[1] YOU FOUND ME ( gilbert blythe! )

09 | STANDING UP

⎾09 | STANDING UP⏌

THE NEXT DAY AT school was absolutely terrifying. I received so many glares it was almost unbearable. I made sure the cut and bruise on my left cheekbone were hidden by my hair, not wanting to explain to Diana and Anne how I received them.

After hanging up my coat and hat, I grabbed my books and sat down in the back of the room. I pulled out a random book and shoved my face into it, not wanting anyone to question me.

"Gilbert, where were you yesterday?" Josie asked him as he sat in his seat.

I knew she wanted to find out if he was with me or not, and I pleaded that he would lie. If not, well, let's just say I wouldn't exist anymore. I peeked over the top of the book to watch the conversation, making sure to stay hidden.

"I was taking care of my father," Gilbert explained, glancing over at me then quickly turning back to Josie. "He needed my help."

"Oh!" Josie exclaimed, letting out a sigh of relief. "I thought you were hanging with that filth."

"Josie, that's enough." Ruby muttered, tugging on her friend's arm.

I could tell Ruby was uncomfortable with this entire situation. And by the look she was giving Josie, I could tell she was scared and did not want this to get any worse.

Josie tugged her arm back, and turned back to Gilbert, "I swear she could be an orphan for all we know. What kind of people would want her?"

As she said this, I dropped my book on the table and stood up. I stormed over to Josie and looked her dead in the eyes. She looked scared, which made me even more confident in what I was going to say.

"Don't you ever insult me like that again. You know absolutely nothing about me or my family. You think you're so superior to us because you have a perfect life. Well, guess what? People like me—" I said, pointing my finger to my chest. "—who have lost multiple people they loved, they have been through more than you could possibly imagine. So don't you dare talk about me or my family again."

I hadn't noticed, but I was digging my nails so deep into my palms that they started to bleed. I looked down at them and silently gasped. I then looked back up at Josie, who looked at me in shock. I had never told anyone about my past before, and now everyone knew that I've had quite a bit of death in my life.

I then looked around, noticing that every single person had their eyes on me, their mouths gaped open. Even Gilbert, who looked at me with sorrow.