Gilbert woke in a cold sweat. He looked around the dark room and heard only sounds of the wind outside. The dream he'd had felt so real. He'd made love to Anne and she had professed her undying love for him. It was just a dream; a delicious, delightfully dirty dream. Wishful thinking, he thought to himself. The clock on his bedside table read 5:18am, so he decided to get up and start his day.

Anne was still not feeling well enough to visit him. He overheard Ruby ask Diana if Anne was dying of a broken heart. He almost laughed out loud at the ridiculous, naive girl. Gilbert hoped that Anne would move on from Billy Andrews and soon. He'd attacked him and tried to force himself on Anne, but she still had feelings for him? Gilbert didn't understand that at all.

He'd thought what they had was special. He was in love with her. She'd said she loved him too, right? Once Anne had time to think things over, he was sure she would choose him. Billy wasn't an intellectual like them. He didn't read novels or poetry. Anne and Gilbert were like-minded people. They could have real conversations. Yes, she would definitely be his girl by the summer for sure.

"Anne! A letter for you!" She heard Marilla call out from down the stairs. It was a beautiful morning. The birds were chirping on The Snow Queen and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Anne took a deep breathe and sighed. She'd dreamt about him last night. In her dream, Billy was gentle. In her dream, they were making love. Why couldn't she get him out of her head?

She made her way down and saw the letter sitting on the kitchen table next to her breakfast. Marilla smiled at her as Matthew blessed the food then they all tucked in. "Did you sleep any better, Anne?" Matthew asked in his gruff voice.

"No, but I did get more than the past few nights at least." She smiled wanly at him then turned to Marilla. "After I help clean up, I think I might take a walk through the woods. Would that be okay?" Marilla brightened. Anne hadn't left the front porch in weeks, so this was progress to her.

"Yes, of course. I'll pack a snack for you just in case you stay out longer." Anne nodded her head then finished her breakfast. Once she finally made it outside, she stepped off the porch and began her walk. She made it to her shelter in the woods. It was their spot. She had a feeling that it was a letter from him. The postmark was from Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. She carefully opened the envelope and removed the pages as if they were made of glass.

My dearest Anne,

First, I would like to beg your forgiveness. I was horrible to you and so jealous of Blythe that I overreacted. I caused you so much pain and for that I am sorry. I cannot be sorry for the why. Anne, I love you so completely and with all of my soul that seeing you being held by him, it made me lose all of my sense. My brain stopped functioning. This, of course, does not excuse what I did or said, I know that.

Being so far from you though, even almost two weeks later, has not stopped my mind from thinking about you. Are you happy? Are you safe? Do you think about me? About us? My dreams are of your beautiful auburn hair, your bright blue eyes, your pink lips and the dimple that appears when you smile at me. Your laugh, oh, that is what I miss the most. Will I ever hear it again? I pray every day that I will.

I have six weeks of torture left. I'll return to Avonlea in eight. Two weeks after I graduate from school. If there is no hope left, tell me now. If you do not wish to see me, I will make myself a stranger. I will not interfere. But remember that you are my first love, and more than likely I will never love another woman as I love you. I remain yours.

Ever faithful,

Billy

Anne felt the warm tears on her face. The early spring weather not being very forgiving, she was grateful to be inside when the sky opened up. She read the letter from Billy numerous times before deciding to respond. Thankfully, she had extra stationary and ink pens in the shelter. She took out the sandwich and apple tart that Marilla packed and ate as she wrote.

Billy completed his chores for his Uncle Hershel then accompanied his Aunt Lorraine and his cousin to town. The town was small. Only 560 people lived there and less than half of that population was the children in town. He kept to himself in class even if the girls still stared and giggled at his presence. But they were insignificant to him.

Yesterday on his walk home with his two younger cousins Mabel and Ollie, a girl named Mary asked him to join her for lunch on Saturday. He'd declined and told her he has a girl back home. Mary tried to persuade him by saying she could make him forget the girl existed and alluding to sexual acts to his shock. He told Mary that her behaviour was appalling and to never speak to him if such things again.

"Billy dear?" He heard his aunt call to him. "Could you take Mabel with you to get the post? Ollie and I are heading into Grover's for his new shoes. Meet us back there, okay?" He smiled at his aunt and kissed her cheek.

