₁.₀ SUPERCUT; gilbert blythe ✔

021.

If it wasn't for her arm linked with Edward's, Marianne would have stopped there and then.

Yes, she did regret not getting a chance to say goodbye to Gilbert Blythe when he just disappeared without a word. And yes, she did regret the fact that he had to leave at all (not that they were close in the first place, he didn't have to tell her about his decision, because, truthfully, why would he?).

But meeting him again in such a surprising way wasn't what she wanted either.

Therefore Marianne is really glad to have Edward by her side, seeing as he takes the initiative, extending his free hand for Anne to shake.

"Hello, Anne," he greets politely with a smile and a nod. "Not the circumstances I hoped for, but I'm pleased to finally meet you."

Anne's so excited Marianne can feel her own arm shaking. "It's an exquisite pleasure to make your acquaintance after so many months. Your letters bought me unspeakable joy, and I hope I will exceed your expectations in every way." Her toothy smile could make Marianne forget all their problems, almost. "And I am-" The smile falters a little as the girl notices she's yet to let go of the older boy's hand. "I am probably talking too much."

It's sad that she would think so, but, of course, Anne isn't oblivious of the way some people used to react upon first meeting her.

"Oh, not at all. A man can feel lonely away from his family, and meeting you must be the only good thing about the whole situation. Besides, I already called you my sister, so I think it would be too late to get out of this now, right?"

Anne's lips spread into a smile again (it's a wonder her cheeks don't hurt), but her eyes move onto Marianne. Ant then Gilbert.

It's the boy who's greeted by Edward next, both of them shaking hands in a very familiar manner.

"It's nice to see you too, buddy. I, uh, I'm sorry I couldn't be there for the funeral."

"That's alright."

"Still, I feel like I should've been there. But this one's letters aren't really the best source of information," Edward finishes with a nod into Marianne's direction, making everyone's eyes focus on her, unfortunately.

"And has she mentioned me at all?"

The question is meant as a joke, a way to lighten the mood a little, but Marianne's cheeks become warm, not even from the cold. And it's stupid, because no, of course she hasn't mentioned Gilbert Blythe in letters to Edward.

(She just placed his face all over her sketchbook and was foolish enough to let his father see, but that's completely another thing.)

"As I said, it's not easy getting anything out of her. She's very private, that sister of mine. But, we'll see, maybe you will manage to get Marianne to talk. If I understand correctly, you've already been to the pawnbroker, Anne, and I have a little something I want Marilla to have without knowing I am the source. But I would prefer not to talk about money out here in the street, so why don't you and I come inside for a moment?"

And then he's already leading Ann's through the nearest door with a hand on her back, and Marianne can only state longingly at her traitorous brother.

"Hello."

We'll, now that he's spoken, she has no excuse to pretend as though he wasn't there.

"Hi."

"I, uh, I've already told Anne that I'm really sorry about your troubles," Gilbert says and the sincerity in his voice makes Marianne's heart swell. "I suppose you could say we've finally made up, Anne and I. Though I don't think either of us is ready to give up on being academic rivals."