Thank you for the reviews:-) They mean a lot to me. Please let me know what you think; it's very helpful because this is my first time attempting something like this.

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Chapter 2: A Wedding And A Fallout

Marilla Cuthbert started to worry about her adoptive daughter. She knew about Anne rejecting Gilbert's proposal, and ever since Anne hadn't been acting like herself. The usually light spirited and talkative redhead became quiet and dejected; the color from her cheeks disappeared. The cheerful mood that once surrounded Green Gables disappeared as well. Even the highly opinionated Rachel Lynde took notice and began to worry.

"Anne?" called Marilla as she knocked on Anne's door. "It's time to get up."

"I don't want to," responded a weary Anne on the other side of the door.

"Come on, Anne. You can't stay in there all day!"

"I can, too! I have nothing better to do."

Marilla opened Anne's door and sat on her bed. What she found was a tangled mess underneath the covers. "Were you thinking about Gilbert again?"

Anne sighed and nodded her head. "Yes."

"You made your decision, Anne."

"I know, Marilla. I have my reasons for making that decision that no one will understand." She looked away sadly.

Marilla shook her head. "Like I said before, you can't stay in here all day. Besides your breakfast is waiting for you, and I know you wouldn't want that to get cold."

"Okay then."

Marilla got up and walked to the door before turning around. "Try to cheer up, okay?"

Anne managed to break out a weak smile. "Alright. I'll try."

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Diana Barry stopped by Green Gables later in the day to check on her best friend. She too had heard the news about Gilbert's rejected proposal and was shocked. She was sure Gilbert and Anne were meant to be together the day the two first met even though Anne would never admit it. Diana had put away her personal feelings for Gilbert in order for her friend to have her happiness, but now she knew things wouldn't be the same. Fred Wright proclaimed his love for her and made if official with a beautifully cut diamond ring, which she gladly accepted. The wedding was scheduled for tomorrow. Anne was the obvious choice as the maid of honor; the only problem was that Gilbert was to attend the wedding as well. Avonlea already knew the status of Anne and Gilbert's relationship and eagerly awaited the interaction between the two since the dreaded day.

The two girls were busy getting ready for Diana's bachelorette party in Anne's room.

"Anne, are you sure you're going to be all right?" asked Diana.

"I'll be fine," Anne reassured. "I promise."

"You know Gilbert will be there at the wedding, right?"

Anne hesitated. "Yes."

"I know this will be hard for you-"

"But I want to do this. You're my best friend. You've waited forever for this, and I will not let some guy be in the way of your perfect moment."

That guy just happens to be the best thing that ever happened to you, thought Diana.

Anne went up to Diana and hugged her. "I want you to know that I'm very happy for you. You've done well for yourself, and I'm very proud of you."

A tear came to Diana's eyes. "Thanks, Anne. You don't know how much that means to me."

"I'm here if you ever need me." The girls hugged again.

"Come on, Diana. We shouldn't be crying on your final night as a single woman. Now let's go and have fun, shall we?"

Diana smiled. "Whatever you say."

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Anne woke up exhausted the next morning. Karaoke and bowling had definitely assured the girls a good night's sleep except now Anne began to have her doubts.

What will Gil think of me once he sees me? Anne thought. Will he take off and run? Will he give me nasty looks? Will he even acknowledge me at all?

She sighed. As hard as it was to walk down that aisle to see all of Avonlea (including Gilbert) staring at her, it was even harder to let Diana down. She had stuck by Anne through thick and thin ever since Anne's first day in Avonlea, and now it was her turn to return the favor. Swallowing her pride, she got ready and went to the church to join the wedding party.

"Oh, Anne!" greeted Diana. "You're here! I'm so glad you're here!"

"I told you I'd be here, didn't I?" Anne answered playfully.

"I know but still. You look gorgeous."

"Not as gorgeous as you. You're the bride, remember?"

"Oh yeah!" The girls laughed.

"Are you ready for this?" Anne asked.

"I'm as ready as I ever could be." Diana smiled as she took her father's arm before walking to the back of the procession line.

Here goes, Anne said to herself. Don't even think about him.

She walked down the aisle, aware that all of Avonlea was looking at her. She looked straight ahead, trying not to look at anyone, especially Gilbert. But she couldn't help herself. Gilbert was staring at her with the look in his eyes that read, "What went wrong?" Anne tried her hardest to hold back her tears and looked away but not before seeing a lovely young lady sitting next to Gilbert. She was holding his hand and adoringly staring at Gilbert. Anne couldn't deny her beauty; she definitely gave her a run for her money. A flood of emotions went through Anne just as she took her place: anger, frustration, guilt, sadness, and longing.

