After their nice and cozy lunch at theRosemeur, Anne and Gilbert started to walk around Charlottetown Square, again with Anne dragging Gilbert along to wherever. Gilbert is only happy to follow her, and quite frankly, he wouldn't care where they go as long as he is with her.
Anne navigated the streets of Charlottetown with ease like it is her natural habitat. Just like Avonlea, she made sure that she was able to sweep up the city. Every alley, every street, every corner, and every secluded place which she has used on many occasions during her stay at Queen's.
She also knows most of the owners of the restaurants and shops as she made sure to take the opportunity to interview them about their businesses and their lives while she kept her editorial post and column in both the college's write ups and in her bi-weekly release of "The Country Girl" in Charlottetown Gazette under a pseud to protect her identity as a student.
"Where do you want to go now, Love?" Gilbert asked.
"The last train to Bright River won't be leaving till four in the afternoon." she said while she snuggled closer to his arms that has been linked into her hands since they left the teahouse. "So, I'd like to go on one of the shops a couple of blocks ahead to pick up something, if that's okay with you?" she asked, raising her head so she can see his face.
"Whatever you want to do, and wherever you want to go, count me in." he answered as he pinched her chin in between his thumb and forefinger, gaining a sweet smile that he could die for any moment.
"That's great!" she said excitedly then kissed his cheeks.
He adjusted the arm that Anne was snuggling and put them around her shoulders and pulled her closer to his body. Anne snaked her arms to his waist and planted a soft chaste kiss on his jaw. Walking like this can be a little bit uncomfortable but he couldn't care less because all he wanted to do is to be by her side. And to be honest, all the hugs and kisses they have shared since he arrived only put him to the edge as he wanted so much more.
He wants her so much more he doesn't know if he can make it to Avonlea.
They continued walking, glued to one another, ignoring the indifferent looks from some people they passed by. Anne then stopped to a shop called "Cartiel's Home of Custom Things". Gilbert's brow furrowed in confusion. "That name is kind of funny, don't you think?" he asked. "Not so, Love. Come. This is where I needed to pick up something." she said as she opens the door, and a tell-tale ring of a bell filled the store.
"Oh, hello Anne!" called a middle-aged lady when she saw them enter the door.
"Hello Dolores. Good afternoon." Anne cooed.
"Why, you have a very handsome company I never saw before." she said with a wide smile and teasing eyes, then turned to Gilbert. "Hello, I am Dolores Jelw. My husband and I own this place. Nice to see a charming young man like yourself."
Anne giggled with her theatricals.It seems like not only young woman adores Gilbert,she thought.
"Gilbert Blythe, ma'am. Anne's beau, if I may add." he introduced himself while reaching out his hand to Dolores for a shake.
"Oh! You are the future'Dr. G.J.B My Love'." she exclaimed. And with this comment, he now knows who she was. Anne gifted him a doctor's bag last Christmas that was embossed with'Dr. G.J.B My Love'on one handle and'Your Ms. ASC'on the other. He would prefer'Your Mrs. Blythe'to be honest but he hasn't broached this subject to Anne yet.
He knows too well that there is no other path their relationship will take other than marriage. And if you are going to ask him, he will marry her right here, right now if not only for external factors that they need to consider – their studies, their career, their family, their future. And they are still quite young, he at twenty and her at eighteen. And he is taking up medicine would add something more to consider as he most probably will finish his studies in another three or four more years.
The realization made his heart fall to his stomach. Can he really endure that long without being married to her? The past months almost killed him, his pining, his longing, his love sickness for her only grew each passing day he spends in Toronto. And he wants so much more with her, but their more will not come any closer because of the circumstances they are in.
"What's wrong?" Anne said while caressing his slightly stubbled cheek softly it caused a wave of shiver in his whole body.
He melted into her palm and gently kissed her wrist then said, "Nothing My Love." In an effort to assure her. She gave him a small, genuine smile before going to the counter to discuss something with Dolores.
The two looked so serious while talking to each other that he didn't want to pry so much so he busied himself looking around the store. And true to its name, it is filled with so many things that ones can find as a gift or personal trinkets.
