In the Woods When First We Met

114. Complications

On the way home Gilbert said, "What was that all about?"

Anne shook her head. "I don't know. But I don't like it."

Gilbert said, "Well...whatever he's up to, we won't let him do anything, okay?" He looked to her at his side, hoping to keep her from worrying.

Anne shivered in the cold. But it wasn't just the cold.

At home, she tried to eat dinner but was only able to eat her dinner roll, and she didn't even put any butter or jam on it. Marilla watched her, concerned. "Are you unwell?"

"Hmm?" Anne looked up at her. "Oh, no. I'm fine. Marilla, Matthew, do you mind if I just go to bed early?"

Marilla said, "You must eat tonight or you'll feel shaky in the morning. You're not getting enough food in your stomach, Anne."

"Oh...right," Anne said unhappily. She stabbed at her green beans with her fork. She'd have to eat. ...She couldn't let herself be sick in the mornings.

She forced herself to finish her green beans, at least, though her stomach was in knots from worry.

When she was getting ready for bed, Marilla knocked on her door.

Anne looked up as she came in. Marilla set down her candle and came over to Anne's bed.

"What's wrong, Marilla?" Anne asked.

Marilla sat down. "Anne, the past few days, you haven't been eating."

Anne felt a stab of panic in her chest.

"Haven't I?" she asked innocently.

"No, and at first I didn't really pick up on it as being a problem, but yesterday morning and now tonight you've worried me."

"I'm sorry," Anne said quickly.

"It's not a criticism, Anne. I'm worried. Have you felt unwell?"

Anne said, "No, no, I feel...perfectly perfect!"

Marilla paused, then said, "Well, is it something upsetting you? Is everything all right at school? I know you had trouble with the things you said about the Andrews girl, but that's all in the past now, isn't it?"

Anne hesitated. She might have said something now to Marilla, except she was afraid Marilla might tell her, Now you see that's what can happen when you spread rumors and tell tales about people, isn't it? You must remember to think before you speak. You're always spouting off the first thought that comes to mind, never mind the consequences...

And so she nodded confidently and said, "Yes, there's no trouble now at all. I'm fine, Marilla. Truly. I probably just had a touch of something, it's gone now."

Marilla cocked her head, as if trying to decide what she thought about Anne. Finally she said, "All right, then. You get some rest. I'll see you in the morning."

Anne sighed with relief as Marilla closed the door behind her.

Marilla didn't have to come wake her up in the morning because Anne was already awake. She had woken up before the sun came up and had thrown up twice in her chamber pot.

She dragged herself out of bed, and- her hands shaking- she poured water from her pitcher into her washbasin and bathed her face.

She didn't want to go downstairs- she felt like she'd collapse- but she had to get some crackers or some juice or something.

So she made her way down, holding onto the railing, and grabbed the nearest thing to eat- a piece of bread from the breadbox- and, stuffing it into her mouth, she nearly choked.