When they arrived, Alex, Anne, and Gilbert were met with an astounding chorus of voices. It seemed that they were the last ones to arrive. Everyone was sitting on the grass in front of the roaring fire, not caring a mite about the chilly air. Everyone was gathered around the fire in a haphazard circle except for Moody, whose head rested on Ruby's lap.
Alex was beckoned over to sit by Josie, and Anne took a seat in between Gilbert and Diana at her other side. But before Diana could slide over to be closer to Anne, Charlie slid into the seat beside her, a little to close for Anne's liking.
"Hello, Anne," he greeted with an expectant smile on his face. Anne, a little unnerved, scooched closer to her beau, who wrapped a protective arm around her.
"Problem?" she asked him coolly, making sure to really lean into Gilbert's touch.
"Yeah, problem, Sloane?" Gilbert echoed with a dry chuckle, staring at Anne with an adoration that Charlie balked at. Charlie looked meeker now, excusing himself and stuttering something about getting a drink of water. That didn't stop him from making eyes at the red head all night.
"Looks like I'm not the only one with a two boy problem," Tillie snickered from the left of Josie. Jane elbowed her hard in the ribs, rolling her eyes.
"At least Anne knows whom she loves," Jane jibed, snorting at Tillie's antics. "Any progress on that, Tillie?"
"No," she mumbled, frowning and blushing.
"I should think so. Didn't Paul A. write you quite a romantic love note about your... ahem, voluptuous figure? It was obvious that he was very glaringly alluding to your bosom, Tillie. You are quite a shapely woman."
Tillie looked mortified and looked around to make sure that no boys had heard her as Jane doubled over in laughter, clutching her stomach and wiping her eyes jollily.
"Let's play truth or dare!" Josie proposed, her face lighting up with a mischievous smirk as she eyed Alex next to her with intent. He didn't seem opposed to it and simply returned her gaze with a matching smile. The crowd affirmed Josie's sentiment with a chorus of rousing cheers. Even Diana was in, craving some good teenage fun after spending the day with her uptight family and Minnie May's irksome antics.
Ruby bit her lip, looking around nervously. "Are you sure? We don't want to be too improper..."
"Oh, live a little, Rubes!" Jane encouraged. Ruby looked at her all her best friends having a jolly time before letting loose.
"Okay. Okay!" she repeated, more sure the second time, a radiant and full-toothed grin lighting up her delicate features. "In fact, I'll start!" A cheer erupted through the group, and Moody craned his neck to lovingly kiss her on the cheek.
"Okay, you get up to three passes."
"Wait just a minute," Charlie announced. "Let's make it more interesting. If you skip, you take a drink of this..." He pulled out a hefty bottle of moonshine from his satchel. The group buzzed with exhilaration, a sort of infectious and feverish buzzing of youthful rebellion. After all, a healthy dose of adventure never hurt anyone once in a while.
"God, Sloane, someone would think you're a drunk the amount of times you bring it to the function," Moody said.
"Diana!" Ruby called out, smiling crystal blue eyes wide and shining. "Truth or dare?"
"Truth," she said cautiously.
"Have you ever been kissed?" Diana's olive toned skin darkened a shade, and she looked down. Anne laughed knowingly, but muffled her giggle into Gilbert's shirt.
"That time with Moody playing spin the bottle when we were thirteen?" Diana asked, praying that they would accept the simple answer.
"Other than that," Ruby said snippily, scowling a bit at the memory, unnecessary jealousy rising to the surface a bit as she recalled his doting adoration of the girl for much of their time at the schoolhouse. Her worries were put to rest when she looked down at Moody to find that his eyes were solely transfixed on her.
"Yes," she mumbled, a slight smile on her face. All the girls instantly roared with squeals and giggles, and Ruby eased further when she saw that Diana had clearly paid no mind to Moody anymore.
"Really?" Jane shrieked, clapping quickly in excitement. "Do tell us who!"
