Gilbert Blythe

County fair

Gilbert's pov

I was getting ready for the county fair, it was a crucial event I was attending with my girlfriend , Winifred. In my suit, strolling through Avonlea en route to meet Winifred.
Along my way, I passed Lea's house and caught a glimpse of her tightening her corset. A sight that surprised me, because she would never really wear those.
My curiosity piqued, I discretely observed from a distance before a slight smile creeped upon my lips, appreciating the sight. After a moment realizing that I was getting distracted, I continued my journey to the fairgrounds, the image of Lea lingering on my mind.
Soon enough, I arrived at the fair, the venue buzzing with lively chatter and colorful banners fluttering gently. Spotting Winifred conversing with a few friends, I made my way and greeting her politely. "Good evening, Winifred. You look radiant as always," I said with a respectful smile, I then look towards her friends and then back to her, saying "Are you friends accompanying us tonight?"
"No, they have other plans. Tonight is just us," she replied with a soft, sweet lit to her voice. "Shall we explore the fairgrounds then?".
As we were twirling across the dance the dance floor, lost in our little world. The doors suddenly swung open to reveal Lea, in her stunning yellow dress, catching my eye. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. We were always on friendly terms, but tonight, something about her appeared differently-more appealing than usual.
However, tonight was mainly about Winifred, so I kept all my attention on her throughout the night. As we continued to dance, thought the corners of my lips kept twitching into a smile as I found myself stealing glances in Lea's direction, Im so captivated by her beauty. Her smile, the way her eyes lit up with every conversation she had, her long brown hair and her scent every time she passes by.
She was laughing with her friends, when our eyes made contact. There was a special feeling, it was so strong I couldn't bear to look away from those beautiful dark blue eyes. As I was looking at her from afar, a subtle grin formed on my lips. I couldn't pinpoint why, but I felt a strange pull to look at her but I eventually gained self control and looked away.
"Are you alright? You seem a little distracted," Winifred spoke, breaking me from my thoughts. Caught in the moment. I quickly returned to reality after realizing I was staring at Lea a little too long this time.
"Ahh, yes, apologies." I said with a hint of guilt in my voice. "I was just... admiring the room," I lied, trying to maintain focus on Winifred. I glanced at Lea again laughing with her friend, as I started to smile again.
"The dance floor is quite packed tonight, isn't it?" She mused, twirling in my arms, I just nodded in response, my mind still partly elsewhere, still wondering why I couldn't take my eyes off of HER.

******
Lea's pov

I was with my friends, chattering, when Billy came up to me, "may I have this dance?" He asked bowing down, sticking his hand out for me to take.
My hand in his as he lead the way to the dance floor. I never knew how to dance so I was a bit stiff and wobbly not sure where to go and I think Billy got annoyed but there was a part where we switch partners and all of a sudden I got switched and I was in someone else's arms, I look up and was shocked and saw... "Gilbert."
"Hey Lea," he greeted me. As we were dancing I guessed he notice I'm not a good of a dancer, so he asked me "do you know how to dance?,"
"Not really," I said a bit embarrassed and then accidentally stepping on his feet. He whined a bit. "I'm so sorry," I said with a bit of guilt.
He reassured me "it's fine, but dancing is simple just be relaxed and let me take the lead and you follow after me," as he danced I slowly start to ease myself into him. Following his lead.
And then I got switched again back to Billy, but then tried to follow Gilbert's instructions and relaxed and let Billy do the work with me following. After we danced I thanked Billy and as I turned around I bumped into someone on accident, I fell to the floor, a big thump, I looked up to see who I bumped into and it was Winifred. "Sorry I didn't know where I was going," I apologized
"Watch yourself next time," she said with a look of disgust walking away towards Gilbert, but he didn't know about this incident but he looked at me, and worried crossed his face as he made his way towards me.
"Are you alright?" He asked helping me up but I just ripped my arm from his grip.
I replied with "yes I'm fine just had a little accident," as I glared at Winifred.
His expression was a hint at a mix of surprise and disappointment as I pulled away from his touch. " Are you sure you're alright?" He sounded concerned "You fell quite hard."
"Yes I'm fine don't worry about it." I sounded a bit more stern. He nodded and I felt him study me, for injuries of course, after a while the music started and he turned his attention to Winifred.

After A While

I had a bit too much to drink and as I was wondering off I noticed Gilbert outside, standing alone. He was leaning against a pillar, admiring the night sky and how quiet it is. "It's quiet out here isn't it?" I asked him with a bit of tipsy, and feeling a bit unsteady.
"It is," he replied with a bit of concern in his voice, he could tell I had a few to much drinks to drink, but he chose not to comment on it. But he offered a small smile. "Are you enjoying yourself ?"
" I am, but I had quite to many to drink," I said walking closer to him.
He chuckled softly at me as he watched me, the slight slur in my voice only confirmed his suspicion, he stepped closer to me, his voice with mix of amusement and care. "I can tell," he said with a smile "perhaps you should slow down a bit?"
" I probably should," I said looking up into the night sky.
He ran his hand through his hair replying with " you can but just be mindful," he smiled "just take it easy, okay?"
As the night went on I was getting pretty drunk but I did eventually found myself walking home but on the way home, I saw Gilbert and Winifred walking and saying their goodbyes, but as I was walking away... I felt a tap on my shoulder and looked behind to see who it was...Gilbert.
          "Wait a moment," he said, his voice soft. "Can I talk to you for a second?" A part of him felt compelled to talk to her, even if it was just to make her get home safely.
            I turned to look at him, my eyes a bit hazy from the alcohol. I looked at him waiting for him to speak. I saw him looking at Winifred, giving her a reassuring nod and looked back at me.
             He wanted to say something but the words stuck in his throat as he looked at me. He finally managed to find his voice, his expression changed to concern and a hint of confusion. "You walking alone at this hour?" He asked a frown forming on his brow. "It's pitch dark, and you've been drinking." Despite his worries, he knew there were limits to what he could say to her without offending her.