Anne with an e- a new version of the story

Part 17- Gilbert's dream

GILBERT

Anne. She was back in her dreams. Flying red hair, blue eyes like the ocean. He opened his eyes and closed them again, because he wanted to enjoy a little more the feeling that she was his alone body, soul and heart.

Dreaming of her had become a habit that although he enjoyed it very much, also left in his chest a crazy longing for her, and nothing he did seemed to make up for the need he felt when he woke up and saw that Anne was not there in his arms. It was only in his daydreams that he could have her completely, without barriers or obstacles that could prevent them from belonging, but when he became aware of the reality Gilbert knew that there was a painful distance between them that he had not yet managed to overcome.

Kissing her at school was wonderful. He wanted to test her feelings for him and he was happy to realize that he had upset her enough to make her reveal that she had feelings for him, but Gilbert had also discovered that she had him in the palm of her hand. If Anne knew what she meant in his life, she might not drive him away so much, for he wanted her so badly that getting her had become his main goal. Nothing made sense if he couldn't see her, touch her, or love her. He needed Anne as the earth needed water in the desert, and as he needed air to live. He had traversed the world in search of something he thought he would only find in distant lands, but which he now knew had always been there.

Gilbert had loved Anne since the first time he saw her in the forest, and he wanted to protect her forever against all the evils of the world. Anne was like a delicate flower in a wild, barren, unappealing field, where only her sensitivity could turn stones into thriving seeds and thorns into unrivalled petal roses. He really wanted to make her believe in the feelings he had for her, especially after the incident that had happened with Ruby.

He still hadn't been able to clear things up with Anne, because he was waiting for the right moment that hadn't happened yet. He had thought of escorting her home from school, as he realized that Diana had been away for the last few days, but Anne always ran out as soon as the signal rang as if she feared Gilbert was coming. There were always friends around her at recess, and in the classroom she had changed places and sat out as if he couldn't see her from where he was.

He was immensely relieved that Ruby didn't go to school that week, as Gilbert was already getting embarrassed by the girl's interest in him. Ruby followed him everywhere, tried to pull conversation with him a few times, but Gilbert only pretended to listen, because most of the time he didn't even know what she was talking about. He would have to make her understand that he wasn't interested in getting involved with her and that all he had to offer was his friendship and nothing else.

As for Anne, he knew it wouldn't be easy to convince her that there was nothing between him and Ruby. Gilbert would have to use all his intelligence to undo that mistake, because with Anne's famous stubbornness the task would be as difficult as climbing Mount Everest, but he was willing to climb every step of the way until he brought her back into his arms.

Gilbert stood still sleepy, and heard voices in the kitchen. He wonder if they had any unexpected visitors. He went into the kitchen and found Bash chatting animatedly with a very attractive brunette girl. When he saw Gilbert standing at the door, he said smiling:

- Good morning, Blythe. You finally woke up. I want you to meet my friend Mary.

- Nice to meet you, Mary. - said Gilbert.

- Nice to meet you, Gilbert. I've heard a lot about you. - said Mary nicely.

- Well, I must confess, Sebastian never told me about you. - said Gilbert, amused to see that his friend blushed ashamed.

- I hope you don't mind him inviting me here. - said Mary.

- Of course you don't. Sebastian's friends are always welcome. You're welcome to come back whenever you like. - said the boy smiling.

- Thank you. Are you hungry? We prepared breakfast.

- Yes, I am, thank you. Sit with me, please. I hate to eat alone.

So he spent a few hours talking. Mary told Gilbert about her life in the ghetto, and the boy talked about his plans to be a doctor and his adventures with Bath aboard a freighter. They laughed a lot at the stories told by the two friends, and when Mary said she would have to go home, Gilbert had the impression that he had known her for years.

As soon as she left, Gilbert said:

- Do you mean you have a girlfriend now?

- She's not my girlfriend yet, but she might be. - Bash answered a little embarrassed.

- I think God heard my prayers. Hallelujah! You're finally getting off my back. - joked the boy.

- Mary is a good woman and cooks divinely well. - commented Sebastian, daydreaming..

- We seem to have marriage in sight. - Gilbert said.

- Why do you say that?

- Because that silly smile on your face tells me you're in love. - provoked Gilbert.

- Don't push your luck, kid. Respect me, I'm a lot older than you are," said Bash, pretending to be bored.

- Sure, Grandpa. - Gilbert agreed, mocking his friend.

- Looks like you woke up in a good mood. Did you dream of a little green bird, or should I say a little red bird?

- I don't know what you mean. - said Gilbert, acting like he didn't understand what Sebastian had said..

- Of course you do. How's Anne?

- I think she's fine. Why do you ask? Gilbert kept joking.

- When are you going to take courage and talk to Anne about your feelings? - Sebastian asked.

- We're slowly getting along. Anne has a strong temper and gets angry very easily. I must be careful.

- How slow you are, Blythe. Will I have to tell you what to do? -Sebastian made a face.

- Thank you very much, but I prefer to do it my way.

- But your way will take forever. - said Bash, rolling his eyes...

- Believe me, my way is better. You don't know Anne. She's unpredictable, I never know how she'll react. Most of the time we fight and the next time we look at each other.

- Do you mean you're getting along? - Bash asked curiously

-Not yet, but we'll get there. In the meantime, I'd rather wait a little longer, until I can convince her of my good intentions," said Gilbert now seriously.

- So much wisdom. I think I'll take a few lessons with you on how to win a woman's heart. – Bash mocked the boy.

- Ah, don't bother me! I've had enough of this talk. - said Gilbert jokingly. - I'm going to my room to study.

- Okay, my good doctor. Have fun with your books. As for me, I'll get ready, because I have a date.

- Sure, go get dressed, then.

- Why, Blythe. Leave me alone.. - Sebastian said laughing, and went up to his room while he heard Gilbert laughing behind him.

I hope you like it and Comment. Sorry for any msitakes. Kisses