"Ah-ah-ah," the dark haired beauty sang. "Only one question. Now, I do believe it is my turn."
Jane groaned with a roll of her eyes. "Fine," she grumbled. "But when it's my turn, be prepared!"
"Moody," Diana said slyly, a glint of diablerie shown across her tawny features. "Truth or dare?"
"Dare," he hesitated, knowing that either option would be mortifying. He was pale in the face and wincing in anticipation.
Diana, taking a little mercy on the lovable bumbling soon-to-be minister said, "I dare you to hold Ruby's hand for the rest of the game." Moody almost fainted in relief, taking Ruby's hand in his with much satisfaction.
After Ruby's mother had found out of their courtship, she'd dispelled any falsities she had told Ruby about reproduction being topical. Though Gilbert and Alex were the only ones who knew how it exactly worked as medical students, the rest of them were less in the dark about the entire process.
"Is that all? Thank goodness!"
Jane yawned with exaggeration, rolling her eyes.
"You guys are such a bore," Josie exclaimed. "Well, it's your turn, Moody." Moody, determined to be more interesting with his questions and commands, called on Charlie.
"Gilbert," he boomed, looking at the lanky boy. "Truth or dare?"
"Truth" he announced proudly, putting on airs of being bold. "Do your worst."
"I dare you... to tell us all how reproduction works." There were mixed reactions to this. Jane, Tillie, Ruby and Josie looked extremely intrigued. Anne and Alex simply burst out laughing at how Gilbert's face paled with abject horror at the statement. Diana looked positively appalled, wishing she had gone harder on Moody with her dare.
"In the interest of not having the town hate me for corrupting their children, I think I'll pass," he stated. Josie just grinned innocently and handed him the bottle. Afterwards, she made a show of stretching out in her seat, and her hand brushed Alex's. The boy looked over at her, pleasantly surprised but definitely not averse.
"Oops," she lilted innocently, but didn't make a move to shift her hand. Neither did he, for that matter.
Meanwhile, Gilbert took a big gulp, wincing at the burning aftertaste before proceeding with his question.
"Umm, Jane?"
"I choose truth."
"Who's the better friend? Josie or Tillie?" Jane pouted, looking at her two best friends in chagrin.
"How can you possibly ask me to choose? They're both like my sisters! Give me the bottle," she whinged, taking a lazy swig and wiping her mouth inelegantly. Silently though, in an interaction that did not go escaped by Josie, she scooted closer to Tillie with a sickly sweet simper.
"Anne," Jane said, gesturing to the girl. "Truth or dare?"
"Dare," Anne responded unsurely, not wanting to tell them something embarrassing, as she knew that they would probably interrogate her on her new relationship.
"I dare you... to kiss someone who isn't Gilbert. Right now and right in front of us."
"Easy enough," she shrugged, before turning to her darling Diana. "Do you mind, dearest Di?" Diana shook her head, so she leaned in and planted a short, soft kiss on her bosom friend's lips and drew away.
When she pulled away, she sported an angelic smile, leaning against Gilbert and winking at Diana who blew her another kiss of her own. She and Diana were quite practiced at it from all their kissing practices as children. It was then that Anne had come to silent terms with the fact that she wasn't completely opposed to the female form, though she usually much preferred a prince charming in her stories. She didn't favor labels and was quite sure Gilbert was it for her anyways. It was better off; there was no telling what the town would do to her if they found out.
"Oh, this is nothing," Alex proclaimed. "You should've seen Anne and Gilbert's display at Charlottetown." He grinned devilishly at Gilbert, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"Ooh," Josie giggled. "Anne's been holding out on the details. You must tell me later, Alexander," she said, whispering to just the taller blonde boy, leaning in close to his ear so their shoulders grazed. He took the opportunity to sidle closer to her, and they remained that way even after she'd finished speaking.
"Alex," Anne stated sharply, taking notice of all of his and Josie's flirtations, putting two and two together with his statements at diner. "I am going to get my revenge and it will be perfectly delightful as strawberries on a summer day. Truth or dare?"
