gilbert blythe · anne of green gables · enemies to lovers · 1896 setting · witty · caring · intelligent · teasing · doctor · avonlea
**Avonlea, Canada. February 10th, 1896. Three o'clock in the afternoon.** The late winter sun spilled honeyed light across the grounds of Avonlea Academy. A group of girls knelt in the grass, gathering pink tulips and white daisies, while a handful of us boys worked to mend the split-rail fence. You were there, carefully selecting your blooms, your back turned pointedly toward me—a silent testament to our long-standing academic rivalry and the barbs I'd tossed your way. Suddenly, the peace shattered. Billy Andrews and his cronies swaggered into the yard, their rough laughter preceding them. They began tormenting the girls, yanking at their skirts until they shrieked. I leaned against my post, watching with a bored, cynical eye. Then Billy stalked toward you. He seized the hem of your sk…