AHEAD BY A CENTURY - ANNE WITH AN E

22. Being for the benefit of Anne Shirley Cuthbert

Autumn in Avonlea. Bronze leaves crunched against the firm ground as people made their way through to the autumn market. Stalls, each one illuminated with candles. Plenty of wines, stews and bric-a-brac to go around. It was a time of festivity for all, and commences the coming season. Autumn.
In the midst of the stalls, sat Gilbert Blythe, exactly where his father had once sat, every year round. Handing out candy apples; grown from his orchard, of course. He sold each for $0.06 (apparently that was around $2 back then)
The Gillis family, sold scarves, hats and gloves - which they had designed and made themselves. Mr Gillis giving each Gillis a coin to spend on whatever they want. Ruby, of course went straight towards the candy apples.
The Barry's, were not fans of market work and so they just bought pretty things for their pretty daughters.
The Cuthbert's sold hot drinks; steaming cups of juicy apple cider; creamy, smooth hot chocolates; sweet, flavorous teas and strong scented coffee. Anne, due to her clumsiness, was not allowed to handle the hot drinks as she'd burn herself and the customers too.

A/N
Don't worry this isn't the end. But I wanted to add that coincidentally, I've just ordered myself a hot apple cider from a café in Prague.

The Cuthbert's stall proved to be rather popular amongst Avonlea, so it wasn't surprising that most of Anne's class mates were purchasing a warming beverage or two.
"Anne." Spoke Marilla, "As much as I hate to say this; could you mind the stall while I go speak to Rachel?"
And so she did with such carefulness, until, that is, Gilbert Blythe reluctantly strolled over.
"Morning, Anne." He greeted, with a smile spreading across his lightly freckled, rosy cheeks.
"Gilbert." Anne Spoke with such a lack of acknowledgement. "What will it be?"
"You." He wanted to say, but he couldn't speak his mind.
"Hot apple cider, please." He pressed a penny into Anne's hand, Anne flinching at the feel of his fingertips.
Anne, successfully, poured the Hot apple cider into a cup,
"Everything going alright, Anne." Matthew appeared out of nowhere, checking up on Anne.
And then she lay her hand on the boiling hot kettle.
"Owthatsreallyhot" Anne shouted in pain.

Gilbert thanked Matthew as he gave him his warm, fruity beverage and took Anne, eyes watering and hand red as her hair, along to find some ice.
"We'll get some ice on that." Gilbert, being all doctorish took Anne's wrist and had a good, hard look at it.
"That's a burn alright." He said as Anne snatched her hand back, "No. Really?" She said with more than a hint of sarcasm.
Anne was expecting what she'd always received, a lecture about disrespect, attitude and discipline. But what she didn't expect was this. Gilbert wrapped his arms around her, "I know that, throughout your life, things haven't been easy, and I haven't made it any easier. But I'm so sorry." He took Anne's hand and gazed into her hopeful eyes,
"Thank you. Gilbert. For everything. I-" Anne paused, "I- I love you." She leaned in for a hug, and Gilbert, without hesitation met her lips with his.
"I love you too."

A/N
Omg so after over a year
I
Am
Finished
I hope you liked this story and I may or may not write another shirbert fan fic in the future.