"Truth."
"Would you court somebody in this room and if yes, who would it be?" He pretended to think about it, though he knew just who had caught his eye the entire day. She hadn't been very reticent expressing her interest, and frankly, he didn't mind it. He had never been one to buy into high society's old fashioned views.
"If I'm being honest, the answer is pretty obvious," he said nonchalantly, a smile playing on his face. "The answer is... Gilbert." He grinned childishly as everyone rolled their eyes and let out whines of annoyance.
"Are you serious, Alex?" groaned Anne. "The entire point is to be genuine!"
"And you must be crazy to think I'd ever leave Anne for the likes of you," Gilbert scoffed light-heartedly. For many, it was the first time they saw Gilbert come out of his shell and joke around since before his father died.
"Fine," he huffed. "The woman I most hope to gain the favor of -- although all of you are splendid -- is most definitely and unequivocally the lady next to me." Ruby looked unusually affrighted as she desperately hoped that he meant Josie and not her.
"Which one? You have two, genius," Gilbert pointed out. "And one of them is taken already."
"Do I really have to say it? It's embarrassing and I feel like I'm in primary school telling Gerta Summers to check yes or no if she likes me!"
"Say it. Out loud," Jane said with a devilish grin. "I bet someone will be quite pleased." Josie shot Jane a glare, silently telling her to stop humiliating her on the off-chance he didn't mean her.
"Alright, it's Josie. Happy?"
"Very," Anne replied, an evil glint in her eyes as she looked at Josie for a response, as did everyone.
"What? You want me to respond?" Josie wondered nonchalantly, playing it completely cool and icy.
"Yes!" Jane said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"Okay," she responded coyly, looking at Alex with a small smile, summoning all the allure she could muster. "Let's just say... My father and I will be expecting your letters."
"Sounds good with me," he replied, giving her a heart melting smile.
_______________________
After a couple more rounds of truth or dare, they had taken to doing mixed things. Currently, Anne and Gilbert were in the middle of a high tension spelling round.
"Vexatious," Anne challenged, sitting on the floor in front of Gilbert with her legs crossed and braids undone. "Just like you, dear."
"V-E-X-A-T-I-O-U-S," he replied immediately, smirking when she glowered. "Transcendent, just like you, dear." She blushed before regaining her composure.
"T-R-A-N-S-C-E-N-D-E-N-T," she replied smartly, jutting her chin out at him as she remained unphased by the word. "Idiosyncrasy."
"Are they always like this?" Alex murmured from his place beside Josie. They had been subtly near each other the whole time, revolving like celestial bodies in each other's gravitational pulls.
"Always," Josie snorted, rolling her eyes. "It's mildly entertaining. Who knew academia could be a form of flirtation?"
"I'll say," he agreed, pretending not to notice how their shoulders were mere inches from brushing. "And how about you? What do you do to entertain yourself, Miss Pye?"
"Josie, if you please," she corrected kindly. "And to answer your question, unlike our brainy friends, I don't take pleasure in matters of mathematics and language. If anything, I should say that I enjoy dress making. My mother likes to get all our dresses tailor made and engages in needlepoint only to be so called "lady like", but unlike her, I actually enjoy the activity. How about you, Alexander?"
"Please, everybody calls me Alex. In answer to your query, I suppose I could be persuaded with a game of rugby or a good hockey match," he answered honestly with a genuine smile.
"Classic boy," she scoffed with a light-hearted eye roll.
He chuckled, his midnight blue eyes shining as he looked at the girl. In the firelight and moonlight, it seemed like her blonde hair was spun from pure gold. There was a comfortable silence between them as they watched their best friends face off.
"Amicable," Gilbert shot back to Anne after correctly spelling her earlier word.
"A-M-I-C-A-B-L-E," she replied smugly. She thought for a moment before challenging him to spell, "Ostentatious."
