FEM READER:
After the loss of John Blythe, it was clear that Gilbert was an entirely different person. His smile was long gone, his laugher a mere memory. It had been weeks since Gilbert left Avonlea to travel the world. Everyone at school was missing him, your sister Ruby especially. In all the years you had lived in Avonlea, for as long as you've known Gilbert, your sister Ruby had been head over heels for Gilbert. He never expressed direct interest in him, but her feelings were incredibly clear. Your feelings however were not so clear. They had been sitting in the back of your mind, resting on your brain each day. The painful reminder that your sister was practically in love with him kept you from ever interacting in a way that was more than friendly. You knew that you would never stop loving him. There was something about the way that he interacted with everyone and showed everyone the same amount of respect. He had shown you kindness in your interactions and kindness to your family, which meant a great deal to you. All you wanted was for him to return so that you could shower him with your own kindness and affections, but remembered Ruby and how her heart soared each and every time his name was mentioned.
Each day when you walked into the schoolhouse there was a small pang of hope that the curly brown hair and charming smile would greet you and each day you were disappointed. This particular morning began like any other: your father and mother were away for the week so you were making breakfast for you and Ruby. Ruby woke up sprightly as usual with thousands of things to blabber about: what Josie had said yesterday, what Anne had worn earlier in the week, etc. These things were seemingly meaningless to you, but you entertained her topics anyway. The walk to school was just as normal as the latter half of your morning. As you placed yours and Ruby's milk in the stream, you heard her squeal and voices fussing around her. You dashed to the door to see what had sparked her squeal, she had fainted into the arms of Jane and Josie. Your focus zeroed in on Ruby, you paid attention to her until she woke up. She woke up excitedly and you assessed the scene to see what had caused her fainting spell. What you saw reignited the flame of hope that burned in the back of your mind. It was the same smile you had been waiting to see all these weeks.
"Y/n, it's you." The familiar voice muttered with a hint of shock.
"Gilbert, hi." You spoke, coming out in quiet tone.
The two of you stared at each other for what felt like eternity until Ruby's voice piped up, snapping you from your trance.
"Gilbert, you're back!" Ruby spoke, sitting upright from Jane's lap.
"Uh, yes I am. Please, allow me to help you up." He says, seemingly distracted, extending a careful hand to assist her.
As he helped her up, you felt his eyes on you but decided to ignore them and pay attention to Ruby.
"Ruby, are you alright?" You asked.
"Yes, I'll be just fine." She replied dreamily, continuing her stare at Gilbert.
As class begun, your thoughts rushed, filling your mind with questions about Gilbert.
Why had he returned? Was he back for good? What would you say to him?
Before you knew it, the class day was over and you were in the mudroom of the schoolhouse talking with Ruby. She was begging to visit the Andrews' house and spend the evening at their home.
"Oh please, y/n?" She begged.
"Do you promise to be home by dinnertime tomorrow?" You asked, finally relenting to her begging
"Yes! Yes, I promise, oh thank you y/n." She squealed, embracing you.
You giggled slightly to yourself, secretly thrilled to have the house to yourself and your books. Though having a sister was one of your favorite parts of life, you waited for these moments to yourself. Putting on your hat and coat, you grabbed your basket and headed out the door for the walk home.
