Disclaimer: Any use of the title, dialogue, and plot is strictly prohibited. Anne of Green Gables belongs to L. M. Montgomery.
Spring had come to Avonlea, warm and pleasant as each tree began to take on a lush green after the cold winter. Flowers had started blooming and filling the world with color once more. Many a species of tree could be seen, showing off its new crown of foliage which was worn with pride.
Anne Shirley was enjoying the fresh air as she and her classmates were picking an abundance of Mayflowers. It had been a nice day to relish in the season of rebirth, and each student gathered as many as they could behind Mr. Slone's house which was bursting with them.
"Isn't spring a glorious season, Diana?" Anne enquired, bending down to pick a pink Mayflower who was reaching its arms toward her. She imagined its pink center was smiling up at her, delighted that she had chosen it out of all the others. Her arms were already full with flowers, but she was determined to carry each and every one of them back to Green Gables.
"I don't have your knack for big words, Anne, but I would say spring is beautiful." Her bosom friend responded.
"Beautiful isn't enough of a word to describe it. I'd say it's a magical time of year. It's like everything awakens and breathes with new life like all the stories where princesses are awakened by a kiss from Prince Charming. I think Mayflowers are the most beautiful things to exist on earth, don't you, Diana? I think their souls represent the past flowers who died."
"I never thought about it like that before, but people who don't know what Mayflowers are like don't miss them. There are better things than Mayflowers, though."
The girls continued to gather flowers in silence, watching as Arty Gillis boldly jumped over the well beside the hollow where they had eaten lunch.
The boys also had great delight in picking flowers, mainly because they all had eyes on the girls whom they thought were deserving of such a gift. Gilbert appeared distracted as he picked the most precious ones he could find for the girl who also fit that description.
Once all the Mayflowers had been gathered, the exchange began. Many of the girls graciously accepted the proffoured bouquets. Even Mr. Phillips offered flowers to Prissy Andrews, whispering something in her ear which caused her to smile.
It took a few moments before Gilbert managed to find Anne among the crowd of pupils. He reluctantly stepped forward and extended his hand.
"I-I thought you might like these," he stammered, showing her the cluster of flowers he had made into a wreath for her. "I thought they looked beautiful and... I wanted you to have them because I think you're beautiful."
Taken aback by this statement, Anne turned and walked away from him. She did not want to see or speak to him after what had happened the fall before. Nor did she want to make a scene in front of the entire class, especially since Mr. Phillips was nearby. She could not bear the humiliation of having her name written on the chalkboard again.
As Anne skipped happily up the lane to Green Gables, she saw Matthew waiting on the front steps for her. She ran excitedly toward him, exclaiming, "Oh, Matthew! I've had the most wonderful day in the history of wonderful! Today we went out to Mr. Slone's place and gathered these."
She held out the Mayflowers for Matthew to inspect. He nodded in approval and smiled as he helped her carry them into the house.
Gilbert wasn't despondent about the day's events. Sure he hadn't won the heart of his girl by giving her flowers, but this did not stop him. In fact, this rejection made him even more determined to fight for her. He was only fourteen, but he knew he was falling for Anne even if he couldn't quite say those three words yet.
Someday, he thought to himself, I'll tell her how I feel. I'll gather all the flowers in the world if it means I can be with her.