| 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚍 | 𝙶.𝙱𝚕𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚎 | 𝙳𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚎𝚍

7 | "I PROTEST AGAINST ANY ABSOLUTE CONCLUSION."

     ALICE WALKED WITH her sister to school. Alice liked Anne's hair but obviously the girl hated it. Anne stayed silent for most of the morning until they arrived at school. Anne stopped to talk to Diana while Alice went in.

She moved past the group and saw Gilbert. She gave him a small smile which he returned. She turned back when Anne walked in with her new hair, everyone was staring at her.

"Anne." Girlbert smiled softly.

"You're back." She said, shocked.

Anne looked over at her sister who didnt seem surprised at all. Her mind clicked, Alice had been talking to Gilbert the whole time he was away.

"Theres no gold." Anne said quietly.

"I-I know. That's not why I'm here." He gave a small glance towards Alice which made Anne's theory more accurate.

The door behind them opened and everyone moved to sit down.

"Open your readers to page twenty." Mr Phillips voice droned. "It appears we have a new boy in class today. Are yo-" He stopped when he saw Alice glaring at him, he did not want a repeat of what happened when she first arrived with short hair.

-_-_-_-

     "AND JOSIE PYE has a soul darker than a starless night." Anne complained to Marilla about her day. "I dare not even repeat to you the wicked, wicked things she said."

"You will if I need to have words with her mother."

"She told Tillie I had all my hair cut off due to lice! She said it's because I'm of 'orphan stock.'"

"Right then. Words it is."

"Oh Marilla, what is it that makes people take such delight in the misery of others? You should have heard how everybody laughed when Mr Phillips called me 'the new boy.' Oh and to make matters worse, Gilbert was there. At least he didnt laugh at me but still-"

"Gilbert Blythe?" Marilla asked, she hadn't known the boy was back. "I didnt realise he was back."

Alice stayed quiet as she started her sketch of the boy. She smiled as she added small details such as a freckle or two.

"Neither did I. Apparently Alice did." Anne rated her sister out.

Alice lifted her head in shock. "What? No I didnt."

Marilla glanced at the older child, knowing she would have to speak to her later.

"How is he? Is he well?" Marilla asked.

"Hes fine." Alice mumbled, growing closer to her paper to try and get his eyes just right.

"I cant imagine it's easy, all lone at this time of the year."

Alice sighed softly and stood up to leave with her notebook tucked close to her chest.

"Alice, I wish to speak to you. Anne, please leave." Anne slowly left, even though she didnt want to.

Alice stopped and turned back to the woman. "Yes?" She asked innocently.

"So, Gilbert Blythe?" She asked with a twinkle in her eyes.

"There is nothing going on."

"That's not what you said the other day. Alice, you like him. He knows doesnt He?"

The girl nodded softly. "I saw him yesterday, before he came to school. Marilla...we kissed."

The older woman stared at Alice. "Kissed?"