"Of course, Aunt Lorraine. Take my hand Mabel." His little ten year old cousin Mabel was a dreamer, much like his Anne. She reminded him so much of her. "You know, Mabel, my Anne would just simply adore you. You remind me so much of her." Mabel smiled up at her older cousin. He was always talking about his Anne, she felt like she already knew her.

"Billy? Do you think after you leave, you could come back to visit me and bring Anne?" Billy's heart hurt at the thought that he couldn't tell her that they would definitely visit so he just told her 'Maybe' and shrugged. He told the postmaster that he was there for Mr. Hershel Andrews mail. He handed Billy a small bundle of mail.

He did not know it at the time, but two pieces of mail were for him. Billy tucked the mail under his arm, took Mabel's hand, then made their way over to Grover's. "Billy! Over here!" He heard Ollie yell.

"Oliver James! Act like you have sense!" His mother chided. She thanked Billy for his help, then he picked up any parcels and bags his aunt had and started packing up their wagon. After they had lunch, he heard his aunt call out for him. "Two letters for you, Billy." She handed him the letters and he went up to his room in the loft to read them. The first letter was from Anne and his heart almost burst from excitement.

Billy,

Thank you for your letter. It was good to hear from you. I wish you all the best.

Anne

It was not what he had expected to see. It was short; almost cold. He turned it over thinking there was more. There wasn't. He grabbed the other letter. Another from Anne.

My love,

I don't know why I sent that short missive the other day! I was just so shocked by your words. I thought if I wrote the barest of things, it would help me forget you, but I cannot forget you, I love you. Still, I love you. You said some rotten things to me, Billy Andrews. You hurt me. Yet, I cannot seem to get you out of my head.

I must confess to you, though. Gilbert and I kissed. I was hurt and confused, and he was hurting after his father's passing and so vulnerable and I let him take comfort in my arms. I let him touch me when it was you I truly desired. I wrote him. I told him that I was sorry, that I only wished to be friends. He's tried confronting me; tried to get me to try with him.

I cannot. I will not. After receiving your letter, your beautiful, poignant letter, I have officially made it known to anyone that will listen, that I, Anne Shirley-Cuthbert, am in love with Billy Andrews. I will be turning sixteen in a few months then next year I will graduate. Our future together, if you still want me after my confession, is the dream keeping me sane.

Marilla and Matthew did not understand at first, but when I explained everything and showed them your letter, they finally understood. We are young, yes, but our love is true. My heart is still yours, if you'll have me.

Forever yours,

Anne

He read it three more times. She still loved him. She let Blythe touch her. She'd let him kiss her. It killed him to know another man had held her as he once did. He decided he would forgive her. He would forgive Gilbert Blythe. If it were the other way around and he had feelings for Anne but she was with Blythe, he probably would have taken any opportunity to be with her. He folded up her letters and placed them in their respective envelopes then marked the short one as "Anne's practice letter" and drew a big heart on the otherone. He would write her again tomorrow.

Diana waited by the big oak tree outside the property of her house. Her heart sped up when she saw him approaching on his steed. "Miss Diana, you look beautiful mon amour." Jerry dismounted with ease then held the reigns. Diana walked until she was directly in front him.

She twirled a long, dark curl around her finger then gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "I feel like I haven't seen you in ages. How's Anne? She hasn't been in school." And she hadn't. Jane was dropping off her assignments everyday. Marilla had told her that when she was ready, she could go back.

"She has been a bit better since last week. I think that boy wrote her. I overheard Mr. Cuthbert talking with Miss Cuthbert about it the other day. They weren't sure if they should allow her to write him back or not. But, let's not talk about that. How 'Av you been? I finished that book you gave me. I have it here." Jerry turned to pull the book from his satchel and handed it back to Diana. When their hands touched, Diana blushed prettily.

Jerry stepped closer and placed his hand on her hip. "Diana, you are too good for me, I know, but my lord, I do love you." Then he bent his head down and brushed her lips with hers in a chaste kiss. He went to pull back but she put her arms around his neck and kissed him deeper, her tongue begging for entrance into his mouth. She heard him groan as he pushed her up against the large oak.

