Let Me In ( Anne with an E fanfic)

Chapter 63

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZAjCo6xpWUpkcgXIecmhP?dl_branch=1&si=xp2zODxpQiutVwWQTf6mkg

Anne saw as Jerry walked towards the airport doors feeling bittersweet about the whole thing. Considering how everything was going, and how tightly sealed the Atlantic Provinces continued, it was very unlikely she would see her brother again before the new year. But at the same time... she was kind of glad to have the small apartment just for her and Gilbert again. She kind of missed their privacy and, considering dr. Oak's restrictions, she wanted whatever she could take.

It was Saturday, late morning, the day just after the wedding. Jerry had insisted he could call an Uber or something, to which Gilbert had been adamantly opposed. So here they were, seeing Jerry off with a new scarf Anne had knitted over the past few days. She looked at Gilbert, his left hand on the steering wheel. It was a gloomy day (as much as October was the perfect month, November was just dreadful), but even with the dark clouds his new ring looked shiny in his hand. So different from the dark metal of the older one.

"So, where to, now?" she asked. Gilbert had been very quiet about their plans for the day, and she couldn't help but wonder what they were. She didn't have any expectations, if she was completely honest- maybe picking up a nice lunch or something like that. She knew how paranoid Gilbert tended to be and she guessed he wouldn't be tempting faith by going to eat inside a restaurant. But still. Picking up take out wasn't exactly mystery-worthy.

"You'll see," he replied, smiling, and put on some music. "We just have to make a stop first."

"Does the stop include food?" she asked.

"Hungry?" he asked, chuckling. She had picked at her breakfast in anticipation of saying goodbye to Jerry, and now was ravenous. "Yes, it does include food, Anne-girl."

"Nice," she replied, smiling. "So how do you feel?"

"About?" Gilbert asked, not sure what she was referring to. Leaving Jerry? It felt weird. Had they been living in the new house, he wouldn't have minded him staying for months if he wanted. He didn't mind sharing a house in the slightest with family or friends, and knew Anne was more or less of the same view- she had lived with Jerry and Diana for months after Marilla passed away, and then the whole situation at the Cuthberts had been something that evolved and was always full of love. Same as his house, opening to Bash, and then Mary and Elijah. And then him living with Fred and Ella until he decided he needed to... find his way. Or something. As he had very poorly tried to explain to Ella, who still didn't get why he had left.

"About being married, but for real this time," she said, "Mr. Laghari did say it was a serious thing."

"Mr Laghari was very right," he replied, smiling in amusement. "It feels good, Carrots. Strangely... like a weight lifted off my shoulders. This is like it should have been all along."

"What's the story in the hospital, then?" she asked. "I'm sure they will notice something- even if just because of the pictures."

"Vow renewal," Gilbert laughed. "Fred came up with that."

"That's a good strategy," she commented. "People change rings when they do that?"

"I don't know. I don't care, Anne. People will believe what they want, there's little control we have over that" Gilbert said. "So, I was thinking about Thai food, but is there anything that interests you more?"

"Can we have pickles with that?" she asked.

"Pickles? Anne, with Thai food?" Gilbert asked, confused.

"I just want something pickled. Like tangy, and..." she tried to explain. "Please?" Gilbert looked at her, taking advantage of the red light. "Don't you want some?"