An: 2006: Thank you so much for your review! We'll be having more of Diana's thoughts in this chapter, but Anne's always going to be thrown in the mix. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

That night, Diana tucked in Minnie May on the couch in the parlor. She kept her robe tightly around her as she moved upstairs to the east gable. She looked to the left, where Matthew and Marilla each had their rooms. Jerry's room was down there too. Or so Diana thought. She was about to creep to her room, where she would bunk with Anne. She knew she couldn't avoid her bad luck for long. She had survived most of the night without an awkward situation. She would have to move quickly.

Just when Diana thought she was safe passed Gilbert's room door, it opened to reveal Jerry. Their arms brushed each other's, but Diana didn't stumble. Jerry moved to steady his tipping candle. Diana automatically grabbed his hands to help. Once the candle was stable, the flame slowly came back to the wick. Only now did Diana notice she wasn't wearing gloves, their bare hands were touching once again.

She was getting used to Jerry's touch. The shock didn't come as such a surprise. Diana peeled herself away from him and gazed up into his eyes. That was a mistake, they were like magnets pulling her in. "Hello, Diana," Jerry said in a low voice. Diana swallowed, taking in the flickering light that bounced off his brown eyes. He was dressed in striped pajamas and a robe.

"You gave me a fright," Diana lied. "What are you doing?"

"I forgot my book downstairs," Jerry gave a small nod and almost walked past her, but she kept her eye on him. He looked at her. "Was there something you wanted?"

"I should say Minnie May's on the couch," Diana broke the weird tension between them. "I suppose I shall come with you to make sure you don't give her a fright too."

Jerry nodded again and the two went back downstairs. On the stairs, Diana was half of the way down before she tripped on her robe. What was with her lately? Anytime she was with Jerry she was a simple clutz. Jerry turned and held out his hand for her. Hesitantly, Diana took it and let him lead her down the rest of the way.

Once in the dining room, Diana let go and followed Jerry into the parlor where Minnie May was fast asleep on the couch. She followed Jerry to the bookcase where he pulled Frankenstein from the shelf. "You're reading it again?" Diana asked as Jerry flipped through the pages.

"Yes, in a different way this time."

"How so?"

"Miss Stacey is helping me understand the clues that the doctor really was the real monster. Just like you had said. I had missed it before, but I understand. You were right." He put it on the desk next to the candle. Sheets of paper stuck out from between the pages. He had taken notes.

...

Song Suggestion: Dearest Diana (Ari Posner & Amin Bhatia)

...

"Well, I suppose writing doesn't have to be comprehended in only one way," Diana took a step closer. Her eyes lingered on the book down on the desk. "A story can open your mind to new thoughts and can trigger..." Diana gazed up into Jerry's eyes and drifted off her words. The firelight danced around his dark irises. He stared at her intensely, and she found herself taking in a sharp breath.

"Feelings," she finished her sentence. Her voice had come out in a smooth whisper.

"Yes, it does," Jerry whispered back. His small words had pulled her in. There was nothing but the dim candlelight between them. Diana felt her eyes become heavy as Jerry's fingers traced over her hand resting on the table. His touch was so gentle but firm. Heat began to build as their faces inched closer and closer until-

"Diana?" Minne May's little voice called from the couch. Jerry jerked back and took his hand from hers. Diana wrapped her robe tighter around herself.

"Yes?" Diana asked.

"What are you doing down here?"

"I was collecting a book with Jerry," Diana said quietly as she kneeled to the couch. "You should go back to sleep."

"Not until you leave," Minnie May folded her arms.

"Very well," Diana kissed her sister's cheek. "Goodnight."

She and Jerry went up the stairs without making a sound. Once upstairs, Diana kept walking past Jerry's door without saying a single word. It might have been rude, but Diana's mind was racing. How on earth could she keep letting herself get sucked in?

Diana crawled into bed where Anne was already sleeping and tried her best to fall asleep, but all she could think about was the candlelight.

The next morning, Anne got up much later than she had expected. She didn't realize how tired she was. Diana was already up and gone. Anne stretched as she got out of bed. Looking out the window, Anne took a fresh breath of the crisp fall air. Her fingers tickled the almost bare branches of the snow queen. It was one of the things she missed most about Green Gables.

Once Anne closed the window, she gazed at her suitcase. It was filled with many dresses fit for a young lady of society. But here, Anne wasn't feeling like a lady of society. Instead, she strode to her small closet and pulled out her turquoise dress. She wouldn't wear a pinafore, but she didn't mind wearing a dress that when above her ankles.

Anne put the dress on and fastened a belt around her corsetless waist. She stared at herself in the mirror. Her hair could be pinned up, but why go through all that trouble? Anne took her brush and combed through her long red hair. Then, she braided both sides until she tied them off at the ends with matching ribbons. Anne looked at herself in the mirror again. This was what she had missed.

