Long Distance Love Letters

The Planning Stages

One of the many wonderful things about Anne Shirley Cuthbert Blythe, Gilbert decided, was that you could learn all there is to know about her in a week. Yet even after almost ten years, she could still surprise you.

In all the years he has known her, he has seen his Anne's passion countless times, whether it would emerge during a spelling bee she was determined to beat him in or in her many battles against injustice. However, he was sure he had not seen this level of passion in years.

Anne had been working on her plan with a vengeance, only stopping to eat, bathe, and sleep. It made Gilbert smile to see her so determined to right the wrongs in Avonlea again. He just wished she would slow down once in a while.

This wish resurfaced in his heart as he watched her zip around the kitchen to ready his breakfast. Normally, they would make their morning meal together, but considering today was a day of grave importance for Gilbert, Anne insisted on doing it herself.

"Are you certain I should go to my job interview today?" he asked from his seat at the table. "I'm hesitant to be away for most of the day."

"For the last time, Gil, yes," Anne laughed, bringing his plate over and setting it in front of him. "One of us has to have a job."

"What about you?" he asked teasingly, raising an eyebrow.

Anne feigned offense. "I happen to be leading a revolution right now, or did you forget?"

Gilbert facepalmed. "I beg your forgiveness, I absolutely did forget."

She laughed and sat down next to him, beginning to eat.

"You know," he started. "I could have helped you with breakfast this morning."

Anne nodded slowly, staring at her bowl. "You could have...or not."

He rolled his eyes and chuckled. "Come on, I am not that bad of a cook."

She laughed. "You are improving, I will give you that. Still, the baby and I are growing tired of burnt pancakes."

Gilbert feigned offense. "You wound me, Carrots, you really do."

Anne punched his arm as they both laughed.

"So everyone's coming over today?" he asked, swiftly beginning to eat.

She nodded. "They should be here any minute."

"I feel guilty that I won't be here to help you all."

Anne waved it off. "Don't fret. There will be plenty of opportunities to contribute your brilliance."

A knock sounded on the door and Anne gasped. "They're here."

She scrambled to her feet and hurried to the foyer.

•••

Anne pulled the door open to a company of her friends: Diana, Ruby, Jane, Tillie, Josie, Jerry, Muriel, Cole, Moody, Charlie, Marilla, and Rachel. A smile graced her face.

"My friends!" she squealed. "What an invigorating apparition!"

She took turns hugging each one of them and exchanging personal greetings before inviting them inside, closing the door after them.

"Alright," she sighed. "Are you ready to plan a revolution?" Exclaims of affirmation sounded among the group. "Jerry, did you bring what I asked you to?"

"Oui," he confirmed and handed the object to her. Anne held it in her hands, feeling an overwhelming sense of nostalgia.

She turned as Gilbert appeared behind her, straightening his tie.

"Hello, everyone," he greeted cordially. "I'm very sorry that I can't stay longer."

Anne smiled and showed the object to him. The  item she was presenting to him was her very first slate, cracks slithering across the dark material from when it had made contact with his face. "Remember this?"

Gilbert chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Vividly. I must say, my memories regarding this particular slate aren't exactly fond."

Smiling, Anne brought the slate up to her husband's right cheek, lining it up to match her memories. "Ah, the good old days."

Gilbert laughed and shook his head. "Alright, I should be off." He leaned in and kissed Anne before squatting down and kissing her stomach. "I'll see you tonight."

"Good luck!" she called as he headed out.

She then turned to her guests. "Alright, my friends, let's get started!"

———
AN: once again, y'all, sorry this is so late and kinda short

my mom and i just finished her runthrough of the show and she is so freaking mad that it's over. join the club mama 😂