Your Darkest Fears // Anne and Gilbert

Ch 11. It's okay. You're okay.

Gilbert's POV:

The conversation started to drift as we both started to get tired, and Anne fell asleep curled up on the couch. I could tell she's been through something, so I let her sleep. I got up to go to my room to grab a blanket off my bed. I wrapped it around her and left her to sleep. She was wearing my shirt, and I had to admit, it really did look cute on her. I think I should let her keep it. And the jacket she borrowed. And anything else she wanted. 

There was so much I wanted to learn about her, but it was up to her to determine when she was ready to open up.

I picked up the teacups and brought them into the kitchen to wash and clean everything. I made sure she was okay on the couch before heading to my own room. I noticed her wet dress folded on the chair by my desk. I laid it out on the desk to dry. 

I sat at my bed and wondered what to do about Anne. I wanted to let her sleep and rest, but I worried about the trouble she would get into if I did. Even after I was done cleaning up and let her sleep for a while, it was still pretty early in the evening, so I decided to give her an hour before I would have to wake her up, and I really wasn't looking forward to it. 

I guess I wouldn't have to. Suddenly I heard a scream coming from where Anne was, and immediately I hurried over to see what had happened. "Anne?!" 

"No, no. Please no." She was begging, and I realized she was still asleep. She was having a nightmare. I went to her side and pulled her close to me on the couch trying to comfort her. 

"Anne. It's okay. You're okay." I said resting her head on my chest stroking her hair. 

She started to wake up shaking tears streaming down her face shaking her head. I held her close as she tried to gather her thoughts and calm down. "I'm so sorry," she cried into my arms. 

"Anne, please talk to me. What's going on?" I asked softly watching her expression. Her eyes were red and tired. She just shook her head again before turning and moving out of my arms to face me. 

She looked up at me sadly. "I can't, Gilbert." She said once more tears silently spilling from her eyes. I nodded. She didn't have to, and I wouldn't push it. Whatever was going on was more than I could understand. 

"Does this happen a lot?" I asked her, referring to the nightmares. She just nodded in response not looking at me. Right then, my heart broke for her. Anne, the strongest person I know, is somehow even stronger than I thought. Even looking at her now, I couldn't help the overwelling admiration I had for the girl. 

"I should go," she said shaking me out of my thoughts. "Marilla is going to be cross if I'm not home for supper," she explained. As much as I wanted her to stay, I knew she was right. 

Anne got up and went back to my room to change back into her dress. I don't think it was dry yet, but it wasn't completely soaked anymore. When she came back out, she stood in front of me. "Thank you. For everything," she said not meeting my eyes. 

Before she could leave, I put my coat back around her shoulders. "I imagine Marilla would be cross with both of us if I let you really get sick," I said only half-joking. She let out a soft laugh to that. 

"Goodbye, Gilbert."

"Goodbye, Anne."

~~~

Aww. They're so cute. Poor Anne when she has to go back home, and a certain someone is in her house </3 -A