Devoted To You || Gilbert Blythe

XLIII

~𝒜𝒹𝒶~
Homecoming. A noun. Meaning, a return to one's home; arrival at home.
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I wanted to go straight to Aunt Josephine's. But I couldn't bear to tell her that I was kicked out of finishing school. It would be far too embarrassing. So I headed straight for Avonlea. My travel days have been long and tiresome. But as I make my way down the familiar paths, I can't help but feel a surge of energy.

The fragrant breeze carried whispers of apple blossoms as I wandered through Gilbert's cherished orchard. In the soft sunlight, the orchard seemed like a haven frozen in time, cradled by memories and the sweet scent of ripening apples. I didn't write him, alerting him of my return. I wonder how he will react.

As I rounded a bend, there he was—Gilbert, his silhouette etched against the vibrant hues of the orchard.

A playful impulse took over, and with a mischievous smile, I decided to surprise him. Quietly, I moved between the trees, my steps light on the grassy path. In the midst of the blooming beauty, Gilbert was engrossed in picking apples, unaware of my approach.

His brows were drawn together, he's angry about something. I shall find out soon.

Just as I prepared to reveal myself, a twig betrayed my presence, snapping beneath my foot. Gilbert's head shot up, his eyes meeting mine with a mixture of surprise and delight. The apples in his hands were momentarily forgotten as he turned to face me.

"Ada!" His voice carried a genuine warmth, and he abandoned the apples, closing the distance between us with swift steps.

"I told you I couldn't stay away for too long." I smile cheekily.

Caught in the exhilaration of the moment, I couldn't hold back a laugh as he reached me, his grin infectious. Without missing a beat, he swept me off my feet in an impromptu twirl, laughter intertwining with the delicate rustle of leaves.

"You're back!" he exclaimed, the joy in his eyes reflecting the familiarity of shared moments. The world blurred around us as he spun me, and for a moment, time itself seemed to dance with us. As my feet touched the ground, Gilbert's gaze held mine, and the unspoken connection between us filled the space.

"I am." I let my hands fall for his shoulders. Has he gotten more muscular? "I missed this place," I confessed, a genuine smile playing on my lips.

His eyes crinkled at the corners as he replied, "I missed you." The sincerity in his voice held a depth that echoed the unspoken feelings we had left unresolved. "It's really you." he reached for my hand, and together we stroll through the blossoming haven. "I can't believe you didn't alert me ahead of time." He can't stop staring at me.

I giggle. "Last I checked you didn't alert me when you returned from your journey. Besides it wouldn't have reached you in time." He stared at me remaining silent. I stop in my tracks and stare back. "Are you alright?"

"I just can't believe you're here." He whispers. I glance down at his vest, a purple flower is stuffed in the pocket.

"What's this?" I ask, picking it out.

He shakes his head. "Nothing important." He takes the flower and uses it to push a few stray hairs away from my face. He places it behind my ear making me giggle. He grabs at my sides making me laugh as he tortures me. We fall to the ground and I slap his arm.

"That's enough! That's enough." I laugh. He snickers, brushing the pad of his thumb over my cheek.

Before I can say anything else, he leans in, closing the distance between us. His lips meet mine in a tender, long-awaited kiss. The world seems to pause, and in that moment, all the unsaid words find their expression.