Long Distance Love Letters

Gilbert's Birthday

The following week passed by painfully for Anne. She and Gilbert weren't necessarily fighting; they still told each other about their day and cuddled as they fell asleep, but a strong tension existed between them that they were too nervous and stubborn to address.

Fighting had always been a common practice among the two, but ever since they became romantic, it was something they absolutely hated doing. Typically, their fights descended with the sun, neither one of them wanting to shut their eyes on unfavorable terms. However, this situation was different. Though Gilbert still made his love for her clear, there was sadness and loss behind his every word.

It tortured her.

She told Diana as much as she sat in her bosom friend's kitchen, waiting for the tea to be ready. It being a Saturday, Gilbert had gone to visit the Lacroix's before heading to Charlottetown to meet with Dr. Ward. She wasn't expecting him home until around 6 p.m.

"I just don't know what to do," she concluded, watching as Diana poured tea into their two cups before placing the kettle back over the crackling fire.

"Hm," Diana simply sounded, sitting down across from her.

Confused filled Anne's mind. "'Hm?'" she asked. "What does 'hm' mean?"

Diana sighed, taking a sip of her tea. "Anne, you know that I will take your side no matter what...but I can see Gilbert's side, too."

Though Anne was surprised to hear those words, she couldn't say that she didn't feel the same way. Guilt had been flooding her heart more and more with every passing day.

In response, she cast her gaze downward and rested her chin in her hand.

Diana exhaled. "If I ask you a question, will you promise not to be vexed and listen to me completely?"

Despite Anne's sudden wariness, she consented.

"Would it really be so bad if you did go to Summerside?" she asked carefully before quickly continuing. "It's not like you would be unemployed; there are plenty of opportunities for teachers. Gilbert could get some real experience as a doctor, and you always said that the bustling nature of Charlottetown inspires you. Maybe it could be the same in Summerside. It's also not too far away."

Anne considered Diana's words before sighing. "But what if we get there and we hate it?"

Diana shrugged. "Then you move back. It wouldn't be that difficult."

There was a moment of silence.

"Maybe you're right," Anne admitted. "I'll talk to Gilbert about it."

The two ladies sat drinking their tea for a bit before Anne spoke again.

"By the way, do you remember today's date?" she asked. "I have to do some bills when I get home and I've totally forgotten."

Diana nodded. "August 16th."

Suddenly, every molecule in Anne's body froze. "It's August 16th?" she asked fearfully.

Diana nodded, confusion coloring her expression.

"Oh, my word!" Anne exclaimed. "It's Gilbert's birthday! How could I have forgotten?! What kind of wife am I?!"

"Okay, calm down," Diana quickly responded. "It's only noon. Gilbert won't be back until tonight. You still have plenty of time to prepare something."

Anne nodded. "You're right! A cake and an apology. I can do this."

She was rushing out Diana's door moments later, a plan formulating in her mind.

•••

As the clock neared six, Anne stood at the kitchen table, overviewing her arrangement as she bounced on her heels in anticipation.

She had put extra-special care into Gilbert's cake. She had been tempted to do three tiers, but decided against it due to her husband's preference for simplicity...and the fact that they would have leftovers even with one tier. It had a simple white coating and was decorated with a few flowers of Anne's creation.

Due to her unforgivably inconsiderate forgetting of this occasion, the only gift she was able to get him was a collection of letters that his closest friends and family here and Avonlea had been more than willing to writing for him, including, of course, one from her as well.

Her gaze shot up as she heard the door open.

"I'm home!" Gilbert's voice called, fatigue feathering his casual tone.

"In the kitchen!" she called back, her heart speeding up.

Soon, Gilbert came into view as he entered, his eyes widening as he took in the sight before him.

"W-What's all this?" he asked, shock filling his voice to the brim.

Anne offered a nervous smile. "Happy birthday, sweetheart."

A moment passed before he sighed. "Anne, you didn't need to do all this. I would have been fine without any cake."

She nodded, moving to him and removing his coat. "I know. But you deserve to be celebrated, Gil. Now come on, eat your cake."

The two sat down at the table and Anne cut each of them a piece.

They conversed about their day, and though Gilbert's tone did seem to be a bit more lively than usual, the tension was still present.

"Gilbert?" she asked, causing his eyes to raise and meet hers.

She sighed, the guilt pressing down on her heart. "I owe you an apology."

Gilbert stared at her for a moment before sighing, his resolve seeming to crumble. "No, you don't."

"Please let me finish," she requested, putting her hand up. "I was selfish in what I said. I didn't even give a smidge of thought to you, when that is all you have been doing for me. Before we became involved, I would always say that when I got married, we would treat each other as equals and partners. And so far, you have held up your end and I haven't been doing the same. Gil, you have made so many sacrifices for me, more than one should need to make for their spouse. So now, it is time to return the favor. If an opportunity for your career presents itself in Summerside, I say we go."

"Anne," Gilbert spoke up, softly grabbing her hand. "I don't want you to think that these sacrifices were difficult to make. You're my entire world. I hope you know that there is no competition between you and Summerside. It's you, no hesitation."

Anne patted his hand. "That is really sweet. But, for once, you should be allowed to choose your career and know that wherever you go, your wife will be right by your side."

Gilbert allowed an emotional smile, giving her a glimpse of the young boy she fell in love with seemingly an eternity ago. "Really?"

Anne's smile grew and she clasped Gilbert's hands in between both of hers.

"Let's go to Summerside."