What happened? How could he get over her that quickly after asking for her to marry him? Was he with this other girl the whole time he claimed that he loved her, or was he just playing with her mind? What would happen if she said "yes" to him only to have him break off their engagement?

Enough! Anne cried to herself. This was Diana's wedding, not a place to contemplate endless possibilities about a relationship that didn't even happen. Anne continued to look straight ahead, avoiding the murmured whispers of people pondering Anne's questionable decision.

It was finally Diana's turn to walk down the aisle, and she couldn't have looked any lovelier. She smiled at Fred, and Anne couldn't feel happier for them. The service was short but sweet, officially making Diana Mrs. Fred Wright.

After the ceremony was over, Anne hurriedly ran out of the church to her car to escape the certain questions about Gilbert's rejected proposal. More importantly she wanted to dodge Gil and the new woman in his life.

"Anne!" shouted Gilbert as he ran out the door trying to catch Anne. "Anne!"

He sighed. "I'm too late."

"Everything all right, hun?" asked his date.

"Yeah. Let's go to the reception now."

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Anne did her best to avoid Gilbert and his date at the reception by floating around to various tables.

"Well, well, well," said Josie Pye, the official Avonlea brat. "If it isn't Anne Shirley herself-"

"Hello, Josie," Anne replied politely.

"You looked good up there. You know what they say? 'Two times a bridesmaid and never a bride.' You had your chance, Anne."

"I know, Josie. I believe the expression is 'Three times a bridesmaid and never a bride.' The only thing you've had to wear twice is that stupid look on your face."

Josie became offended. "Well, I'm glad Gilbert is with Christine Stuart anyway. She's a better fit for him." She walked out.

So that's the girl's name, thought Anne. At least I got something out of this wedding.

As part of her duties of being the maid of honor, it was Anne's task to deliver a toast.

"Attention, everyone!" Anne began by clinking on her glass. "I just want to give a toast to the happy couple. Diana has been my best friend from Day 1, and we've been friends ever since. She's been there for me whenever I needed her, and no one deserves happiness as much as her. I remember us talking about this day as kids with every detail being planned out. The dream has finally come true. Fred, you're a lucky man. You're getting the best gal anyone can ask for. Take care of her for me."

"Of course I will," Fred promised. A tear came to Anne's eyes.

She continued. "I wish you two nothing but the best, and I expect a house full of screaming children some time in the future. Cheers!"

Everyone raised a glass in honor of the Wrights. Gilbert took this as an opportunity to come face-to-face with Anne, but he was having trouble finding her since she avoided him all day.

"Diana?" called Anne as she approached her.

"What is it?" asked Diana.

"I have to go. I can't stay here any longer."

"Why not?"

"I feel so uncomfortable here; it's been hard for me all day to face everybody. But I did it. Just for you."

"I know, and I appreciate it."

"And now Gilbert's looking for me. I know that. That's why I have to get out of here now."

"I wish you could stay for the cake."

"Me, too." Anne hugged Diana. "Have fun on your honeymoon. I meant what I said up there."

"Thanks, Anne. Take care of yourself."

Anne ran out of the reception hall. Gilbert saw Anne running and decided to go after her.

"Christine, I'll be right back," he told her. She nodded.

Anne was about to get into her car before Gilbert caught up to her.

"Anne!" he shouted.

She recognized him and just glared. "What do you want?"

"I want to talk."

"Right..."

"Seriously, Anne-"

"After telling me you love me, you go off with another girl. I see how it is." She turned to unlock her car.

"Anne, let me explain."

Anne crossed her arms and patiently waited for a response.

"Christine means nothing to me. It's not her that I want...it's YOU!"

"What!" Anne was shocked.

"It's true. I only brought her here because she's new, and she knew nobody. It was out of kindness and nothing more."

Anne was dumbfounded. "I just don't know what to say, Gil. It definitely looked like she had a thing for you, and if it wasn't, then it was a darn good acting job on her part."

"Listen to me. You mean more to me than anything. I love you. I've always loved you. I'm sorry I scared you the other day by asking you so suddenly, but I'm willing to make it up to you. So...I'm asking you again."

"Don't!" Anne cried. "I can't take it."

Gilbert was stunned. "Why?"

"I...I just can't handle it all right now. I'm not ready."

"I may not be worthy to you now, but I will be someday."

"I don't want anything to change. Gil, you're too good for me. I just can't! Can't we go back to being friends?"

Friends. He never knew that one word could hurt so much, but he didn't want to risk losing her entirely.

He sighed. "Sure."

"Thanks, Gil." She hugged him, trying to choke back her tears.

"Don't forget me when you go to Kingsport," Gilbert said, reluctantly letting her go.

"I won't."

And with that, Anne drove off into the distance, leaving a lovesick Gilbert staring after her.