Lavender - {G.B}

dix-sept

Alice, Gilbert, and Bash walked into the theatre, beginning to help set up for the Pantomime for its opening show. Alice wasn't in it, she could never have been. She didn't like the attention, everyone staring at her. She had quite an unfavorable stage fright, especially with most of the town here to watch.

"I would have liked seeing you up on stage." Gilbert snuck his hands around her waist, his chin resting on Alice's shoulder.

"If you see me on that stage, I'm going to hop on a train to Virginia and won't come back until after a year later," Alice whispered, comparing the actions to Gilbert's when he left.

"Even being a tree can you not stand being on stage?" Gilbert asked. "You'd be the most beautiful tree up there."

"Why, thank you for the kind compliment." Alice smiled ear to ear.

Music played, introducing the show to start. "Showtime!" Gilbert smiled, kissing her cheek. He looked over at Bash and whistled, signaling him to bring the curtains up.

Billy Andrews, in his white, snow owl costume, snapped out of his thoughts, turning away from Gilbert and Alice. He walked on stage, getting into character. He stopped in the center and so the great Pantomime began.

-

Billy Andrews fell limp on the stage, hit by a lightning bolt at his whistle, accidentally sending it farther down. Bash brought the curtains to a close and the cast rushed towards him.

Ms. Andrews ran up to her child then looked up at Bash. "Is this your doing?" Ms. Andrews was quick to assume. "You savage brute! Shame on you!"

"No, miss, it was me," Alice tried to explain, but she was already gone with Gilbert taking care of him.

"Bash, you must stay. It wasn't your fault, but mine," Alice tried to persuade him into staying.

"Clearly, I have no part in this community." Bash began to take his leave until Alice pulled at his sleeve.

"I'll accompany you to Gilbert's," I told him.

"No, you've got a family to get to. I'll just wait for Blythe himself or walk my way home." Bash left Alice backstage.

Alice sighed in defeat. After the play, she walked home with Angelica. She was going to visit the Andrews to apologize for the accident, also to try to get Bash off the. blame for Billy's injury.

-

Alice and Angelica sat down in their chairs, ready to eat their dinner. "We are going to Josephine Barry's party this upcoming week. I've got each of us dresses," Angelica announced.

"You really didn't have to do that," Alice said, taking a seat across from her.

"Nonsense. I had to find something that would perfectly match the new barrette you've got." Angelica smiled after sipping her tea.

"You didn't have to, but thank you." Alice smiled politely.

"If you could try it on before the party just to make sure it fits," Angelica asked.

"Yeah, of course. I'd like to see you in the dress you got. Maybe some man will stumble across your way." Alice smirked, glancing up at Angelica.

"Oh, hush now," Angelica dismissed her. "Besides, I've been engaged. Have you never noticed my ring?" Angelica held her hand with a diamond ring on her ring finger. "He's visiting family in Australia."

"What for?" Alice asked.

"His mother's birthday. We're going to get married in Virginia soon after he comes back."

"Does that mean that I'm leaving?" Alice asked, fearing she would have to leave right after everything with Gilbert.

"Of course not. We're selling our old house and going to live right here in Avonlea." Angelica smiled at her. "I couldn't do that to you. You've lived here your life with so many memories and your friends."

"What's his name?" Alice asked.

"Fred Crawford," Angelica answered with a huge smile. Alice knew she loved him deeply. "He's excited to meet you, Alice."

"Will I change my last name again?" Alice asked.

Angelica chuckled, nodding her head. "Yes, you would, but if you want to keep your original last name-"

"No. I know one day I will have to change my name," Alice accepted the fact she couldn't keep her father's name forever.

"Right." A teasing grin grew on Angelica's face. "Your name would have to change to Alice Blythe when he proposes."

Alice flicked food at her. Angelica got revenge and a food fight broke out between the two. Once both were tired, they fell slowly onto the floor, laughing so hard their stomachs ached.