-Baynard, hurry up!- Gilbert banged on the bathroom door for the hundredth time- I need to have a shower and you've been there for half an hour!
-Oh, I'm burning through the skies yeah!- the boy heard him singing through the door.
-Jerry get out of the bathroom! Even I don't take that long to take a shower and I'm a girl!- Anne yelled from the kitchen as she finished brushing her hair.
-I'm gonna make a supersonic man out of you!
-Baguette boy, hurry up, a lady is waiting out here!
After fifteen minutes, they stopped hearing the dripping water. They all stood still, scared that if they moved it would all have been a dream. Gilbert and Anne looked at the door with expectant eyes. Jerry finally opened it as he hummed the tune happily.
-Halleluja!
-Finally, Baynard!
-Wooo you stalkers, why are you staring at the bathroom door- he said as he tidied his shirt and walked towards Gilbert's room.
-Don't dedicate your life to singing because you'll starve to death- Bash shook Jerry's hair as he left the bathroom.
Gilbert waited for Anne to brush her teeth and then started taking a shower. Meanwhile, Jerry looked at himself in the mirror, still singing the same song in repeat as he styled his hair.
Anne did her makeup and talked to her best friend, who had called her because she was nervous.
-Calm down, Di! You'll be fine. You're head over heels for each other and there's no doubt.
-Let's suppose that he likes me back, what will Charlie say?
-He'll get over it- she answered as she applied lip gloss.
-I hope so. Please distract me before I start overthinking again- she said as she threw herself on her bed.
-Well, today Gilbert yelled at me- she casually said as she looked at herself in the mirror.
-What?! Elaborate on that.
-I'll tell you at the party. I'm at his house, remember?
-Fine, but you're telling me.
-I will, I will.
-Baynard can you knock the fucking door?!- Gilbert's voice was heard from downstairs.
-Fine...fine, calm down!- Jerry answered.
-Tell Jerry everything you want to before those two kill each other.
-Shit, I have to go help Minnie May unload the dishwasher. Good luck with those two- she chuckled lightly.
-Thanks. See you.
-Bye.
They hung up, leaving the room in pure silence. Anne was still standing in front of the mirror. Maybe someday I'll like what I see, she said as she looked at her 'horrid' red hair, which ended in some curls. However, she was glad to have been able to cover her freckles with foundation. She had kept her look pretty simple since she would just be with her closest friends. She was wearing a black turtleneck shirt, a wine-colored skirt, a leather jacket, and a pair of combat boots. Her make up was nothing special; foundation, a bit of contour, mascara, and some lip gloss.
-That's as good as it'll get- she sighed and then looked at her phone; it was time to go.
They all gathered downstairs and then left the house. The car ride consisted of Jerry humming the songs, Anne hitting his arm once in a while, then Bash criticizing his bad singing and telling him to stop. It was a cycle. Meanwhile, Gilbert stole some occasional glances at Anne through the rearview mirror, both of them laying their heads on the window. They wanted to talk to each other, but their emotions and pride got in the way, so they decided to ignore everything and pretend they just didn't have things to talk about.
-We're here- Bash announced after what seemed like an eternity for the redhead and her friend.
-------------------------
-Charlie what are you doing?! Leave that napkin there!- Ruby shouted as she entered the living room.
-But I...
-Can't you see that there is a pattern there?! White, golden dots, white, golden dots, and so on.
-Sorry, sorry- he said with his hands in the air.
-Ugh, it's impossible to keep everything in its place with you here.
-Ruby, when is Diana supposed to arrive with Cole?- Moody interrupted the girl's swearing.
-Ten minutes- she said with a goofy grin.
They were all excitedly waiting for the special guest. Some were shaking their legs anxiously and others talked about how they couldn't believe he was finally back.
-EVERYONE HIDE!- Ruby shouted frantically when she received a message from Diana, and everyone obeyed- BAYNARD I CAN SEE YOUR FOOT!
-It's okay Rubes, we will jump out of our hiding spot as soon as he arrives- Jerry answered.
-Shut up and hide your foot! Jane, I can see your finger from here!
She looked around thoroughly, looking for any imperfections.
-Okay, we're ready.
Some minutes passed until they both arrived. The anticipation was almost palpable. Everyone was ready to jump when they heard the doorknob rattle. Anne was on the verge of tears of joy when she saw that shy smile enter the room.
-SURPRISE!