Dolores handed Anne two small and a medium sized box. He walked towards the counter to join the two women.
"Are those for Matthew and Marilla?" he asked as he put his hand on the small of her back. He noticed that she gasped slightly at the contact.
"Yes and no." she countered. "These two small boxes are for Matthew and Marilla. A new pipe for Matthew with his name engraved at the handle, and a spectacle box for Marilla with her name engraved on it too." she said smiling at the packages.
"You are too thoughtful for your own good Ms. Shirley Cuthbert." he teased. "And the other one?" he asked curiously.
"For you." she answered simply.
"But Love, you already gifted me the doctor's bag last Christmas and I bet it costed you some money. You didn't need to give me yet another gift." he said, surprised.
"Gilbert Blythe, don't you dare rain on my parade, okay!" she said sternly with reprimand in her eyes. "I wanted to do this, I wanted to give you something that will remind you of me when you go back to Toronto after this summer. I always wanted to be with you, even just in spirit and love, so please, kindly accept my token of love for you, please." she explained softly, eyes and voice pleading.
"You know this isn't fair. You cannot use your charm at me every time Anne Shirley Cuthbert." he said pursing his lips tight, but the universe knows that all he wanted to do right now is to kiss her senseless and pour his gratitude to her.
"Please…." she added, pouting dramatically.
"Oh no Anne, don't you pull the trick on me." he came closer to her and whispered to her ears.
"Please… kind… sir…" she moaned softly that only he could hear, looking into his eyes then to his lips.
This is too much for a mere mortal like him. How could he ever say 'no' to this woman –never!
He looked into her eyes firmly and said, "Okay, could you tell me what it is then?" he asked while Anne put the package into his hands and he give it a little shake, curious as to what's inside.
"You may open it later when we are home." she said smiling coyly at him, letting him know that she has won this battle once again.Oh no you don't Shirley Cuthbert!
"If you let me open it now, I wouldn't moan about you spending too much on my presents. Deal?" he challenges. "Okay!" she answered, not wanting to ruin their moment.
Gilbert proceeded in unwrapping the box and slowly took out the gift from the box. The little card says:
"Caring deeply will always be the right thing."
Dr. Gilbert Blythe
Love of my life, proponent of my happiness. I love you, ASC.
He then pulled the item from the box; it was a stethoscope with engraved G.J.B on its chest piece. Gilbert was momentarily stunned, mouth slightly agape and looked at it with amazement. It was the most recent model produced and probably costs Anne a fortune.
"Thank you, My Love. But… how…? This must have costs you a fortune Anne, only few are able to get this yet… I don't understand."
"I will answer your question if you promise me that you will accept it without thinking about how I procured it anymore. I got this for you Gilbert because you need this, and you will be using this in your apprenticeship in the hospital. It's like I am always with you, even at the time you are working till your bones cannot anymore." she explained.
"I know how busy you will become when you return to Toronto as you will be studying and practicing medicine. I want to be with you at least in spirit, and for you to have something to hold dear when I am not able to do so when you need it. Can you accept this, for me?" she added pleadingly.
"Yes, Love. Of course, I accept it and I am grateful for it. You are so thoughtful and caring, and I know you did this because you love me. I just don't want you spending so much for my sake." he said.
"Gilbert, I would give you my life if you needed it, without second thought. This is nothing compared to how I feel for you. Besides, a woman got to make her own living too you know." she smiled coyly.
"You've got a job??" he asked, surprised.
"Why, Mr. Blythe. I have been working since I entered Queen's." she said. "Please keep this a secret, between us. I didn't mention this to you or anybody else because it was included in my contract, but I was writing for Charlottetown Gazette since I started Queen's." she said.
Gilbert's eye went as wide as a saucer in surprise. Anne continued, "Apparently, they read my article 'What is Fair' then someone tracked me down and with the results of the exam published on the papers, someone was sent to Blackmore House the day after our moment at the lawn and then they offered me a job as a silent writer, meaning, I am writing under a pseud because I am still a student." she explained while looking around to make sure no one is within earshot.
