Play the Love Away

A Large Fire

Elise didn't see Anne for a long time after that day at school. She worried about her friend, not attending school. Anne had such a bright mind and school was the place to use it.

At one point, she, Diana, and Ruby dropped off her school supplies at Green Gables but Marilla seemed surprised that she wasn't at school.

The only thing at school that was interesting now was Gilbert Blythe. He was dreamy, Elise thought, but obviously would never tell Ruby that. Or anyone for that matter.

The day after the infamous Anne walking out of the schoolhouse, Gilbert apologized. School had been let out and Elise stayed a bit later to clean up her spot and write some things down for Mr. Phillips. Gilbert had waited outside. He had startled her as she left the schoolhouse and jumped at him looking at her.

"Gilbert Blythe! Don't scare me like that!"

He chuckled, "Sorry." They began to walk. "I wanted to apologize. I didn't mean to get you in trouble yesterday, and I'm sorry for that."

Elise looked down at the ground, "Well, I suppose it's all right." She broke a smile which made him happy beyond belief. He didn't want her to be angry with him. Gilbert walked her home that day, even passing by his home just to make sure she got home safe. They chatted about almost everything, favorite food, colors, what they wanted to do in the world, school. Elise loved how his face would look almost sad when he listened, but it was more of an intent listener than anything. He would never interrupt her and always nod to let her know he was still listening. Elise was almost sad to arrive home.

Gilbert was very sad when they arrived to her house. The sun was so perfectly set that her blue eyes glowed and her hair almost had a red aura around it. She looked beautiful. He forgot about all his problems when he talked to her, focusing everything on Elise. It wasn't hard, she drew attention easily, from anyone.

When they strolled to the house, Gilbert almost dropped dead, "This is your house? It's gigantic!"

Elise looked up at it, "Yes, I suppose so. It's just a house."

Gilbert smiled at her. He admired her maturity as he started to bid his goodbye but not before settling what he wanted, "I think I'll see you near the woods tomorrow." "What?" Elise was confused. Gilbert smirked, "Well, I have to walk you to and from school, we don't want another Billy Andrews situation, do we?"

Elise almost winced at the mention of what happened but felt warmth in her chest, he cared. Elise held a smile, "I'd like that."

Gilbert went to turn and leave when Elise pulled him, "But, we can't walk directly near the school."

Gilbert gave a confused look, "May I ask why?" "People at school wouldn't like it. People I'm hoping to be friends with."

He made a face of realization and grinned, "Alright, Elise Clark, whatever you say."

Elise giggled as he walked back on the path as she walked towards the door. She really liked him.

~~~

A few weeks later of strolls with Gilbert, it had finally gotten to the winter holidays. Surprisingly Elise was soon awoken by something other than coughing.

"Elise! Elise!" She heard her father call. Michael burst into his room, "There's a fire! You and dad have to go help!"

Elise nodded and grabbed her coat, telling him to go back to bed and running down the stairs. Her father was lacing his shoes as she did the same. He looked up, "We have to hurry, it's at the Gillis house."

"Ruby," Elise wondered aloud as he grabbed a few buckets and locked the door behind them.

They owned a couple horses in a small stable near the woods. Charlie grabbed Amber, a beautiful color of browns and reds. She was the fastest horse they had. Elise boarded her easily with her father settling on the saddle behind her. She held the buckets while he held the reigns, directing her straight for the ablaze house.