-Oh my god- he laughed softly, his dimples deepening.
-Cole!- Anne shouted.
She ran towards him and jumped over him as she hugged him. She squealed and he spun her around in the air.
-I've missed you so much!- they both said after two long years.
They were about to cry due to the overflowing joy that ran through their veins. Their smiles didn't even fit in their faces. Gilbert looked at them, longing to hug Anne like that. He wondered if she would miss him like that, if she would ever be so happy to see him after a long time apart.
Soon enough they all joined, forming a big group hug.
-Thank you guys, you really are the best. And the decorations are a masterpiece!
-Oh, that was me! I planned everything!- Ruby raised her hand excitedly.
-Well, of course, it was you, who else is such a great party planner?- he said wrapping his hand around her shoulder- Thank you, Rubes, it's stunning.
-Well, I'm glad you liked it. It was very hard to prevent Jerry and Charlie from ruining the whole thing.
-It was ONE napkin!- Charlie defended himself.
-A very important napkin, by the way.
-If there was a pattern I ca...- he started saying but was interrupted by a knock on the door.
-The party's here bitcheees!- Josie entered the house holding the beverage supply- Heey Mackenzie, welcome back!- she said high fiving him and went into the kitchen
-Thanks, Jose, good to see you.
Some sat on the floor and others on the couch as they ate the snacks Tillie had brought. They were all talking about everything that had happened while he was away and updated him on the latest Avonlea gossip.
-----------------
Two hours passed, the group was now divided into different conversations and everyone was scattered around the house. Anne, Cole and Diana were in Diana's room talking about certain someones. The redhead narrated the story of the famous Barry Love Triangle and how it was supposed to end that night. Then they reached the topic that Cole was the most excited about.
-So... What happened between you and the guy that has a crush on you during this whole time? You didn't write about him, but my hopes are very high.
-We are friends... or were, I'm not sure anymore.
-You are not sure because you've finally realized you have feelings for him and he has a crush on you...?- he looked at her with hopeful eyes, even though he knew it clearly hadn't happened.
-No, he doesn't have a crush on me, and no, I don't have feelings for him either. We just had an... argument.
-She's mad at him- Diana added.
-Oh, I see, and why is that?
-It was just that he...- the redhead started but was soon interrupted by her friend.
-He wasn't listening to her because he thinks she is not sleeping or something- she said shortly- Now tell us what happened today.
-Something happened today, huh?- the boy said with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.
-Nothing happened, okay? He just yelled at me.
-What?!- Cole's protective side took over his body and he stood up, ready to confront him.
-No, wait! He just got mad at me- she grabbed him by the arm and sat him down again.
-Well, tell us why- Diana said impatiently, clearly intrigued to listen to the rest of the story.
-We were in our English when he left for the toilet. Some minutes passed and he di...
She was suddenly interrupted by Jerry, who opened the door without knocking, as usual. Diana and him blushed as soon as they made eye contact, and Cole and Anne looked at each other knowingly.
-Hey, um, Di? I wanted to talk to you for a sec- he said shyly and then mimicked the other two to leave.
-Well, we have to help Ruby with... I won't even make up an excuse, we'll leave you two lovebirds alone- Cole said with a wink, making them open their eyes widely.
-We'll be downstairs. Jer, don't you dare break her heart, you hear me?- the girl pointed his finger at him, then squealed and left.
Diana patted the bed's cover, signaling for him to sit down next to her. He cleared his throat and she touched a strand of her hair nervously. The tension was three times bigger than usual now that they were alone and knew what was going to happen.
-Mh... nice room, I like it- he broke the awkward silence.
-Thanks...
-...
-Look, Di...
-Look, Jer...- they both said at the same time and then chuckled nervously.
-You start- she said.
-Look, Di, I'm not that kind of poetic and romantic guy, so I don't have a rose or a big poem for you. All I have is this; everything you see, that's all that I am. Now, I don't even know what the hell I was thinking when I decided to tell you this, because you are...you, and I'm just...me, but you turn my world upside down. And I know I may not be all too handsome and perfect like Gilbert, or so charming like Ch...
