Surely Shirley || Shirbert || ✔️

Unsure of Friendship

She was alone.

She and Diana had the biggest argument of their friendship yet, and Anne was afraid things would never be the same.

It was supposed to have made things easier, when Diana left for Paris, if their separation was fueled by anger, then maybe it wouldn't hurt as bad.

Except that wasn't true and Anne felt like half her heart had been torn from her and broken into pieces. She didn't want to lose Diana and she certainly didn't want to lose her while they were arguing.

She wanted to apologize and she wanted to give Diana her necklace back.

But Diana tried to avoid her at all costs. The brunette would either arrive at school earlier than Anne and sit away from her or arrive late and hang out in the back.

After a day or two of that, Anne found out that Diana had decided not to come to class at all. Diana was going to finishing school and she didn't need the education, her parents had said. Apparently, it was a waste for a pretty girl like Diana to fill herself up with unnecessary information. Anne was too disappointed to argue.

It had been a week since their fight and Anne had not been the same. It seemed that everyone at Avonlea could see that the usually bright and cheery Anne was to be left alone.

Everyone that is, except the ever-persistent Gilbert Blythe.

Every morning, he left a bright red apple sitting on her desk at school. It was very helpful, especially since she would forget to eat breakfast on many occasions, but, at the same time, it was Gilbert Blythe, and Anne had to show that he did not bother her one bit... so, she would make sure to eat the apple only when she knew he was not looking.

Nobody sat next to Anne during class; that seat was reserved for Diana, whenever she decided to return, and nobody could replace it.

"Alright class," Ms. Stacy announced, clapping her hands for good measure, "we are going to do a group assignment, so everyone partner up!"

Anne felt sick to her stomach.

There was now an uneven number of students in the class and she was all alone.

She raised her hand. "Ms. Stacy, I don't feel well."

Ms. Stacy's realized her mistake. "Oh, I'm sorry, Anne. I'm sure you can partner up with Ruby and—"

"I think I should go home."

Nodding her head understandingly, the golden haired teacher allowed Anne to pack her things. Childhood friendships falling apart was something that just about anyone could relate to.

Just as Anne was headed to the door, she could hear Gilbert's voice say, "May I walk with her to make sure she gets home safe?"

Please say no, please say no, please say no. Anne whispered under her breath as she hurriedly walked out the school.

"Anne! Wait up!"

Anne let out an infuriating grunt as she whirled around to face the tall boy. "Why are you doing this? Can't you see I'm in mourning? Just leave me alone!"

Gilbert raised an eyebrow. "Mourning? She's not dead, Anne."

Anne closed her eyes in frustration. "Just go back to school, Gilbert. I can get home on my own."

"We don't have to go home," Gilbert offered, but the two of them began walking the path to get to Green Gables anyway.

"What?"

"We're already out of class. What's the point of you just going back to your room and lying down on your bed feeling sorry for yourself, which I'm sure you've done plenty enough of already?"