"Make sure you finish reading that poem by tomorrow's class. See you all then." The professor began the arduous process of erasing the blackboard as the students cleared out into the late sunlight of their Friday. His back turned towards the board, he didn't notice the fiery girl walking up behind him until he heard the delicate clearing of her throat.

"Professor Harrington. Uh, I was hoping I could talk to you about my tutoring of Royal Gardner," at the slight tilt of his head she continued, "It's not that I don't find him to be a gentleman and a terrific fellow… I only feel as though I don't have the time to offer my services when I have plenty to do myself."

"Well, your studies have never stopped you before. But, if you feel that way I suppose you don't need to tutor him. He only needs help with his short story writing after all – his poetry is excellent," he smiled slightly as Anne's eyes lit up.

"Oh, thank you sir. I'm sorry to be an inconvenience." The professor waved her off and she scurried out of the classroom, her heart feeling slightly lighter the whole way. With her eyes glued to the floor, Anne exited the doorway straight into Phil. "I'm so sorry darling!"

"It's no worry love. Just what are you so very happy about? Did you speak to Gil?" Phil's eyes were filled with hope as she saw the bright smile on Anne's face. She scowled at this, shaking her head.

"No, you goose. Do you think I've had time? I just asked Professor Harrington to let me out of my tutoring with Roy. I think if he has the gall to write such stuff about two people he doesn't know all that well, I shouldn't be encouraging him. Isn't that grand news though?" Phil beamed, telling Anne all she needed to know about that statement. Their arms entwined, as they made their way out of the halls, hoping to settle themselves down for an early night with the girls.

"Well I think you ought to talk to him soon Anne. You shan't keep him in the dark any longer. I know how unhappy he's been," Phil whispered, slightly scolding Anne at the same time.

"I know Phil dear, I just simply haven't the time right now. I – oh!" The last was said as Anne struggled to stay upright after running directly into someone carelessly standing in the middle of the courtyard. "I'm terribly sorry," she muttered brushing off her skirts, "That was entirely thoughtless of me, I really should not have been looking at the ground."

"I dare say it was my fault. I was in your way… Anne." Her head shot up at the soft, familiar voice, and was met with the roguish smile of Gilbert Blythe. "Long time no see. H-how are you?"

Anne now stood aloof at the question presented before her. With a gentle nudge from Phil, she smiled softly with a slight redness to her face, "I'm fine thanks, Gil. I – um – how are you?" Phil rolled her eyes at the pair. Honestly after not talking to each other for almost two years, shouldn't they have more to say then 'how are you?'

"Fine." The pair continued their dumbfounded gaze, and Phil slowly grew more annoyed at the pair.

"Oh, there's Stella and Priscilla. I'll be right back Anne dear," she left Anne and Gilbert, hoping that her leaving might spark a better conversation. But immediately rolled her eyes as Anne looked pleadingly towards her retreating form. Talk to him, she mouthed. She continued looking until she saw Anne's gaze flick back to Gilbert, and them smiled in triumph as his lips began to move again.

"I suppose she wants us to talk, hey? Has she always been that obvious," he chuckled, and grinned further as Anne began to giggle a little as well. "So how have you been really?"

Anne's eyes dropped to the ground, "I've been ok, managing the work load fine. I suppose sometimes it can get a little overwhelming, but I guess that's college. Especially since we can count the months till we graduate now. So, how have you been really?" She smiled slightly at her reiteration of his concern.

"About the same as you I suppose. Listen, I need to go to a meeting. I'll see you later?" Gilbert swallowed carefully, hoping she would see this as an invitation that he did want to see her again. She nodded, smiling a little. "Ok," he said, smiling back.

Just as he began to jog away, Anne quickly turned, calling, "Gil?" And as he turned she said, "Won't you drop by Patty's Place tonight? We've all been missing our Friday nights together. Jonas will be there too."

"I'd love to, Anne," he called back with a smile which she enthusiastically returned. Phil came back in time to see the smile gently placed on Anne's face.

"All's well then?"

"I hope so. What say we start that Friday night tradition again?" And at Phil's knowing smile they began their small trek home.

Thank you everyone for your lovely reviews over the last two chapters. I'm on holidays now! Hooray! Although, I've been finding very little motivation to keep writing at this point in time… I was a little stuck when it came to this chapter and I didn't really know what direction I was heading in with this story – I've had a lot of different ideas spinning around in my head. I hope you've enjoyed this one however, and any feedback is greatly appreciated x

~ laketrout