A blind fate

chapter fifteen / free spirits

Saturday - Gilbert POV

As Gilbert walked side by side with Marilla and Mathew, he didn't know what to quite expect. He had a rough idea as to what Anne did on a daily basis; read, write, explore, however he didn't know what else was beyond that. What else there was that captivated the mind of such an interesting yet extraordinary child.

He arrived at Green Gables, bag clutched in between his right hand, placing his left behind his neck. He was nervous, but couldn't pin point why.

"Now Gilbert, I don't know how it is at your establishment.." Marilla began to talk with a serious tone in her voice. Anne warned him about this. " - but here at Green Gables we don't enter the house with shoes on, so once you have taken your boots of, place your hat on the rack and make yourself at home."

Mathew had left the two, as he went straight into the barn to complete some manual labour that needed to be done before breakfast. Gilbert looked around the house - he had been over for Christmas last year, but hadn't come into the house since. Yes he had looked inside whenever escuarting Anne home from any outing they had together (which had been a lot recently), but hadn't been inside the house since, and even when he had he never went upstairs.

"Where would you like me to place my bag?" Gilbert nervously asked. He wasn't scared of Marilla.. maybe it was that he desperately hoped for her to approve of him.

"Dear lord where are my manners! You don't know where anything is." Marilla stepped away from the kitchen, and headed toward the awkward yet composed boy. She was embarrassed with herself. "Follow me child, I will show you were everything is."

As ordered, Gilbert followed Marilla around the house, as she showed him where everything was. Once they finished the whole of the bottom level of their home, she walked up the stairs.

Gilbert noticed that there was a particular photo of three young children, to which he found quite intriguing. He was defiantly going to ask about it later.

"Now, most rooms here are off limits. My bedroom is situated down the far left, as well as Mathews room. There is also a spare room to where a lot of personal belongs are of most value to us, which I hope you won't look into."

"Of course not ma'am!" Gilbert nodded his head as he spoke, showing he was a gentleman.

As Gilbert said this, Marilla saw John, her former lover, Gilbert's dad, almost instantly. Thoughts of John talking to Marilla about travelling the world together made there way back into Marilla's mind.

"Oh Marilla please! Wouldn't you just consider the idea of coming with me along my travels. There isn't anything for you here! Why of course you have your brothers.. brother.. but you need to do something for yourself. Please do reconsideration accepting my proposal!"

This memory was so dear to Marilla, as it showed her that people had perceived her to be strong and courageous. It was also one of her biggest regrets. She wished she had accepted, but came to the acknowledgement that she missed her opportunity long ago.

It really was ironic that Anne and Gilbert would get together as Marilla and John were almost to be wed.

"You will be sleeping in Anne's room tonight. I hope that is okay."

"It is indeed. I'm very thankful to be getting a bed, as I was so used to hammocks for such a long time." Gilbert's smile was of thankfulness.. he was genuinely grateful, which Marilla appreciated dearly.

"Don't worry boy.. I wouldn't make you sleep on the floor, and I don't think Anne would approve of it either!"

They both laughed, imaging Anne's reaction if she saw Gilbert sleeping on the floor when there was a bed right beside him.