She had been looking at him since the moment he walked into the room, and she felt like she couldn't stop. He was all dorky and nervous, and she just wanted to...kiss him, so she eventually decided to waste no more time. She loved his cute speech but had to interrupt him because she couldn't hold it inside any longer. Jerry was frozen at first, but he quickly put one hand on her waist and the other one on her cheek as soon as he processed what was happening. They were both screaming internally like they couldn't believe that was finally happening. They felt pure electricity running through their veins. They felt like they could stay like that forever, but they eventually had to stop to catch their breaths. Their foreheads were together as they both smiled, with some giggles escaping from their mouths.
-You're perfect like that- she whispered before hugging him and letting out a high squeal.
He chuckled at her reaction and spun her around a little bit. He was over the moon.
-I can't believe I've just kissed Diana Barry- he said softly.
-Can you-*kiss*- believe- *kiss*- it- *kiss*- now?
-Mmm, I don't think so- he said with a playful smile.
-You're such a dork- she smiled and kissed him again.
-They're so cute- Cole whispered from the other side of the door.
Anne and the blonde boy were pressing their ears against the door. It wasn't their intention to spy, they had just... ended up there.
-I can't believe they are finally together. They've been so oblivious.
-Oh my god- he scoffed in disbelief.
-What?
-I can't believe you are actually saying that.
-Why?
-Wow... And you think that was oblivious? Look at yourself in the mirror, honey.
-Hey!- she hit his shoulder playfully and he replied with a smile- You know, I secretly missed those annoying comments.
-Aw, I missed my victim.
They looked at each other, thinking how lucky they were to have one another again. For so long they had missed those kinds of moments, and all of a sudden they were living it again.
-I think we should go now, the romantic part is over and I'm really not fond of listening to my brother's mouth sounds.
-If you put it that way, I don't want to stay either.
-Great, let's go.
They went down the stairs, just to see through the window another couple kissing. It was Moody and Ruby, who were outside, standing on the snow and under the night sky; very romantic, just like the girl liked. They commented on how cute the two were and how single they felt, and then made their way to the kitchen to find some other snacks.
-So, now that we are talking about love being in the air...-Anne started saying with a smirk.
-Oh, thanks, I'm flattered, but I'm gay, remember?- he joked.
-Haha, very funny- she rolled her eyes with a smile- Did you find anyone interesting at the other school?
-Actually, I did.
-WHAT?! And when were you planning on telling me?!- she hit his chest with a shocked expression.
-Nothing happened. He isn't my boyfriend or anything. We were just in a kind of...flirtationship.
-One step ahead of friendship and you didn't tell me?! Now you have to talk.
-Fine, fine. His name's Evan. He's more of the charming kind of guy, but the type you can still have a deep conversation with. He's into art, clearly, and his work on IPads is amazing. He is always wearing one of those smiles which are totally contagious. Um, he has dark brown hair, and... oh, you won't believe the color of his eyes...
-Um, hazel?- she said, laying her back against the counter.
-No. They're gray with a hint of blue. They're fucking gray. Can you believe that?!
-He sounds quite breathtaking.
-He is heart-stopping, no kidding- he said taking a large sip of his beer bottle.
-Aw, you are so in love- she said with a small smile.
-I guess I'm not the only one...- he added with a smirk.
-You are not funny.
-Now that we're talking about Gilbert, where is he? I haven't seen him in a while now, and that's weird because I was this whole time with you, and he is always near you.
-He's avoiding me and I'm avoiding him, that's why.
-Mm, the fight, right...You are so married- he muttered before putting the glass bottle on his lips. He said it clearly enough for Anne to understand, though.
-What did you just say?! I would literally smash that bottle on your head if it wasn't for the fact that we are in your welcome back party and that would be impolite.
-Are you sure? I think that slates suit you more- he laughed and started running away as she chased him.
They ran through the house, Cole shouting 'Excuse me's as he went across the hallways. He went up the stairs, the girl following him behind. They were both breathless due to the combination of running and laughing. When they were upstairs, a door opened right in front of them. It was Gilbert, who was leaving the bathroom.
-Hey Gilbert! Sorry, I'm kind of in a hurry!- he shouted as he kept on moving.
Gilbert looked to the other side of the hallway to find a breathless Anne going his way. She started lowering her speed when she saw him in the way. He sighed and dared to speak when she stopped in front of him.
-Hey, Shirley. Can we talk?- he said scratching his neck anxiously.
-I really need to kill someone, but we can have this conversation later...?- she said breathlessly. She could've let Cole live to have that talk, but that conversation was exactly what she was trying to avoid. She hated opening herself up.
