Long Distance Love Letters

A New Normal

The next few days were spent adjusting to a new routine. Whenever Gilbert wasn't sleeping or being assessed by Dr. Ward or Dr. Bannon, Anne was with him. She would sit next to his bed and she would read him stories, he would help her with schoolwork, or he would just remain silent and listen to her ramble on about any given subject.

Though it was difficult for Anne not to bring her worry or fear into her interactions with him, she did it for his sake. She lived for any moment she got to see him smile or hear him laugh, albeit tired and laborious.

After the first night, she sent telegrams to Bash and Marilla and Matthew. All three returned their immense worry and promised to plan a trip, however, it might take Bash longer to come due to his need to accommodate his daughter.

This time, like so many other times, Anne was sitting out in the waiting room while Gilbert was being assessed. She was working on a piece for her writing class when she heard the door open.

She lifted her gaze to see a girl around her age walking in.

"Hi," Anne greeted. She could tell by the girl's glances that she was here to see Gilbert.

"Hello," she replied. "Is Gilbert not allowing visitors?"

"No, he's just being checked right now," Anne explained, closing her book.

The girl nodded and caught a glance of Anne's ring. "You must be Gilbert's fiancée," she stated nervously.

Anne gave her a confused look, wondering how she knew or why it mattered.

The girl took a deep breath. "I'm...Hazel."

At first, the name meant nothing to Anne. Then she remembered. Hazel was the one who kissed Gilbert.

"Oh," Anne simply replied, suddenly very uncomfortable. "I see."

Hazel nodded softly. For a moment, she looked like she was going to leave, but at the last second, she decided against it.

"I'm actually glad you're here," she said, her voice fragile. "I've been wanting to talk to you, to apologize to you."

"Apologize?"

"Yes. I can only imagine how much grief I must have caused you, and for that, I'm very, very sorry."

Anne watched her for a moment before sighing. "Gilbert said he never told you of his relationship with me?"

"Oh, you mustn't be angry with him about that," she hurriedly defended. "He and I were never incredibly close and he was very private about his personal life. But I can assure you that if I had known, I never would have done what I did." She exhaled. "I shouldn't have done it anyway. It was very forward and very inappropriate and I feel terrible. I would apologize to him myself right now if I could."

Anne could sense the sincerity of her words and gave her a forgiving smile. "I understand."

Surprised colored Hazel's expression. "You do?"

Anne nodded. "If Gilbert never told you about me, how could you have known? Oh, I'm Anne, by the way."

She breathed a laugh. "Nice to meet you." She gestured to the seat next to Anne. "May I?"

Anne nodded. "Of course."

Hazel sat down next to Anne and looked at Gilbert's door. "How is he?"

Anne followed her gaze and sighed. "He's doing alright at the moment, but it's a really serious case. He's fighting really hard, but he keeps getting worse."

"Do you think he'll be okay?"

Anne inhaled. "I hope so. I'm trying to be optimistic for his sake, but I can tell he's tired." She took a deep breath. "We can only hope for the best." She looked over at Hazel. "I want the two of you to continue to be friends."

Hazel gave her a shocked look. "But Gilbert wrote me a letter saying-"

"I know," Anne interrupted. "Even though I did not tell him to do that, I know he did it because of me. But he described you as being a good friend to him and I don't think either of you should lose that."

"I don't know what to say," she admitted.

Anne smiled. "Don't say anything. Just don't try to kiss him again, okay?"

Hazel laughed. "Never." She paused for a moment. "I appreciate your forgiveness." She sighed and stood up. "Well, I should be going."

"You don't want to see Gilbert?" Anne asked, surprised. "Dr. Bannon should be done soon."

"No, it's alright," she waved off. "I'll see him soon. Could you just tell him I said hello and I hope he feels better?"

Anne nodded. "Of course."

Hazel smiled. "It was very nice to meet you."

"You, as well."

With one last meaningful nod, Hazel walked out.

Dr. Bannon soon finished and Anne walked into Gilbert's room.

Gilbert watched as she sat down in her chair next to his bed, a soft smirk on her face.

He managed a confused smile. "What is it?"

Anne breathed a chuckle. "You'll never guess who I just became friends with."

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AN: thought i'd put in a happier chapter before the next ones lol