and laughed nervously. Okay, so he was telling the truth. That didn't mean she liked him back. "I believe you now. Sorry for being such a jackass to you before." She apologized. Gilbert wasn't giving up.

"It's okay. Do you wanna dance?" he asked. Anne noticed that the music had changed from upbeat and festive to slow and romantic. "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby had just started up and several couples were dancing close. Anne knew this wasn't a good idea but didn't have the heart to refuse Gilbert tonight after what he'd did for Ruby and his sincere words to her.

"Sure." She said, trying to sound casual. Gilbert couldn't quite hide his pleased smile and took Anne's hand and moved her into the midst of slow dancing couples. He put his arms around her waist and Anne nervously draped her arms around his shoulders, which she couldn't help but noticed were broad and strong. They were close but not chest to chest, although Gilbert longed to close the small distance between them. He decided against it, not wanting to jeopardize this dance with Anne Shirley, the girl he'd been pining over since he first laid eyes on her.

'I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright

And may all

Your Christmases be white'

They swayed to the music and Anne felt very warm inside. She bit back a grin at the thought of a white Christmas in South Carolina, something she had never seen before. She thought of how Gilbert was from Canada, and how he'd probably seen many white Christmases. She thought of how he must look on a snowy day, his dark hair stark against the glowing snow, his hazel eyes vivid, his cheeks and nose pink. She closed her eyes and felt nothing but the warmness of Gilbert's arms around her and the soft crooning of Bing Crosby. She didn't even notice when the song ended and another slow one began. It wasn't until Gilbert leaned down to murmur in her ear that she opened her eyes. "We have an audience." He said with a grin in his voice. She jumped and looked around, noticing that her friends were no longer dancing, simply standing there with pleased and knowing looks on their faces.

Christine Stuart's ivory complexion had turned red and her eyes were narrowed. Beside her stood Josie Pye and their other friends, who all looked displeased and jealous. Anne couldn't help but give them a smug, carefree smile before extracting herself from Gilbert's embrace, and stepping away, her face beginning to burn with embarrassment. She smiled sheepishly at Gilbert and rushed over to her friends. "Alright everyone!" Diana called out. "Too much more of this and my parents will barge down here raising hell." Mostly everyone laughed in response and began gathering their coats and car keys. "Thanks for coming!" Diana called out cheerfully.

Gilbert didn't know whether to go over and say goodnight to Anne or not. "Come on, man. This party wasn't bad, all things considering." Moody remarked, clapping Gilbert on the shoulder. All things considering what? Gilbert thought, suppressing the urge to roll his eyes at Moody. He sighed.

"Goodnight Anne! Merry Christmas!" he called to Anne, who looked up at his words and waved with a small smile. He felt his insides grow warm at her friendliness and left Orchard Slope a very contented man that night, with a stir of hope in his heart, despite Moody's negative commentary.


Thanks for reading! Let me know if you liked it or not!

- Charlotte