HIS EYES (Gilbert Blyth - Anne with an E)

Ch 6: Season 1 Episode 6

Disclaimer: All original dialogue and character names are property of Anne with an E on Netflix. Everything else is the original work of this author. 

Trigger warning: death

Gilbert decided that he had better not go to school. His father was getting worse, and he knew that he had to stay home and be with him. As he stroked the horse he wondered how he could mentally prepare himself for what he knew was just moments away. How was anyone supposed to go into the idea that both his parents would leave him alone? The world had never felt so big and impossible before. He had homework that he was able to do and often did it in his father's room. It was then, just as he put down his book and approached the bed, did Gilbert watch the life fade from his father's eyes. He must have stood there for hours, holding the cold hand. For it was when Mrs Kincannon reemerged to bid them farewell for the day, did she notice what had occurred. 

Gilbert's brain hadn't processed much of anything as he was pushed into a seated position in front of the fire. Before he knew it Mr Kincannon had entered the house and made arrangements with his wife for the minister and funeral. Gilbert hadn't listened to a thing of it. His body felt empty, he felt empty. For the first time in his life, he didnt knows what to do. He hadn't eaten anything, but he was told to dress for the funeral. It was the first time his brain had switched on and began to think. 

Socks. Trousers. Shirt. Tie. Blaser. Shoes. he chanted to himself. Before long, he found himself trailing behind a cart that carried a coffin. He was too scared to remind himself that his father was in there. That his father was in fact gone. The minister's words droned on and offered little comfort to Gilbert. All he knew was that his father would have been upset to have died on a winters day. He had always enjoyed summer and the smell of apples and morning dew. He would have wanted to see another flame-coloured sunset over the trees on the porch as he sipped a cup of tea. 

The fact was, he was alone. The brown heap of dirt in front of him was proof of it. While everyone else stood back to observe the funeral, he stood there all alone. No siblings or parents to lean on. With a last "Amen" the huddle of people departed, and Blyth took a seat as he watched the soil be placed on top of his fathers grave. It was then, under the speckles of snow and leafless tree, had he realised the fact that this was indeed his fathers funeral. He was indeed alone.

Seeing all the people inside, Gilbert Blyth realised that the last thing he needed right now, was to be agreeable to anyone. He had been hiding under the facade for too long, and broken-hearted he didnt feel like it anymore. Turning on his heel, he retreated from the house, noticing the sound of crunching snow.

"It was a lovely service" Anne's voice emerged. After so long of trying to gain her attention, trying to get her to look at him, to hear him out. He found that this was the one moment where he did not want to hear her voice. In fact, she was the last person he wanted to hear anything from. Irritation boiled in his bones as he listened to hear mumble through big words and talk about being an orphan. He did not want to hear anything about her. "See you" he noted back bitterly. It seemed that Anne Shirly was rubbing off on him as he agreed with the simple fact, running away did in fact seem much easier than standing your ground. 

Gilbert had yet to return back to school. His morning routine had been shattered and he found himself stuck in his bed, unable to face the daily reminder that was now a fact. Slowly he began to do more, get dressed, start the fire, eat porridge. With his father's bedroom door closed, he found solace not thinking about it anymore. During the day, he would sit at the kitchen table and stare out into the distance of the cold. Today, there was a knock on the door. He was shocked to see Diana Barry, Ruby Gillis and Anne Shirley holding a covered tray. "We are sorry for your loss." Diana started. All the while, Anne didnt say a word.

"Anne made the topping" Diana had mentioned, and before he could acknowledge that, Anne surprised them all by blurting

"But I would make a terrible wife" and in true Anne fashion, she ran away. The girls disappeared after their friend, leaving Gilbert more confused. He had just wanted to talk to the girl not marry her. Sure she was cute and he admired her ability to stand her ground but that was it. Pulling out a clean spoon he took a helping of pie and ate straight from the dish. The topping was delicious to his surprise. Many people had come by to deliver food to him but he had found this to be the best one out of the lot. The cakes and pies had kept him company for dessert, but the large portions made him feel more alone than before. Cake and pies were more enjoyable with someone to share it with.

Sitting there, chewing through Sheppard's pie, he couldn't help but understand why Anne ran away this time. He had spoken hastily and with anger the last time. Going into town felt like the worst of it, with everyone sending him pitiful stares. Some even asked about buying some fields from him. Mathew Cuthbert's encounter had been the only kind thing anyone had said all day, but he had barely gotten himself to the shops to buy food. He was in no position to be deciding what to do with his family lands. 

Billy Andrews met Blyth outside the mercantile to his dismay and started honing on about him returning to school and putting the 'orphan girl' in her place. Even with his mixed emotions on Anne's character, Billys snide comments made his blood boil. Why could the fool not just leave the girl alone and focus on anything else? "I am not your bud, and if you ever hassle Anne again, you'll regret it". Here he was slaying her dragons again. Gilbert wasn't sure whether he was fueled on hatred for Billy or whatever it was for Anne that caused him to want to stand up for her in anything. With Billy taunting Gilbert as he tried to be the better person and walk away, he couldn't help but want to punch him.

With his fist colliding with Billy Andrews face, he felt relief fuel inside him. Even while tossing around in the snow and receiving some blows back. Gilbert didnt care. He felt too empty to care anywhere. He was able to stand up and leave and was glad that this time he didnt let Billy get away with being a bully. It was at that moment that he wanted to know more about Anne. She had clearly affected Billy's life, but with a throbbing first and sack on his shoulder. It was clear that she had affected Gilbert Blythes too.