"I love you too," she gasped between kisses. "So much, Jerry. You set me on fire." Jerry pulled them flush against each other and Diana felt his enthusiasm for her against her leg. "Oh!" She said in shock. Jerry backed away a bit then rested his forehead against hers.

"Sorry, I got carried away." He took her hand and kissed her knuckle. "One day, I am going to prove myself to your father and mother. One day, I'll marry you, Diana Barry."

"Anne," Marilla knocked on her daughter's bedroom door. Another letter arrived from the Andrews boy that afternoon. She'd contemplated whether or not to give it to her. In the end, her conscience won out. Anne loved Billy, and Billy loved Anne. There were no ifs, ands, or buts about it. After a long discussion with her brother Matthew, they'd decided to forgive the boy. If Anne could, they could. She opened the door and saw her asleep, clutching the letter he'd sent two weeks prior. She decided to let her sleep, but left the new letter on her bedside table.

As she went to walk out, a breeze came through the window and a paper on Anne's desk flew to the floor at Marilla's feet. It was a doodle and different variations of Anne's name and she smirked. She remembered doing something similar when she was courting with John Blythe.

Anne Shirley-Cuthbert-Andrews

Anne Andrews

Anne Cordelia Andrews

Anne Cuthbert-Andrews

Mrs. William Andrews

Marilla put the paper back on Anne's desk and placed the paperweight on top so it didn't fly away again. She then tucked Anne's blanket around her and kissed her forehead.

Matthew had just come in from the barn as she made her way back to the kitchen. "Finished early so I sent Jerry home for the day. I was going to go into Charlottetown tomorrow morning to run some errands and visit my friend. If you or Anne need anything, let me know." Marilla nodded then fixed her brother a cup of iced tea and some cold ham sandwiches. "She seems happier now that the boy is writing her." She nodded again.

"I'm not saying I'm going to forget what he tried to do, but I do forgive him. He had sense enough to stop himself, he was remorseful, and I know he truly cares about her." He took a long drink then but his sandwich. Marilla couldn't agree more. Anne was in better spirits, although she still did not want to return to school. They were talking as Marilla cleaned up when there was a knock at the door. Matthew got up and his sister heard him welcoming someone inside.

It was Mr. and Mrs. Andrews. "Ah, hello, welcome. What brings you two over to Green Gables?" Marilla removed her apron, then had them follow her to the parlour.

Mr. Andrews spoke first, "Wonderful to see you both. Is Anne well? We have not seen her in ages." Marilla explained that Anne was feeling much better as of late. "Yes, our son tells us they've been exchanging letters. That's part of why we are here." He looked to his wife and she spoke then.

"Billy will be graduating in a few weeks. After he does, Harmon is gifting him a small plot of land on our property. He'll be taking over the silos. He has expressed his wish to ask for your daughter's hand. He is aware that she will be finishing up school next year and wishes to attend Queens as well. It would be our honour to welcome her into our family. The children are in love and honestly, I just cannot bear to keep them apart." Mrs. Andrews said with a quivering lip before a tear slipped from her eye.

Marilla and Matthew both sat in shock. Anne? Their Anne? To be engaged. She had just turned fifteen in March. "I'm guessing that this will be a long engagement? Our Anne just turned fifteen. If she agrees, I would not feel comfortable with her marrying until after she graduates." The Andrews sat up a bit straighter at her words.

"So, they would have your blessing?" Mr. Andrews asked. Marilla and Matthew exchanged a silent conversation with their eyes. Matthew nodded then the adults continued their visit.

Gilbert was nervous. He was meeting with the new teacher, Miss Stacy to discuss his future. He'd applied to Queens and was excited to work towards medical school. He couldn't wait to get away from Avonlea. His heart was broken. Anne had written him and explained her feelings for him and for Billy. She loved them both, but felt that Billy and her were soulmates.

Gil,

Though it pains me to write this, I know that I must. What we shared, such intimate moments, they will always be special to me. I found myself loving two men. After much thought and sleepless nights, I have realised that I love you, but I am in love with Billy Andrews.

Billy was my first boyfriend. We've had our ups and downs, but I cannot stay away from him. He wrote me the most beautiful letters; begging my forgiveness, pledging his undying love and devotion to me. He wants a future with me but knows that my schooling comes first. He is so supportive.