"Wow." is the only word Gilbert can muster now. His heart is swelling with pride that his girl was a published author at a very young age and is changing the world with her words that are empowering and mind opening. "I am so proud of you, My Love! I hope I could celebrate with you when you received the good news." he mumbled.
"Delayed gratification is accepted, Love. Just please accept my present to you, and always remember that whenever it is placed around your neck, you have my arms around you. Comforting you, giving you strength, believing in you, and cheering for you from afar. I wanted to comfort you always, Gilbert, but we can't change the fact that I would be away, and this is the only thing I could think of to be with you, for now. Hmm?" she said.
"Yes Love, I understand. I accept, whole heartedly. Thank you so much for always putting my wellbeing above all. I love you so much!" he said and pulled her forcefully in his chest and hugged her so tight, pouring his gratitude to this wonderful woman in his life. "I love you." he whispered once more and kissed her hair.
Being loved by Anne Shirley Cuthbert is like winning the national lottery. She is a passionate individual in all manner and sense of life. She is intelligent, loyal, kind, considerate, beautiful, and so much more. Once again, Gilbert thanked his lucky start that he was loved and chosen by this wonderful woman.
*
They have then began walking towards the train station but before they could reach 4thAvenue which will lead them to the entrance, Anne made a turn to one of the alleys. He wondered where they are going this time.
"I wanted to show you my favorite hideout place in the middle of Charlottetown." she said and then looked up at him. Her blue orbs shine with mischievousness that he is quite acquainted to, and he doesn't complain as he knows where this situation will lead and has been dying to do so since he stepped out from the train.
"By all means, please lead the way." He said with a big goofy smile on his face. He was rewarded by a playful smirk, then Anne walked faster as they reached the said hideout place.
Anne led them to an abandoned gazebo at the back of what it seems like a church. The place is tidy despite its ruined state and the gazebo remained standing with its dome roof, pillars and bench which was adorned by wildflowers and vines. It was situated by a small man-made pond (he thinks) and it reflects the sunshine making it twinkle like a liquid diamond dancing in the horizon.
"It's beautiful in here, wow." He commented, full of amazement in his eyes.
"It is indeed!" Anne agrees, leading him to the bench. "Seat, please." she said, tapping the space beside her. Gilbert does and without preamble, whatsoever, she grabbed his face and kissed him hard.
Gilbert, being ready and has been waiting for this moment all afternoon, never think twice in returning her ardor. Their kiss reflects of their hunger for each other. Their love, their pining, their waiting, their tension, their eagerness to be close, their passion.
It has only been few months after they had the courage to seek each other and tried to set things right, but it seems like a lifetime away. Them, like this, together is like a missing piece of the puzzle that finally found its place in the vast picture of their forever that they have been looking for.
This rare encounter was exceptional. Who would have thought that they will ended up like this, together and forever, that is for sure. To find this kind of love at an early stage in life is a blessing, a miracle that is not given to anyone. And for this, for Anne, Gilbert will be forever thankful.
They continued to kiss with everything that they can give, with every breath that they could spare. But it was not enough. Gilbert pulled Anne by her waist and seated her in his lap without breaking their kiss. Anne then adjusted herself and sit astride him, straddling him on the bench. She placed both of her arms behind his neck, then laced her fingers through his hair – she wants to have Gilbert's hair longer because this is her favorite thing to do while she kissed him fervently, but for the life of her, she only have few to tug and caress because he cut it short. Not getting the satisfaction that she used to, she reached out for his shirt and unbutton the first two buttons and placed her hands inside, feeling his bare chest in in her palm while her other hand clutched on his neck while caressing it gently.
Gilbert started to explore as he has been dreading to hold her for agonizing months that has passed, he doesn't know how he even survived. He left her mouth and started to kiss her chin, her jawline, to the pulse beneath her ear and sucked at her earlobe eliciting a delicious moan and him with a muffled groan with the sensual assault he was doing. He then started to trail kisses, licked, and sucked the length of her neck and took time at the base of her shoulder. Then did the same all over her exposed skin. He snaked his one hand to her waist to pull her closer to him, chest to chest. His other hand guiding her hips to his core. His lips find hers again and started to kiss her senseless while they continue on their ministrations that bring them both to a precipice of sensual belongingness.
