Chapter Text
A light breeze gently pulled in the grass and in the leaves on the blooming trees. It was early spring in Avonlea and everything was slowly turning green. The sun was shining for the first time in weeks, and the citizens of the small town were in a good mood. Miss Stacy had recently taught the class about how weather can sometimes affect people's mood. Like when it rains people tend to be more pessimistic and get angered easily. It was quite obvious, especially now, as when the women in Avonlea were happy, they baked. And Anne had never seen this much bread produced. Like this morning, Josie's mother had handed out bread for the whole class. Although some suspected it was just an attempt to win her daughters popularity back after she had taken a few steps down the class hierarchy ladder. Either way the bread was scrumptious.
Now, a few hours after school, Anne was sat on a bench by the Lake of Shining Waters. She had discovered the bench the other day, while she was following a rabbit. It was one of the most dazzling places she'd seen, and she instantly decided to make it her reading spot. She had always thought that a good book needed a fitting scenery.
Today she was reading a book about a beautiful heroine, saving her kingdom while having to choose between three suiters. Although Anne strongly believed that the heroine didn't need a man, she was still rooting slightly for Carl, the intelligent curly-haired brunette prince.
Anne heard a light thud as someone sat down next to her. She looked up from her book and saw a pair of warm green eyes study her. "Hi.", Gilbert said, flashing a smile. She looked at him confused for a moment, before replying: "Hello!", Anne replied, matching his expression. "What are you reading?", he asked politely. She began explaining the plot, and what she'd read thus far in a lively manner. She did leave out the romantic subplot with Carl though. Unintentionally, of course.
"I can see how this must be a great place to read.", Gilbert said, admiring the gorgeous landscape. Anne nodded enthusiastically: "Yes absolutely! You can imagine the most delightful things." Gilbert grinned at her excitement.
They sat in silence for a few moments before he spoke, "Honestly, I didn't even know anyone else knew about this place. This is usually where I go to think. Before me, it was my father's place. I believe he built the bench. He and-", he paused for a few seconds before continuing: "He and Marilla used to go here."
Anne took in his words. Marilla and John, here? She had never heard many details about Marilla's romance, it had almost seemed unreal. Like a daydream. But she smiled at the thought of Marilla sitting here grinning at John. She then looked at Gilbert, and the realisation hit her. A fiery blush hit her cheeks as she stared at him wide eyed. His cheeks suddenly began to redden too, and then they just sat there, silently.
Anne then thought about what he had said before the whole Marilla and John thing: "Oh, no. Have I accidentally stolen your place?"
He laughed lightly, the mood easing: "No. It's nice to share it with someone. And of course, if anyone were to find it, it would be you." Anne wasn't quite sure what he meant with that, but it seemed like a compliment, so she smiled. He turned his head, so he faced the lake: "The water is so calming, don't you think?"
She nodded, a bit glad that the conversation had taken another direction: "Yes, it is quite soothing." There it was again, that silence that was somehow awkward yet pleasant. And it was weird, because Anne was usually full of words, but she seemed to somehow loose them whenever Gilbert was around. "Anyway, I should probably get going. Marilla expects me to help her make dinner, so..."
Gilbert smiled: "I'll se you tomorrow then.", she looked confused for a moment before saying: "Oh, school! Yeah, of course- uh, see you tomorrow!" She quickly grabbed her hat and her book and took off, waving rapidly. Gilbert was left on the bench, smiling to himself.