"O-S-T-E-N-T-A...-T-I-O-U-S. Spell...lascivious," he challenged with a crooked smile. Anne seemed to blush. The word definitely had some significance to them.
"They love each other," Josie observed quietly and introspectively, thinking about her past relationship failure and the subsequent rejections by even the least wealthy or handsome men due to her history. Perhaps this one would be willing to overlook her faults, but who was she kidding? Somebody funny, handsome, and accepting would be almost too perfect. It was probably too good to be true.
"They do," he agreed with a nod. "Then again, the greatest of loves start with the most... amicable of crushes, don't they?"
She laughed at his less than humorous joke, the sound music to his ears. "Bold, are we?" she asked, cocking an eyebrow up.
"Worst case, you break my heart into a thousand pieces. What could go wrong?" he responded, brushing her hand gently. She felt sparks go up her arms in the most delightful ways. She had never felt this way. A single look from him made her feel more than Billy's kisses ever did.
She wanted to tell him that he was wrong. The actual worst case was that he thought she was a harlot like most boys and never spoke to her again.
"I don't mind it. I'm certainly not thinking of breaking your heart right now," she shrugged, chewing on her lip as she tried to think of a conversation topic away from the future of their relationship. It was best that she couldn't mourn what she knew she wouldn't be able to have.
"Bold, are we?" he echoed back at her. She laughed and shoved him playfully.
"Not as much as you," she responded nonchalantly. "You're English?"
"Correct, but I like Canada much better," he replied, eyes fixed on her completely as he spoke. "My parents still live there, but they're getting ready to relocate to Ottawa with my younger sisters, Grace and Maudie, and my younger brother, Theodore. My older sister, Rebekah, she lives in Carmody with her husband."
"Why the sudden move?" she asked with genuine curiosity.
"England has fine universities, but they want Theo to go to U of T like me so they can expand the business and explore the American market more," he explained.
"Makes sense. What about your sisters?"
"Most likely, they'll complete schooling and get married soon after unless they say otherwise. My parents are traditional, but they give freedom for us to choose our paths. Knowing Maudie and Grace, they'll want to attend college. Rebekah did not. I think her dreams are too big for a school. She's married, but she runs a monopoly on her town's baking business," he chuckled fondly, running a hand through his dark blonde hair.
"That's... quite lovely, actually," she said wistfully, wishing she had parents that were so kind and supportive.
He shook his head again. "Don't get me wrong; they'll still throw a fuss about it. They initially wanted me to go to the Sorbonne so they had an excuse to move to France, but I didn't like France that time we went there when I was fifteen, so I decided on Toronto instead. My mother wept and claimed I was making her blood pressure rise, but she let me make the final call."
"Oh, the guilt trip. I know all about that," Josie agreed with a roll of her eyes. She remembered how her Mother had wanted her married to Billy as soon as she was in long skirts. She had claimed that Josie was being 'incredibly selfish' by 'bringing dishonor to the family name' because of 'her own poor decisions'. It took Josie's adamant refusal and threat to run away and bring even more dishonor to move heaven and Earth and allow her the right to go to college.
"I love them though. They're a little much sometimes, but they're family at the end of the day. Little eight year old Grace is a tad too exuberant, but she puts a bit of life in the house. Maudie is bitter and ambitious, but she drives us to work the hardest. Theodore is spoiled rotten, but he's also kind hearted. At the end of the day, I wouldn't trade them in for the world."
Josie avoided his eyes. Sometimes (more often than not) she wished she could never see her parents again. They had hurt her with their reaction to her assault and had done nothing but be cold and cruel to her for months after. "I wish I could say the same."
"Did something go wrong between you and them, Josie?" he asked with concern, placing a muscular hand on her petite shoulder. She was surprised at the touch and was a bit disappointed when his hand returned to its place.
She needed to tell him before her heart got broken when he inevitably left her. "I have something to tell you," she confessed nervously, chewing on her bottom lip.
