OSTRACIZE | GILBERT BLYTHE

35

Ellis sat in her usual seat while Gilbert talked to Mr Phillips about extra studying.

"I have a strong work ethic, Sir, and I've chosen my vocation. Medical school, sir. I know it's for me."

Ellis was sightly jealous that Gilbert knew what he wanted to do. Ellis still had no idea.

"Riveting." Mr Phillips walked away.

"So I was hoping you could offer me some extra help outside of class, so that I can catch up, make use for the time that I missed." Gilbert paused while Mr Phillips smirked at Prissy.

"It could also be an opportunity to prove wrong all those who think you don't care all that much about your teaching." Gilbert placed his hands in his pockets. "I'm only asking for a small portion of your time sir."

"Is that all? My time? Tell me, should your father simply give his crops away because someone wants them? Feels he deserves them? Hmm? Hmm? He should not. Time is money, Mr Blythe." Mr Phillips took a seat and opened his book.

"My fathers dead, sir." Gilbert stated, making the whole class fall into silence.

"Yes. Well, the metaphor still plays." Mr Phillips shrugged. Ellis stood up angrily, ready to hurt Mr Phillips for what he did to Gilbert and for bringing up Mr Blythe.

"That is enough Ellis. Sit back down." Mr Phillips orders. She scoffed walked over to Gilbert. She grabbed his hand and gave it a light squeeze, three times. He pulled her in for a tight hug before letting her return to her seat. This event a few whispers from the class about the pair courting.

~

"And a word or phrase that makes specific the meaning of another word or phrase?" Mr Phillips questioned looking around the class. He caught on to Gilbert who was reading a book, not paying any attention to his lesson. "Perhaps the good doctor can tell us the answer."

"Perhaps the good teacher can teach us." Ellis mumbled as she rolled her brown eyes.

"Stand down Ellis Bennett!" Mr Phillips snapped.

"The answer is modifier, sir. And I managed to learn that with no extra time from you." Gilbert smirked.

"Correct." Mr Phillips mumbled.

Gilbert smirked and looked over to Ellis. Ellis smiled at the boy, until he winked at her. That's when he cheeks burned red and she flickered her eyes away.

~

"The good doctor?" Anne questioned turning to face Gilbert, who had once again, wrapped his scarf around Ellis.

Gilbert chuckled.

"Some day, I hope I get there." He paused. "In the mean time. It feels good to know what I want." He couldn't help but glance at Ellis.

"You'll get there. If you go where your passions lead you." Anne nodded and walked away.

Gilbert could help but smile, so Ellis slapped his arm.

"Oh come on, you're not falling for the red head are you?" She laughed.

"Oh yeah, Carrots. Smart isn't she?" Gilbert smirked, seeing how annoyed Ellis got.

Ellis nodded, trying not to let him know that his words hurt her.

~

Ellis laid on her bed crying. Her brothers were all working on the farm so she knew that nobody would hear her.

"Ellie? What's wrong?" James questioned as he knocked on her door. He felt sick today so he had spent the day resting.

"I'm never good enough for anyone." She sobbed. James sat beside her and patted her back. He didn't know how to comfort anyone.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm never going to be a wife. I'm stupid. Nobody could ever love me." She groaned as she cried into her pillow.

"That doesn't matter Ellie. You'll always have us." James reassured her that family was all she ever needed.