Devoted To You || Gilbert Blythe

LIV

~𝒜𝒹𝒶~
Complex. An adjective. Meaning, so complicated or intricate as to be hard to understand or deal with:
_________________________

Dear Ada,

I hope this letter finds you well. I apologize for the delay in writing; life has been quite eventful since your return to Avonlea. The finance job I've taken has introduced me to a circle of charming individuals, and exploring new bistros and bakeries has been a delightful experience, though it does stir memories of our shared adventures.

I wanted to share exciting news with you—I've come across a fabulous property for sale here that I believe would make an exceptional inn. Knowing your dream of opening one, I couldn't resist informing you.

Plans are in motion for my upcoming visit to Canada, and I'm eager for the possibility of our reunion. Looking forward to catching up on the missed moments.

Warm regards,
Daphne Arthur

"Whatcha reading?" I look up from Daphne's letter. Bash awaits my answer.

"Oh nothing." I shrug off my excitement as I fold the letter. He scoffs at me, making me spill.

"That sounds like an amazing opportunity." He smiles, warmly.

"It is." My lips form a tight line. "But-"

"But what Ada?" He gives me an unamused look.

I stumble over my words as I try to explain. "It's just an inconvenient time." I shrug.

"Ada if this is about me-"

"No!" I snap. "I-I mean yes. But also no."

"What has gotten into you?" Bash asks. I run my fingers through my hair as I look down the hallway. Gilbert can be heard obnoxiously singing a sea shanty to Delly. "Ah I see."

"I don't think I can leave him again." I gulp. "He's my best friend and—"

"Ada." He says making me look back to him. "You and I both know it is much more than that." He chuckles. "Mary knew it. Everyone probably knows that."

"Okay I get it." I bite my bottom lip, tearing the skin. "He's just so..."

"Complex? Confusing? Unknowing? Oblivious?"

"Every single one." I laugh, pulling my knees to my chest. "What if it isn't meant to be?"

"If it isn't then hell itself might freeze over."Bash, with a gentle smile, places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Ada, you can't let fear dictate your decisions. Life is full of uncertainties, but if there's one thing I've learned, it's that you can't let a chance at happiness slip away." He glances toward where Gilbert's sea shanty serenade continues, an amused glint in his eyes. "Talk to him about it. He might surprise you."

I let out a nervous laugh, the weight of the unspoken hanging in the air.

***

"As promised, today we'll be practicing for the county-fair barn dance." Miss Stacy has cleared out a space in the classroom and has gathered us together. "Mr. and Mrs. Lynde have kindly consented to help us in this endeavour."