"What is it?" he asked, his eyes boring into hers with passion, sky meeting the midnight ocean.
She took a deep breath and averted her eyes, worried she would break down right there. "Last year, I-"
"Josie! Anne's about to do Beltane! Come on!" Ruby squealed, grabbing her hand and dragging the girl away. Josie looked confused, relieved, and disappointed in the same instant, but let herself get lost in laughter with her friends anyhow.
Alex watched Josie giggle at Ruby's antics and let loose with her friends, smiling all the while at the beautiful girl.
After the girls had done the empowering ritual, every one of them was tired and hysterical, standing around the fire and laughing with each other.
Diana, who was sitting up leaned against a rock, started to sing.
"In the days to call, which we've left behind/Our boyhood's glorious game/And our youthful vigour has declined," she sang sweetly, the old shanty sparking in everyone's memory. Everyone joined in, chorusing loudly and completely off tune, but it was happy and carefree. For the first time, even Gilbert got to be the eighteen year old he was supposed to be. He got to get drunk off cheap liquor and laugh uncontrollably with his friends instead of having expensive whiskey and cigars at a formal dinner with an older woman's father.
The real fun started when Anne stepped away from her place under Gilbert's arm and grinned. "Care to dance, my Dashing White Sergeant?" she asked him. He smiled mischievously and twirled her suddenly.
The girls giggled and soon enough, Ruby and Moody had joined them, though none of them were sober enough to really be graceful.
Josie smiled warmly at the loving couples and yearned for something of her own.
"Josie?" somebody asked from behind her. She turned to see Alex, towering over her physically, but somehow humble before her.
"Alex," she greeted warmly.
"Would you fancy a dance?" he asked her hopefully. She was about to refuse, tell him the whole story about her history, about how her body was apparently not good enough for anybody else because of the cruelty of one brute, but she saw the pleading look in his beautiful shining eyes and decided one night of fun couldn't hurt. At least if he broke her heart, he'd do it over letter.
"Of course," she granted. He outstretched his large hand and she placed her small left palm in his. Though the size of his hand thoroughly eclipsed her, her thin hand fit like a puzzle piece in his. Even the curves of their bodies felt like they were meant to clasp together and never let go. It was like she was made to be held tightly by none other than Alex.
He pulled her in, resting an arm safely around her upper waist and lacing their hands together. They floated from side to side as their friends tittered and squealed, but it seemed that they were the only people on Earth to the other.
They could feel electricity running where they touched, a bubbling need that arose from the most carnal of desires, but something else too. Something deeper than physical attraction.
She loved to watch his perfectly coiffed dark blonde hair flutter gently in the autumn wind and she loved to watch his muscles flex when he'd squeeze her hands gently or adjust his position on her waist so that he wasn't improper.
He loved to watch her tightly pinned toffee waves start to come undone, light hair unfurling slowly to reveal radiant hair that framed her perfect smiling face. He loved to watch the skirt of her lavender dress swish behind her elegantly and he loved to watch her rosy blush when her friends would whistle suggestively.
He whispered, "You're breathtaking," to her, low enough so that only she heard and went even redder.
"Stop that," she chastised lightly, shaking her head.
"It's true," he shrugged, spinning her slowly and catching her in his arms when her lack of sobriety inevitably caused her to trip. She was tipped over slightly, prevented from falling by his strong arms "You are the most beautiful person I've ever met, Josie Pye."
"You're okay too, Alexander Whitmore," she whispered back shyly as he let her back up and they waltzed slowly side to side. His face broke out into a brilliant grin extending all the way to his sapphire eyes, and she was sure the cool fall breeze rose in temperature.
"If it is agreeable with you, would you write to me while we're apart?" he requested politely, his voice smooth and unentitled. It was made clear that he was not pressuring her into anything, and the simple realization made a flame ignite in her.
"It would be more than agreeable with me," she agreed, the breath catching in her throat under his loving gaze.