-Oh, yeah, sure. Sorry for interrupting.
She dashed away, feeling a little bit of guilt after seeing the defeat in his eyes. He stood there for a few seconds, watching her red hair dancing in the air as she hurried away. 'Shit, you've ruined everything Gilbert', he said to himself as he went downstairs to get another drink. 'I guess that getting her pretend revenge with Cole is more important than I am... What does he have that I don't?', he thought on his way there until he found a relieved looking Charlie.
-Hey, dude. Glad I've found you. I've talked to Diana...- he said with a smile that had appeared when talking to Jane some seconds before.
-How did it go?
-It was great, she's really cool. We are still great friends. She likes Jerry, so it almost seems like it was all planned out. Everything worked out great, thanks for your moral support.
-Glad to hear that, man- he patted his back and erased his fake smile from his face as he walked away.
He was glad that everything had worked out smoothly, but his head was filled with too many hurting memories, guilt... and maybe a tad of jealousy.
He had never been much of a drinker. He usually never drank more than a beer, but that was a special day. He felt like the only way to clear his mind was that. Maybe with another drink his dad would leave his mind, the guilt would leave his mind, his family would leave his mind, the 'what ifs' would leave his mind, that special relationship between Cole and Anne would leave his mind, she would leave his mind. He had always known alcohol wasn't the answer; his father had taught him that. However, he suddenly felt like it was the only option. 'Maybe one more drink will do the trick', he thought. He was right; it did the trick, but it backfired.
---------------------
An hour passed and Anne was outside. She was extremely exhausted and couldn't even follow a conversation.
-Hey sis- he said suspiciously with his hands in his pockets.
-What did you do, Jer?
-Ouch, you think low of me. Nothing happened, I just need to tell you something.
-Shoot.
-Gilbert's been calling for you for a while now.
-He can't even come and talk to me?! Ugh, tell him I don't want to talk.
-No... he is kind of, um, tipsy...?
-Tell him I've already left.
-The thing is that the boys want to have a sleepover at Charlie's, so I need you to take him home. Besides, he has been saying your name for half an hour and he is not willing to stop until you get there.
-No way.
-Look, I heard you last night and I know you are mad at him, but I don't want to miss the sleepover with the guys...please?
-Ugh, fine- she said reluctantly- Now leave before I change my mind.
-Thank you! He's in Diana's room with her- he shouted as he walked away.
Anne sighed and looked at the night sky, dreading the moment beforehand. Her warm breath condensed the cold air of the night. She finally turned on her heels and entered the house, ready to face him. She was expecting a tipsy Gilbert but instead found a very drunk one. Diana was sitting next to him, trying to get him to move so that he could go back home.
-Come on, Gil.
-I want her- he said muffledly since his face was buried in the pillow.
-I'm sure she'll be here any minute.
As soon as she entered the room, she saw him lying on the other bed, his back facing the door.
-Let's go, Blythe- she sighed, already tired of getting her job done.
-Shiiirrllsss!- he rolled on his back with a smile
-Well, there goes a mood swing- Diana muttered.
-Shirls?- she bit back a smile.
-Yes, Shirley...Shirls.
-Oh god, you are so drunk
-You don't like it, don't you? Let's see...Anne, Anne with an E...Annie! Do you prefer that one? I think it's cute- he said, and Anne blushed. 'He's cute when he is drunk', she thought.
-I think it's cute too.
-Thanks, Di. See? She says it is cute too- he added, pointing at his friend.
-Call me whatever you like, but let's go.
-Where are you taking me?
-Your house.
-Heey, let's take things slow, Annie!- he said with a smirk. Diana burst in laughter but fought it when the redhead glared threateningly.
-I see you don't lose your funny side when you drink- she dragged him out of the bed.
-So I'm funny...Did you hear that, Di? She thinks I'm funny- he said with a goofy smile.
-Yeah, I heard- she said, smirking at Anne.
-Oh, shut up.
-Make me- he said standing in front of her.
She could feel his breath on her face. She could feel his smell; pine trees and apples. She caught her breath and her heart pounded loudly in her chest. She felt frozen, yet attracted. Diana looked at the scene expectantly, she was at the edge of her seat, crossing her fingers, but was disappointed when Anne cleared her throat and said:
-You are so clichè.
-And you love it- he added with a smirk.
-I correct myself, you are so annoying...- she rolled her eyes.
