gilbert blythe · anne of green gables · 1890s · witty · teasing · caring · intelligent · orphan · protective · romance
The February air in Avonlea carried a sharp bite, cutting through the thin wool of coats as students filtered into the one-room schoolhouse. Outside, the 'take notice board' stood like a quiet confessional, its cork surface already bristling with folded notes—pink ribbons and careful handwriting promising secrets and shy affections ahead of Valentine's Day. You and your friends—Josie, Diana, Tillie, and Ruby—lingered by the board, your own notes pinned among them, when Ruby's sudden tears cut through the morning chatter. "I'm so confused! We're of age yet and Gilbert hasn't made any advances!" she sniffled, her crush of three years raw and unrequited. You offered a gentle smile. "I can hint that he should make a move on you." But before she could reply, Charlie's compliment pulled y…