"Brilliant," he responded and anyone could see that his eyes were locked firmly on her face.
She went pink and he chuckled and brushed his hand across her rose flushed cheek, red from either the alcohol or his shower of praise. Neither one of them had noticed that their large group had gotten smaller, with Ruby excusing herself for the night and Moody walking her home. No one was singing anymore, but they continued to sway in each other's arms, looking at each other as if they were the world.
It was dozens of minutes later when they settled down. They had simply taken to standing beside each other with hands laced together comfortingly, conversing. It wasn't some tragical dramatic romance like Anne and Gilbert's, no fanfare or years of ill fated miscommunication, but Josie liked this even better. It was comforting and had all the sparks of the tentative young love she deserved.
An hour later, Gilbert approached them apologetically.
"Alex, I'm going to see Anne home. Its late and she's in a... less than composed state right about now," He looked over lovingly where she and Diana were giggling childishly and drawing things in the sand. "I'm assuming you don't know your way home, so I'm afraid I'll have to take you away."
"I'm right behind you, Gil," he said with a smile. "Let me say my goodbyes before I leave tomorrow."
Gilbert saw the sorrowful glance between the two blondes and nodded understandingly.
Once he had left, Alexander turned to Josie with an apologetic smile.
"It seems I must bid you adieu, lovely Josie," he sighed sadly, cupping her fair cheek and tucking a golden tendril behind her ear. "Write to me."
"Goodbye, Alex," she bade, a small sad smile on her face. It was likely the next time she saw him, he'd be repulsed by her. "A letter as soon as I can."
As if hesitating, he paused a moment before leaning down and brushing his lips on her cheek for a brief and fleeting moment. Josie thought she might pass out right there.
He disconnected their hands almost painfully and waved to her. She lifted her hand and fluttered her fingers, feeling full inside for the first time in months. An ever present flush stayed in her cheeks all night.
_______________________
After hours of festivities, everyone had branched off, leaving Gilbert to walk Anne home. Unfortunately for him, she was in quite a state.
"Gilberttt," she giggled, prolonging the word. "Hello."
"Hello," he replied, a little amused.
"Where are we going, Gilbert?" she said, slurring her words.
"We're going back to your house, Anne-girl. I thought you knew that."
"Oh..." she frowned before wrapping her coat tighter around herself. "It is really terr-terribly frigid. I hope we don't have much lenger. Logger. Longer," she corrected before bursting out into a fit of giggles. "What a perfectly funny word that is!"
As if an automatic response, he took his coat off his body and swiftly wrapped it around her. "No, it's just a couple minutes."
"But, but, you'll be cold..."
"I'm used to it, dear. I'll be fine. I don't want you to catch your death." He looked at her lovingly, taking her hand and leading her towards Green Gables.
"Hey Gilbert?" she hummed.
"Yes, Anne?"
"You have a very nice chin. Very chiseled and profound."
"Oh," he laughed. "Thank you, Anne."
"You're welcome."
There was a comforting silence before Anne murmured again, "Hey Gilbert?"
"Yes, Anne?" he laughed. He wished he had been there to see her like this the last time. She was the cutest drunk.
"You have a very nice jawline."
"Is that so?"
"Mhm," she said, nodding once. "Do you have a sweetheart?" Gilbert could've burst out laughing then, but he decided to humor her clueless antics.
"I do, in fact. She's absolutely perfect and quite possibly the most gorgeous woman in the world. She has the most beautiful luscious red hair that looks like a blazing bonfire in the night and the most beautiful pearly blue eyes that look like the universe, or my universe anyways. She has little golden freckles everywhere, like stars on her porcelain skin. I love her more than life itself."
"She sounds beautiful, despite the red hair and freckles. I only wish I could be as gorgeous as her," she sniffed, wiping a lone tear from her eye. "I wish you'd like me as much as her, Gil!"
"Oh, Anne," he said, throwing an arm around her and pulling her into his side. "You have no idea."