They went downstairs and the bosom friends hugged each other and then Anne proceeded to do the same with the rest of the girls. Meanwhile, Diana repeated the action with Gilbert but whispered in his ear: "She loves it", referring to what he had said in her room. He smiled.
-Do you have your phone and your keys, Blythe?
-Noope. I lost my phone.
-Where is it?
-I don't know, I just said I've lost it, Annie.
-Oh god, stay here, I'll look for it.
She went into the living room while Gilbert waited in the porch, humming to a song and pacing around. She didn't find it on the table, so she looked through the shelves and then the sofa. She found it under one of the cushions. It lit up and she saw his wallpaper; it was a picture of her with a flower crown. He had probably taken it the day they went to the fields, and she hadn't noticed. She smiled and felt her cheeks getting hot.
After some time, they arrived at Gilbert's house. Luckily, Anne got him to be a least a little bit quiet. He was now on a sitting position on his bed. Anne had given him a glass of water and a quickly-made sandwich since he had been complaining during the whole way home about being hungry. She was sitting at his feet, but he insisted on her sitting next to him and after some minutes she gave in. He looked at her for some time, a grin plastered across his face.
-Heeeeyy, Annie
-Mmh?- she laid her head against the back of the bed. It was past midnight and she was exhausted.
-Why did you erase your freckles? I want them baaack- he said, caressing her nose and cheeks. She felt the spark of electricity as his skin brushed her face.
-They'll be back. I just covered them with makeup.
-You sure they'll be back?
-I wish they wouldn't, but yeah, I promise.
-I think they are beautiful. They look like the night sky, that's why I think of you when I look at it.
She smiled, but then stopped herself before getting excited. 'He's drunk, Anne. Don't even think about it. Ignore that comment and carry on with your life.'. However, she couldn't stop her heart from beating a hundred times faster.
Time passed silently and they were both on Gilbert's bed. Anne was about to fall asleep even though she was sitting up, and Gilbert just looked at the darkness of his room, remembering how his father always told him not to drink too much. Everything was peaceful until he felt his stomach flip. He jumped out of bed, which startled the girl that was about to drift into her sleep. He ran into the bathroom, which, luckily, was across the hallway. He emptied his stomach, instantly regretting his decision of drinking. Not only he was now feeling terrible, but it also hadn't taken his head off of his father. Anne knocked softly on the bathroom door, sharing his suffering.
-Blythe, are you okay?
-I'm in my best moment- he said ironically with a raspy voice, laying his head against the bathroom wall.
-Can I come in?
-If you want to find a tired, sweaty, and pale me, you may- he chuckled so he wouldn't cry.
She opened the door and found, indeed, a pale Gilbert curled up next to the toilet.
-I brought you a glass of water.
-Thanks- he said taking a sip out of it.
-Are you feeling any better?
-My digestive system is, my head's not.
-I guess you are starting to sober up. That's great. If you need something, I'll be in my room- she said, and was about to leave, but was interrupted.
-Thank you, Annie, for everything- he said, to which she replied with a smile.
Some time had passed when Anne was writing in her notebook. She had her bare feet on the side of her pillow and moved them in the air. She bit her lower lip as she scribbled on the pages. She wrote about the argument the previous night, about Cole being back, about one of her nightmares, and about him. Once her mind was running a hundred miles per hour, she heard a very light knock on the door. She quickly closed her notebook, left it on the bed, and then opened the door.
-Hey, Blythe, it's almost 4 AM, what's wrong?
-Annie I...-he scratched the back of his neck- Can I um, talk to you?
-Oh, sure.
Shit. Would he want to talk about that? He had called her Annie instead of Shirley and that meant he wasn't 100% sober, so maybe he wouldn't. She sat down on the bed and patted the spot next to her so that he would sit down there.
-So, what have you awake so late at night?
-I...Remember how, um...- he sighed- About today, well, technically yesterday...
He was nervous and Anne noticed. He wasn't just going to say 'I'm sorry'. There was something more than that in his mind. He was a boy who could admit when he had done something wrong and then apologize without hesitation. He never stuttered, if he had something to say, he said it. But when he had to open up, that was when he stuttered and rambled.
-That we... well, you...
-Yeah, I remember- she said before he collapsed in nervousness.