While she made her bed, there was a small knock at the door. "Come in," Anne said, not bothering to look behind her. She suddenly felt a small tug of her braids. "I've missed these, carrots."

Anne grinned as Gilbert's arms wrapped around her waist. He leaned his head on her shoulder. She turned in his hold and faced him. Placing her arms delicately around his neck. "I missed you, Doctor Blythe."

"Oh please," Gilbert chuckled. "I'm no doctor yet. I have many years of-"

"Are you going to kiss me good morning, or not?" Anne cut him off. Gilbert grinned before cupping her cheek and gently giving her a small kiss. A kiss that grew to be a little more intense. Anne pulled away. "Better to quit that before Marilla finds out you're up here."

"I don't hear her coming," Gilbert held onto Anne. She tried to wiggle away, but he held on even tighter.

"Gilbert!" Anne laughed. She tried to run again, but Gilbert picked her up and spun her around.

"My word," Marilla gasped from the doorway. They froze mid-motion. Gilbert's grip tightened on Anne before he released her. Anne stepped away from him and straightened her braids.

"Morning, Marilla," Anne smiled awkwardly. "Would you like me to help in the kitchen?"

Marilla just stayed silent. She looked from Anne to Gilbert, then just left in a hurry. Anne and Gilbert exchanged strange looks before Gilbert sighed. "I'm going to head straight to my house. Would you care to accompany me?"

"I'm afraid if I don't I'm truly in for it," Anne said in a quiet voice. "Marilla knows about us, but I suppose she didn't expect to see us together alone."

"In your room," Gilbert added.

"Oh, I'm so dead!" Anne rubbed her temples she began to ramble on. "They're going to take me out of college? I'm never going to be able to see you again. I-"

Gilbert grabbed her hands and kissed them. "Everything's going to be fine. She can't be that crossed. She didn't even say anything about it."

"Oh, Gilbert, that's almost worse."

Earlier that morning, Diana and Minnie May had packed up their things. Surely their parents had to be home by now. Besides, after thinking about nothing but the encounter with Jerry last night, Diana needed to leave Green Gables as soon as possible. Once again, Diana was raked by fate and when she went to the dining room for breakfast, he was there.

"Morning, Jerry," Diana said politely as she moved Minnie May to her proper seat.

"Good morning, Diana," Jerry said back as he bit into his toast. They stared at each other for a few moments. Minnie May cleared her throat very loudly, making sure everyone knew of her presence. Jerry's eyes finally peeled away from Diana's. "Morning, Minnie May."

"Good morning, farm boy," Minnie May said obnoxiously.

"Minnie May," Diana scolded.

"Oh, I didn't even hear you two wake up," Marilla came in from the kitchen. "I hope you both slept well."

"Indeed, we did," Diana said before Minnie May even dared to open her mouth.

"I shall go get some more eggs," Marilla turned to the cupboards. "Oh dear, I fear it might storm later. I just hope it isn't a bad one. Especially with all of this crop transport lately."

After a mostly silent breakfast with Jerry, the two Barry girls brought their things to the door. Anne had seemed to sneak away with Gilbert. With a pale face and searching eyes, Anne had told Diana that she was going to visit Sebastian with Gilbert. They left without saying much to Marilla, so Diana told her about their whereabouts. All Marilla did was give a small nod and left the room in a hurry.

The carriage ride was mostly quiet. Jerry was driving, and Minnie May sat between him and Diana. Minnie May was suspiciously quiet, which made Diana nervous. That's when Minnie May did the unexpected. Or at least unexpected for an average person. "Are you in love with my sister?"

"Minnie May," Diana scowled again. "Why would you ask a question like that?" Diana should've expected it after Minnie May saw both of them last night alone in the dark. It was rather suspicious.

"Well, are you in love with him?" Minnie May asked.

"I'm not answering," Diana folded her arms.

"So you do," Minnie May clapped a hand over her mouth and grinned wildly.

"Minnie May, you can't voice assumptions. You've made us both very uncomfortable."

"Speak for yourself," Jerry suddenly said with a small grin. "I'm enjoying your scrambling."

Diana widened her eyes at him, and he gave a small laugh. There was nothing but silence, then Jerry began to hum the same tune they sang together yesterday. Diana looked away from Minnie May to hide the redness on her cheeks. The little girl watched them both. To her, it was so obvious. There was some feeling they were avoiding.

Then they arrive at the Barry's home. Minnie May crawled over Diana's lap and scrambled out of the carriage. Jerry held out his hand for Diana to step down, which she took without much thought to it. She didn't think her mother would be watching her every move. She helped Jerry with the luggage and walked to the door where the maid opened it for them.

