Another Year In Avonlea

The Last Day of School

"Dear God, it's Ruby again. I just can't seem to sleep. I pray again that I fall asleep. I also pray for Gilbert, and that he is very happy." Ruby opened her eyes, kneeling next to her bed thinking.

There was a long pause before she continued. "I also pray I don't like him anymore. Yes, I know it's strange, but I know he doesn't like me. I can tell in his eyes who really makes him happy, and though she tries to fight it, which I respect, Gilbert is hard to fight. You know who I'm talking about. Anyway, I ask that you give me a happy life with someone who will love me as well. Gilbert just won't do anymore. He's perfect in every way, but I think just not for me. Could you do that? Make me stop loving him? Thank you. Amen."

She stood up, looking out her window to the night sky. Her memories flooded with every thought she ever had of Gilbert. She took ever image of him making the most brief eye contact with her, or speaking to her, to him walking a distance in front of her, and she breathed it out to the sky.

"Goodbye Gilbert," she whispered, then hopped into bed and fell fast asleep.

———

The school house was buzzing with excitement for the last day of the year. Anne had just walked in when she was greeting by Gilbert. "Gilbert! I was talking so much they never did answer. What are Sebastian and Mary going to n-"

Gilbert quickly covered Anne's mouth before she could finish. "We just wanted to tell you and the Cuthberts because you were the most accepting, helpful, and loving people in Avonlea, but for a while we want to keep it more secret. Can you keep it a secret?"

Anne nodded vigorously and Gilbert took his hand from her mouth. "You haven't told any of your friends yet, have you?"

"No," she replied. "I didn't walk with Diana, and since I just got here I've had no time."

"Good. At least until we start planning the celebration in a couple months we want it to be a secret."

"Yes Gilbert I can do that. All I have to do is avoid the subject all day."

"Thank you," he laughed.

Anne lowered he voice as she asked again, "What will they name the baby?"

"It's a surprise."

"That's not fair!"

"You better get to your friends!" Anne groaned as she walked off to her friends, not noticing Gilbert's eyes follow her until she met, and sat down with them.

Ruby stared at Gilbert for a moment as he looked at Anne before, she herself, turned her attention away. Determined to give up on him, she kept the tears in her eyes.

"Good morning girls," Anne chirped. "I gave the idea to Marilla to have all of you over again- I must say now, she didn't say yes, but she wasn't opposed to it either!"

"That would be so fun, Anne," Jane smiled.

"Oh and Diana? What time should I come to say hello to Aunt Jo? I wouldn't want to barge in on a bad time."

"At the moment I believe any time works. Perhaps if you would like to come before dinner."

"We'd all like to come for dinner at the Barry's house," Tillie laughed.

"There's definitely not enough food for everyone! Perhaps a different time? I'm only inviting Anne to say hello, and since Aunt Josephine is so fond of her, how could mother refuse?"

"Oh, I was talking to Marilla about how mystifying the sunset by the the lake of shining waters would be, perhaps we could watch the sun set tonight?"

"Not tonight Anne, but maybe when Josephine and Cécile leave."

"No! You can bring them with! I'm sure they would be delighted to see the beauty of it! I also told-" Mary and Bash how beautiful it was when them and Gilbert were over. Anne wanted to tell the secret, but she couldn't. "Um Matthew. Yes, I told Matthew as well, and he too would like to see it."

"Maybe a dinner one night with the town would be nice?"

"That would be splendid, Diana!" Ruby exclaimed. "We could choose a good occasion and invite everyone there!"

Anne suddenly hopped up, "I know for just what occasion too!" This caught the attention of a few students, Gilbert included, who listened intently as they continued their conversation.

"Goodness Anne! What occasion would that be?"

"My wonderful, dear friends, I wish I could tell but I just cannot right now. All you need to know is that it isn't for many months and it makes me immensely joyful and exhilarated for the people it effects the most!"

"What do you mean Anne?" Tillie asked. "Who does it effect?"

"You can't leave it on that!" Jane said.

"I'm very curious now," Ruby said, leaning in.

"Do tell Anne!" Diana said happily. "We all want to know what the special occasion could be."

Anne slyly glances in Gilbert's direction. "I just can't say yet. When you all know, I will tell you."

"We could know even sooner if you told us now," Jane tried to persuade.

Anne could barely hold in her excitement to tell them all the news. Just as she was about to speak, Ms.Stacy said, "Alright, calm down class! Please take your seats for the time being."

"Thank goodness," Anne breathed out, sitting back down.

Gilbert gave into a smirk, unnoticed by her, but noticed by Ruby. Ruby smiled at Gilbert as he made eye contact with her. Instead of looking at him dreamingly, she trailed her eyes to Anne, making Gilbert blush and quickly sit down. It still hurt her, but it also felt good, in a way.