Remains To Be Seen

The Girls Opinion

Ruby
      "Anne I'm so proud of you!" I squealed hugging the red headed girl.
She was so nervous about telling me and I had no idea why. We sat by the stream outside the schoolhouse. She and Gilbert were soon to be official. Even if I had an affliction for the boy it wasn't relevant. My bestest friend was happy, I was as well. I was happy for her truly.
After she told me I had to tell her about my newest affliction. Moody. My, he had gotten dreamy over the winter. Anne was happy for me. I was so excited that she would cheer me on. She was my truest friend.
      "What about Diana?" I asked.
      "She betrayed me with that rumor," Anne hissed quickly.
      "You must forgive her. It's not her fault."
      "I want to Ruby. But I trusted her with utmost secrecy. And it was demolished in my face and exposed to everyone."
      "I'm sorry," a voice said.
I looked over my shoulder seeing a sad Diana looking to us. She then began to plead and beg for Anne's forgiveness explaining herself. Anne knew she couldn't hate Diana forever.
      "I forgive you. But you must earn my trust again," Anne said softly.
      "Really?" Diana said with tears in her eyes.
      "Yes," Anne agreed. "I missed your friendship Diana."
      "Oh Anne!"
Diana hugged Anne tightly thanking her and promising that she will build up Anne's trust again. Anne then told Diana what she told me. Word travelled slowly now that Diana promised her quiet mouth. Gilbert eventually got to the school grounds and caught Anne's attention immediately.
      "Go Anne!" Diana and I urged her to stand and see him.
      "Guys no!"
      "Go Anne. Make us proud," Diana winked.
Diana and I adjusted our milks in the stream and watched as Anne went to Gilbert. He had the look. There was this look guys had when they really liked a girl. When they were truly invested in the girls words. Gilbert has a constant smile as she spoke. Responding lighting enjoying her talking.
The bell rang and we all had to head inside. But before we did we caught Gilbert stealing a kiss on Anne's cheek. She blushed profusely as he went inside. Diana and I looped our arms with Anne's and guided her inside. The three of us sat together hoping Miss Stacey wouldn't mind. She didn't ultimately and thank goodness for that. Anne sat on the end as usual. I sat central and Diana sat closest to the window.
I watched as Anne and Gilbert stole glances at each other. And then I felt a tap on my shoulder. A note. It had a drawing on it. A little carrot. I smiled sliding it to Anne.
On the first day of school Gilbert called her carrots after pulling on her plait. Anne peeled it open quickly peeking at it while trying to pay attention to Miss Stacey. Her cheeks turned pink and she had a smile as she looked back to the board. I opened my palm and she set the note in it. I flipped it over seeing the cursive writing inside.

Her red hair burns like the rays of the sun,
I see her and I am lit,
For she is beautiful beyond compare,
The girl with blue eyes and fire for hair

I smiled. He wrote her love poems within little notes. Sending his love on small scraps of paper. I nudged her arm and she was already ripping a piece of paper to send back. She had me proofread it. I smiled knowing it's exactly something Anne would say.

You are the love that came without warning; you had my heart before I could even say no

I nodded taking the note folding it handing it to Dianna to pass back. I watched as he got it back with a mischievous smirk. He tucked it into his pocket and looked to the board. I did as well. It was hard to stay focused when romance occurred. It was so much fun to watch. I could only imagine what it was like to be apart of it and receive messages on pieces of paper. It sounds like a dream.
Lunch came rather quickly. And Anne finally told all the girls. They were all giddy with excitement. Even Josie who wasn't a fan of Anne. I think that changed when Anne stood up for her not too long ago. Anne would stand up for anyone and everyone. It is who she was.
Anne assured that they all knew it wasn't 100% official. But we all knew it had been since she arrived. We might not have liked it but Gilbert's had his eye on Anne for awhile. She just didn't want to admit it.
      "So when will you make it official?" Jane quizzically questioned.
      "I'm not sure. We haven't really spoken about it," Anne replied.
      "Are you going to?" Diana questioned worried for Anne was going to back out.
       "Eventually."
       "Why don't you do it now?" I piped up.
All the other girls agreed. Anne could do it. She was brave and very confrontational. She and Gilbert also had an understanding of each other.
      "I'm not so sure."
      "You asked for a girls opinion Anne. This is ours. Go speak to him!" I urged.
We all pushed and pulled Anne to her feet. We all giggled pressuring her out the door. She escaped us brushing her dress off. Gilbert came to her quickly. He was always so attentive. She asked if they could go on a short walk. And they did.
      "I'm so giddy for them!" I squealed to the other girls.
      "Aren't you upset that she stole your man?" Josie tried to stir.
      "I told her to," I nodded.
      "You what?!"
All the girls began to talk and bicker over each other. Fighting on what I had said.
      "Girls! I don't like Gilbert anymore. I haven't," I spoke up silencing them.
      "What will you do now Ruby?" Jane asked softly like she felt sorry for me.
      "I will make Moody interested in me," I said, raising my chin in the air.
All the girls exploded with new excitement. A new flame for me. And finally the topic was away from Anne. Diana gave me a nod. We were Anne's true friends. And we had her back when she was here or not.