𝑺𝑵𝑶𝑾𝒀 𝑫𝑨𝒀𝑺 - Gilbert Blythe [1]

FOURTEEN

14|TOO MUCH PEOPLE AND A PANTOMIME

The house was filled with life. Sebastian was busy making himself look his best for his first public appearance, Amaryllis was bustling around the kitchen getting dinner ready for after the pantomime, and Gilbert sat back watching them both. He sipped at his tea, chuckling every time Sebastian cursed to himself about what he was wearing or when Amaryllis would mumble in French.

"Are you boys ready? We have a Pantomime to help at." Amaryllis called out to them, rushing over to grab her coat. She slipped it on before Gilbert had the chance to help.

"Don't worry, we're here." Gilbert smiled with amusement at her hurried state. He stepped closer, lifting his arm for her to take. Instead her hand wrapped around Sebastian's arm, the two entangled in conversation to notice him.

"Did you have pantomimes in France?" Sebastian asked, trying his best to keep her from slipping.

"I don't know." She answered after a short pause, thinking back to her childhood. "My father would occasionally take my brother and I to the, how do you say it, l'opéra."

"Opera." Gilbert interjected, rushing forward to walk beside them. "It's the same word in English."

"Ah, oui." Amaryllis nodded along before turning her attention back to Sebastian. "I didn't see many but Roméo et Juliette was my favourite. If there is ever an opéra, then we must attend."

"That would be lovely." Sebastian mumbled, his voice growing quiet as they neared the town hall, curious glances casted their way. "Well, shall we?"

Her eyes fell to the ground, hating the sudden attention from the nosey onlookers. She knew their eyes were focused on the man beside her, a hint of disgust hidden behind every glance. She hated it, hated their refusal to see the world as anything but how they liked. Sebastian loosened her hand on his arm, letting it fall back to her side.

"You don't deserve it too." He nodded his head gently to her, hoping she would understand.

"The world is filled with small minded people." Amaryllis smiled widely up to him. "Once they get to know you they'll understand that you are no different than the rest of us."

"Marie." Gilbert grabbed her hand and pulled her gently aside, gesturing to Sebastian that he needed a moment. "Are you okay? You've been avoiding me. Have I done something wrong?"

"No, Gilbert. No, no." Her eyes stayed focused on their joined hands. "I just, I-"

"I have an answer." He stopped her stammering, snapping her eyes to his. Her blue clashed with his brown, both momentarily forgetting where they were. "I kissed you because I wanted to. I don't know why I wanted to but I did. And I want to kiss you again."

Amaryllis froze at his confession, eyes wide as her hand gripped his, refusing to believe this was real. All her hard work to build a wall around her heart and it was suddenly coming crumbling down because of a boy she barely knew.

"Sorry, that came out strong." Gilbert careful let go of her hand, gently placing his hand to her cheek before stepping back. "I will see you after the show."

"Oui, after." She nodded along, watching as he grabbed Sebastian and went behind the stage. Amaryllis could feel their stares before knowing where they were. She turned around, finding her friends all gathered in a corner consoling Ruby. She slowly wandered over, feeling their glares burn through her skin.

"Marie, how could you?" Tillie asked, hand rubbing Ruby's back. "You knew Ruby had dibs on Gilbert."

"You have to tell them, Marie." Anne stepped forwards and placed a comforting arm around her.