Long Distance Love Letters

Running to You

Anne ran up to Gilbert's door and pounded on it, her adrenaline keeping her going.

An alarmed-looking Bash opened the door a moment later, holding a sleepy Delphine.

"Anne?" he asked in surprise.

"Is Gilbert here?" Anne asked, too determined for pleasantries. "I need to talk to him."

Bash sighed. "No. He left for his train this morning. He'll be in Charlottetown now."

"What?!" Anne shouted. "No, he can't do that. I have to get to him. I have to stop him!"

Bash's eyes widened and he nodded. "Take one of our horses. His train shouldn't be leaving for about an hour and a half. You might be able to catch him if you leave now."

Anne gave a quick "thank you" before racing to the barn. She grabbed a horse and raced towards Charlottetown.

Don't leave yet, Gil, she thought. I'm coming.

•••

Gilbert watched as passengers filed onto the train. He had been one of the first ones to board which means he had to wait for a bit.

He rested his head in his hand, his heart heavy in his chest. He hated that he was doing this. He was giving up. However, he couldn't allow himself to continue to hurt Anne.

Almost as if the universe could read his thoughts, he suddenly heard a loud distant voice.

"Gilbert!"

Gilbert immediately snapped to attention. He opened his window and leaned out.

His heart leaped as he saw Anne racing towards the train station.

"Anne!" he called back.

He jumped to his feet and went as fast as he could to the exit.

An attendant stepped in front of him, blocking his path.

"Excuse me, sir," he begged. "I need to get off, please."

"The train is about to leave," the attendant informed. "I'm afraid we can't allow you to depart."

•••

Anne stumbled to a stop as she saw the train begin to move. Her throat constricted.

"No," she whispered. "No."

Then, just as the train began to pick up speed, Gilbert just about leaped off, stumbling when he hit the ground but staying on his feet. She could see passengers giving him shocked looks from their seats.

Gilbert turned, making eye contact with her. His eyes held a look of fear, vulnerability, and a little bit of hurt. Yet still, so much love.

He stayed completely still as she slowly walked up to him. His eyes seemed to become even more afraid.

She stared at him for a moment before surging forward, smashing her lips against his.

It didn't take Gilbert long to respond. He pulled her tightly against him while she wrapped her arms around him.

When they finally came up for air, they simply gazed at each other for a moment.

"Gilbert," Anne whispered. "I'm so sorry."

Gilbert donned a surprised look. "No, I'm sorry. I should have told you sooner."

"No, I understand. I'm sorry I said the things I did. I didn't mean any of them. I just thought you'd be happy back in Toronto. Happier."

"Without you?" he asked in shock. At Anne's silence, he moved to hold her face. "Anne, you are perfect. I could never hope to be happy without you."

A tear slid down Anne's cheek and she giggled when Gilbert wiped it away.

"So you're not going to leave yet?" she asked.

He smiled. "Wild horses couldn't drag me away."

She laughed and ran a hand through his hair. "Good. Just promise me there will be no more secrets."

"I promise," he assured immediately.

She nodded and they shared a smile before settling back into each other's arms.

Anne closed her eyes, feeling more content than she had in a long time.