"say you'll see me again, even if it's just pretend"

day that fortunate morning. When Amelia woke up, she saw how the branches on the trees shook, as if in fear, to the stronger breeze.

She didn't speak to her father this morning. Neither did she the other morning. He was always working, and if he wasn't, he didn't have time for her anyways. When her mother died five years ago, the Covey family changed. They moved a lot, and Amelia and mr Covey parted ways. He did love her, truly. And she also loved him. But time had changed, and mrs Covey was no longer with them. It was as of the whole family had died, and no one was left.

Amelia was a very positive and optimistic person. She had learnt to do so in the dark stage of her life, filled with sorrow and pain. She reminded herself that more than half of the human population were doing far worse than her.

Tomorrow was another day, without any mistakes yet committed.

So has she made her way to school, something she had gotten used to, and explored her surroundings.

She loved the bright green colour of the leaves. She loved the sound her footsteps made when she stepped on twigs. She loved the soft breeze in between the trees and the comfortable silence to where she was.

Amelia loved Avonlea. She found it quite easy to love. She couldn't hate anyone even if she tried. She couldn't hate her father, even tho he often ignored her. She couldn't hate Billy, even tho he was a bully that treated Anne badly. She couldn't hate Josie, even tho she was mean and cold-hearted.

Amelia found it hard to hate. not hard, but impossible! She didn't hate anything, not because she couldn't, but because she didn't want to.

She was so concentrated on her busy thoughts, she didn't hear how fast the horse raced down the path. She didn't hear his hooves thundering down on the floor. She didn't hear the carriage rattling. And before she knew it, someone pushed her out of the way, and both of them fell to the soft ground.

Amelia groaned and coughed, and the mystery person stood up.

"You all right, miss?" Amelia opened her eyes to see a complete (handsome) stranger in front of eyes. He looked near her age. He was quite tall, with curly black hair and the most beautiful hazel eyes she'd ever seen. Not that she was going to tell him that.

"Yes, yes, of course. I, uhm, thank you." she stammered. She quickly stood up, got her school stuff, and hurried away. "You're welcome." she heard him mutter, but Amelia continued walking away. She could still feel his eyes on her back, but she did not turn around. "Need anything else? any dragons around here need slaying?" he said in a playful tone.

She could feel him smirking, so she walked even faster. Why was she feeling like this? She had to admit, he was quite handsome, but that was it. He was a handsome stranger.

A very, very, handsome stranger.

She shook her head and walked to school.

"Who are you?" she heard him shout towards her. however, she pretended not to hear. The handsome stranger jogged towards her and followed within a few feet behind her. "Uh, miss? Uh, what's your name miss?" she paused and looked at him. He was right next to her now and she could feel his intense look on her. "What, you can't tell me your name?"

"It's none of your business."she said kindly and he chuckled." Besides, you're a stranger. I'm not allowed to speak with strangers." she then continued walking. She walked up the stairs towards the small, white school, but he beat her to it. "Here, allow me." and he opened the door for her. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks, and she muttered a low thanks before entering the school.

A loud chatter could be heard inside, as a few students turned their heads towards them. Amelia turned towards the boy. "I'm sorry if I seemed rude. I'm Amelia."

"uh I'm--"

Charlie, Moody and some other boys came over and hugged the boy. "Gilbert!"

Amelia walked out of the school to the stream to leave her milk. So he was Gilbert Blythe? He certainly was dreamy, she supposed. Not than she had any interest in boys whatsoever.

Inside, the boys turned to ask Gilbert questions about his trip, and how is father was doing.

"Why were you walking with Amelia?" Gilbert took his hat off and looked at them confused. "why not?"

"She's really pretty, but only hangs out with Diana and that orphan girl. Josie says she's weird." Gilbert scoffed. "I don't care what Josie says. a cute girl, is a cute girl." he smiled breathless. Amelia was definitely cute. Her eyes twinkled like stars on a dark night, with a mischievous secret look, like she knew something you didn't. Her smile was one so special, that people stopped to look at her. She had a heart of gold, and wore it on her sleeve.

Meanwhile, outside, Josie and her gang walked up to Amelia, who was lost in her thoughts about a certain curly haired boy she had just met. "I don't know what you think you were doing walking with Gilbert Blythe." spited out Josie. Amelia looked at Diana, who looked away. "You can't talk to Gilbert Blythe. you can't even look at him." continued Tilly. "Why not?" frowned Amelia.

"Ruby has liked him for three years. she has dibs." Ruby wiped her tears with a small handkerchief and Amelia felt sorry for her. "there there. that nasty girl didn't know any better." For the first time in a long time, Amelia felt angry. She didn't liked being bossed around, and she didn't care who it came from. "I'll do whatever I please. But just so you know, he talked to me. So tell him to stay away." she said briskly, and walked away. She entered the class and sat next to Anne, who was reading a book.

Anne was sensible enough not to ask any questions, but gave her a hug, which she gladly returned.

But what Amelia didn't know was that a certain someone was admiring her beauty from the other side of the room.

The day dragged along, and it finally was break time. Her and Anne sat outside near the stream, and talked about whatever appeared in their minds. books, school, boys.

"Amelia, there's this boy that works at Green Gables. His name is Jerry and he is so annoying. He keeps eavesdropping on my conversations." huffed out Anne and Amelia let out a cheerful laugh. before she could answer, someone behind her interrupted.

"Hey, um, I, uh, though you might like to try one." it was Gilbert, and he was offering her a sweet red apple. "They're from our orchard. They're real sweet." Amelia smiled up to him and got the apple from his hand. "Thank you... Gilbert. Maybe next time bring me a green apple." when she saw his confused look, she continued. "They're my favourites." Gilbert smiled and said you're welcome. They two just looked in to each others eyes for a couple of seconds, unaware of the jealous girls looking out of the window or Anne who was smirking at the couple.

Anne, who saw the girls on the window, got up quickly. "We're not supposed to talk to you...so we'll be on our way."

"But-" said Gilbert, but Anne had dragged Amelia far away from ear shot. he just looked at the two girls with confusion, and a bit of glea. "What was that for?" exclaimed Amelia, who followed Anne. "The girls were looking out of the window."

"So?"

"So you can't talk to him if you want to do a good impression on them so we can speak to Diana." Amelia opened her mouth but closed it quickly. She had only met the boy, and she knew Diana for weeks. It was an obvious choice. Then... why was it so hard?

"Fine, I won't speak to him" sighed Amelia, and sneaked a last look at Gilbert, who stood at the other side already looking at her.

Oh boy, was this going to be hard.

----

Boy, I'd choose Gilbert before you can say "no".

Anyway, next bit on Saturday.

Love u guys xxxx