took those sticks and stones

showed them i could build a house

Amelia tapped her foot against the concrete floor impatiently as she waited to board the boat that would take her to Scotland. Seeing that the queue to board wasn't moving anytime soon, she leaned her bag against the floor, stretching slightly. Her father looked down to his watch, sighing tiredly. "Guess we're going to be here a while." In Amelia's pocket was a few letters her friends had gave her earlier, saying how they were going to miss her. Amelia was going to leave for a month before coming back to go to Queens college and settle down before her classes started.

Through those letters was Roy's, Anne's, Jerry's, Cole's, Diana's and Ruby's.It had definitely nearly made her cry, and she had appreciated their kind words. "You excited to visit Scotland?" Amelia looked up at her father, grinning as she nodded at him. "'Couse! Haven't visited home since nearly four years ago." the blonde quirked an eyebrow, curiosity getting the best of her. "Dad? What made you decide to finally visit home?"

The older man bit down his bottom lip, shrugging slightly as he looked right ahead. "Your mother's death pained me, far more than I can ever express. But it's been five years now and I think it's time."

Amelia smiled, holding his hand as she squeezed it slightly. "This is good for us." silence fell upon the Covey's, minus Isaac who had been preparing his boardhouse for when Amelia came back for Queens. Amelia's hair was pinned up in a slightly more sophisticated look as a rich emerald green dress hugged her body in the right places.

Her father looked back down at her, suddenly remembering. "Did you read Blythe's note?" Amelia's heartbeat sped up as she frowning, looking back at her father. "What note?"

"He came over the other day when you were gone with Anne so he left a note. I think he said he put it inside your bag." Amelia leaned down, quickly searching the content of her bag. She pushed aside some clothes before she was able to find it. She pulled it out slowly, turning it over. It was just a piece of paper slightly wrinkled, but those words held so much power over the youngest Covey. She finally opened the note, crossing her legs as her baby blue eyes read over his handwriting.

Dear Amelia,

I don't know when I will be able to see you again, with you going to Scotland and then parting ways for college, so I need to unburden my heart before that. I can't stop thinking about you, in desire and affection. And I've come to realise that my heart has a lock, and only you have the key to unlock it. I'm sorry it took so long to realise, but if I'm ever going to be engaged, it's to you. It's always been you and it will always be you.

I'm hoping your heart hasn't changed its mind, but I hope you'll let me know. If you'd let me, I'd love to be the one you settle for. I'm forever happy by your side, and nothing will ever change that. You're my best friend, my confidant and my soulmate. I love you forever and a day.

With love,

Gilbert

P.S.: I hope you enjoy Scotland, maybe one day you can take me.

Her eyes had slightly welled up, staring straight ahead as her mind tried to comprehend his words. This was it. This was the moment. He loved her. He had chosen her. Her eyes flickered shut, smiling as she pressed the note against her chest. She widened her eyes, realising that it was now or never. She didn't know when she'd be able to see him again. It was today. She felt scared, yet excited. There was uncertainty, not wanting to be hurt. Yet she was desperate to run to him.

"I can't go to Scotland." she muttered, yet loud enough that her father stared at her shocked. "What do you mean?" she packed her things back in her bag, stuffing Gilbert's note into her jacket's pocket. "I can't go without having talked to Gilbert." Frank watched her daughter rush around and then back at the queue, which still hadn't moved. Amelia held her father's hands in hers, giving him a pleading look.

He sighed, nodding. "Go. Quick. Tell him whatever you need to tell him. I'll wait here." Amelia grinned brightly, jumping up as she kissed him on the cheek, grabbing her stuff. "Thanks Dad!" she ran off, her feet pounding against the concrete floor as she grabbed her hat which threatened to blow away.

This was the day.

[ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ]

Meanwhile, Gilbert boarded the train, giving his ticket before finding an empty seat. After a few minutes, he finally found a space. But as soon as he sat down, another person took the seat in front of him. Gilbert raised his eyebrows, surprised at seeing Anne. Her long red hair lay loose on her back as a simple yet charming engagement ring decorated her finger. Gilbert sat down slowly, confused at what Anne was doing there. "Anne, it's...good to see you." she nodded back at him, letting him know the feeling was mutual.

"You know, I've just come back from saying goodbye to Amelia." Gilbert gulped guiltily, not meeting her eyes as he pushed his bag under the seat. "Yeah? Has she boarded the boat yet?" the redhead shook her head, staring at Gilbert with certain intensity. "Not for another couple of hours." she paused, analysing his behaviour, which made him break in a sweat. "Why didn't you come to say goodbye?"

"Well I would have but she hasn't answered my letter a-" he scratched the back of his head awkwardly, wondering where this conversation was headed as he was interrupted. "Yet you've had years to confess. Don't give me that look, you've been head over heels as you left her apples at her desk everyday." Gilbert sighed, rubbing his messy black hair as he opened his mouth to say something, yet the redhead didn't leave space for him to answer.

"I know Amelia's not the easiest person to read, yet there's been countless clues! You hurt her when you left for Trinidad and when you came back you immediately expected her to jump into your arms. And when she was finally open to return your feelings, you bring a mystery devutant to the fair with no previous warning!" Gilbert bit down his bottom lip.

"Yeah, I know I messed up big time, but-"

"And what's worse is that you then ask her to marry you when you knew she wouldn't say yes when you were still with Winifred! And then you callously ignore her letter, even tho she told you she loved you, and then expect her to answer yours!" silence fell upon the two as Anne's face had turned red from her outburst. Gilbert frowned, his mind blank as his heartbeat sped up.

"What letter?" he mustered, suddenly breathless as the thought of not having read Amelia's letter filled him with dread. When he saw Anne was just as confused as him, he leaned closer. "Anne, what letter?"

"T-the one she left for you." the redhead stuttered, watching him stand up with a hurry as he grabbed his things. "Where are you going?" Gilbert adjusted the hat on his head, looking at Anne with his bag in his hand.

"To tell her I love her."

gif is gilbert looking confused at anne telling him about amelia's letter

i wanted to use a gif of gilbert running to see amelia but couldn't find one

only one chapter left!!

my birthday is on monday! having some friends over tomorrow to celebrate

leave some song recommendations for chapter titles

fun fact!

i'm an iced coffee addict