-I'm sorry. I shouted at you and... I'm sorry, I should've never done that. My mind was fucked up and I know you only wanted to help me and I just yelled, which is certainly not okay, especially not to you- he said with a very soft tone of voice, one that was reserved especially for her- I would never do that, it is just that today was a... particular day. And I know there is no excuse for treating you like that, but I wanted to make it clear that I would never shout at you, and I never will, and much less hurt you in any way...
-I know.
-I'm sorry.
-I'm sorry too. I reacted the wrong way that night. You were trying to help me and I told you to fuck off.
-It's water under the bridge, Annie- he quoted his past self.
-It's water under the bridge, Blythe- she whispered with a smile.
They looked at each other for some minutes. Their hearts started beating fast. They both felt attracted to each other, like if there was a magnetic force pulling them together. Anne had felt it before that day but had decided to shrug it off. There was one reason why this happened, a reason they would both ignore for as long as their minds were determined to fight their hearts.
They were inches apart. They could feel each other's breath on their faces. Gilbert could take in her scent; like a mixture of almonds and flowers. She could see his shaved scruff and his freckles, which she hadn't noticed ever before. He would have been able to count her freckles right there and then. One of them could've easily closed that small gap and taste each other's lips, which they longed for so deeply. However, their minds got in the way. Once again, the mind won the battle against the heart.
They both cleared their throats at the same time, blushing in embarrassment. They looked at opposite sides, letting out a breath they didn't know they had been holding in. That's when Gilbert noticed her notebook.
-Did you paint this? It is beautiful- he said, admiring the sunflowers that were painted on it and the 'Anne' that was written with a remarkable tidiness.
-Thanks.
-What do you write in here?
-Stuff.
-Very specific.
-Things about life.
-I guess it's pretty private then.
-Yes- she answered, very skeptical of that last comment.
-It would be tragic if...I paid a look at it- he threatened to open the notebook with a mischievous look.
Anne threw herself on him. He could never read that notebook, his name was probably on millions of those pages and who knows what she had said about him. If he read that, her dignity would go down the drain. He let his back fall onto her mattress at the same time she fell on his stomach.
-I was just kidding, Annie, of course, I would never read it. Consider yourself lucky that it was me and not someone like Jerry.
-Lucky?- she scoffed.
-You should keep it in a safer place- he said while putting it under the mattress.
-I always keep it there.
-You know what they say, great minds think alike.
They both stayed in that same position. Anne was lying her head on his stomach, almost his chest, and she could feel her head moving up and down as he breathed. He played with her hair, making very small braids, which she had once taught him how to do. They both stared at the ceiling, which was only illuminated by a lamp.
-Annie- he said softly, now laying his arm on the bed.
-Yeah?- 'Not sober yet, okay'.
-Can I ask you something?
-Shoot- she said shifting to her side to be able to look at him.
-Can I sleep with you tonight?
-What?- her tone of voice was calm, but she had her eyes wide open.
-I can sleep on the floor if you want.
-Oh, yeah, sure, you can sleep here- she felt her heart rate going back to normal.
-It is just that...um, four years ago, today, my dad um...- he sighed-... died, and I...Sorry I...
He said the last words with a shaky breath. He sighed once again, trying to hold himself together. Anne put her hand on his' reassuringly. He intertwined his fingers with hers and rubbed his thumb on her delicate skin. He exhaled, gaining strength to continue.
-He was the only family I had left, he was with me during my whole life... and being the date it is, I think a lot about him...- his voice started breaking more with each word- and I start feeling kinda lonely. And today during English I... I, um remembered the day he... Shit, sorry- he sighed once again.
There was a tear running down his cheek and a fake chuckle full of pain left his mouth. He breathed in and out, trying to keep it together. Anne immediately shifted on the bed so that she was laying next to him. She wrapped her arms around him, and he buried his face on her neck. They held each other like their lives depended on it, like if they let go just a little bit, the other one would disappear. They just stayed there in there embrace, their safe haven, their home.
-It's okay, Gil. I'm here.
-I miss him so fucking much- he said clenching his jaw, feeling the hole in his soul, the agonizing pain choking him.
-I know- she caressed his hair as he let it all out.
Some minutes passed and they finally pulled away. Anne turned off the lamp so that he would be able to sleep. The silence reigned the room, for exception of Gilbert occasional sniffles. With a raspy voice, he whispered something before drifting into his sleep. Something that Anne wouldn't have heard if she hadn't been laying so close to him.
-You are too precious for this world, Shirley.