You are my best friend, Gilbert Blythe, and I will always love you. Good luck at Queens! I'll see you when I get there. We shall see each other soon!

Your Friend,

Anne Shirley-Cuthbert

That was four weeks ago. Gilbert made his way to the school and saw Diana Barry with Jerry. They looked to be embracing; were they together? He watched from afar and saw them getting more intimate with each other. He heard Diana moaning and Jerry lifting her against the tree. 'Should I step in? Let them know I can see them?' Just as he was ready to make himself known, they parted then shared one last kiss before Diana turned back down the path to her house and Jerry went back towards Green Gables.

Gilbert had to stave off his erection. Watching them made him think of that night him and Anne came across each other in the woods. He'd only ever touched one other girl like that, and she lived in BC. He'd met her when his father and him traveled the summer before he got sick. He shook his head clear of his thoughts and made himself focus on the task at hand.

Miss Stacy was just finishing up grading some papers when he knocked on the doorframe. "Oh! Gilbert! Please, take a seat." Miss Stacy was a pretty woman in her late twenties. She had long dark blonde hair, bright eyes and a pleasing smile. "Well, I see that you have the top grades in your year. Your acceptance to Queens is here but you also expressed an interest in Toronto U? Have you sent your credentials in yet?"

Gilbert explained that he thinks he missed the cutoff but was going to send it in that afternoon. "Even if it is too late for the Fall Semester, maybe I could start in the Spring instead." He wanted to go to Queens but now that he'd be seeing Anne in a year's time, it was going to be a constant struggle. Knowing he was in love with her but could not have her, was going to kill him.

"I have a friend that teaches their, I can put in a quick telegram if you'd like? Let me see what you've gotten written down." Miss Stacy helped him tweak his essay and application for TU, and by the time he'd left, his whole demeanour had changed. He felt confident that he'd be accepted.

As he walked into town, his eye caught bright , shining red hair. Anne. She'd gone into the general store with Miss Cuthbert. After taking a few deep breaths, he entered. She was looking through some fabric samples with her adoptive mother and smiling. He had missed that smile more than he should have. When she caught sight of him staring, her smile dropped slightly but returned when he smiled at her.

"Good afternoon, ladies. Anne, you are looking well. Does this mean you'll be back at school? The new teacher is splendid. You'll really enjoy her. Although there is only a couple weeks left." She smiled and nodded excitedly.

"Yes, I have been corresponding with her via notes in my work that Jane is kind enough to collect for me. I will be back Monday morning actually. Just in time for end of year exams, My anxiety had me quite not myself for some time, but now that I am..." she trailed off. Should she tell him about her impending engagement to Billy Andrews. She knew he wanted to propose. He had gotten Matthew and Marilla's blessing.

"What? What is it, Anne?" he had to stop himself from pulling her closer. She looked lost for a moment then turned towards Marilla. Marilla nodded then stepped away.

"Gil, I want you to know how much your friendship means to me. Which is why, I need to tell you that Billy is coming back home next month after he graduates and has asked permission to marry me." Gilbert felt as if the Earth shifted on its axis. Was he falling? He stumbled back and hit the magazine rack behind him. He felt sick. She was getting married to Billy?

"No! No, you cannot be serious, Anne! No! Damn it." He practically hissed the words. Anne paled and her lip quivered as she tried to hold back a sob as Gilbert berated her in the General Store. "I thought you were smart. But this? I cannot believe this. We belong together. Me and you? We make sense! You and Billy Andrews? No!" Marilla walked over to calm the situation down.

"Gilbert Blythe, you lower your voice, for goodness sake." Gilbert had the sense to look around sheepishly then apologise for his outburst. "Anne, we should go meet Matthew at the butchers. If you'll excuse us." Gilbert once more extended his apologies and bud them farewell. His ride back to his home was solemn. If her announcement didn't end things, his outburst definitely did.

Billy Andrews was excited; he was on his way home to Avonlea. It was difficult saying goodbye to Mabel and Ollie, but he promised to write and visit. He shook his Uncle Hershel's hand and gave his Aunt Lorraine a kiss on her cheek, thanking them both for taking him in then boarded the 9 o'clock train. He wondered if Anne would be at the station. Jane's letter said that they weren't sure if she would be able to come or not since it was Mister Cuthbert's birthday. He dozed off as the train rocked gently. Home. He was going home.

