■ Helpless ■ Gilbert Blythe ■

The proper goodbye

■■■

Marilla had declined all help sent by the neighbours after hearing about the incident of her brother. Benedict and Caroline Edwards offered their aid but they were rejected as well. Victoria she could not help with money, what she did know though was that she could help Anne.

School was over for the holiday and with her punishment over and Hamilton back in town, Victoria could do whatever she wanted. She was spending time decorating the house for Christmas, rereading the Christmas Carol and brainstorming potential gifts.

Nothing special.

So when she found out about Anne's upcoming trip to Charlotte Town she immediately asked to join.

Victoria was fastening the buttons on her jacket when someone knocked on the door. Victoria went to answer it knowing that it would most likely be Anne.

Sure enough, the redhead was there. Anne didn't even say hello when she started complaining.

"The whole trip is ruined, Jerry is coming." Victoria laughed. "Come on, he isn't that bad, he's nice. Besides who are you to let a boy ruin your adventure." Victoria replied, choosing the words carefully so that they can convince the girl.

"You're right. And you'll be there to make things a million times better. Are you ready to leave?" Anne asked. "Yes, just one moment." Victoria walked into the corridor until she was under the stairs. "Mother, I'm going to leave now!" She called out, grabbing her bag and pouch full of coins on the way.

Caroline appeared near the bannister. "Make sure that you and Anne stay safe! Try not to linger there for too long!" "Of course not, love you!" Caroline mumbled an 'I love you'.

Victoria was about to leave when the sounds of protests and pounding footsteps stopped her. "Wait! Just a second!" Hamilton ran down the stairs while simultaneously writing down on a piece of paper. Due to his failed multitasking, he slipped on when of the steps but saved himself by only barely grasping the railing. "Bloody hell!"

Anne gasped from beside Victoria. "Is he alright?" "I'm brilliant!" Hamilton stated as he walked up to them. "Sorry about that, and for my appearance." Hamilton apologized, motioning to himself. He was still wearing his striped pyjamas and his black robe while his brown curls were in disarray, a clear sign that he had just woken up.

"I think you look astonishing," Anne said unknowingly as she gazed up at him with slight awe. Hamilton smiled awkwardly before turning to his sister.

"I wrote down an address here, its where I'm living. So if you come down with any problems and need help go there and ask for Gideon Gallagher. He'll help, he's..um.. quite.. nice." Hamilton said. His awkward smile melted into a fond one instead and his cheeks turning rosy. He cleared his voice before handing the paper to Victoria.

"Oh, thanks Hamilton, we better go now though," Victoria said as she placed the paper in her bag. "Of course, who am I to keep you here? Be careful, both of you." Hamilton said as he nodded in Anne's direction.

"Bye!" Both Anne and Victoria saluted before leaving the house. "How long is he staying here?" Anne asked as they walked over to the carriage. "He's not leaving until the New Year's I think. He says that he's been feeling lonely." "At least he made a friend," Anne said referring to the newly mentioned Gideon Gallagher. "Appears so. I have something to give you." Victoria stated as she reached out for her bag.

She pulled out a hideous looking blue and white small vase. "I know that this is an eyesore, but it's worth quite some money. Our aunt bought it for us, she was as blind as a bat which I think contributes a lot to the state of its looks."