"Welcome home, Diana," she greeted.

"Thank you," Diana handed her the bags. Jerry placed the others on the step. "I'll see on my trip back, right, Jerry?"

Jerry looked at her curiously, then grinned. "Of course." He left, and Diana watched him walk out of sight before closing the door.

"Oh," Anne grinned as she took little Delphine into her arms. She gazed at Gilbert with a smile. "She's already grown so much."

"I can hardly believe it's her," Gilbert said she the toddler grabbed his thumb.

"She's been growing every day," Hazel Lacroix grinned at her granddaughter.

"You're very kind to help with the baby, Miss Stacey," Anne added. "I didn't know you knew Bash."

"Well, I've-" Miss Stacey and Hazel exchanged glances. "Have become closer to the family since my favorite pupils have left me."

Before Anne or Gilbert could raise any more questions, the bedroom door had swung open. "Muri, am I supposed to fetch Gilbert myself? Or are the Cuthberts bringing him over?" Bash then came around the corner with a sleepy expression. It was about afternoon now, and he seemed to be just getting up and out of bed. His eyes popped open once he saw Anne and Gilbert.

"I believe you were supposed to fetch him," Gilbert said with a grin.

"Blythe!" Bash the open his arms and embraced Gilbert. "I didn't expect to see you here so early in the morning."

"It's past noon," Gilbert raised his brows.

"Really?" Bash rubbed his temples. She looked to Miss Stacey, "You were supposed to wake me."

"I did," Miss Stacey folded her arms. "It's not my fault you fail to listen."

"Aye," Bash yawned. "Is Elijah still sleeping too?"

"He went to Charolette town," Hazel answered. "He had some plans with some buddies in the bog. He'll be back later today." Bash didn't look entirely pleased, but then he yawned again.

"Why are you so tired Bash?" Gilbert asked. Bash grumbled a little bit as he stretched but then looked a Gilbert with seriousness.

"Let's got for a walk, Blythe," Bash motioned him towards the door. "I need some fresh air." Gilbert followed but then turned back. Delphine still had his thumb in their hand.

"Strong grip," Gilbert said before he kissed her little knuckles. The baby laughed and let go. Giving another small kiss on Anne's cheek, Gilbert walked out of the house. Bash was standing not far from the door, just gazing out. Wordlessly, he began to walk. Confused, Gilbert followed.

They were in the bare apple orchard by the time before Bash had finally said something. "I went to Carmody yesterday and didn't come back till late last night," Bash said simply.

"And?" Gilbert asked. "Is there something wrong with the harvest?"

"No, not yet," Bash shook his head. "They say there's a storm brewing up north. It has the potential to wipe out the ship that contains everything we've got."

"What?" Gilbert ran his fingers through his hair. "But we've got in-"

"The insurance can cover some, but not all," Bash shook his head. "The port had already shipped out by the time they had gotten the word. If the weather hits land before the sea, we'll be safe. But if it doesn't hit here-"

"Then we'll lose everything," Gilbert gulped.

"I was just hoping this year would be different," Bash said suddenly. "It's been over a half year since Mary and I'm still fighting with Elijah."

"Oh, Bash," Gilbert put a hand on his shoulder. "She's still watching over you. She will make sure that you're happy here. Whatever it is you and Elijah are fighting about I"m sure you come some around it."

"I'm not so sure," Bash shook his head. "He's still sore about Mary too."

Gilbert watched Bash closely. "This isn't about the harvest is it?"

Bash gave Gilbert a curious look, then shook his head. He straightened his hat. "No, it's about...Muriel."

"Miss Stacey? Why?" Gilbert was confused. Why would they be fighting about a school teacher?

"Muri and I have been..." Bash swallowed. "Courting."

Gilbert widened his eyes. "Courting?" He repeated.

"Yes," Bash nodded. He grinned slightly. "It's just something new. I don't know if it'll amount to anything, but I know no one can replac-"

Gilbert suddenly threw his arms around Bash. Hesitating at first, Bash then hugged him back. "That's wonderful Bash. You both deserve to be happy," Gilbert smiled. "Elijah will come around to it in time. Just give him space."

"I'm glad one of us I hopeful," Bash said as they continued to trot through the bare orchard. "What are you smirking about?"

"Muri?" Gilbert chuckled.

"Shut up." Bash hit him playfully on the arm. "You can't tell me you've never used a nickname for Anne."

Gilbert's smile softened as he thought about Anne and her long red braids. "Yes, I have. Carrots."

"Well now, at least I don't call Murial a vegetable."

"I've missed you, Bash," Gilbert said.

"I missed you, Blythe."