Nothing New | Gilbert Blythe

Chapter 5

'Wanna love you 'til we're food for the worms to eat, 'til our fingers decompose, keep my hand in yours'
-Everywhere, Everything by Noah Kahan

Gilbert had convinced Alice to stay the night at the Blythe residence for fear of her being alone.

The girl had gotten her hands patched up and now a white cloth was wrapped around each of her palms applying constant pressure to the wound.

John Blythe had been filled in on the day's events over his tea and was equally enraged as his son, feeling nothing but empathy for her.

"Well it's been a long day I think it's time to get some rest," John replied after comforting Alice, "Gilbert, you don't mind sharing your room, do you? I haven't had the guest room made up,"

"No, not at all, follow me, Violet," Gilbert said turning his head to look at the girl as he made his way down the hall.

"Good night Mr Blythe, sleep well," Alice said as she rose from the chair beside his bed.

"Good night child, please get some rest," John laughed as the girl retreated down the hall after Gilbert.

"So Violet, I'm assuming you're sleeping on the floor," A cheeky grin spread across the boy's face.

"Ha ha, hilarious Blythe," She said shaking her head and climbing under the soft blue covers of his bed.

"It's my room," He stated still smiling as he climbed into bed.

"I don't think I'm going to go to school for a while, Gil," Alice cut right to the chase.

Gilbert turned on his side to face the girl. Seeing the unease on her face he smiled softly and took her hand.

"That's alright, you can help me here with the farm if you want?"

Alice knew no matter what, even if the entire world didn't understand her, Gilbert Blythe would.

"I'd like that," She said a smile gracing her lips.

"Good, good night Allie," He replied as he continued to hold her hand.

"Night Gil," She yawned almost asleep already.

----

"Allie! Allie, you need to wake up,"

The girl was rudely awoken by someone shaking her desperately trying to disturb her slumber.

"What? What time is it? She yawned rubbing her tired green eyes, hissing at the pain caused to her hands when clenching her fist.

"There's a fire in town you need to get up," The voice urged.

As she became aware of her surroundings she realised she was still in Gilbert's room and it was Gilbert who had caused her rude awakening. That was when she heard the fire bells.

She sprung out of bed as the pair ran to the kitchen and pulled on their boots.

Gilbert wrapped the girl in his scarf and black coat as he returned to his room to fetch his checked red spare coat.

"Let's go," He said taking her cloth-covered hand and leading her to his horse, Belle, in the small stable.

He picked the girl up by her waist and placed her on Belle, ensuring she was comfortable before he too mounted her.

Belle took off into the cold night. The wind bellowed harshly as it carried the echo of the firebells alerting the whole of Avonlea about the impending danger. The blanket of stars shining in the sky above dimmed, covered by thick, black clouds of smoke as they approached the home, which appeared to be that of the Gillis'.