Oh, we were such a mess

But wasn't it the best?

Thought it was done

But I guess it's never really over

When Amelia heard from Josie that the Cuthberts had lost nearly all of their money, she made it clear to Anne she would do anything in her power to help them. Anything to distract Amelia from that emptiness she felt inside her. Sometimes, she'd forget that he was gone, and head towards his house, or look at his desk to tell him something, and then the cold hard truth would slap her in the face ; he was no longer there.

That very day, she had told her father that she was going to sell some of her things that she no longer used to help Anne and her farm, Green Gables, get back their money. Her father had immediately agreed, and smiled at his daughter's kindness. Amelia was only human, and she didn't always do the right thing, but she tried, and she had a heart made it of gold.

Amelia was starting to get sick of the winter already, as she trudged through the snow, a heavy box on her arms as she walked through the streets of the town. But she couldn't protest, it was coming close to spring, as the snow started to melt and the rays of sun peaked through the big white clouds. There was still a chilling wind, but it wasn't as bad. She was so ready for spring already, her favourite season of the year. She loved the soft colours, and it wasn't too hot or too cold, just the perfect weather. Jerry was selling one of the Cuthbert's horses, while Anne was trying to sell their stuff for a good price. Amelia was trying to bring the box to Anne, but it was proper heavy. She couldn't see anything in front of her, so she hoped she wouldn't knock into anyone.

But of course, she did.

The box flew to the ground, all of its objects inside spilling everywhere. Amelia softly swore under her breath, and bent down to check nothing was broken. She let a soft sigh of relief escape through her lips when she realised everything was in good shape. Amelia completely forgot about the person she had bumped into and started to pick everything up, before he spoke. "Amelia?" The blonde girl froze, knowing perfectly well who that voice belonged to. She squeezed her eyes shut, wishing that when she opened them, he wouldn't be there. Obviously that didn't happen, as she felt a soft hand on her shoulder.

She opened her eyes and was met with his hazel ones. And for a few seconds, which felt like an eternity for both of them, they just stared at each other. She didn't realise until she was admiring his every movement, that she missed him dearly. What was she supposed to say? She wasn't angry. She had realised her selfish mistake, and wanted to apologise, but he had already left. Was he angry at her? It was possible. She had acted immature, and that was the price to pay.

Gilbert cleared his throat, and helped Amelia pick up the rest of her stuff, and place it back inside the box, without questioning the contents of it. The awkward tension could be cut with a knife, none of them speaking to the other. Gilbert was so desperate to beg for her forgiveness. He thought she was still mad he had left, and he really didn't want to completely leave knowing that she hated him. He wouldn't be able to live with that. Gilbert knew things would never be the same, but they could try. He wanted to.

When they both stood up, box on the ground, both of them spoke at the same time. Gilbert grinned, watching Amelia's face flush as she opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She tried to lift up the box, but struggled. "Here, let me help." Gilbert picked up the box with a bit of struggle, but managed to carry it, as Amelia smiled up to him, which he didn't see.

"So, do you enjoy working at the docks?" When Amelia couldn't find Anne to hand in her box, Gilbert saw that Amelia had been shivering, so he offered to have a sit down and a drink to warm her up. Amelia agreed, thankful that Gilbert had helped her with the heavy box and desperate for everything to be alright between them. She listened to what Gilbert had been doing for all this time while he was away, and he listened to how she helped the Cuthberts with their financial problems. "It's a means to an end. I hope to get hired on a steamer soon." Amelia frowned, nodding.

"I'm sure you will. You've got a knack for persuading people." Gilbert chuckled, observing as Amelia took a sip of her drink. "I really want to see some of the world. If I come back to Avonlea, I want to be my choice, not an obligation." Amelia could help but look down sadly, noticing his enthusiast on the word if. If he came back. Everything just a big if. "It's what my dad would have wanted." He added, seeing the hurt written all over her face. She masked all of her deep feelings and put on a bright smile. "Of course. You've always been a traveler at heart."

Gilbert smiled, but frowned again. "I'm sorry to hear about mr Cuthbert. Please tell Anne my deepest regrets." Amelia nodded, pressing her lips together. "It just seems so unreal. They don't deserve any of this." Two men passed next to them, sitting at the back of the room. "Mathew's a good man. He offered to help me look after my farm in the spring." Amelia smiled softly. "Anne takes after him."

Amelia bit her lip, knowing that the inevitable had come. "I owe you an apology." Gilbert shook his head, immediately interrupting. "No, of course you don't. I should be apologising to you." Amelia frowned, shaking her head in disbelief. "No, you shouldn't."

"I should have told you."

"I was selfish, it was your choice."

"Can we not argue, for once?"

"Can you please stop pushing aside everything I say?" Gilbert stayed silent, admiring the fierce young lady that sat in front of him, a spark of passion in her blue eyes. Gilbert nodded, letting her speak. "Gilbert, I am truly sorry I made you feel guilty about leaving, and what it really meant to you. I was being selfish, it is your choice." Gilbert opened his mouth, before closing it again. "It's water under the bridge."

Amelia smiled softly, as happiness radiated through her facial expression. "Anyway..." she whispered, staring up at him through her eyelashes. "Anyway..." a few minutes passed, as they just enjoyed each other's company, falling deeply into the abyss of each other's eyes. "I should go. Work." Gilbert muttered, chuckling awkwardly. Amelia broke the stare, nodding sadly as they both stood up, and made their way out of the tiny shop.

Amelia put her hat on her head, pushing her blonde locks behind her shoulders, as Gilbert put on his jacket. "I've missed you." Gilbert clenched his jaw, looking at the small girl in front of him. "Yeah?" Amelia cleared her throat, standing straight. "There is no one to compete in at school." Amelia knew that wasn't what she meant, but she didn't know wether Gilbert would respond to those feelings she has been feeling for a while. Gilbert chuckled, before get pushed to the side by Jerry. "Get away from her!" Amelia widened her eyes, standing in front of Gilbert.

"Jerry, stop! I know him." Jerry took a step backwards, and Amelia got a glimpse of his face, and gasped. "Are you okay? What happened to you?" A small cut was bleeding on his forehead and he had a black eye which was quite noticeable. Amelia lead him to a place where they could sit down, and Gilbert followed, worried about Amelia. "I'm so sorry. They took it. The bad guys took the money." Amelia sat back, as she raised her eyebrows, shock ran through her veins. Was there anyone evil enough to steal from a young boy? Apparently there was.

"I remember you know. From the fire." Jerry spoke again, pointing to Gilbert. Jerry stood up and took out his hand. "I'm Jerry." Gilbert gladly took his hand and shook it. "Gilbert." Amelia stood up, standing next to Jerry. Gilbert looked at her, frowning. "Is there anything I can do?" Amelia shaked her head, pressing her lips together. "Just...take care." Amelia paused, nodding. "Come home one day." She said softer, to which Gilbert nodded. "Yeah. Hope everything works out." Gilbert nodded, and unconsciously leaned in, looking at her soft pink lips. Amelia let in a breath, as Jerry just stared at the both of them.

"Au revoir." Jerry spoke up, speaking in French. Gilbert jumped back, scratching the back of his head awkwardly, as Amelia looked down, feeling disappointed and relieved at the same time. Gilbert bent down and picked up his things and his tools. "Oh, Yes. Bye." He let his gaze linger on Amelia as she said goodbye, before turning around and walking away, without looking back. Amelia stared at him as he walked away, knowing it would be a long time before she saw him again.