I have been best friends with Gilbert for as long as I could remember. We did everything together as children and I'm happy to say that nothing has changed. I have always loved Gilbert's father like my own. When he was sick and Gilbert had to chop wood or do yard work, I would take care of him. We would sit and talk about everything and anything. Most of the time would tell me that Gilbert shouldn't take me for granted and that he should marry me. This always made me laugh.
Unfortunately, now that he is gone Gilbert is distraught. He talks about wanting to see the world, but I don't want him to go anywhere. Christmas is approaching and Gilbert is sad to celebrate without his father. I told him he could celebrate Christmas with my family, but he refused. He said that he didn't want to impose. I knew that he couldn't spend Christmas alone, so I decided to surprise him.
My mother and I were spending all day baking desserts for Gilbert and for our family celebration. I just couldn't leave him alone on such a joyful day. It was almost time to leave for his house when we finished baking. I ran to my room to change my clothes before heading to his house.
"Goodbye Mother, I'm going to Gilbert's!" I yelled before taking the pie and cookies and walking out the door.
"Bye sweetie, see you soon." I heard her call from inside.
The walk to Gilbert's wasn't a long one, but it was filled with beautiful scenery. As I approached the house, a strange feeling grew in my stomach. I am not sure what it was, but it felt odd. I lifted my hand to knock on the door. There were a few seconds of silence before the door whipped open.
"Y/n, what are you doing here?" He asked, looking very confused.
"I didn't want you to be alone on Christmas, so I came to celebrate with you," I explained.
"Well come in then." He said laughing.
About an hour passed by and the two of us had completely devoured the pie.
"Wow, we've been talking for so long I didn't even notice that we've eaten the whole pie." Gilbert joked.
"I guess we were hungry," I replied.
"It was delicious." He commented.
"Why thank you, good sir," I responded, laughing.
"You're very welcome." He mocked.
We sat for a few moments before I decided to clean up the mess we made. I was washing the plates in the sink when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"May I have this dance?" He asked.
"There's no music, silly," I replied, smacking with the wet towel I was using.
"My shirt! It's all wet." He shouted playfully.
"Oh, you're such a big baby." I mocked.
"I'm a baby?" He exclaimed, picking up another wet cloth and slapping my shoulder with it.
"Is that a challenge?" I yelled.
"I believe it is." He replied.
He began to chase me around the kitchen, the two of us laughing like children. I hid behind the table, in hopes that he wouldn't see me. It was quiet for a few moments before I felt arms around my waist.
"Gilbert Blythe put me down!" I screamed, giggling endlessly.
"Sorry, I don't think I can do that." He said, carrying me into the living room.
He placed me down gently on the couch, both of us laughing intensely. After we both caught our breath he asked,
"Are you cold? I can start a fire."
"That would be very nice," I replied.
I heard Gilbert go outside for the firewood. A few minutes had passed before he came back inside. I watched him as he delicately started the fire. He seemed pleased when he completed the task. Gilbert walked out of the room for a few moments, so I rested my head on a pillow, laying down fully on the couch. I heard his footsteps as he re-entered the room.
He covered me with the blanket before softly lifting my head. I began to sit up quickly but he interjected.
"Don't, you were comfortable."
"It's no problem," I replied, yawning.
He sat down next to me, opening his arms.
"I can be your pillow." He joked.
I laid back down with my head in his lap. He softly stroked and played with my hair as I was drifting to sleep.
"Merry Christmas Gilbert," I whispered.
"Merry Christmas y/n." He whispered back, placing a soft kiss on my head.