As they come down from the heights of their exploration, their kiss slowed its pace, but the dance of the tongue and month never ceases until they came to a slow, loving, and gratifying pace, never wanting to stop. They only stopped when they needed to breath some air. Forehead still touching, chest to chest and their cores still feeling each other.
"I love you so much Anne." Gilbert said in between his heavy breaths, embracing her tightly. "I will never ever love anyone but you, remember that." he added as he cupped her jaw with his one hand bringing her checks to his lips then kissed and nibble the corner of her mouth.
"And I you, Gilbert. You are my only love." she said with the same intensity as his as she gently sucked his splendid chin, planting chaste kiss along his jawline until she reached his jaw.
*
As the train pulled up from Charlottetown Train Station, Anne and Gilbert relish this final moment of them being together, alone in each other's company. In about two hours, they will be meeting their families in Avonlea who are most likely busying themselves with their arrival.
Bash and Matthew are agreed to wait for them in Bright River station with the buggy and escort them both to Green Gables for a combined family welcome dinner for the two renowned and looked up young adults in Avonlea.
Anne was siting by the window watching the scenery unfolds as the train moves while Gilbert sits beside her, right arm draped on her shoulder, keeping her close to his body, and the other one absentmindedly playing with her fingers and occasionally bringing her hands to his lips, kissing her knuckles, or discreetly sucking on her little finger.
They decided to take the last cabin to avoid prying eyes of the passengers. They are seated at the very last seat, enjoying their little bubble.
"Gilbert, why did you cut your hair?" Anne asked, pouting. Gilbert pulled her for a hard kiss.
"Stop pouting." he said sternly. "Last week, before the exams started, we have volunteered to one of the hospitals, it's the one the offered new medical research for the same illness my father suffered from. It affected its patience even till loosing their hairs, you saw dad once, right?" Anne nodded.
"There was a child who suffers the same and was crying because his hair is also beginning to fall," he continued, his voice now enveloped by sadness and compassion. "To help the boy feel a little better, us, the volunteers decided to have our hairs cut short to match his."
"That was so novel of you, Love." Anne said then reached up to kiss him slowly.
Thank god we are alone!he thought. And they kissed some more.
Anne turned to him, rest her head on his chest and embraced his middle, putting her hand inside his jacket and absentmindedly caressing his body in small circles. Gilbert kissed her temple and put his chin on top of her head tightening his embrace, relishing the feel of her against his body.
"Love?" Anne called.
"Yes, my Anne.?" he countered.
"What do you think lies in our future?" she asked softly, feeling the lull of train calming her mind.
"A future full of love, passion and everything in between. If I could marry you right now I would, without hesitation." he blurted.
She smiled. "Me too." she mumbled, slowly drifting to sleep.
And it downed to him, that Anne wanted the same future as he does – now. What has been stopping him anyway in getting that future?
They are too young– most people get married at their age!
They are still studying– Anne finished her teaching degree, and him, although he would be student for some more years, he has a steady income from the orchard and spends minimum at school because of his scholarship.
They live apart– they can probably live in Toronto together while he finishes his medical degree and Anne can teach somewhere, with her credentials, intelligence, and skills many schools will compete just to have her in their team.
As he goes on and on, he realized that all those things are just excuses not to start their lives together. They will thrive, their family would understand, and they will support their decision. And most of all, they love each other.
Going home is not just taking a long train ride from Toronto to Avonlea, going home is wherever Anne is. "We will get married soon, my love." he murmured in Anne's hair.
Anne tightens her embrace, not wanting this moment to end. She knows what Gilbert wants for their future because she wants it too and she wanted for it to start soon so badly. Going home is not only going back to Green Gables but going home is wherever Gilbert is.
"I do." she mumbled before sleep took over her consciousness.
Going home to you is the only future I know.They thought simultaneously.
-The End-