𝑺𝑵𝑶𝑾𝒀 𝑫𝑨𝒀𝑺 - Gilbert Blythe [1]

SIXTEEN

16|APOLOGISE

The kettle whistled, awakening the sleeping house. The steam fogging the windows as she stood over the stove cooking breakfast, doing it as a want rather than a need. It didn't take long for heavy footsteps to enter the kitchen, both eager for breakfast.

"Good morning." Sebastian greeted her, peaking over her shoulder at the porridge she had made. "The house felt extra warm last night, almost like enough firewood equivalent to a dress was used."

Amaryllis shot a playful glare over her shoulder at his teasing. "I hope you didn't throw that dress on the fire, it was soaked. It would-" She cut herself off with a sigh. "English too hard. Wet dress means no fire. Fire goes out."

"If we put the wet dress in the fire, the damp would extinguish the fire and make the house cold." Gilbert explained, understanding what she was trying to say. "It just means we have to wait till it's dry before we use it as firewood."

Amaryllis placed the bowls on the table, sitting down across from Gilbert to enjoy her breakfast. She glanced up, finding him already watching her. But his eyes were focused on her lips.

"Marie." Gilbert grabbed her arm, stopping her from stepping off the porch. "I, can I, would I be able to kiss you again?"

"Kiss me?"

"Ever since that stunt you pulled last night, I can't stop thinking about you." He sighed, hands moving to cup her cheeks. "Please. I've never thought of myself as a beggar but I'm ready to drop to my hands and knees just to taste your lips again."

"Gilbert." She whispered before closing the gap between them. No one had ever spoken to her like that. Begged for her attention, for her. She felt wanted. Amaryllis leaned her body into his, feeling herself become lost in the moment. Her hands threading through his hair, his moved around her waist, holding her close. She would savour this moment.

"Thank you." He panted, hot breath against her swollen lips. Then he moved back, patting down his ruffled hair and taking a set away from the house, offering his hand. "Shall we?"

"Ouais." She placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her to school.

___

The pair walked hand in hand, odd chatter shared between them. Amaryllis tried to let go of his hand as they approached the school, thinking he would not want to be seen too much with her. But his grip tightened until they walked through the front doors.

"Marie!" Anne called as she spotted the girl approaching them.

"Bonjour, Anne. Diana." Amaryllis smiled at them. She squeezed Gilbert's hand and walked towards them.

"How are you feeling today?" Diana asked, linking her arm through hers and walking further into the classroom.

"Better, merci."

"Great!" Diana smiled. "My mother was wondering if you would like to come for tea? I think she mostly wants you to help Minnie May and I with our French."

"I would love to!"

"How are you and Gilbert?" Anne asked, pulling her stare away from the latter.

"Everyday is a new learning day." Amaryllis tried to explain but her focus was on Anne's smile. It was different, almost forced. "I think because we are young we want to learn each other. Uh, how do I explain this?"

"You want to get to know each other?" Diana offered. "Oh, and then you will fall in love! That is so romantic."

"There's Cole!" Anne dragged the pair over to the boy and handed him sheets of paper. "Here, study your lines carefully. We only have one shot. Seeing as how Cole has to run an errand in for his parents in Charlottetown, it makes him the perfect chaperone."

"I hope you all have fun!" Amaryllis smiled, suddenly feeling eyes on her. She turned her head, catching Gilbert watching her with her friends. "Excuse me, one moment."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to pull you away from your friends." Gilbert beamed up to her as she stood beside his desk.

"Oh, no, I wanted to ask you something." She shook her head, dismissing his words. "Can you help me with English? I want to learn bigger words."

"Of course." He reached out, squeezing her hand.

"I thought I could smell something." Billy Andrews said, dramatically wafting his hand in front of his face.

"Maybe you should change your underwear after you shit in them, Billy." Amaryllis raised a brow at the boy. "Or maybe you need your mummy to come change them for you."

"It's a shame you're a dirty French." He scoffed. "It's a waste of a pretty face. I could've made you the next Mrs. Andrews."

"That would be impossible anyway. She's to become Mrs. Blythe." Gilbert spoke up, his voice ice cold as he held her hand tighter. "I would appreciate it if you stopped trying to insult my fiancée, Billy."

"Fiancée?" Billy chuckled to himself. "Barely been back and you're already claiming a bride? Or maybe it's because she's just a knocked up dirty whore."

Her hand moved faster than she realised, landing straight across his face. The slap silencing the whole class as they turned to watch. "Apologise to me."

"No."

"Apologise to me, Billy Andrews."

"That was too far, Billy." Others slowly added, everyone mumbling under their breaths. "You should apologise."

"Apologise to her." Gilbert demanded, standing up from his desk to stare the boy down. His hand stayed holding hers, trying to comfort her from the harsh words.

"Settle down." Mr. Phillips entered the classroom, silencing the students.