Forever Red - an Anne and Gilbert Story

22. The reveal

Chapter song -Secrets by One Republic

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"You have to eat Anne!" Marilla huffed at her, pushing the conserve closer to her plate like a command. "Matthew, for goodness sake talk some sense into her!" and she swept back to the kitchen, her face tight and pinched.

Anne stared bleakly at her plate and then tipped her head up to look at Matthew. "I can't" she whispered, "my throat is blocked by this huge lump of nerves, I couldn't swallow a thing."

"Well now Anne, drink your tea because that will just slide down right past that lump, and see how you feel then" he said gently.

She smiled and sipped at her tea, the warmth helping soothe her nerves. He nodded at her and smiled as she sipped some more. As she put her cup down he tried again.
"How's that old lump in your throat now?"
"Better than it was" she admitted.
"How about a little bit of bread and preserve then, just to keep your strength up." He waited for her to answer and when she nodded he smiled his best wide, shy smile.
"Besides, it will mean Marilla don't bother us none" he whispered conspiratorially which made her hold her hand to her mouth so she wouldn't laugh breadcrumbs over the table.

Marilla walked in and saw her eating and a brief smile appeared before the stern look returned.

"Well I'm glad to see you talked some kind of sense into her Matthew! Anne here's your lunch, and the twine you asked for, though goodness knows why you need more."

"It's incase anyone's snaps -at least we can replace it."

"Well you do have Sloane's in your school so say no more!" she conceded.

"Best of luck Anne, and it's a right noble thing you're doing, helping that young teacher" Matthew said, surprisingly them with his words, and giving her a brief hug.

"Stop codling her Matthew, she needs to set off!"

Marilla handed Anne her things and looked at her anxiously, chewing her lip. As Anne reached over to take them, Marilla spoke too.
"Mind you don't let your temper get the better of you, and be polite- folks will be more likely to listen if you're polite. "
Anne nodded and turned to head out the door when Marilla called out to her "He's right.... this is a noble thing you're doing. We're proud of you Anne, and we'll both be there later, I promise."

Anne's eyes widened at her words and she suddenly dropped her things and rushed over to Marilla, hugging her tightly.
"I can't tell you how much that lifts my spirits to hear Marilla."
"Now you can't be late child, we'll see you later," but she was smiling as she spoke.

Anne beamed at them both and rushed out the door with her things, her steps lighter than air knowing her family supported her and were proud of her, even Marilla.

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As all the children filed into the schoolhouse Anne beamed, stood by the entrance, Diana opposite her, checking each person had what they needed as they arrived. Each one had remembered their things and they all smiled back at her in their turn, all thoughts of animosity long gone now. 

Gilbert made his way towards her and she couldn't supress the lurch in her chest when she saw him. Trying her best to ignore the way his lips were pulled into a half grin, reminding her of what they felt like pressed against her own, she swallowed hard and did her best to remain aloof.

"Looks like you've pulled it off again Anne... not that I ever doubted you would." He leaned closer towards her and whispered "there's not much you can't do is there," then ducking his head beneath the arch with a soft smile he moved past her, leaving her gaping at him.