Close Proximity -Anne With An E-

Chapter 11| Ruby's Visit.

Ruby not so subtly pushed her way into the house. Gilbert politely ushered her into the sitting room. Anne and Gilbert sat next to each other, leaving room for Ruby to sit on the other side of Anne, but Ruby squeezed herself between the two, pushing them away from each other.

After sitting awkwardly with only the sound of the fire filling the room. Ruby finally said something. "So, where is the rest of your family, Gilbert?"

He shifted uncomfortably away from Ruby, "Bash and Mary went out for a little bit."

Ruby nods, and meets Anne's eyes, and mouths, "Did you ask him yet?"

Anne pauses for a second, before shaking her head, no, she doesn't want to hurt her friend.

Anne leans closer to Ruby and whispers, "Why don't you ask him?" then stands up and walks to the kitchen, where she can still hear them.

Ruby stutters a little, before asking, "So, Gilbert, do you fancy anyone?"

Anne hears him shift, out of discomfort, no doubt. "Um," he starts, "Yeah, there's a girl I have my eye on."

Anne picks up on the sound of Ruby scooching closer to him, "Oh? Is this girl in our class?"

Gilbert clears his throat, "Yes."

Anne's breath catches in anticipation.

Ruby starts to ask another question, when Anne walks back in. Ruby shoots her an annoyed look, while Gilbert looks immensely relieved.

"Sorry," Anne says, trying an apologetic smile, "I didn't mean to interrupt."

Gilbert stands up, "You didn't interrupt anything, actually, Ruby is just about to leave."

Ruby stands up, "Yes, I'll see you guys again." then walks out the front door.

Anne closes the door behind her, then huffs and looks at Gilbert, who looks at her with a humorous smile, "That was fun."

Anne laughs, breathily, and leans her head on the wood behind her. "Did she want something?" She asks, knowing the answer, but asking anyway.

"Um," the ravenet stumbles over his words, "no, I don't think so."

Anne pushes herself off the door and walks past Gilbert, "You're a bad lier, Mr. Blythe."