When he woke, the train was just pulling into the Avonlea station. It was crowded, but he could see his father and mother, then his sisters Jane and Prissy. He's a little disappointed not to see Anne there, but he understood that she had Matthew's birthday to attend. Billy grabs his bag from above his seat then makes his way out to his family.

"Son!" He heard his father shout then finds them all smiling at him. He cannot fight the huge grin that spreads across his face and rushes into their embraces. "Welcome home." He hears them all say as he gets lost in their warm hugs. He pulls back and that's when he sees her.

"Billy." His name sounds like a whispered prayer coming from her lips.

"Anne." He can feel his eyes prickle with tears before she launches herself into his arms. She smells of sunshine and wildflowers. "I've missed you so much." He mumbled into her neck. She squeezes him tighter then pulls back enough to kiss him softly on the corner of his mouth.

"You're home." She said as she smiled up at him, her arms still around his neck.

"Home with you. It's all I've been dreaming of the last 10 weeks." They followed the Andrews Family to their wagon, holding hands and smiling. "So, how did your end of year tests go? I'm sure you were top of the class." Anne told Billy about the new teacher Miss Stacy and that she'd been so distraught over him leaving that she'd been home schooled until the last two weeks of school.

"And Diana and I have become friends again. It took me a while to forgive her, but in the end, she only did it because she was looking out for me. We were not ready. But once we are married next year, we can, well, you know." She blushed deep red and he couldn't help but think it was the most adorable sight he'd seen in weeks.

He told her that with his Aunt Lorraine's help, he finally understood Algebraic equations and actually got a B on his end of school exams. "I really could not believe it when Mr. Jeffries posted the exam results." He was proud of his hard work and Anne was too. He noticed they were heading to Green Gables and felt a bit sad thinking they were dropping Anne off. Then he saw a banner and balloons with Marilla, Matthew, Jerry, and Diana waving. The banner said, 'Congratulations Billy! Welcome Home!' "What's this?" Billy asked as the wagon stopped.

"A party for you, Mr. Graduate!" Anne squealed as she hugged him close. "Your parents and mine got together and decided to celebrate your return and accomplishments." She grinned slyly, "I may have implanted the idea in Marilla's head." He loved this girl so much.

"I thought it was Matthew's birthday." He chuckled.

"No, Jane came up with that! Clever of her, don't you think?" He squeezed her hand and kissed her forehead before greeting everyone else.

Marilla watched her Anne with her beau. The smile on both of their faces was infectious. How could she not see it before? These two young people were in love. Not just puppy love. The admiration that Billy Andrews had for her Anne was clearly written all over his face. And Anne looked happier than she had the first time she saw Green Gables.

Matthew was talking to them now. Billy shook his hand and Anne hugged Mathew after, tears shining in both of their eyes. Matthew walked towards his sister and the two young lovebirds held each other closely, talking and laughing together.

"He's a good lad." Matthew had made it to his sister's side. "He loves her. He'll treat her well. Anne said she wished they could get married sooner, but then he reminded her that her education comes first. Even though he wishes the same thing, he knows if Anne doesn't finish school and attend Queens, she'd regret it."

Marilla watched the Andrews boy and smiled.

"Who would have thought? What started with him being a bully to her those first days of school turned into this great love between two young people. Reminds me of you and John Blythe, God rest his soul. Remember how he used to tease you?" Matthew chuckled. Marilla grew misty eyed. She usually did when she thought of her one and only love; the dreams of what could have been.

"Yes. I remember. They really are well suited for each other, aren't they?" Matthew just smiled at his sister, nodded, then walked away to get some pie off the overflowing dessert table.

He watched them from the woods. He couldn't wait to get out of Avonlea. Watching his Anne with that scoundrel Billy Andrews made his blood boil. Gilbert never felt so much anger towards one person. He looked at the hunting knife in his hands and imagined plunging it into the bastards heart. A heart undeserving of her love and affection. The murderous thoughts shook him. He needed to calm down. He was becoming obsessed. He needed to get away. He needed to forget Anne Shirley!

A/N: Thinking of getting this finished up with a few more chapters. Thank you for reading.